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I considered her question for a moment. "The next phase will likely be a combination of combat and strategy. These evaluations aren\'t just about raw power; they want to see how we think under pressure, how we adapt to unexpected challenges."

Liliana nodded in agreement. "If it\'s anything like previous selections, there will be both individual and team-based trials. They\'ll want to test how well we can work together, especially with people we may not know or trust."

Raven smirked. "Good. I thrive in chaos."

I smiled faintly. "That doesn\'t surprise me."

As we walked through the academy grounds, I could feel the eyes of several students following us. The spectacle of my magical display had clearly made an impact, and now I was no longer just another candidate. I was someone to watch, to rival, and perhaps even fear.

Sionna, who had been quiet since the evaluation, finally spoke up. "Samael, do you think... there might be more people like Arthur? Those who won\'t take kindly to someone like you outperforming them?"

I met her gaze, noting the concern in her voice. "It\'s possible. There are always those who can\'t accept their own limitations and will lash out at others to compensate. But we need to stay focused on our own goals, not get distracted by their insecurities."

"Still," Raven interjected, "we should be ready for anything. Arthur\'s outburst might just be the beginning. If someone like him feels threatened, they might try something desperate."

Liliana crossed her arms, her expression serious. "True, but that\'s what makes this competition interesting. The trials aren\'t just about magic or combat—there\'s always an undercurrent of politics, alliances, and hidden motives. We have to be smart about who we trust."

I couldn\'t help but agree. The Talent Evaluation was only the surface layer of what was really happening at this academy. Behind every trial and competition, there were schemes, power plays, and individuals with their own agendas. And while my abilities had set me apart, they had also made me a target.

As we left Ground No.76, another booming announcement resounded from all over the academy\'s speakers, capturing everyone\'s attention once more.

"Attention all candidates! The first phase of the Talent Evaluation is now complete. All who passed are to report to the central training grounds immediately for the next phase. Prepare yourselves, as this will test not only your individual prowess but also your ability to work as a team under pressure."

Just as the announcement halted, Everyone who passed the first phase started running towards the central training grounds, eager to see what awaited them next. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, each candidate sizing up the others as potential rivals or allies. As we moved through the bustling academy corridors, my thoughts were focused on the challenges ahead.

The next phase would test more than just magical strength; it would probe deeper into our ability to adapt and strategize in unpredictable situations.

Sionna and Lily were overwhelmed by the intense atmosphere and practically latched on to both my arms as we made our way through the crowds. I could feel their unease, though they masked it well. The competition was no longer just about talent; it was quickly becoming a matter of survival, not just in terms of physical challenges, but in the labyrinth of schemes and politics that surrounded us.

Liliana glanced at me, her usual composed demeanor slipping slightly as she whispered, "Samael, do you think it\'ll get worse from here? These trials are already pushing people to their limits, and it feels like some are waiting for us to slip."

I gave her a reassuring nod. "It\'s possible, but that\'s what these evaluations are about—testing our resolve as much as our strength. We just need to stay focused and take things one step at a time."

Sionna gripped my arm a little tighter, her indigo hair brushing against my shoulder. "I trust you, Samael. But... just promise you\'ll be careful too."

"I will," I said softly, giving her a reassuring smile. "We\'ll all get through this together."

The central training grounds loomed ahead of us, a massive circular arena surrounded by towering walls enchanted with runes. The air buzzed with the tension of hundreds of candidates gathering for the next trial. As we entered the arena, the ground beneath us shifted subtly, a sign that the academy\'s magic was already at work, preparing the field for what was to come.

Instructors were stationed around the perimeter, their expressions stern as they observed the sea of candidates. A large, imposing figure stood at the center of the arena—a senior instructor, known for his harsh methods and uncompromising standards. His booming voice echoed throughout the grounds, silencing the murmurs of the gathered students.

"Welcome to the second phase of the Talent Evaluation!" he announced. "The first phase tested your individual abilities. Now, we will see how well you work under pressure as a team. In this trial, you will be paired into groups and sent into the Academy\'s enchanted labyrinth. Your goal is simple: find the core of the labyrinth and retrieve the artifact hidden within.

But beware—the labyrinth is filled with dangers, traps, and magical creatures designed to test your every move."

A murmur swept through the crowd. The labyrinth was notorious for its complexity and the dangers it held. Few candidates made it through unscathed.

The instructor continued, "You will be assigned to teams at random. Each team will have a mix of abilities, so don\'t expect to be grouped with people you know. The only way you will succeed is through cooperation and strategy. Now, step forward to receive your team assignment."

A low hum of anticipation rippled through the air as students lined up to receive their assignments. I exchanged glances with Raven, Liliana, and Sionna. The thought of being separated from them wasn\'t comforting, but I knew this was how it had to be. We had to be prepared for anything.

One by one, names were called, and candidates moved to their designated teams. When my name was finally called, I walked forward and found myself grouped with a small, diverse team: a tall, stoic-looking boy with jet-black hair, a girl with bright, fiery red eyes and a mischievous grin, and a silent mage who radiated an aura of calm control.

The instructor glanced at us before continuing, "Team 49. You\'ll enter the labyrinth from the eastern gate. Your trial begins in five minutes. Good luck."

As we gathered near the entrance to the labyrinth, I quickly assessed my team. The tall boy introduced himself first. "I\'m Erik. My specialty is earth magic. Let\'s keep things simple—stick together, and we\'ll be fine."

The girl with fiery eyes smirked. "Name\'s Alina. Fire magic. Try to keep up, and we won\'t have any problems."

The silent mage gave a curt nod. "Zara. Support and barriers."

I introduced myself briefly. "Samael. Magic affinity with lightning and nature."

"WHAT!!!" x4

The shock from my team was palpable. Their reactions were immediate, with each of them staring at me in disbelief.

Erik was the first to recover. "You mean to say that you have dual affinities?"

"Yes, that\'s correct," I confirmed, noting Erik\'s incredulity. "Lightning and nature are both part of my magical skill set."

Erik\'s eyes widened further. "That\'s... exceptional. Most people only have one affinity, and even then, it\'s rare to see someone with such mastery. This will definitely change our approach."

Alina, still processing the information, grinned widely. "Wow, lightning and nature. That\'s quite a combo. I guess we won\'t have to worry too much about raw power then, huh? But remember, it\'s not just about raw strength. How we use it will determine our success."

Zara\'s calm demeanor remained unshaken. She finally spoke, her voice soft but firm. "It\'s good to have strong abilities, but teamwork will be key. We\'ll need to coordinate our strengths and cover each other\'s weaknesses."

I nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Let\'s focus on creating a strategy that leverages each of our strengths effectively. Erik, your earth magic can provide us with defensive and tactical advantages. Alina, your fire magic can be our offensive power. Zara, your support and barriers will be crucial for our survival.

I\'ll handle scouting and adaptability with my lightning and nature abilities."

Erik grinned, the initial shock giving way to enthusiasm. "Alright, that sounds like a solid plan. Let\'s get to it before we\'re left behind."

The labyrinth\'s entrance loomed before us, a dark, swirling vortex that promised both challenge and mystery. The ambiance of the arena shifted, and the air grew cooler as the entrance to the labyrinth exhaled a chill.

As we stepped into the labyrinth, the initial darkness enveloped us, and the walls seemed to close in, creating a sense of confinement. The shifting shadows and echoes of distant, mysterious sounds heightened the tension.

Erik took the lead, his earth magic forming a protective barrier in front of us as we ventured deeper. Alina followed closely, her fiery eyes scanning for any signs of threats. Zara kept her aura steady, ready to provide support if needed. I kept my senses sharp, using my lightning magic to detect any hidden traps or creatures that might be lurking.

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[To Be Continued]

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