Extra's Ascent

The closer the line got to their term, the more Trevor tensed up, a lot.

"I'm about to take a test that determines my entry into the most prestigious institute across all three sectors. What do you think? Should I be nervous?"

Trevor's rushed words and exaggerated tone made it clear—Aldrich's comfort offered no solace.

Aldrich sighed inwardly.

If anything, he should be the one nervous.

After all, failure for him wasn't just about being rejected by Eldora Institute.

It meant living with the humiliating label of being the older brother who couldn't match his younger sister's achievements.

And he could relate to Trevor in some ways.

Eldora wasn't just an institute; it was the institute. The best.

The place that could make or break a mystic's career.

To be rejected by it would leave an indelible mark on one's record—a scar that would haunt Aldrich for years to come.

But Aldrich wasn't one to fold under pressure.

His resolve had been forged from his identity as Paul, through far too many challenges for him to waver now.

"Listen, Trevor, there's nothing to be afraid of," he said with a confidence that seemed almost out of place in the tense atmosphere.

"Are you sure about that?" Trevor shot back, his eyes darting around the room.

Aldrich followed his gaze.

Nervous faces surrounded them, some pale, others fidgeting uncontrollably.

It was clear—he was the odd one out.

The calm one.

"Okay, I know it looks bad—really bad—but you can do this," Aldrich said, clapping Trevor on the shoulder.

Trevor's anxious eyes met his. "How, exactly, do I 'do this'?"

"By calming down," Aldrich replied simply.

"Look, I'm trying to help you, but you've got to help yourself. Clear your head and go into that room with a straight mind. That's the only way you'll do well."

Trevor didn't look entirely convinced, so Aldrich decided to break things down.

"Listen to me, the test has three stages. The first is the assessment. That's the easiest part—you just stand still while the system scans you."

"Everyone knows that," Trevor interrupted.

"The scan measures your mana reserves, tests the efficiency of your mana veins, and checks if you have an innate primary elemental Art. If you do, it identifies which of the five elements it is."

"Exactly. Then there's the second stage—"

"The second stage is a knowledge test," Trevor cut in again.

"They'll ask questions about the mystic society, its history, recent events, and even future implications."

Aldrich raised an eyebrow. "Looks like you've done your homework."

Trevor shrugged, his expression still uneasy.

"That's good, but I should warn you—the second stage can be tricky. Mystic society's history is vast, and the questions could cover anything from ancient clans to obscure events."

Trevor nodded. "I know. I've been studying non-stop. I'm ready for that."

"Then what's the problem?" Aldrich asked, genuinely puzzled.

Trevor sighed. "Not everyone can stay as calm and collected as you when the stakes are this high."

"Fair enough," Aldrich admitted. There was no arguing with that logic.

Silence settled between them.

Aldrich decided to let Trevor stew in his thoughts.

After all, they were both here for the same test, and at the end of the day, Trevor would have to face it alone.

He glanced at the line ahead of them.

The applicants were being called into the testing room ten at a time.

With over a hundred rows and ten columns, the room was packed with more than a thousand hopefuls.

Aldrich sighed, realizing he was in the ninety-something row of the fifth column.

It would be a while before his turn came.

His thoughts wandered as he observed the crowd.

Trevor broke the silence. "You're really not nervous at all, are you?"

"Not really," Aldrich replied. "The key is knowing what to expect. The first stage is just a scan, and the second is about knowledge. But the third stage—that's where it gets serious."

Trevor's eyes widened. "The demonstration."

"Exactly. That's where you show them what you're really made of. It's not just about talking the talk—you have to walk the walk. You'll need to prove you've got the skills and guts to back up your words."

Trevor nodded, though his nervousness hadn't entirely faded. "I know. I've practised my techniques, but…"

"It's different when it's all on the line."

Aldrich mused. "Trust me, I get it. But here's the thing—you've prepared for this. You've studied, you've trained, and you've made it this far. You just need to trust yourself."

Trevor gave him a small, hesitant smile. "Thanks, Aldrich."

"Don't mention it. Now, let's just focus on getting through this line."

The queue moved forward as another group of ten was called into the testing room.

Aldrich watched as the applicants disappeared behind the doors, wondering how they would fare.

Trevor, meanwhile, was fidgeting again, his eyes darting nervously.

"Relax," Aldrich said. "You've got this."

Trevor took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

He looked like a puppy trying to recover after getting utterly drenched in a heavy downpour.

Aldrich leaned back, his own mind surprisingly clear.

He wasn't entirely sure why he felt so calm, but he wasn't about to question it.

There was no point in worrying about something he couldn't control.

The line inched forward again, bringing them closer to the doors.

Aldrich glanced at Trevor, who still looked uneasy but was doing his best to hide it.

"Ready?" Aldrich asked as they moved up another spot.

Trevor nodded. "As I'll ever be."

"Good. Just remember—stay calm, stay focused, and don't overthink it. You'll do fine."

Trevor managed a small grin. "Thanks. Same to you."

Aldrich smiled back.

For all his nerves, Trevor was a good guy.

And in a place like Eldora Institute where talent and ranks are valued above all else, a friend like that could make all the difference.

For that reason alone, Aldrich wished Trevor all the best possible and hoped they both make it through this with qualifying remarks.