—Healers, your assistance is needed immediately.— General Elaine called out, standing beside Akilla.
—Right!—
A group of men and women rushed in with a gurney, placed Akilla on it, and hurried him to the infirmary.
"Oh my god."
"Is this how things go here? I'm scared."
"Are they gonna pair me with someone way stronger than me?"
"What just happened?"
"…I wanna go home…"
The aspiring magic soldiers were starting to question everything. Confusion rippled through the crowd.
—Camille vs. Akilla: Camille is the winner...?— General Heisen announced, still stunned.
Everyone knew Camille had won. But no one knew how. He hadn't used any magic—according to General Yuno, he didn't have any. So how?
—Camille, you are now on hold. The generals will decide if they want you in their teams. As I explained at the beginning of this event: if two or more captains want you, you may choose which team to join. If you reject all offers, you may leave. If no team chooses you, you are disqualified. You may now go to the waiting room.— General Heisen explained. —Next up: Karina vs. Jeiro...
Camille entered the waiting room and took a seat, leaning his head against the wall and looking up at the ceiling. The room was cold but spacious—large enough to fit the entire crowd outside. There were no windows, just long benches aligned in parallel. The walls were red, giving the space a dark vibe, but the glowing wooden floor added a touch of warmth.
—I'm alone… Makes sense, since I won the first battle. It's better this way. I don't like being around strangers. It's awkward. Everyone expects you to talk.— Camille thought. —I can't use my demon now. Haven't been able to. But why? Did something happen in the underworld to her? Kria… I hope she's okay. If I get chosen by any team, I'll accept. It's not like I've got anything else going on. Other than Yuno, I don't really know anyone… What if no one picks me? I told him I don't wanna be in his team. He's my friend, not my boss. Would he help me with my life? …My thoughts are so messed up. Ugh.
As time passed, more people entered the waiting room. Camille, still staring at the ceiling, became the center of attention. He could feel their eyes on him—fearful, curious.
"That guy… he's weird," someone mumbled.
They had all fought their own battles, yet the only topic was still Camille. The murmurs only stopped when a voice cracked through the speaker.
—Attention to all participants on hold. The evaluations have concluded. You are to return to the field.— General Heisen's voice echoed.
Some people grew nervous. Others excited. Camille felt relieved—finally, they stopped staring.
"Oh my god! Is it time?"
"What if no one chooses me?"
"I just know I'll get picked."
The room, as big as it was, was full. This year was bound to uncover new talent. They lined up and walked out quickly.
When they arrived at the field, where the exam had been held, nervousness hit Camille.
—Why the fvck am I scared? I did really well. This isn't like me at all… Guess I really want this.— Camille thought.
The sun's rays were ridiculously strong, beating down on the contestants. They all looked up at the Grand Watchtower, where the generals stood. It wasn't easy to see through the glare, but they wanted to glimpse the people they admired.
—Now that evaluations have ended, it's time for what you've long awaited. I will call your names. When I do, step forward to the marked point. If a general wants you in their team, you may accept and become an official magic soldier. If multiple generals want you, you may choose. The outcome is the same.— General Heisen announced from the Grand Watchtower. —As for those who lost their battles, it doesn't mean you can't be accepted. You still have a chance. And I'd also like to remind you that the evaluations for the healers is going to take place tomorrow, back to the main topic, we'll go in the same order as the battles. First contestant: Camille!
Camille's heart pounded. He clenched his hands and stepped forward, looking up—and all the generals were standing. Even Yuno, who knew Camille didn't want to join his team, stood up. He was trying one last time.
The crowd murmured.
"Why am I even surprised?"
"All the generals want him?"
"He probably thinks he's the big deal right now. I don't like him."
Reactions were mixed.
—Yes! Yes!— Camille thought, a small smile slipping through. He was so happy he couldn't maintain his usual indifferent face.
—Camille, you are now to choose which team you want to join.— General Heisen said, hopeful Camille would choose his section.
Camille hesitated. He didn't know which team to pick—or why he should pick any particular one. But one general caught his eye. She seemed strong… and kind.
—It would be an honor to join Section Z.— Camille said, bowing.
General Zhenya smirked. He chose her.
—Aww, too bad. But whatever. Be nice to him, Nya—for me.— General Elaine said, disappointed.
—What? Why'd he want to be in your team?— General Lunar asked, frustrated. —This guy is something. I need him in my team.
—You should all be content with the fact that we have such a strong—yet mysterious—individual in the magic army.— General Heisen said, masking his disappointment.
—Easy for you to say, greenhead. You've got plenty of strong people in your team.— General Yuno muttered, just as disappointed.
—Camille, you are to wait in the Section Z room.— General Heisen ordered. —Now, second contestant...
—I'm now part of a team!— Camille thought, as he was escorted to the Section Z waiting room.
Chapter 2 — END