Sunbeams shine through my window.

  YAWN

  "Today is the day," I say as I do my morning stretches and prepare for the most important day since I arrived in this world.

  I exit my door to be greeted and wished good luck by the maids that are in the house—being showered with "Good Luck's and best wishes" by all. I briefly thanked every single one of them who passed by as they were lined up in a row across from one another along the hallway.

  As I continue to walk towards the dining room I hear the Maids wishing their luck to Eriko.

  STEP STEP

  "Good Morning, Val" Eriko greets me with a smile on her face. "Are you ready?" I ask her. "Of course, we got this" as we both make our way to the dining hall for breakfast.

  We arrive as my mother waits at the head of the table. With Vincent and Elise by her side.

  "Good morning you two. Big day today" Lila says with a smile on her face.

  "Good Morning Young Master Valerus and Good morning my daughter," Vincent says.

  "Morning you guys must eat up and gain your energy for today," Elise says as she prepares the food for us. It looks to be bacon, eggs, and pancakes with a choice of syrup or strawberry.

  As we both sit in our seats. I get overwhelmed with this feeling of anxiety and excitement. My heart beating fast, and thoughts and scenarios running through my head, thinking about what was to come. This feeling felt all familiar when I thought back to my previous life. "Wait am starting to think about my other life again. Huh, it's been a while" I thought to myself as I stared at my breakfast. A voice then rings in my head "Max you got this. Dont get stressed out do your best" the voice that I heard once before.

  Eriko stops eating her food and turns to me "Val why aren't you eating?"

  I shake my head "Oh nothing it's just nerves getting to me that's all. I'll be fine" as I munch down on my breakfast.

  Before we knew it breakfast was done was prepared to head out.

  Lila stands as she calls us over. She hugs the two of us "Please you two stay safe and be careful. You guys got this" as she hugs myself and Eriko tightly.

  Vincent and Elise are next. Vincent walks up to us "Your father trained you well Young Master I dare say you are better than me. I believe you'll do fine and do your best" Vincent says as he gives a sincere smile and hug. He then turns over to Eriko "My daughter am so proud of you. You will shine in this competition I have trained you and exceeded my skills. I wish for your safety and good luck" Eriko tears up as they hug. Lady Elise then walks up and talks to both of us "Keep each other safe and watch each other's backs regardless if you fighting against one another" Elise says and she hugs us.

  We then head off to the front door as all three are there to send us off. We both wave goodbye as we head off to Aurora Saint Academy.

  -----------------------------------------------

  Inside the Auditorium

  We head inside the Auditorium and we see Ms.Carmen standing in front of the section where we'll be seated.

  "Morning you two are you guys ready"

  "Yes," we both respond.

  "Ezekiel is pumped he was telling me he can't wait to fight but I did remind him he'll have to get past the first stage" Celeste responds.

  "Oh," myself and Eriko both laugh as we take our seats next to him.

  "Moring Ezekiel you ready for this?" I ask him.

  "Valerus I have been waiting for this moment. I spent all night studying to pass this first stage easily.

  The last time we were inside here was the opening ceremony.

  We were seated by our homerooms using some parts of the 2nd year's section as they spread out the three first-year classes. Looking around we saw our opposition Rose Providence with her allies sitting at the top row, sitting in the same row as us Bianca Roche, Albeck Reigns, and Jericho Pearson sat next to each other Jericho kept talking to Albeck most likely strategy but Albeck looked unphased by him.

  Looking around there are most likely other mages we didn't get to meet yet and we'll meet in the exam.

  The homeroom teachers stand in front of their respective classes as the light goes out.

  "Welcome first years to the Magus Exam," a familiar voice says.

  "Axel?" we all say.

  "Hey it's the glasses," Ezekiel says.

  Axel steps up to the stage followed by the rest of the Student Council Faith, Luna, Issac, and Ceaser as he steps on a voice amp magic circle.

  "Today is the day you will display your skills, knowledge, and teamwork," Axel says.

  "This is the Magus Exam an Exam that will determine your mage ranking as of now you are all at D Rank," Luna says.

  "If you pass each stage you will receive these ranks

  1st Stage C Rank

  2nd Stage B Rank

  Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

  3rd Stage Final Four A Rank

  Winner receives the ranking of S Rank mage and the opportunity to join the Federation and carry out missions" Faith says.

  "Speaking of the Federation we have one of the captains here as a special guest for this year. Captain of Squad 4 The Dragonclad Percival Caldwell and His lieutenant Winner of Last Year Magus Exam Alekzander Hart" Issac says as the two Federation members step forward.

  "That's him, the one who talked to me before," I say to myself.

  "He's the guy that one last year's Magus Exam the one that's similar to you, Val," Eriko says.

  "He doesn't look so tough but the Captain he carries around there aura around him," Ezekiel says.

  "Do you have any words for the Students Captain Caldwell?" Issac asks. He steps forward "dont get hurt and dont die" deep voice.

  CLAP CLAP CLAP

  A slow clap from the first years.

  Alekzander then takes to the magic circle. "If you guys think you got what it takes to win this then give it your all!" he says.

  CLAP CLAP CLAP

  A better reception for the former student.

  "I wonder what kind of weapon he uses"

  "Do you think by chance they are here because of the incident on the first day"

  "Could be" I said.

  "Maybe," Ezekiel says.

  "Alright now let's get the Magus Exam started. With the first stage," Faith says.

  "Students report to your homeroom teachers, there your class will be sent to the testing area," Luna says.

  "Further instructions will be given when you arrive at your test area"

  Ceaser walks forward "Good Luck."

  "Thank you all you may now report to your homeroom teacher," Axel says as they all leave the stage.

  "It's time to get started," I said outloud.

  ------------------------------------------

  Behind the stage.

  "Thank you again for coming and overseeing this event Captain Caldwell," Luna says.

  "It's our duty to protect the city of Oriana" Percival says.

  "Alekzander it's nice to see you again," Axel says.

  "Ah, my former classmates it's good to see you Axel, Luna, Faith, Issac, and Ceaser" Alekzander says. He turns to look at Luna. I thought you could take the perpetrator Luna judging how you were able to make it to the finals and go toe to toe with me it must've been a hard opponent."

  "Of course, it was she was facing against a Phantom Order member by herself mind you" Faith chimes in.

  "Phantom Order The Silent Step. A mage that uses the shadows" Percival said. "A tough enemy indeed.

  "I recommend we keep an eye on everyone, especially in the second stage," Axel says.

  "That's the plan," Percival says.

  "Well heres to the Magus Exam" Alekzander says.

  After the Exam's short introduction, we headed to an area outside of the auditorium.

  All three classes bunched up together waiting for the next directive. All of us stood there waiting. In the hot afternoon sun.

  "How long have we been out here?" in a tired voice I ask.

  "Going on 10 minutes now," Eriko says waving herself with her hands.

  "Am working up a sweat over here" Ezekiel says dying from standing out here.

  The teachers watch from afar in the shade whispering to one another.

  "Eh, why do they get in the shade and not us" Ezekiel says as he stops the ground.

  "What is the problem," Rose says.

  "Maybe the test instructor is running late?" Sunneta says.

  "That can't be we should've already started." Azalea remarks.

  "C'mon girls we just gotta stay focused," Lily says.

  Bella examines the area "Maybe this is part of the exam?." Rose scopes the area as well "I agree the others are getting worn out and drained from the sunlight."

  "Ahh sunlight," a female voice says.

  Rose turns to look "I see it would be easy for you Bianca Roche." Bianca stands and basks in the sunlight, not breaking a sweat like her classmates.

  "Lucky for her," Bella says.

  "Shouldn't we be gaining from this as well?" Azalea questions.

  "Huh Azalea are you serious we're not actual plants," Lily says.

  "Hey, that is actually true. She called the Earth Saint for a reason" Suneeta says.

  The five girls look at their opposition.

  "What is the hold up we've been standing out here in the sun for 10 minutes now when does the exam start!" Jericho yells out. "I did not want to waste time training and studying for this." Whilst standing next to Albeck.

  "Hold on," a male voice says.

  We look around no one to be seen.

  The voice came from inside our heads.

  "Down here," the deep voice says. "Children these days"

  "Ahm"

  AHJAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

  A burst of laughter from the crowd.

  The deep voice was connected to a little creature half the size of all of us a giant grey lop bunny wearing a monocle, holding a cane, and a top hat.

  "What what is this bunny talking" Ezekiel couldn't stop laughing.

  Rose and her group cover their mouths and giggle together saying cute together.

  Bianca with a similar expression.

  Albeck Reigns wore the same expression but with his eyes a little squinted like he had to make sure what was speaking.

  Jericho was in disbelief constantly whipping and widening his eyes.

  While everyone else was laughing I was thrown off by this talking bunny something felt off about it. I watched as Ezekiel got closer to the talking bunny. "Oh look at you so cute. "

  I then see the student council arrive next to the teachers watching from afar. The Captain of the Federation and his lieutenant then arrived soon after them. Suddenly the expressions on their faces changed as Ezekiel stepped closer to the bunny. Out of all of them, Faith made the most expressive face her mouth opened as if she were able to yell. "You Idiot!!"

  "Huh," he looks over to her as he just about reaches the bunny.

  We all watched as Ezekiel got lifted in the air by an invisible force. Getting twirled around in a circle lifted up and down left and right.

  "AHHH WOAHHH AHH WOOAHH Alright bunny would you please stop" the motions begin to intensify. "Alright am going to be sick" as he slowly gets lowered.

  "Pure Psychic Magic maybe telekinesis? " The fact that he wasn't even moving his arms and using his mind is impressive who is that?" Eriko asks.

  Everyone around us wore a shocked expression as the bunny showed his power.

  "I am a Professor Lop and yes I am a bunny. Many of you must have many questions on how or why I look like this. Lemme say dont mess with the Overlord of Curses or any curse users in that manner. I didn't take long did I? Well patience is important in battle if you are not patient and do not plan your next attack well you could cost your life but your team's, "

  "So he was an unfortunate soul who confronted the Curse Lord," Eriko says.

  "Indeed I was girl" "He heard me?" Eriko asks. "Yes, I am the telepathic psychic bunny. But enough about me today is about you dont let my looks fool you I am very strong and a S Rank Mage this young man here was a mere demonstration." Lop points at Ezekiel with his cane as he speaks at the center of the three classes.

  "Uhhhh" Ezekiel groans as he slowly regains consciousness.

  "Now the first stage begins!"

  "You have to answer three questions. If you fail to answer one you are disqualified and leave the tournament" the talking bunny says as he scratches his ear with his foot. "Come approach me when you're ready."

  A line begins to form as soon as Professor Lop ended his sentence.

  "Hey Val we should wait and see how this is going to go down. Remember what Faith said Expect the Unexpected" she whispers to me. I lean forward "But we have to get Ezekiel as well" "OK" she responds.

  As we slowly drag Ezekiel back. "Heal," Eriko says. I go down to his side "C'mon bud you need to be awake to answer these questions" "Huh what happened" confused Ezekiel mumbles. "A bunny kicked your ass that's why now shape up cmon" I stand him up by his feet slowly.

  "Ugh that bunny got some issues," Eriko says. "You just need to be more mindful of what you're doing" "Alright alright next time I will" Ezekiel complies.

  I look up and I see the disappointed faces of almost all the mages that went up. There were only a handful that passed and stood on the side.

  "Hey look," I told Eriko and Ezekiel.

  "They didn't pass?" Eriko questions. "This may be rather difficult he communicates telepathically so we dont know what kind of questions he's asking them?"

  "I thought this was going to be a sit-down test" Ezekiel complained.

  "Just watch," Eriko says.

  We watched as each student went up one by one. I looked around to see who didn't go up yet. Albeck, Jericho, and Bianca didn't go. Rose and her group are next.