In the morning, Lucius and his maids had come to the administration office. The receptionist was a bit busy after handling the test site yesterday.
She then looked at the door and realized that Lucius had come. But she was surprised when she saw two women beside Lucius. "If I may ask, who are these with you?"
Lucius placed his hand lightly on the desk. "These are my maids, Liora and Luna. Is there a problem with them joining me for the test?"
The receptionist hesitated. Her gaze darted between Luna and Liora. "No, no problem. It's just... unusual. Most candidates don't bring anyone with them, let alone maids."
Lucius smirked and gestured at the two women. "I'm not like most candidates. They were not only my maids, but my women. With them, I focus better."
He glanced back at the receptionist. "Would you deny me that advantage?"
The receptionist quickly shook her head. "Of course not. They're welcome to accompany you. It's just unexpected, that's all."
Lucius only smiled and nodded. "I like being the unexpected. Now, can we go take my test?"
The receptionist smiled and stepped out from behind the test. "Of course. The test site has been prepared. Please follow me."
Lucius gestured for Luna and Liora to follow. The three of them then followed behind the receptionist as she led them down the long corridors of the academy.
As they walked, Luna leaned closer to Lucius. She was amused by the atmosphere around them. "Master, it seems you're drawing more attention than usual."
Lucius didn't look at her but still smirked."Good. They should see who I am and understand why I'm different."
Liora, who was behind them, immediately added. "And why crossing you would be a mistake."
The receptionist glanced back at them. He could hear what they were saying but chose not to comment. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire
After some moments, she gave some information to Lucius. "The Vice Headmaster has taken a personal interest in your evaluation. He's waiting for you in the testing arena."
Lucius tilted his head. He was curious and also interested. "The Vice Headmaster himself? Now this is getting interesting."
The receptionist stopped in front of a pair of tall double doors. She turned to face Lucius and his maids. "This is the testing arena. Please enter when you're ready."
Lucius looked at the receptionist and smiled. "Thank you." He then left her and stood in front of the huge door.
Lucius then pushed open the door and went inside the arena. The testing arena was like a colloseum with some spectator seats, except it was empty.
Lucius could also see that at the center of the room, five individuals already sat in a special seat and looked at him that just entered the arena.
Lucius scanned each of them, but none of them were familiar. The man in the middle, who was tall, stepped forward and glanced at Lucius. "So, you're Lucius. The so-called prodigy from Volcaria."
Lucius tilted his head and smirked. "So, you've heard of me, huh?"
The man's gaze shifted to Luna and Liora standing behind him. "Bringing your maids to a Platinum Class evaluation... unusual, to say the least."
Lucius chuckled. He glanced back at Luna and Liora before glanced back at the man. "Unusual for most, perhaps. But I am not 'most.' My maids are here to ensure I remain focused and undisturbed."
He gestured casually toward Luna and Liora. "A genius like me attracts enemies, after all. Having them close is simply... practical."
The man studied Lucius for a moment. "You seem to think highly of yourself."
Lucius smirked as he was amused. "I find it hard not to. After all, there's no one else quite like me."
The other figures standing behind the man exchanged some glances, but none interrupted. The man finally nodded and smiled. "I see. Let's not waste any more time."
He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms while glancing at Lucius. "I am the Vice Headmaster, and I will oversee your test personally. Are you ready to begin?"
Lucius smirked and spread his arms slightly. "I've been ready since last night."
The Vice Headmaster gestured to the arena's center. "Good. Step into the area that had been prepared for you. Your evaluation begins now."
Lucius walked forward and entered the area that had been prepared for him. In there, he could see a large cage that was covered.
He was quite curious what was in it, so he approached it. He then gripped the edge of the cloth and pulled it away.
Inside the cage, a massive beast stood. Its muscular form was covered in thick red fur. The beast exhaled deeply, releasing a puff of smoke from its nostril. It also looked at Lucius.
The vice headmaster began to explain about the test. "This is a 3-Star Flame Bear. Your task is simple: evolve it into a 4-Star Flame Bear."
Lucius turned toward the vice headmaster and frowned. "And the materials?"
The Vice Headmaster gestured to a nearby table where an array of flame-based materials was neatly arranged. "You may use the items provided. Everything you need is here."
Lucius turned around to see the table. A lot of materials had been prepared: molten rocks, fire cores and a bundle of flame herbs.
He nodded slowly but he couldn't shake the growing knot in his stomach. "Do I need to do it here, in front of everyone?"
The vice headmaster folded his arms and smiled. "Worried about exposing a secret technique, are we? You needn't be. Anything you demonstrate here will remain confidential. You have my word."
Lucius chuckled. He was masking the unease feeling he had. "Your word is reassuring."
The problem was big. Lucius had always relied on his system to evolve beasts. He could not display his power publicly without raising suspicion.
Now, with all eyes in the arena focused on him, the question of what to do next loomed large: "What do I do now?"