Rose's POV

We returned from Europe about three weeks ago. Everyone was surprised to see my new companion but were just as accepting as they were to Belvedere.

Headmaster Jackson informed the school of my fundraiser profits, and let's just say that the chefs of our school made me tons of snacks and desserts in return for getting them a raise. Surprisingly, I noticed that Trent and Marcus were more upbeat than usual as well.

I am glad to see how appreciative everyone is for Headmaster's doing. Speaking of Marcus and Trent, I have been training with Fern during my dragon training class ever since the incident. This way, I can help build the strength in her muscles and fly her during the school day while I train and hang out with my companions outside of the school day. Of course they still oversee my training with Fern, but most of the time, I master my tricks and other bond strengthening moves while not on mandated time.

Playing with Maximilian has been extremely fun. Sometimes we play fetch, other times I go on runs with him while my dragons fly in the air. Artemis and Apollo love Max as well, they are always lifting him out of the air on their tails if he is in his cub state. Belvedere is easily amused by my wolf Cerberus too.

My fated companion is actually the one who came up with the game we now regularly play and call Mana. It's basically a more exciting way to train using our elements while playing with Maximilian. My Cerberus is still weary around other people, but isn't as alert as he used to be, displaying the developing signs of trust.

On the topic of creatures, Caesar, Aurelius, and Cornelius are in the beginning stages of muscle treatment. The burns that Caesar suffered in his abdominal area made him be ordered to rest. So we have to build up the strength in his legs for his inactivity.

For Aurelius, the muscle damage in his wing is slowly repairing, so we have to take his flying sessions slow. And for Cornelius, his torn ligaments restricted him from using his leg too much. This is why he too is starting muscle strengthening sessions to build up his leg strength again.

As expected, I am the only one that the Chimeras allow to see, so I will be the one documenting their growth and progress. Seraphina and Baxter are fully recovered, and their 14 kin are in healthy shape. I spoke to Mr.Everglade and Headmaster Jackson about their status and whether or not we can release them.

They agreed that they are ready to return to the wild, so Mr.Everglade is searching for habitats where we can keep the Basilik clan so they won't be separated. My favorite Basilik child is Miles. He is the third oldest, and for some reason, I like him more than his siblings. Just because he is my favorite does not mean I treat them differently, in fact, I don't even think he is aware that he is my favorite. Anyway, the 14 Basiliks are very playful and are always nudging me to sing to them. Because we can't communicate, they hiss if they are threatened or refuse something, they nudge my body if they want something, and they nod their heads for yes.

Anyway, we only have a few weeks left at the Academy, which means that final exams have come upon us. For our regular classes, we have already completed the written tests and received marks based on how well we did. I scored in the top percentiles for both my creatures class and powders class. I received the mark of 10's for both classes because I did not miss a single question on the exams.

For our magii and combat, Level 1 students take theirs first, then Level 2, then Level 3, and so on and so on. We take our exams in the arena where we took our placement tests. Most Level 1's are year 3's and 4's, so they take their exams first so that they have more time to relax for summer before University. For me, this isn't the case, but I am still expected to perform well.

My personal instructors are the ones who monitor the final exams for Levels 1, 2, and 3, so it will be almost exactly like my placement test. Though this time, my instructors will not hold back because they know of my potential.

Although my initial experience with Mr.Barden was not as pleasant, I have been keeping up with avoiding the attacks he uses when he utilizes water's subelements. Same goes for my other elements, nature especially. The four instructors began expecting of me that I evade their advances when they use their subelements; this way, it is easy for me to avoid attacks with the elements I can use against people.

After our exam tests, students usually hang out or work up a storm for the last couple weeks of school. Currently, I am sitting with the other Level 1's in the arena stands. The whole school population is here because we have the next five days off strictly for final exams. I see Headmaster Jackson make his way to the center of the arena.

"Good morning students! I hope you all got a good nights rest because today will be very exciting. We have all of our Level 1's ready to take their final exams, so let's begin! The way this will work is that we will call you up individually based on your magii. This process is going to be exactly like your placements tests, but more advanced. We will also alternate elements in rotations of four to give our instructors a rest. If your instructors feel as if their final exam is not as difficult for you, they have the right to challenge you. We will begin with our Level 1 dragon riders. Lucas Fraiser, please make your way down to the arena." He calls Lucas first. He rises from his seat beside me with confidence.

"You got this." I whisper, knowing that he can hear me with his enhanced senses. Lucas enters the arena and stops before the weapons table. His aim ended up not being the best with the knives, but he was fairly good with archery. The targets were 25 meters away and moving, so it was very hard.

He moves onto combat with Mr.Howard and loses very quickly. It seems as though our combat teacher is not holding anything back. When it gets to the dragon taming, a feral stone breed is released from the tunnel. Lucas is able to tame it to the point of sitting still, no further. His test did not take as long as I thought it would, but I would never tell him that. He showed me his card that Headmaster Jackson gave him after our instructors scored him. He got an 8 in combat & weaponry and a 9.5 in dragon taming.

"That's a really good score." I say to him. He shakes his head sadly, holding back tears.

"Stone Heart University only accepts a 9.0 average or above. With all of my years combined, my average is 8.6. I did not take my studies seriously, so I got 7's and 8's on my written exams for the first two years before I pulled myself together. You are already starting out on a good foot, you got 10's for both of your study classes's final exams." He tells me. I just nod, not wanting to contradict him.

They skip over me and start with the Level 1 elementals since Lucas and I are the only Level 1 dragon riders. The element rotation is earth, air, water, then fire. Everyone goes and I can tell that my instructors are somewhat holding back. Compared to my private training, some of my instructor's movements are restricted, holding back from a full force attack for some students. Aiden has scored the highest with a 9.5 in combat and weaponry, a 10 in the element of water, and a 9 in nature.

"We will have a 2 minute break before our last student exam takes place." Headmaster says, that's my cue. I get my bag and take all of my stuff to the arena. Mr.Ivanov brought up the problem that they will not fight at their fullest potential if I am last to go. So, I brought my remedies.

I walk up to each of my 5 instructors, placing my energy replenishment serum and my healing powder in each of their hands. They nod gratefully and accept my vials. Mr.Howard only has a few surface cuts, but Mr.Jacobs has a few burns here and there, so they will both be using my healing powder. My serum is for everyone though, this way, all of my instructors can fight me fully energized.

Every single Level 1 that has taken their final exam has taken off their shirt so that it doesn't interfere, even my instructors are only half covered. I have seen many of the students without shirts on when we train, so it is not something completely out of the ordinary. I take off my combat boots and socks, this way, I will be able to sense any vibrations. I put everything off to the side and get into a meditative position. I focus on my senses, what I can hear, what I can smell, what I can see. I am completely relaxed and in a peaceful mind state when I am brought out of my trance.

"Take off your weights, but put them back on after all of your tests." Mr.Howard instructs. He looks more lively and energetic than before. My respect for my teacher has grown if that is even possible. He is the only instructor who has fought with every single Level 1 student, meaning that he must be more tired than the rest, even if he doesn't look it. I nod to his words.

In all honesty, I thought that Mr.Howard forgot about the weights. I take off my wrist weights and ankle weights, setting them to the side with my stuff. I get used to the lighter feeling and bounce in place a few times. I take off my shirt as well, adding it to my pile. I hardly ever take off my shirt in training, only if I am overheated or if it is extremely intense. It is one of the tell tale signs to my instructors that I am exhausted.

Few boys still gawk at my body, but not many. I understand that I have a figure that plastic surgeons would envy, and am aware of my toned muscles and six pack. I am thankful that they are more accustomed to my presence than before as well. Headmaster clears his throat.

"As said before, if your instructors feel as if your exam is not as difficult as you require, they are able to make it more challenging. Mr.Howard has decided that you will be blind folded for both throwing knives and archery. Your targets for knife throwing will be 25 meters away, but your archery targets will be 30 meters away. All of your targets will be moving, but for archery, you must hit all of your targets while having rocks thrown at you." He says. I hear most Level 1's gasp and a few Level 2's as well. They are the only ones who know the difficulty of distance for both of these aspects, so to be blindfolded and have rocks thrown at you will be near impossible. Mr.Howard takes the mic.

"Also, every rock that hits you will be 50 push ups. For every target you miss, 50 push ups. I don't care if this is your exam." Mr.Howard says. I chuckle at his words, there never is an off day is there.

I grab the throwing knives and nod to Mr.Howard. He brings over the blindfold and ties it tightly on my head. He steps away so that I can be accustomed to the darkness. I shift my feet on the ground, trying to sense the vibrations. The arena is thankfully silent, it would have been harder to focus on my accuracy if they were talking.

I sense a small shift in wind resistance, so I throw my knife in that direction with enough force to land on my target. I repeat this process for 11 other targets, unknowing if whether or not I met them.

When I am out of knives, Mr.Howard approaches me and takes off my blindfold. I squint my eyes and adjust to the light. When I can see again, I see that I met every target in an exact bullseye. I let out a sigh of relief, this process is giving me much anxiety. I grab my bow and arrow, bracing myself for what is to come.

"You will have 10 targets, just as the other students. Be weary of the rocks and do your best to meet each target." Headmaster tells me. I give a nod to Mr.Howard, so he comes and puts the blindfold on me once again. He walks away, now it is time for my test.

I feel a different movement in the air, coming at me with a little force. I dodge the first rock and focus on the wind. The rocks are going to deter my focus, so I need to pay extra attention. I dodge a few more rocks when I feel the familiar resistance. I quickly string my bow and release my arrow. I duck just in time to miss a rock.

I land a few more targets before three rocks come at me in different directions. I dodge the first two, but the third grazes my neck. 50 push ups. I release two more arrows, now I only have 4 more left. I am not quick enough to drop my stance because another rock hits my side. 100 push ups. It slightly distracts me, but I regain my focus on the targets. I release three more arrows with confidence, one more left. I finally sense the last target and release my arrow. I release just a split second before a larger rock than before hits my back. 150 push ups. I lose my balance and stumble to the floor.

I set down my bow and arrow and hit the ground in frustration. Damn. Mr.Howard comes to me and takes off my blindfold. I adjust to the light once more and see that all of my arrows met their targets precisely. I smile slightly, but it vanishes when I remember that I was hit by three rocks. I regain my breath in my sitting position. I look up to Mr.Howard, waiting for him to tell me to start my push ups.

"300." He states. I nod and begin my push ups. I have double the amount of push ups I was originally supposed to do, this is my punishment. Because of my newfound strength and increased stamina, I can do a good 240-250 push ups when I am tired before my arms begin shaking. Halfway through, when I was originally supposed to stop, Mr.Howard places weights on my back. He drops them onto my body without a care in the world. I adjust my position so that the weights don't fall and resume my push ups.

I only get another 80 push ups in before my exhaustion hits. I still have 70 push ups to go, so I persevere and push through. On my last push up, my arms are shaking quite a bit, but I don't drop yet. I look up to Mr.Howard, waiting for his command. Thirty seconds pass before he tells me that I can drop to the floor.

I crumble to the ground, releasing my arms from their position. I push myself off the floor and stretch out my arms, all the while catching my breath. I look up to my seat to find Lucas looking at me with encouragement. He nods, telling me that I did a good job. I nod back and roll back my shoulders.

I walk over to the side of the arena and unsheathe my sword. I usually lose to Mr.Howard when I am not tired, how will I be able to defeat him when my arms are tired. I take a deep breath and get in my stance.

Mr.Howard advances first, taking advantage of my tired state. I defend myself, blocking his sword with my own. My instructor uses his strength to his advantage, keeping me in the defensive. I catch him off guard mid move by crouching down. I pop back up and start with my own attack.

We trade blows and dodges, both of us trying to beat the other. Mr.Howard notices my weakening grip on my sword and knocks it out of my hand. Before my instructor can make a move, I take a few quick jabs at his pressure points, making him weaken his hold own his own sword. After I disarm him as he did to me, we circle around each other. This is now a matter of combat. I use my smaller frame and speed to my advantage, dodging Mr.Howard's swings and landing punches when he is recovering.

Swordsmanship may be his forte, but hand to hand combat is mine. As I dodge a punch, he swipes me off of my feet. I roll out of the way and pop back up before he can take advantage of my position. I notice that Mr.Howard is glancing around the arena for his sword, I do the same.

Unfortunately, Mr.Howard knocked my sword way father than I his. My instructor attacks with a few more punches now that he has located his sword. His last attack lands, sadly it was the most impactful. I slightly hunch over and keep up my defenses.

Mr.Howard uses this time to go for his sword. I surprise the both of us when I go after him. I am so light on my feet that my teacher doesn't notice my presence until after I have jumped onto his back. I hold his head in a chokehold tightly. Suddenly, Mr.Howard falls on his back, trying to get me off. His weight and the sudden impact knock the wind out of me, but I do not let up. In fact, I hold his head even tighter than before now that my breaths aren't stabilized.

It isn't until Mr.Howard's face is almost purple that he taps out, forfeiting the fight. I immediately release him as he rolls over. He begins violently coughing, trying to catch his breath. I do the same. We glance at each other after a moment and break out in laughter.

"You weigh a ton." I chuckle out. Mr.Howard shakes his head amused and stands up. He offers me a hand, so I take it from my crouched position. I hand him his sword as I walk over to retrieve mine.

"Good fight." He acknowledges. I bow down to him, showing my respect.

"You as well." I respond when I am standing straight. I put my sword in it's covering just as Mr.Howard makes his way out of the arena. I can't believe I just did that, this was my first time ever beating him in battle. Now, I have to fight Mr.Casey.

I am catching my breath as he walks into the arena. I sit down in my meditative position and feel around for the earth. Because we are Level 1, we aren't supplied with tubs of our element, we have to utilize what is before us. I take in a deep breath of air before I stand back up again. I bow to my instructor and get in my stance. He nods his head and gets in his stance as well.

Immediately, I advance towards him by sprouting vines from the ground and latching them onto his legs. He easily dispels of them with a flick of his wrist and instead begins growing cacti bushes and throwing them at me. I dodge the prickly attacks while forming my own. I grow soil from the dirt ground and flow my energy into it. I form wooden spears out of the logs I make. While I throw them at my instructor with as much force as I have to give, he dodges as he attempts to get me off course with quicksand.

He turns the ground around me into a sinking hotspot while creating a mini earthquake. I quickly grow a medium sized tree and scale it. This way, I have protection from the ground attacks and can use the leaves as a barrier. On the off side, this makes it easier to locate me.

As Mr.Casey is walking up to the tree, I flow my energy into it. I quickly begin growing seeds or shall I say acorns from the branches, allowing me with accessible 'weapons'. I jump off of the tree when Mr.Casey delivers a final blow to the tree, causing the wood to split.

We begin trading attacks with all sorts of plants and different kinds of advances I have been learning. It is difficult to fight your instructor when he is the one teaching you separate techniques in the first place. Mr.Casey begins throwing small boulders at me.

I take in a short breath before dodging every single one while being light on my feet. There have been several times in our training sessions when he would try to catch me off guard and attack me. The rocks I am dodging remind me of the ball of snow I failed to miss during my placement tests.

Thank the goddess that my instructors have trained me in many fighting styles. I crack the last boulder right down the middle and throw the remains at Mr.Casey. Because it is extremely easy for my instructor to wield nature, I have to attack him in his blind spots. I throw the sharpened rocks at him while growing rose bushes around his feet. I am sure to grow the flower bushes with thorns. Although it may hurt, I want to be victorious. I all so suddenly remember the acorns I have laying in a pile on the floor. I grab them quickly and turn back to Mr.Casey.

I flow more energy into the acorns and smirk at my instructor. I begin throwing the acorns at him, growing small trees from the seeds in mid air. The attacks catch him off guard and the master is pummeled to the ground by three good sized trees. I don't give my instructor a chance to rest as I flow my energy into the dirt and throw it at him. I grow smilax vines from the soil and surround his body with them tightly.

I grow additional vines around his hands to prevent him from escaping. I grow bushes from underneath Mr.Casey and will them towards me, carrying my teacher. I adjust the lengths of the plants just enough so that I am able to drop him into the quicksand. I leave Mr.Casey in the quicksand he originally formed, a fourth of his body already beneath ground level. My instructor nods and smiles at me, then submits. I quickly dispel of any vines so that my instructor can raise himself from the quicksand. When he does so, he clears his throat.

"You have excelled wonderfully. You think quick on your feet all the while intelligently fighting the battle. Very well executed." He comments. I nod and smile.

"I would be no where with my abilities if it were not for you and my other instructors." I reply, bowing down to him one last time. He nods and exits the arena.

I now realize how unsteady my breathing pattern is. I calmly try to stabilize my breaths while maintaining my energy. I am very tired and I am not even halfway done with my final exams. My arms are very sore and I need to try and reserve my energy so that I do not wear myself out.

I squat down low, my head hanging from my crouching position, it is too tiring to stand upright. I have no idea how I'll be able to fight the next few battles if I am already feeling defeated before they have begun.

I internally sigh when I see Mr.Ivanov enter the arena in his usual manner. His cold face is looking right back at me disapprovingly, my Russian instructor scolds me anytime I give off a hint of weakness. The air master is constantly trying to tell me that people will assume my limitations because of my gender, and try to take advantage of that.

I stand back up straight, following his silent command to raise myself. I bow to him as I have my other instructors, for I respect each of them so much. I shift my feet into my fighting stance, let's just get this fight over with.

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