Experiment

Time flew by.

Beyond the Academy's walls, gleaming white stone reflected the light. Against the surrounding white forest, it made a tranquil, harmonious sight.

At the castle entrance, however, Formal Wizards from various Schools had gathered, their faces grave as they stared outside. Academy students had been captured by Black Wizards and branded with Spiritual Imprints, yet the Academy's defensive Formation had failed to detect them when they returned. This was a serious matter.

If the Black Wizards had begun their plan long ago, there was no telling how many students they controlled. A portion of the entire Academy might already be in their hands. Worst of all, if enough had slipped in, the trial could end with large numbers of apprentices dead or wounded.

"Let's vote! Should the trial continue?" asked a Wizard whose entire body was covered by a white robe.

The Wizards from the various Schools lowered their heads in thought.

"I think it should. War isn't far off. The discovery of a Magic Stone Mine in the Kroensa Mountains could well spark a great war between Black Wizards and White Wizards. This trial is a chance to make a selection, and whatever happens here will be better than sending them onto a real battlefield. We all know Black Wizards will stop at nothing. Even if Black Wizard Apprentices have infiltrated the Academy, dealing with them here will be far simpler than dealing with them in war. I suggest we recall only the new students. They can't fight," said one White-Robed Wizard.

After he spoke, the other White Wizards fell into thought. No one objected. They had all lived through war and knew its cruelty. By comparison, the risks they faced within the Academy's territory were low.

The leading White-Robed Wizard looked around at them all and