As the first rays of dawn crept through the curtains of my rented room I sighed. I had laid awake most of the night, my mind racing with the impending entrance exam for the Arcane Legion Institute.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself up from the bed, my feet meeting the wooden floor. The floor creaked beneath me as I stretched. Rubbing my eyes, I walked over to the dresser that held my belongings.

I pulled open a drawer grabbing a set of tunic and trousers. The fabric was soft and comfortable against my skin as I slipped them on. I cinched my belt around my waist.

As I finished dressing, my gaze drifted to the window, where the rising sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. The vibrant colors seemed to mock the churning anxiety in my gut.

I would like to keep my identity a secret at the Arcane Legion Institute. However, due to the marriage contract, I am officially engaged to Princess Elvira Nyx Stormtide. It will likely be announced at some point soon in both of our nations outing me as a noble from the Shadowflame house.

I sigh deeply. I look at the heirloom cloak my grandfather gave me that bears our family crest.

I wonder if Youssef knew all of this would happen. Normally Shadowflames keep our true Identities hidden.

I stare at the family crest emblazoned on the heirloom cloak, my fingers tracing the intricate embroidery. The weight of my legacy feels heavier than ever.

Well, I guess it doesn't matter if I reveal myself as a member of the Shadowflame house. Not anymore. With the impending announcement of my engagement to Princess Elvira, my true identity will be laid bare for all to see. A member of the clandestine Shadowflame family will be known to the public.

I can't help but wonder if this was part of Grandfather's plan all along. Did he foresee this path for me? Is that why he gave me the cloak so soon?

The Shadowflames have always operated behind the scenes, our true identities concealed behind masks of deception. It's the first rule of our code: When possible do not reveal your true identity and never reveal the identities, operations, or secrets of the Shadowflame House to outsiders.

But now, everything is about to change. I'll be thrust into the spotlight, my every move scrutinized by the nobles and commoners. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, my stomach twisting with unease.

Pushing aside my thoughts for the moment I put on the cloak. My nerves steadied slightly as I recited the family's motto, allowing for the positive memories of my grandfather's teachings to ease my mind. With a resolute mind, I departed the inn and strode out into the bustling streets of the City.

The sounds of the city immediately assaulted me - vendors hawking their wares, children running around the crowds with laughter, and the rumbling of many carriages moving past as city guards cleared paths. My heart raced as every single sight and sound battered my senses.

Ugh! It is one of those days for me.

I started to focus on my breathing as my grandfather had taught me, trying to grasp a lifeline amidst the storm baring down on my mind. It is far too early in the morning for this. It must be because of the entrance exam for the Arcane Legion Institute.

The Arcane Legion Institute is one of the top 3 academies in the Lumina Federation. It specializes in training for knights, battlemages, and mages. It is a college-level military academy and students will be offered the rank of Major in the Lumina Federation after graduating successfully.

After a little bit, I spotted the imposing gates of the Arcane Legion Institute in the distance. An immense crowd had already gathered outside the gate.

My palms grew slick with sweat as I approached the horde. My heart was racing as I watched nobles in finery strutting past the gates without issue, while commoners were subjected to searches and interrogations by the guards.

"Might as well get this over with," I muttered, as I entered the crowd. Bodies immediately pressed in on me from all sides. As I squeezed through the dense crowd, I heard many people repeat "excuse me" and "pardon" as I was jostled about.

I started to look for an exit as I was quick to try and escape this area. Only to realize the exits had become impossible to discern amidst the solid wall of people. I began to breathe rapidly as I was about to panic mentally.

I was about to force my way clear with magic until a small blue-skinned hand with black dots and 4 fingers gently grasped my arm in a surprisingly firm grip. I recoiled instinctively turning behind me to see a Frogfolk.

"Hey, are you alright?" She asked, her feminine voice filled with concern. Her presence emanated a comforting aura that stirred memories of my mother, despite our clear differences in size and species.

"Y-yes, I... the crowd is just a bit too much," I admitted hesitantly, feeling a bit of embarrassment at exposing this weakness I didn't wish I had.

To my surprise, she simply gave me a warm smile and patted my arm reassuringly. "I get that way too sometimes when there is too many people bunched up. Just take some deep breaths and don't worry about all the shoving. We will get through this mob soon enough"

I could not help but return her contagious smile, instantly feeling more at ease in her presence. "Thank you...I'm Kepler, by the way. Kepler Shadowflame."

"Hopscotch," she replied with a melodious laugh that immediately put me at ease. "Don't worry Kepler, I'll be your anchor in this chaotic sea of people."

We began making our way through the crowd. Hopscotch was parting the crowd with surprising ease. As we walked we chatted a bit about what brought us here. I quickly discovered she was seeking entry as a mage, hoping to master alchemy and refine her magic.

My curiosity had peeked as she wove rich descriptions of intricate tinctures and distillations into our conversation with clear passion. In turn, I found myself eagerly sharing my deep fascination with astronomy, math, and draconic lore.

Slowly the overwhelming chaos around me faded into the background. We delved deeper into an animated discourse on our respective interests as we walked ahead.

My reverie was interrupted when a flash of crimson in the corner of my eye caught my full attention. A lithe, ethereal figure emerged through the masses, gliding along with an elegance utterly unbefitting of most commoners. It was an elf maiden with hair like a roaring bonfire, porcelain skin, and captivating eyes the hue of a sunset's amber glory.

Though unmistakably petite in stature, she had an aura of uncompromising confidence. Grace suffused her every movement. Her very presence commanded absolute respect and deference as the crowd seemed to part before her.

I suddenly became conscious that I had been gawking slack-jawed for several moments. Quickly averting my eyes, I hoped the mysterious elf had not noticed my blatant admiration for her beauty.

Hopscotch arched an eyebrow and smirked knowingly. "Careful there, Shadowflame," she said with a teasing yet playful tone, "I'd wager that is the rumored Princess from Mistwood. Rumor has it she was sent here to study. I guess it is true since she is here for the entrance exam. I would steer clear if I were you, nobles all seem to be insufferably arrogant."

I was about to open my mouth to respond to Hopscotch, but before I could utter a word, a booming voice cut through the crowd. "Attention, all examinees!" A staff member bellowed, his voice magically amplified. "The first trial of the Entrance Exam will now commence!"

The crowd of prospective students suddenly became silent, all their eyes fixed upon the speaker. My heart raced as I realized the moment I had been preparing for was finally at hand.

The staff member continued his tone grave. "Your objective is to survive for one minute. The trial begins... Now!"

Survive what I thought?

No sooner had the words left his lips than the world around us shimmered and distorted. My insides lurched violently as a dizzying vortex of color gave way to a desolate, craggy mountain expanse under a crimson sky.