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[center][sub]Time: 3:31 am - The Forest[/sub][/center]

[hider=Lilie/Ben]

The cat sauntered down the path that brought the pair to their last challenge, bringing the pair back to the site of their challenge with Geoffrey. The clearing looked as it did the first time they encountered it, trees and bush alive alive and flourishing. As the cat passed the area, the trees and bush shimmered and turned into particles of light that engulfed the clearing in a kaleidoscope of colors before settling onto the cat’s skin. Only the marble remained as the cat continued, ignoring the spectacle and sat at the path they could have taken. It chirped at the pair. 

But a strange whispering came from the forest behind the marble block and the cat whipped around at the sound. The cat’s coat changed from black to rainbow stripped and it grew as it growled, shaking as it turned into a large tiger. It growled again and bolted in the direction of the whispers. 

[/hider] 

[hider=Maddie/Amaris] 

[color=deepskyblue] “Sounds like you have a grasp on the basics! Won’t tell ya the other but I will say, it’s probably the easiest to figure out of the whole thing!”[/color] He leaned forward, clearly confident in their failure. Maddie ignored him and focused on the riddle; they didn’t suffer through that [i]snake[/i] just to fail. 

[color=FC8686]“So a mournful man beneath a long set sun left behind a daughter… I’m inclined to believe that means the man isn’t here and the first part is about her daughter, especially since the enemy targets her.”[/color] Maddie spoke slowly as she organized her thoughts. [color=FC8686]“I think the foe is a Sinnenodel. Their symbol, the snakes, slither but the sea part is confusing. I don’t know why the sea would have an importance and I don’t know how they were bound by blade and blood or how they escaped it. The last partI’m not so certain about either since I don’t know who the daughter is but it’s odd they chose brood, like they aren’t entirely related or there is more than one. Maybe that means more than one option?”[/color]
[/hider]

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[center][sub]Time: 4:44 am - Study Room 6[/sub][/center]

[color=hotpink]“See, even Aaron recognizes my potential and he’s only been here for like, ten minutes!”[/color] Hilda exclaimed smugly. 

[color=5CFCFB]“Yes, yes. You’re amazing and you’re going to prove you don’t need magic to be successful.”[/color] Lilith interjected quickly, cutting off Ander who was almost guaranteed to turn that comment into a jab before returning to her conversation with Aaron, a curious look at Aaron’s ring. [color=5CFCFB]“What an interesting focus. Is that an awakening crystal?”[/color]

Meanwhile, Ander lunged for the tea while Lilith was distracted. She jerked back at the sudden movement, nearly spilling the tea across the picnic blanket and herself as the pot went tumbling but instead the liquid just hovered above the cloth before whirling together in a neat ball and slipping around Lilith and Aaron to settle just in front of Diego’s outstretched fingers. With a flourish, the liquid flowed between his fingers in a constant stream and he smacked Ander on the back of the head with the other.

[color=FCBD5C]“Careful there, shit-for-brains.”[/color] He grumbled, refilling everyone’s cup while Lilith picked up the pot. She held it out and the remaining ice tea was sent over to it with a flick of his fingers. [color=FCBD5C]“Focus aside, Firefly, what’s your plan for arcane majors? You seem like the overachiever type so I’m guessing Summoning.”[/color]

[color=69F954]“He gets [i]Firefly[/i] and I’m still stuck with shit-for-brains?!”[/color] Ander screeched indignantly. [color=69F954]“We've been friends for over a year!”[/color] Diego gave a noncommittal shrug that only made Ander more annoyed.

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[center][sub]Time: 4:44 am - Staging Grounds[/sub][/center]

[color=bc8dbf] “At this time, I am unable to explain the workings of the challenges. Academy policy only permits a select few access to the workings of the magic employed, for both the safety of those in them and maintaining them.”[/color] Ryner explained. [color=bc8dbf] “and do not worry about those who may find themselves in the forest. We’ll be able to recall them when the time is right. Enjoy the rest of your morning.”[/color] She waved as they headed away, moving onto the next group that escaped the forest. 

Once the pair turned in their tokens, a car took Victor and Salem back to the dorms.