Boom!!
A deep, thunderous drumbeat rang out across the open First Plaza. The rustle of conversation vanished in an instant.
Zheng Qing glanced down at the Pocket Watch in his hand.
Eight forty-five.
Only fifteen minutes remained before the trial began. The young wizard breathed an unconscious sigh of relief. The drums proved the school wasn't going to send them into the so-called Training Ground without a word. Whether there would be a pep talk or a blessing, anything was more reassuring than silence.
He raised his head and peered through a gap in the crowd. A tall old wizard with shoulder-length silver hair stepped forward, holding a staff as high as his shoulder. He took his place before the black- and gray-robed wizards, facing the student formations.
It was Professor Charles of Alpha Academy.
Zheng Qing remembered the old wizard well. When they had enrolled the previous year, Professor Charles had welcomed the new students at First Plaza and the First Grand Hall. He was also Alpha Academy's deputy dean. Though not a Grand Wizard, he was well versed in administrative affairs and presided over many school events.
Boom! Boom!!
Boom!
Several more muffled drumbeats sounded. Zheng Qing looked toward them and finally spotted the drums. They encircled First Plaza. With each fading beat, a drum several meters tall slowly appeared, suspended in midair and flanked by great banners of red, gold, blue, white, and other colors.
Drumsticks shaped like the thighbones of giant beasts danced through the air, sketching spare lines that faintly depicted Ancient Wizards on the hunt. An ancient, desolate air filled the plaza.
After three rounds of drumming, Professor Charles raised his staff. His silver hair lifted though there was no wind, and the drums fell silent.
Zheng Qing narrowed his eyes slightly.
It wasn't