The following day, Emery and all the other instructors gathered in the academy's grand hall for an urgent briefing regarding the highly anticipated group exam.
This was always the most challenging test of the year, one that tested their resilience in life-or-death situations. Even Emery felt the tension rise as they waited, knowing all too well how the so-called "fair exams" often held unexpected dangers.
Headmaster Goldstein took the stage and faced the crowd. His expression was more somber than usual, and as he began to speak, the room fell silent.
"This year's group exam, the students will be joining the war effort… we will send them to the frontline."
A collective gasp echoed through the hall. The instructors exchanged alarmed glances, each fully aware of the escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing war, and many had deep reservations about exposing their students to such peril.