Finnick's climb and Aftermath

Frost, incensed by the derision directed towards him as he took the task at hand seriously, lunged toward the suspended rope ladder with fervor. However, as he progressed up the rungs, the ladder appeared to elongate, rendering his ascent increasingly arduous. Eventually, the challenge proved too much, causing him to topple to the ground, engulfed by the coils of rope and wooden steps.

Finick viewed the situation with amusement.

"Very well done," praised Master Eldritch. "Who wishes to make an attempt next?"

"Allow me to try once more," Frost requested, a hint of resentment creeping into his voice. "I am now cognizant of the approach required."

"There are many aspirants waiting eagerly for their turn," Master Eldritch noted, exhibiting a noticeable enjoyment.

"It's unjust. Once someone succeeds, all will know the solution, and I am being penalized for going first."

"It seemed to me that you were eager to go first," Master Eldritch retorted. "However, if there is available time after everyone has had their turn, and you still wish to make another attempt, you may do so."

It appeared that Frost would be granted another opportunity, a conclusion that Fin inferred from his demeanor and probable notable background.

Most of the students failed to perform better than their peers, some only managing to scale halfway before losing traction and plummeting. A few couldn't even initiate their ascent. Lirien was the most accomplished, until her grip gave way, causing her to crash onto a training mat. Her hair accessory, adorned with a flower, suffered some damage. Despite trying to hide it, Fin discerned that Lirien was distressed by the way she repeatedly attempted to restore her hair clip.

Master Eldritch consulted his roster and announced, "Lance Sterling." The athletic and confident Lance stood before the rope ladder, stretching his fingers in preparation, exuding a sense of comfort in his physicality. Fin felt a pang of envy, as he was unable to participate in team sports, due to the fear of humiliation.

Lance approached the rope ladder with determination and launched himself onto it. He scaled the rope with agility, propelled upward by a seamless combination of pushing his feet and pulling with his arms. The speed at which he climbed caused the rope to fall slower than Lance's ascent. Higher and higher he went, eliciting a hush from the onlookers, including Fin who held his breath in awe.

Lance ascended to the summit with a gleeful grin plastered across his face. With a swift motion, he used the edge of his hand to strike the ball and release it from its perch. He slithered down the ladder with the grace of a gymnast, landing soundly on his feet.

The other children erupted into an impromptu applause, even Frost, who grudgingly patted Lance on the back in recognition of his achievement.

Master Eldritch, with his characteristically monotonous tone, acknowledged Lance's success by uttering the same words he used for all the other participants. Finnick suspected the grumpy old mage was irked by the fact that someone had defeated his tedious task.

"Finnick Black," the mage announced as he moved on to the next candidate.

Finnick stepped forward, wishing he had thought to bring a physician's note excusing him from the physical challenge. "I can't," he declared.

Master Eldritch scrutinized him, asking "Why not?"

Finnick lifted his head, casting a defiant gaze towards the mage. "My leg," he explained. "I'm not allowed to participate in gym activities."

The mage shrugged nonchalantly, "So don't."

Finnick struggled to contain his anger as he noticed the reactions of the other children, some expressing pity, others annoyance. Normally, he would have eagerly embraced the opportunity to engage in physical activity, but he was determined to follow the restrictions imposed upon him. "It's not an excuse," he retorted. "When I was a baby, my leg bones were shattered, and I've undergone ten surgeries with sixty iron screws holding my leg together." He hoped Master Eldritch would decline his offer to see the scars, as his left leg was a disfigurement of red incision lines and unsightly scar tissue. Finnick never exposed it to anyone, having avoided shorts since he was old enough to comprehend the meaning behind curious gazes directed towards his leg. He was at a loss as to why he had revealed so much, save for the fact that he was consumed by fury, losing control over what he said.

Master Eldritch, twirling his whistle contemplatively, addressed Finnick. "The trials before us are not easily surmountable," he declared. "At the very least, put forth effort in this endeavor, Finnick. If you are unable to overcome this obstacle, we shall progress to the next challenge."

Finick reluctantly approached the rope ladder, bracing himself for the task ahead. He placed his left foot on the lowest rung, only to be met with a searing pain that forced him to abandon his attempt. The sound of Frost's mocking laughter echoed behind him. Despite the aching in his leg and the numbness in his stomach, Finnick steeled himself and reached for the ladder once more, determined to succeed.

However, the memory of years of ridicule and ridicule for his physical limitations overwhelmed him. As he gazed up at the red rubber ball at the top of the ladder, frustration and anger surged within him. Suddenly, with a loud boom, the ball erupted into flames. The room was filled with smoke, and everyone, including Master Eldritch, stared in awe as the ball burned. The stench of burning chemicals permeated the air, and Finnick stepped back as a lump of melting plastic fell to the floor.

"Everyone, evacuate the room," ordered Master Eldritch as the students started to choke and cough on the smoke.

"My turn!" protested Frost. "How can I have my second attempt now that the freak has ruined the ball?"

"LEAVE," commanded the mage, and the students hastily fled the room, with Finnick bringing up the rear. Despite the goop splattered on his T-shirt, Finnick was acutely aware of the hateful glares from both Frost and Master Eldritch directed towards him.