As the test began, something different caught Annie's eye. She had heard rumors about a goblin woman being taught magic here. And those rumors were true. Folks around these parts didn't like goblins, so Annie wasn't quite sure what to make of this. Whatever the case, the girl did not seem as scary as Annie expected. And the fact she was here must have meant she had some magical ability. The goblin girl was shot down for going first, and Annie couldn't help but to feel a little bad for the girl.<br/><br/>Each member of the class began taking the test, and one by one the students caused the rod to glow. It was a very strange thing, but Annie was absolutely enchanted by the whole process. Then, to her surprise, the man Dayyan brought the rod over to Val and herself. Hadn't he skipped the goblin woman? Had he made a mistake? Val took the rod, and Annie grinned as rod lit up for Val's test. The teachers all seemed impressed by it as the whole room began to applaud. This was a very, very good sign.<br/>"Way to go, Val!" Annie said, shaking her friend excitedly. But the excitement didn't last too long.<br/><br/>The goblin girl jumped to her feet and ran out the door, knocking over a chair in the process. Annie could see the tears streaming down her face as she ran by, and felt a pang of pity for the poor girl. It didn't seem right that Val should get tested before the girl. Looking back, Annie was also able to see a new person had entered the classroom. A young woman with dark black hair. Another student?<br/><br/>"Ready?" Ian's voice brought Annie out of her thoughts. Looking back, Annie found the mage offering<i>her</i>the test as well. Annie stared down at the rod, wide-eyed. Her? She wasn't even a student here. She should say no. But Annie found herself taking the rod, and the room was full of a bright light. A bright light coming from the Core Gauge.<br/>"Congratulations, Annie. You've passed the test of potential. You have the talent to attend White Castle."<br/><br/>....<br/><br/>The next few moments passed in a blur for Annie. The light was so bright. Was it really correct? It had only been a few months since she had received her grandfather's tome, surely she couldn't have surpassed these other students that had been training since they were children, to such an extent. What would she tell her parents, if these folks really did offer her the scholarship? This was crazy. A chance for a real, proper education. Seeing new places, meeting new people. Learning more about her grandfather. And then there was that goblin girl, not even getting a chance. She'd have to bring that up with Ian.<br/><br/>"Way to go, Annie!" Val said to her. Annie looked over to Val, a smile coming across her face again.<br/>"Ah'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't surprised." Annie said. "About me, I mean. I knew you were gonna do just fine." Annie said. The woman shook her head. "That was... I mean, I'm still kind of in shock about it. I mean, I didn't even think they would consider to test me."