If there was one thing Michael was good at, it was control. Though his magic trailed behind his skill with the sword, both could be considered well above average for his age. Moreover, Michael put in constant effort to improve his skills. With the additional mana regeneration that his room provided, Michael was learning faster than ever.
Now, a pile of enchanted quartz sat next to him. After completing the first under his master's watch, he was tasked with creating one for each spell he had learned in the first week. With each magestone he enchanted, Michael grew faster and his enchantments grew stronger. For some, that meant a stronger spell could be deployed. For others, it meant they lasted longer. He had yet to create a truly permanent enchantment, but he was getting close — he could feel it.
He didn't finish creating magestones until dinner. He was surprised by just how many spells he had already learned. Though his water spells noticeably outnumbered those he knew in other elements, he realized he knew at least two or three of each main element. Most were simple, but it was a remarkable feat considering he'd only just started learning half of them within the last week.
As he left dinner, he heard a whispering in his ear, telling him to take the Ottawan snake behind the dorms. He conferred with Julia and Jackson, who both said they'd gotten similar messages. They walked back to the dorms, doing their best to hide their eagerness in front of their other friends. When they'd arrived, he quickly grabbed the cage, made sure no one was in the hall, then made his way outside.
By the time he found the spot, pretty much all the other kids were there. He noticed cages in front of Scott, Julia and Sara, but the rest seemed empty handed. If that meant what he thought it did, then this challenge had knocked out more people than he had expected.
Once the last of them had arrived, the circle closed. A blanket of darkness and sound magic rose around them, hiding their words and actions from the outside. Either several of the higher grade mages were working together for both parts of the spell, or the group had a powerful benefactor. Or both. Michael had a feeling it was probably both, considering how hard it was to join.
"Recruits, you have run out of time to complete the task given to you. While I understand that SOME OF YOU," the speaker paused to stare daggers at Fergus, "think you have time left, the truth is that this coming week will leave you no time to complete the task assigned. Those that have successfully captured a beast of Rank 2 or higher, please step forward."
Michael did as he was told. He had no intention of hiding away, even under the jealous gaze of Fergus and the others. They were made to line up and present their captured beasts.
"Scott, it appears you've captured a Rank 2 sylphie. Well done." The beast in question was nearly invisible, comprised almost entirely of air and Air magic. Michael was surprised since he remembered Scott entering the lake with him, but stranger things could have happened.
"Julia, an Earthen Moldig. A weaker Rank 2, but definitely a Rank 2 beast. Congratulations on passing." This one sounded exactly like the name suggested. A short mole with powerful claws sat in the cage, seemingly asleep.
"Sara, I'm disappointed. The will-o-wisp can indeed become a Rank 2 or higher beast, but this one is lacking in strength. I'm afraid your beast does not quite match the requirements of this task. We wish you the best of luck in your academic endeavors."
"Michael, you have shown yourself once again to be a formidable first-year. The Ottowan Snake is not a beast to be taken lightly, with nearly all of them being at the mid third rank or higher." Turning to one of the nearby members, they asked, "can we confirm this was done through his efforts alone?" Michael was a little hurt they didn't trust his abilities to beat the small hydra on his own, but relaxed when a guy's voice affirmed he had no help.
"In that case, great job. As I've said, you have captured a powerful beast. Unfortunately, this task does require you to give up your captured beast. I ask that those of you who have successfully done so please present them to us. Sara, you may keep your will-o-wisp as a consolation for your efforts."
"Wait!" a tiny voice piped up. "I've got a beast too! I just didn't use the-the cage." Everyone turned to stare at Malachi in surprise. He hadn't appeared to have any beasts with him, but suddenly he produced a fish-tank with a stoneshark, a smaller but similar beast to the shark Michael had fought. They were notorious for never being below mid-Rank 2. Michael was surprised he'd managed to find a younger one and defeat it.
"Do we have confirmation that Malachi defeated and captured this beast without aid?" A few members ran over to the leader and they whispered back and forth for a few seconds. "Very well, the council accepts Malachi's stoneshark."
With that, the four of them passed the second test. Though Michael wished his other friends had succeeded, he wasn't particularly shocked that Leo or Nathan had failed to work independently at such a difficult task. He was more surprised that Kayn and Jackson had failed. Both were strong mages for their age. Michael had a feeling they had just been unlucky, but it didn't matter. Either way, they had failed the challenge.
Everyone but Michael, Julia, Scott and Malachi were escorted from their magical pavilion. It seemed the Order of the Elk was eager to keep their secrets, even in regards to the qualifying tasks. Once the dejected first-years were gone, the dome closed over them again.
For the first time, a different voice took charge. A deep, manly voice resounded that reminded Michael of someone he had met before. "Initiates, congratulations on reaching the third and final task. Your trial? To bring me something I have never seen before. I should warn you that I have experienced a great many things, so originality is expected. You have three weeks." With that, the man disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Wait, smoke. Was that the headmaster?!? It would make sense, but Michael hadn't realized that the Order's trials were something directly sanctioned by the headmaster. Why were they constantly hiding in the shadows if the school was okay with it? Michael couldn't figure it out and eventually chalked it up to tradition.
As much as Michael wanted to stop and focus on the task he'd been given, he was rather tired. He had a week worth of classes. Maybe he'd find some inspiration during that time. Otherwise, he wouldn't have the opportunity to start until their next rest day.
For now, Michael would focus on making it through the week. The rest would come in time.