Liam Bizalom sat upon a hill overlooking the camp. His clothes were dirty, and stained, he hugged one knee while laying his other leg flat on the ground. He looked out across the field, admiring the beauty of the rolling hills. The peace and quiet reminded him of the simpler times, when it was just him, his mother, and his sister toiling in the field. Liam couldn't but to think about his family now and then, he couldn't help but wonder how they were doing without him. A small smile spread across his lips.

'Professor Harkley did promise their safety.' Liam looked back at the camp and his eyes grew a little moist. One hundred people had died, some days it felt like the wave of monsters just wouldn't stop. Recently, though, there were no monsters left in sight. Maybe they had killed them all. This little thought relieved a lot of the pressure in Liam's heart. 

His gaze shifted down again to their camp's 'Little Goddess.' She had turned her own tent into a sick bay and never stopped helping people. Her dresses would drag the wounded back to camp and deliver supplies to everyone from the stockpile. Liam shook his head. Elizabeth had been going out at night, and if he hadn't happened to be nearby the last time it happened... He didn't want to think about it. After that, you better believe he lectured her for half a day. A small smile spread across his lips as he said softly,

"She must have worked herself silly."[Liam]

A little while afterwards, a voice buzzed in his head. Much like the one he heard before he was sent to this hellish arena. It spoke,

"Congratulations on passing the examinations. You have all been successfully admitted to Rotham academy. Your act of merit and ability has proven that you deserve to stand amongst the best wizards in Flirord." [Grumpy Old man] Liam almost couldn't contain his joy. Finally, finally. "With notable exceptions, you shall all take the honorary trek back to Rotham academy. There is a staff member amongst your ranks, who joined this test with Azalea Cern's help. He will identify himself and lead you to the Academy. Go back to Rotham with your heads held high, you have truly triumphed this time." [Grumpy Old Man] Cheers broke out across the camp. The thundering sound of revelry was deafening. Thousands of young initiates yelled out in joy with all of their heart and soul. Afterall, they had all made it. They had been accepted to this place that was held in high esteem throughout the Eastern side of the continent. Their futures were secured. They could go back to their homes and tell those who made sacrifices to get them here, 'I made it.' It took a long time for the cheering to die down, when it finally did the voice spoke again.

"Earlier, I mentioned notable exceptions." [Grumpy Old Man] It became silent as the night, everyone waited with bated breath. They did not know what it meant to be an exception, but they felt it might not be good. "There are two particular initiates that have done exceptionally well, they shall be selected as year leader and year co-leader. Although this choice is usually left to the initiates, we felt that their accomplishments were substantial enough to warrant this. Firstly Elizabeth Cerns..."[Grumpy Old Man] A burst of cheering broke again. The initiates screamed 'Little Goddess' at the top of their lungs. Waiting for them to quiet down, the speaker continued, "and Liam Bizalom " [Grumpy Old man] Cheers burst out for the third time in such a short time. With no less exultation they when they spoke of their goddess, the Initiates screamed,

"Little General!"[Thousands of Initiates] Having their leaders be selected for them, was something they felt sour about. That is, until they heard their names. If there was a vote, these two would be selected, it would be near unanimous.

"These two will not take the march, given their positions as generation leaders, they have the rank of honorary nobility. Therefore, they must attend the noble ball, I shall be in charge of their departure to this event." [Grumpy Old Man] Hearing this, Liam hurriedly called out,

"If possible, Sir, I'd like to march home with my brothers and sisters!" [Liam] A torrent of voices followed afterwards,

"An army must be led by their general when going home!"

"What kind of welcoming home ceremony would it be without the leader!"

At first their voices were scattered, but after some time, a chant started to break out and the initiates chanted in rhythm,

"LET THE GENERAL LEAD LET THE GENERAL LEAD LET THE GENERAL LEAD!" 

An exasperated sigh sounded in all of their heads simultaneously, 

"Very well, all he has to do if give up his generation leadership position and make an oath to never be allowed to acquire it again."[Grumpy Old Man] The place quieted for a moment in contemplation. Liam rushed out and said,

"Very well, then I'll  have to forfei...!"[Liam]

"GO ON WITHOUT US GENERAL!" 

"LEADERSHIP FOR A LIFETIME RATHER THAN LEADERSHIP FOR A DAY!"

"WE WILL KEEP YOUR SPIRIT WITH US AS WE MARCH HOME!"

"MEET YOU AT BASE, GENERAL!"

Liam was on the verge of crying and let out a soft,

"OK." [Liam] Being the generation leader meant a lot for your future, it was hard to give it up.

"I think the people have spoken." [Grumpy Old Man] Cheers broke out again. "I will transport the two of you now."[Grumpy Old Man] Liam was too dumbfounded to say anything in retort, the last thing he said before his vision went back was,

"I'll see you at base Initiates!" [Liam]

Liam and Elizabeth both appeared in a dusty old library. An old man with a white Goatee met their gaze, smiled broadly and said,

"I've yet to introduce myself. I'm Professor Zalar. I want to congratulate you on such a wonderful job." [Professor Zalar/The Grumpy old man] He looked down at their clothes, and scrunched his nose slightly. "I have prepared more... appropriate clothing for you,"[Professor Zalar] He pulled out two large boxes and handed one to each student. He snapped his fingers and a young jittery man in mage's robes came into the room.

"This is professor Loso. He shall lead you to the baths and help you with anything else you need before taking you to the ball."[Professor Zalar] Zalar let out a huge toothy grin as he said,

"Truly, seeing students like you is a once in a lifetime experience." [Professor Zalar]