The arena slowly quieted after the final match of the second evaluation.
Students whispered among themselves while instructors reviewed their notes near the central platform. Some looked excited about their performance, while others seemed disappointed.
Marcus stretched his shoulders and sat down heavily on the stone steps.
"I'm alive."
Lucas laughed.
"That's a low standard."
Marcus ignored him.
"At least I produced aura."
Lucas nodded.
"That part was impressive."
Ethan Aldric Voss stood nearby, quietly observing the instructors gathered at the center of the arena.
Because he knew something was about to happen.
Just like in the previous timeline.
Instructor Selene Varis stepped forward again.
Her presence alone was enough to quiet most of the arena.
"Attention."
The remaining noise quickly faded.
Selene looked across the gathered students.
"The second evaluation has concluded."
She paused briefly.
"Your results will be reviewed over the next few days."
Students nodded.
That part was normal.
But Selene continued.
"However…"
Her voice carried clearly through the arena.
"There is another matter that requires your attention."
That immediately sparked curiosity among the students.
Lucas leaned forward.
"Oh?"
Selene turned slightly toward the instructors standing behind her.
One of them stepped forward.
A tall man wearing a dark blue academy coat with silver markings along the shoulders.
Unlike the other instructors, his aura was visibly stronger.
Even students with little experience could sense it.
The man spoke calmly.
"My name is Instructor Roland Veric."
His deep voice echoed through the arena.
"I oversee special field training for Aetherion Academy."
Students exchanged confused glances.
Field training?
For first-years?
Roland continued.
"Every year, students of this academy are tested beyond the training grounds."
He gestured toward the distant mountains visible beyond the academy walls.
"The world outside this academy is dangerous."
"Knights do not learn only within safe arenas."
Marcus swallowed slightly.
"…That sounds bad."
Lucas grinned.
"That sounds interesting."
Roland continued.
"Next week, the academy will begin its first Field Observation Exercise."
The crowd murmured loudly.
Some students looked excited.
Others looked nervous.
Roland raised his hand slightly.
"This will not be a combat mission."
"It is an observation assignment."
Ethan listened carefully.
In the previous timeline—
This event had been far more dangerous than the instructors originally described.
Roland continued.
"You will travel in small supervised groups to the outer forest region near the academy."
"Your task is to observe and document the behavior of minor magical creatures."
Marcus blinked.
"…Magical creatures?"
Lucas whispered.
"That sounds cool."
Roland continued calmly.
"Do not misunderstand."
"These creatures are not harmless."
"But the instructors assigned to your groups will ensure your safety."
Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly.
That part wasn't entirely true.
In the previous timeline—
Something unexpected had happened during the exercise.
Something that had nearly caused a disaster.
Roland stepped back slightly.
Instructor Selene resumed speaking.
"Participation in the Field Observation Exercise is mandatory."
She looked across the arena.
"You will receive further instructions tomorrow."
Marcus leaned toward Ethan.
"Have you ever seen a magical creature before?"
Ethan answered calmly.
"Yes."
Lucas blinked.
"…Wait."
Marcus looked confused.
"When?"
Ethan paused.
"…In books."
Lucas stared at him suspiciously.
"That sounded like a lie."
Before Ethan could respond—
Movement near the arena entrance caught their attention.
Catherine Ravenscroft was walking toward the stands.
She had also stayed to hear the announcement.
Lucas smirked.
"Perfect timing."
Catherine stopped a few steps away from Ethan.
"You heard the announcement."
"Yes."
Her eyes studied him carefully again.
"This exercise will reveal people's real abilities."
Lucas whispered loudly.
"Is that a challenge?"
Catherine ignored him.
She continued speaking to Ethan.
"You said we would spar after the next evaluation."
"I remember."
"The evaluation is over."
Lucas leaned forward excitedly.
"Oh this is happening."
Marcus nodded.
"I want to see this."
Ethan glanced around the arena.
Several students were still nearby.
Too many witnesses.
"Not here."
Catherine tilted her head slightly.
"Then where?"
Ethan looked toward the far side of the academy grounds.
Near the smaller training rings used during evening practice.
"Tonight."
Lucas's eyes widened.
"…Tonight?"
Marcus looked thrilled.
"This is going to be amazing."
Catherine studied Ethan for a moment.
Then she nodded once.
"Fine."
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
Lucas grabbed Ethan's shoulder the moment she left.
"Do you realize what you just scheduled?"
Marcus nodded.
"You're about to fight the strongest first-year."
Lucas grinned.
"And the entire academy will probably hear about it tomorrow."
Ethan remained calm.
Because the sparring match itself wasn't what worried him.
The upcoming Field Observation Exercise was.
In the previous timeline—
That event had been the moment everything began to change.
And now—
With the timeline already shifting—
Ethan couldn't help but wonder how much worse it might become.