I Can Extract Game Items

August found a spot near the edge of the grounds, leaning against a low stone wall as he watched the other players.

The different outfits and gear was fascinating, from a mage wearing a bright neon staff adorned with holographic runes to another carrying a comically oversized book glowing faintly with fire.

Nearby, a lanky mage with glasses pushed up the bridge of his nose, muttering to himself. "Three tests... they said the first one is easy. Easy for who? I barely passed my last mana control exam..."

August smirked. "You're overthinking it," he called out. "First test is probably just to weed out the slackers."

The mage blinked at him. "And you're not worried?"

August shrugged. "I've been through worse. Besides, stressing out now won't help you."

The mage sighed but nodded, seemingly calmed by August's nonchalant attitude.

---

After a brief waiting period, a booming voice called the next batch of mages, and August joined the group as they were led toward a floating platform connected to the ground by a glowing bridge of light.

The NPC mage who registered them appeared in a flash of golden light. "Welcome, aspirants. You are here to prove your worth as Tier 2 Mages. There will be three tests. Succeed, and you will ascend. Fail, and you remain as you are."

The players nodded with looks of determination.

[ System Notification: Trial 1 - Control and Precision ]

The NPC waved a hand, and before each mage appeared a small glowing orb, pulsating gently. "Your task is simple: Manipulate the orb's energy to form a perfect sphere. Those who fail to maintain precision will be disqualified."

August focused on the orb before him. It flickered and wavered as he extended his hand, channeling his mana into it. Slowly but surely, the uneven edges smoothed out until it glowed like a miniature moon.

Around him, players were murmuring nervously. A mage nearby accidentally overcharged their orb, causing it to explode in a harmless burst of light. "Well, that's one way to fail," August muttered under his breath.

After a few minutes, the NPC inspected each orb, nodding approvingly at August's work. "Satisfactory. Proceed."

System Notification:

[ Trial 1 Complete. ]

The NPC mage who led the trials floated a few inches off the ground. Their robes billowed as though moved by an unseen wind. Their voice resonated across the platform, authoritative and commanding.

"For the second trial, you will demonstrate mastery over your spells," the NPC announced with their glowing staff tapping the ground. "Each of you must select two spells from your arsenal. These spells will be your tools to solve a specific problem I present to you. Mastery, ingenuity, and efficiency will be judged."

August's brow furrowed as he opened his spell menu.

---

Spells Available:

- Lightning Bolt

- Arcane Shield

- Ethereal Storm

- Wind Surge

- Light Reverie (Level 2)

---

"Two spells," he muttered under his breath. His instinct leaned toward Lightning Bolt and Arcane Shield for its utility, but he hesitated. "They want mastery, not just functionality."

As he pondered, a massive shimmering dome formed in the center of the platform. Inside it was an elaborate obstacle course: large boulders floated ominously, streams of fire shot across pathways, and shifting platforms created a constantly changing landscape. In the middle of the chaos stood an orb encased in thick ice, glowing faintly.

"Your objective," the NPC continued, "is to retrieve the orb from the center of this field. You will rely only on the two spells you select. Once the orb is secured, you will demonstrate the level of mastery you possess over those spells in the follow-up display."

Players began murmuring, their excitement and nerves evident.

---

System Notification:

[ Trial 2: Spell Mastery Initiated. Select Two Spells. ]

---

August's eyes narrowed as he made his decision. Ethereal Storm could disrupt the obstacles, and Lightning Bolt could shatter the ice encasing the orb.

"Those two should do the trick," he muttered, confirming his choice.

---

One by one, the mages entered the dome.

Their progress was visible to the others through a translucent screen. Some faltered early, misjudging their spell usage or failing to anticipate the dynamic nature of the course.

A mage ahead of August tripped on a shifting platform causing their Fireball spell to misfire and melt part of their path, which caused them to fall into a pit.

"Guess that's one way to fail," August muttered under his breath, earning a chuckle from the mage next to him.

When his name was called, August stepped forward. He entered the dome and the magical energy sealed him inside with a soft hum.

---

The course was a whirlwind of chaos. Floating boulders swung in slow arcs, fire streams erupted unpredictably, and gusts of wind threatened to knock him off balance. August moved carefully but this was a walk in the park for him due to his dual class.

His assassin perks made it easier for him to transverse such an area.

He activated Ethereal Storm, releasing a swirling vortex of elemental energy. The chaotic mix of lightning and wind tore through the first set of obstacles, scattering boulders and disrupting the fire streams.

A clear path opened ahead, though the constantly shifting platforms added another layer of difficulty.

A gust of wind knocked one of the floating platforms off balance as he approached, forcing him to leap. Discover hidden stories at empire

He activated Lightning Bolt mid-air, using it to strike a boulder that blocked his path. The bolt shattered the rock, sending fragments flying harmlessly away.

As he landed, the orb encased in ice came into view. The ice was thick, glowing faintly with magical reinforcement. He grinned while extending his hand.

"Let's see how you handle this," he voiced before summoning Lightning Bolt once more. The concentrated energy surged forward, striking the ice. Cracks spiderwebbed across its surface, but it didn't shatter completely.

"Stubborn, huh? Fine."

He unleashed Ethereal Storm again, this time focusing its chaotic energy directly on the weakened ice.

The storm surged with relentless powere and the combination of elements overwhelmed the magical reinforcement until the ice shattered with a resounding crack.

---

System Notification:

[ Orb Secured. Proceed to the Display Area. ]

---

August picked up the orb, feeling it's warmness in his hand befor moving to the next section.

The other mages watched intently as he approached the display area, where each participant demonstrated their mastery of the spells they had chosen.

"Now, Aleman," the NPC mage said, gesturing to the platform. "Your turn."

August stepped forward, holding the orb aloft. He began with Ethereal Storm, shaping its chaotic energy into a controlled vortex.

Instead of random destruction, the storm followed precise paths, targeting specific points on the platform and avoiding others entirely. The audience murmured in approval.

Next, he activated Lightning Bolt, combining it with the remnants of Ethereal Storm.

The bolt surged through the vortex, amplifying its power and creating a dazzling display of synergy between the two spells.

The NPC nodded with a neutral look while voicing their approval. "Impressive. You have demonstrated not good mastery but also creativity in combining your spells. Step aside."

As the trial continued, fewer and fewer mages passed. By the end, only a handful stood victorious.

The NPC mage raised their staff. "Congratulations to those who succeeded. You have proven your worth in this trial. Prepare yourselves for the final test."

August stepped back with a smile. "Two down, one to go," he muttered.

"This is easier than I expected."

System Notification:

[ Trial 2 Complete. Remaining Players: 7. ]

---

The third test was announced with little fanfare, but the tension rose.

[ System Notification: Trial 3 - Spell Creation ]