The children who had been on the obstacle course left, making way for us.

Veyra's voice echoed through the arena. " Now you will begin the second phase of your evaluation. This obstacle course is not just about speed but also adaptability, strategy and endurance. "

" What makes this obstacle course different from the race is that the first position will be awarded 50 merit points, while the last position will have 50 merit points deducted," she added.

That information increased our determination to win.

As she spoke, the ground below began to crack and disingrate. Slowly, platforms rose and scattered in the air, leaving us desperately hanging on to them. The void below glowed ominously, warning of the dangers of falling.

"You'll have to complete the gravity field," Veyra explained, her voice calm but tinged with mischief. "Your goal is to finish the field without falling. The void below is a portal that would teleport you back to the very beginning if you fall. Expect gravity to pull you in different directions— sideways, upwards, even upsidedown. Beware, the platforms won't always be your allies. "

" The field is alive," she continued."
Gravity will shift, platforms will collapse. The rest is up to your wits and powers. Begin! "

Just as she said, the platforms we clung to began to crumble, forcing us to jump to others. As Alina was about to switch to a new platform, the pull of gravity shifted. She tumbled upside down into the void and had to restart the challenge.

Determined to regain her position, Alina created illusions of platforms, confusing us and forcing us to guess which were real. Meanwhile, Elias leaped gracefully, his light magic stabilizing him midair before he landed on a spinning platform.

Mira switched between platforms with finesse, using her elemental magic. Thinking quickly, she slid across platforms, using the ice to stick to their surfaces and avoid falling.

Ronan, ever grinning, tossed his dice and trusted luck to guide him to safer routes.

Riven, however, had the biggest advantage. His gravity manipulation made him immune to the field’s tricks. With swift, measured movements, he navigated the platforms effortlessly, unaffected by the shifting pulls.

Everett slowed down the spinning platforms with his time magic, making it easier for him to hop across. Talia, however, struggled. She tried reversing herself to the moment she was on a safe platform, but her magic backfired, sending her into the void.

I was lagging behind with Elysia, beads of sweat forming on my face as I scrambled from platform to platform without the aid of magic. Gravity had thrown me off twice, forcing me to start over. Elysia seemed equally lost, unsure how to use her magic here.

However, Mira was already close to the golden portal that marked the finish line. She summoned a gust of wind to propel herself to the next platform. As the final platform tilted dangerously, she steadied herself with a quick command to the air and leapt through the portal, a triumphant grin on her face.

Kaelina, her frustration mounting, nearly slipped as her platform spun wildly. With a burst of electricity, she charged her feet, clinging to the metallic edges. She leaped to the next platform and released a sharp zap, momentarily halting its spin.

“Next time, maybe make it harder,” she muttered before diving through the portal.

Ronan tossed his dice again. When it landed on a six, he laughed. "Looks like luck never fails me!" He hopped from platform to platform, repeating the process until he reached the golden portal.

I spotted Riven nearby, balancing with ease. If I could usurp his magic, this would be much easier. Reaching out, I brushed the sole of his foot.

[Usurp Gravity manipulation? ]

> > >Yes

Power surged through me. As I stumbled, the gravity steadied beneath my feet, keeping me firm on the platform.

Riven turned to me, his eyes narrowing with suspicion, but he said nothing and continued. His steady pace carried him effortlessly towards the portal.

For me, the shifting gravity became an extension of my will. With control over the field, I launched forward, redirecting gravity to make smoother leaps. My movements grew fluid, and I began closing the gap between myself and the others.

" How are you doing that? " Elysia asked, wide-eyed as I passed her.

" Borrowed a little help," I replied with a smirk.

Riven reached the portal, followed by Elias, who had fallen once but recovered. Alina followed closely after them. Everett and I were neck and neck, unintentionally battling for position.

As he was about to reach the portal before me, he stopped to help Elysia and Talia who were left behind.

The final jump loomed before me. Gravity pulled violently in all directions, threatening to throw me off. I steadied myself with Riven’s stolen power one last time and leapt into the golden portal.

Blinding light surrounded me as the portal transported me to the others who had finished. Slumping to the ground, gasping for breath, I realized Riven’s power had left me just before the jump—I had finished with my own strength.

We watched as Everett supported Talia and Elysia, helping them into the golden portal. They appeared beside us, also exhausted.

Veyra's voice brought us back to attention. " Congratulations on completing the gravity field. Later, you'll practice on other facilities, but for now, this is it. As promised, Mira will receive 50 merit points for finishing first. Talia, as the last, will have 50 merit points deducted. "

" Tch," Talia spat, crossing her arms.

" Mrs Veyra, how do we track our merit points? " Mira asked.

" They will be displayed for you at the end of each week. "

Alina beamed at us. " We all did our best. Don't be discouraged. "

Everett turned to Mira, admiration in his eyes. " Mira, you were incredible. "

" I guess, " Mira replied with a modest smile.

" Now, you'll be staying in the academy. We've prepared rooms, each housing three people regardless of class. " Veyra handed us keys marked with room numbers.

" I can't wait to meet my roommates! " Alina exclaimed, clasping her hands with excitement.

As I walked to the dorms, key in hand, I couldn't help but wonder who my roommates would be.

A/N

I really hope you guys are enjoying this story. Sorry for the late update. I was a bit busy. Also, there are some people that I'll like to appreciate for their constant support for my story.

First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude to Darryljolly for always reading my chapters as soon as they drop! Your support means so much. Be sure to check out their thrilling book, Killer of Killers.

A big thank you to Kaki_ar for showing genuine interest in my story and leaving such intriguing comments! Don’t miss their fantasy novel, The Dream.

To Mona26042009, thank you for your patience and continued support with every chapter release. Make sure to explore her captivating works too!

Let’s not forget Jojolih022, whose comments never fail to make you laugh and roll on the floor. Check out their entertaining short story, Sapphire Souls, a fantasy gem!

Special thanks to NatuR-luv-Rfor motivating me to keep writing the next chapter. Their fantasy romance, Thousand Miles of Love, is a must-read.

And of course, thank you to FrankEEla for finding my book interesting—it truly means a lot. Don’t forget to check out their work, Shadow Bangs.

And a big shout-out to Swanangel15 for their helpful corrections. Be sure to check out their teen fiction work, Battle of invisible thorns.

Lastly, to everyone who has read, voted, or commented on my book—your support fuels my writing journey! If I missed mentioning anyone, please let me know so I can give you a shout-out in the next chapter.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! 💖 Please don't forget to follow or add my book to your reading list to get notified when a new chapter is released.