The Elemental system

The trials had not yet concluded, and Axton found himself in a strange limbo. Each trial brought with it new tests of endurance and strategy, pushing him to his limits in ways he hadn't anticipated. But even as his body ached from exhaustion and his mind raced to keep up with the others, a deep curiosity lingered within him. Why had the academy chosen him? It wasn't the strength of his powers—or the lack thereof—that had gotten him this far.

As the days passed, the trials grew more complex. The academy representatives seemed to take note of his quiet resolve, even as he continued to lag behind the others in raw power. Axton had noticed the subtle shifts in their gaze—their growing curiosity as they observed his actions. They saw something in him, though they had yet to reveal what that was.

And then there was Gavin Cross.

The earth mage from the village had shown no signs of faltering throughout the trials. His brute strength and overwhelming powers made him a constant threat, and Axton found himself both envious and resentful of Gavin's confidence. Yet, each time Gavin sneered or looked down on him, Axton steeled himself. He didn't know why he had been chosen—but he wasn't about to let anyone tell him he didn't belong here.

The trials were drawing to a close when the final announcement was made. Everyone gathered in the village square once again, weary and bruised from the days of physical and mental tests. The academy representatives stood before them, their expressions unreadable.

"This will be your last challenge," the gray-eyed leader spoke, his voice clear and strong. "Only those who have shown their true worth will be considered for admission. You will all be observed during the final trial, and your actions will speak for themselves."

The crowd murmured in anticipation, and Axton's heart skipped a beat. The final trial. What would it entail?

The gray-eyed leader raised his staff, and the ground beneath their feet trembled slightly. "This time, the trial will not just test your powers or strength. It will test your decision-making, your loyalty, and your ability to lead. We will observe how you act under pressure, and those who meet the standard will be chosen."

Axton's breath caught in his chest. It wasn't just about strength anymore. It was about something deeper.

The representative gave a signal, and suddenly, the group was split into smaller teams. Axton found himself paired with Elias and a few other students from the village, including Gavin, much to Axton's dismay.

The trial began with a series of mock combat scenarios—strategic situations where the students had to outthink and outmaneuver their opponents. The academy representatives watched from the sidelines, their eyes sharp and calculating.

At first, Axton was overwhelmed by the chaos. Gavin charged ahead, using his earth magic to create barriers and blockades, while Elias moved with agility, summoning gusts of wind to push their opponents off balance. Axton, however, had no clear strategy at first. He hesitated, unsure of his own place in the team.

But then something clicked.

He observed the others carefully—their moves, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Axton saw an opportunity when one of the mock opponents, a girl with water magic, created an illusion of herself to confuse their group. Instead of attacking blindly, Axton pointed out the subtle differences in the illusion and led Elias and Gavin toward the real threat. His ability to notice details others might miss gave them the edge, and they completed the scenario faster than anyone had expected.

Though he hadn't been the most powerful in terms of magic, Axton's mind—his ability to see beyond the obvious—had made a difference.

After the trial ended, Axton's team gathered with the others in the square. The academy representatives exchanged hushed words, and Axton stood quietly, his heart racing.

Would they see him for what he was?

The gray-eyed leader stepped forward again, his gaze sweeping over the group of students. "This trial has shown us much about each of you. Your strength, yes, but also your intellect, your resolve. It is not power alone that earns a place at the academy, but the ability to grow, to learn, and to adapt."

Axton's breath caught in his throat. Was this it? Was he about to be sent back to the village, dismissed like so many others?

The gray-eyed leader's gaze lingered on him for a brief moment. Then, to Axton's surprise, the leader's lips curled into a faint smile—one that held a sense of knowing.

"Tomorrow, we will announce those who have been chosen."

The words sent a ripple through the crowd, and Axton's heart skipped a beat. He had made it this far, but whether or not it would be enough was yet to be seen.