**Chapter 64 – The First Day of Tests – Part 1**
**First Test: Knowledge**
The day of the tests dawned clear and cold in the capital. The Eternal Academy looked even more imposing under the morning light—golden towers reflecting the sun, magical gardens sparkling with dew, the air charged with mana that made the skin tingle. The temporary dormitories woke early: Lysithea was the first to rise, lighting the soft magical lights and calling everyone with an affectionate voice: "Time to wake up, my loves. Today the circus takes the stage."
The children dragged themselves out of bed, still sleepy but with eyes shining with excitement. The main hall was full of candidates—young people of every race, some nervous, others confident, all wearing simple clothes or travel uniforms. The smell of magical coffee (which never cooled) and fresh bread came from the refectory, where Graciela was already helping in the kitchen (even before being official, she couldn't resist). Mirella patrolled the corridors with her bow on her back, making sure no one got lost. Elara waited at the entrance to the testing hall, new professor uniform, calm smile: "Good morning, family. Ready?"
Lysithea hugged everyone before they left: "Remember: it's not just about winning. It's about staying together. The circus shines when we're whole." Quick group hug—nine bodies pressed together for a few seconds, the scent of lavender from the blankets mixed with Elara's perfume. Then they headed to the large central courtyard, where the first test would take place.
The Academy Council had divided the tests into three parts, held throughout the day. Hundreds of candidates were there, lines organized by age and group. The chief evaluator, a tall elf named Aria (long silver hair, emerald-green eyes, firm but kind voice), announced the rules: "Three tests. Knowledge, physical, and magical. Those who pass all three get in. Those who fail… go home and try again next year. We begin with knowledge."
The knowledge hall was spacious, with long tables of enchanted wood, parchments that wrote answers on their own, and magical barriers to prevent cheating. Candidates sat in alphabetical order—the family was separated at nearby tables but could still look at each other and smile. Around them, other young people of every race—an orc with tribal tattoos, a young elf in a green forest cloak, a lion beastkin with golden mane, an ordinary human in simple clothes, and even a dragonewt with gleaming blue scales—all nervous, whispering among themselves.
Aria distributed the parchments: "You have 1 hour. Good luck."
Varied questions: history of Elysara, lesser gods, races, basic mathematics, and magical theory.
Examples of questions and the family's answers:
- "Name three lesser gods and their main domains."
Joker wrote quickly: Loki (trickery and chaos), Lunalie (moon and protection of children), Odin (wisdom and war).
- "What is the average gender ratio in Draknar and its social impact?"
Harley chuckled softly while writing: 1 man for every 10 women—men treated as nobles, women as merchandise or property.
- "Calculate the area of a magical circle with a radius of 5 meters (use π ≈ 3.14)."
Astrid frowned but remembered Lysithea's lessons: 78.5 square meters.
- "Briefly explain what a Divine Mark is and give an example."
Kuroe smiled sideways: A Divine Mark is a gift granted by a lesser god. Example: Mark of Loki—allows manipulation of chaos and minor illusions.
- "Describe the effect of a containment rune on a fire spell."
Sylvara wrote calmly: Contains the fire in a limited area, preventing spread, but reduces damage by 30%.
- "What happens if an elven prophecy is ignored?"
Lirien answered precisely: The prophecy fulfills itself in a distorted way, causing unpredictable consequences.
The family finished quickly, well before time. Other candidates struggled: the tattooed orc sweated over math, the young elf answered fast about gods, the lion beastkin got races wrong (confusing dragonewts with mermaids), the ordinary human got history right but failed magical theory, the blue-scaled dragonewt excelled in aquatic magic questions. Some passed, others muttered "I'll try again next year."
Aria, passing by the tables, stopped at theirs, eyes wide: "These answers… too precise for orphanage children. And synchronized. Did you study together?" Lysithea smiled calmly: "We're family. We learn together." Aria nodded, impressed, noting something on her parchment: "Pass with distinction. Next test: physical."
The group left the knowledge hall smiling, hands joined, the air full of anticipation. Lysithea whispered: "First part won. The circus is just getting started."
(to be continued…)