Just then, the duel between Charles and Allen had finally begun.
Allen was ready for this duel. He may have failed his previous tests, but this was something he could be confident in. Although his opponent Charles looked strong, he was definitely underestimating Allen's capabilities. Allen could use this to his advantage.
Allen finally unsheathed his sword from his waist. His sword's blade was gray in color, which seemed to gleam in the sunlight, with a length a good size for a one-handed sword. The hilt was black in color, going well with the gray color of the blade. In the middle of the guard of the sword, was a decently sized four-pointed star, white in color. You also could see the star on both sides of the guard.
Allen pointed the sword's blade at Charles, waiting for his first move. He wanted to study Charles' attacks before making moves of his own.
"A sword?," Charles laughed, looking at Allen in surprise. "You're going to try to beat me, a mage, with a sword?"
Just as Allen expected, the audience in return added their own comments.
"A sword? Why would a mage use a regular sword?"
"Is he so weak that he needs to use a sword?"
"Having to use a sword is pathetic! Magic duels are supposed to be for magic!"
Allen didn't say anything. Instead, he prepared for Charles' first move.
"Well, if you aren't going to make the first move, then I suppose I will!," Charles shouted.
After lifting his right arm, a blue elemental magic circle came out of his hand. He then casted his water magic, which was a large blast of water aimed right at Allen. The magic came at full speed, ready to knock him down. However, Allen was ready for an attack like this.
Just as the water magic was about to reach him, Allen used his sword to cut through Charles' magic. His once large blast of water was gone, already starting to dissipate. It had done no damage to Allen, and Allen already was preparing for the next attack.
"My magic! How- how did you do that?!," Charles exclaimed, his eyes completely wide open. "How did you stop it?!"
Normally, the audience would have said something. However, only murmurs went through the crowd.
"Hmph, well no matter! You're just a weak mage! Take this instead!," Charles shouted at him.
Charles once again prepared his elemental magic circle, and released water magic at Allen. However, this time they were stronger, and there were several blasts of water instead of one.
Allen took a moment to study each water blast as they came full force at him. He once again used his sword to cut through each one, dissipating each one just as they were about to reach him.
"Wha- no way you just did that!," Charles' eyes widened even more, with his body starting to lean back. "That's it! You're going to face my real power! No more holding back against you!"
Charles began to start preparing his next set of spells, fueled by his frustration. Allen knew that if he didn't start to move quickly, Charles could bombard him with his next set of spells. With the uncertainty of the amount of spells to follow, Allen knew it could be harder to cut through all of them.
He closed his eyes, and began to feel the air mana that flowed through his body. He concentrated enough to move the mana closer to his legs, which would allow him to move quicker. It was a hard, but useful trick he learned from his mentor.
"Even if your magic is weak, and you struggle to cast your magic, you can still control the mana within your body," his mentor's words echoed through his head. "In fact, the less mana you have, the easier it will be to control. Concentrate, and will your mana to flow as you wish. Control it, Allen!"
Just then, Allen stood ready in position, ready to move. He then used his mana within his legs to push himself forward, sending him at full running speed towards Charles.
Right before Charles was about to cast his spells, he noticed Allen already quickly heading to his position.
"No you don't! I won't let you!," he shouted as Allen headed straight ahead towards him..
Charles finally cast his spell, sending a full blast of his water magic right at Allen, as Allen was starting to close the distance.
Knowing he probably couldn't cut through all of Charles' magic, Allen quickly maneuvered to the right. He completely dodged his spell, already closing the distance.
Charles could barely react, as he was still in the middle of finishing the casting of his original spell. In a final ditch effort to stop Allen, he quickly decided to try to cast another spell. He turned around to face him, putting up his left arm this time, and began to cast another spell. However his spell was weaker this time, as he had limited time to try to stop him.
Allen cut through his magic easily, already reaching Charles' position. He quickly stopped moving at full speed once he was within arm's reach of him. He moved his sword up towards Charles' neck, his sword almost touching it. This, was checkmate.
Charles instantly realized the predicament he was suddenly put in, as he knew it was over. A wave of surprise showed on his face as he realized his humiliating defeat. How could a weak mage who used a sword instead of casting magic easily beat him, a strong mage from a distinguished family?
"It's over Charles, I've beat you," Allen announced as he looked at him, ready to take action if Charles tried anything else.
"NO! This can't be, I can't lose!," he exclaimed, uneasiness in his voice.
"Charles, you've lost. It's over, I've won," Allen declared, moving his sword just a little closer to his neck.
Charles stood there for a few more seconds, as he debated his options.
"I- I admit defeat," he finally said, realizing there was nothing he could do.
For a moment, everyone in the audience fell completely silent, completely in awe of the duel they had just seen. Most of the previous duels didn't match up or compare to the one everyone has just seen. Either they were completely one sided and ended quickly, or both mages were on the same level. However, their duel was between a strong and weak mage, and the weak mage ended up winning.
"Charles Rivertide admits defeat! Allen Fleming wins!," the examiner announced.
After a few seconds, suddenly the audience went crazy. Half of the audience cheered, while the other half disgusted over Allen's win. No matter how anyone felt, Allen had proven himself and won, even though his magic is weak.
With a final deep breath, Allen finally sheathed his sword and took a step back from Charles. He extended out his hand.
"No hard feelings?," Allen asked, looking to reconcile with him, despite how he treated him. "It was a great duel.
Charles looked down at his hand and slapped it away.
"No! I shouldn't have lost," he yelled, completely dissatisfied. "A powerful mage like me losing to you? Never! Trust me, Allen Fleming, you will regret this later on!"
So much for making up with him, Allen thought, as Charles stomped away, angry with his own defeat.
Even though despite everything Charles had said earlier before the duel angered him, Allen was still willing to forgive him. But now that Charles has smacked his hand away, he doesn't know if he'll ever get along with Charles in the future.
All Allen wants to do is get along with his fellow peers and train to become a magical knight. He didn't want to let Charles' words or even the audience to get him down. He reminded himself about his goal to become a magical knight instead of focusing on what people said around him.
"Alright! Next duel pair!," the examiner announced.
Allen finally walked out of the way, back to one of the sides of the arena. On the way back, some of his fellow examinees congratulated him and apologized for doubting him. However, others ignored him, putting their noses up in disgust. Perhaps they ignored him because they didn't feel like he won properly, or maybe they were jealous at the fact that such a weak mage such as himself was able to beat a mage such as Charles.
Either way, Allen thought his duel turned out alright, and he felt more confident that he could pass his exam. After all, he just beat a powerful mage, did he not?
"Hey, great job out there man! Glad to see you won!," someone had said from behind. Allen turned around to see it was Thomas, the boy he met earlier.
"Thanks! It was an interesting duel, alright," Allen responded, leaning his back against a wall. He was still a little exhausted from his duel.
"So, how did you do that? How did you beat Charles so easily?," Thomas asked, shaking from excitement. "Your sword just cut through his magic, and you ran so fast that I could barely see you! Man, I'm just so pumped up from seeing that duel!"
"Well, I have been training ever since the age of 8. Since my magic is so weak, my mentor I trained under had me train in other ways too, like this sword he gave me," Allen answered, pointing down to his sword, which was currently" sheathed.
"Woah, that's so cool! You said earlier you came from a small village, right? Who trained you so well? Was it a well known mage, maybe?," Thomas kept asking questions, his eyes practically beaming with curiosity.
"Oh, my mentor? His name was-"
But before Allen could finish, the examiners started to call in everyone to receive their exam results.
"Each person's number will be called up one at a time. All of the examiners have already tallied up the scores, and have given them to the three directors. It will be up to our three directors to determine your acceptance into the academy"
"If accepted, you will receive your rank and then will be given further instructions after the results. If you did not pass, well, you can go home and try again next year. Now then, number 1, please come forward!"
"Looks like they're starting the results. I'll catch up with you later, Allen!," Thomas waved while already walking away towards a few other examinees.
"Yeah, see you later Thomas," Allen waved back, but Thomas was already gone.
Now, it was time to wait for his results. He watched the results until his number was called. Out of all the examinees, most were accepted. Those that were accepted usually received a rank of C or D, with a few receiving B. However, only a handful of the examinees received the A rank.
"Number 97! Please come forward," one of the examiners called out.
Allen quickly made his way forward, ready to receive the result he's been anxiously waiting for. He was closer to the directors this time, not far from their seats above. He once again looked up, hoping to get a better idea of who they were.
To the very right, was a middle-aged female director, who had curly blond hair and blue eyes, from what he could tell. She wore a distinguished uniform blue in color, and you could tell she wore her outfit proudly. Allen presumed the blue uniform color matched her element, so that would make her element water.
To the very left, was an older male director, who had straight brown hair and eyes, however you could tell his hair was starting to gray. He also wore a similar distinguished uniform, but brown in color. He had a disinterested look on his face, as if this whole examination process was a waste of his time. Going by his presumption with the first director, this director's element would be earth.
Finally, in the center of the three sat a middle aged man, with long gray hair that reached down to his shoulders and gray eyes. He wore a pair of circular shaped glasses, which helped outline his constantly observing eyes. The glasses combined with his other features gave himself an overall intimidating look.
It was then Allen finally recognized him, now that he had a much better view of him. Even though he looked slightly different with his uniform on, that was no doubt his old mentor: William. But what was he doing here? How was he a director?
"Number 97, Allen Fleming. Your results are in," William spoke while inspecting the paper with the results in front of him. He showed no indication of recognizing Allen, not even in the slightest.
He should obviously know who Allen was. After all, he trained him for 5 whole years. So he must've been doing that on purpose, for one reason or another. Either way, Allen can try to find a way to speak to him later.
"While you did extremely poor on most of the exam's tests, you did exceedingly well in your duel. You were able to beat a powerful mage for your age group, a Rivertide at that. The audience here has all seen your real strength, and no one can deny it now"
This is it, Allen thought. I can finally start my path to become a magical knight!
"Despite that," William continued, his loud voice getting the attention of everyone. "Given that the duel part of the exam is new, and with a vote with the other directors, it seems like you did not pass"
William's words echoed in his mind. He couldn't believe what he had just said. He didn't pass? All those years of training, for nothing? Was it just never meant to be?
Most of the other examinees in the audience began to react in various ways. A few of them were disagreeing, saying that Allen should've passed. While most of them agreed, diminishing him for being magically weak, and it didn't matter if he won the duel. Or perhaps they just felt like Allen didn't belong here.
"However," William continued, getting everyone's attention again. "I have a proposition if you will..."
Everyone was suddenly surprised, including the examiners and the other two directors. It seems like whatever William was about to say, not even the other two directors knew about it.
"What do you mean, proposition?," the earth director asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Yeah, what are you talking about William?," the water director asked.
"This academy for generations has trained mages of all sorts of calibers," William started to explain, pushing in his glasses. "While there are four elements, excuse me 3, each student can use their magic differently"
"And? What of it?," the water director asked.
"The ranking system of A through D is based on magical power alone, but ever since I've become head director, we've started to change some of the policies...," William continued.
"Do you mean you're going to-", the earth director started to say, however William interrupted.
"And sometimes, we accept students even if their magic is weak, under the F rank"
F rank? A rank below D rank?, Allen thought, just almost as confused as everyone else.
"So, you mean you are planning on accepting the boy as a student, under the F rank?," the water director asked for clarification.
"Correct," William nodded in response. "And of course since he will be an F rank, he will need to follow the F rank rules. He would need to reach at least D rank by the end of the academy year, but at least that's the normal policy on the rare occasion we do accept someone in as an F rank"
"But the F rank is normally given to students during the term. Usually when we accept a student as an F rank before the academy year, it's under very special conditions. Normally a failed child of a prominent family," the earth director pointed out.
"Yes, but this is a special condition," William refuted. "The young boy, Allen, has shown that he is very excellent in a duel, which is what we look for in magical knights. The magical knights are the protectors of our country, and we need individuals who are able to do so. However, his magic is weak, making this a special case. Since he's not from a prominent family, I shall add more conditions for his entrance into the academy"
Special conditions?, Allen thought. What does William mean by special conditions? There's more to this than being this supposed 'F rank'?
"Therefore," William continued, standing up from his seat. He then summoned air magic underneath him, sending him down to the arena, in front of Allen. He looked at Allen before speaking again. "He will be given 2 other conditions"
Everyone, including the other examiners and directors were suddenly in shock. Why would William, one of the directors, suddenly use magic to jump down into the arena? What was he thinking? Murmurs started to suddenly go through the crowd.
Allen's eyes went wide in surprise. Even Allen, who has known him for 5 years, had no idea what he may be thinking. However now that William was directly in front of him, he knew for sure this was his mentor. Now, he just had to wait to see what he would say or do next.
"And? What are these conditions?," the water director asked, leaning forward.
The other directors are not going to even ask what William is doing?, Allen thought, shocked. Perhaps this is nothing new?
"Well, the first condition is obviously being that he will start off as an F rank," William explained, putting 1 finger up, facing Allen.
"The second one," now putting up two fingers, "is that instead of having to reach D rank by the end of the academy year to continue, he will have to reach C rank..."
C rank? Is that even possible?, Allen thought, bewildered. If I'm already going to have trouble reaching D rank based on my magic, how am I going to reach C rank?
"C rank? You must be joking," the earth director snorted, then crossed his arms. "That boy's magic is the weakest I've ever seen"
"Finally the third one, probably the most difficult," raising a third finger. "Allen will be required to participate in the Annual Magical Knights Tournament which takes place near the end of the academy year, and must at least win 4 consecutive duels in the tournament in order to pass into his second year"
The original murmurs that went throughout the audience now turned into everyone going crazy from surprise and curiosity
"An F rank participating in the tournament? You're kidding!"
"Win 4 duels? How is he going to do that?"
"He will be up against all kinds of students, there's no way he can win!"
Win 4 duels?, Allen thought. Maybe that won't be so hard?
"William, you do realize that if he is given these 3 conditions, you are already setting him up for failure. Are you sure this is a good idea?," the water director asked, clearly confused.
"The kid has to start in F rank, make it to C rank, and win 4 duels? Do you realize how stupid that is, considering his level?," the earth director asked, shaking his head. "In the tournament, dueling pairs are random. He could be up against anyone of any rank and year, which would include the A ranked third years"
The audience made comments, agreeing with the directors. After all, how could someone with little magic do basically the impossible for their level?
"Most of everyone here, especially you Walter and Martha, underestimate this young boy's potential. You both voted no to accept this boy into our academy, therefore these conditions are necessary"
"If you truly doubt his potential and skill, let him prove it. If he can accomplish C rank even when starting off as F rank, and in addition to winning 4 consecutive duels in the tournament, then surely he has what it takes to stay at our academy and perhaps one day become a magical knight?"
Part of the audience started to agree with William. After all, if Allen could accomplish such feats, then wouldn't he belong at the academy alongside everyone else?
The directors offered no answer, clearly thinking over William's proposal. It wasn't easy for them to draw a quick conclusion.
"If you still are so unsure, then why don't we ask Allen, the boy in question, his thoughts on the matter," William spoke as he turned to look at Allen again. "Allen, surely you understand the situation you're in. If given these three conditions, knowing that should you fail to fulfill these conditions by the end of the academy year, would you still wish to attend the academy?"
"I-," Allen started, but didn't know what to say. Start as an F rank? Make it to C rank? Win 4 consecutive duels? Is all of that even possible?
Allen looked at William, hoping for an answer or suggestion. His face had a look of question, but also of understanding. Allen recognized this look on William. It was the same look William would give Allen when he asked him to do something Allen thought was impossible during his training. Even when Allen would fail over and over again, William knew that Allen could push through.
There was no questioning it now, Allen knew he could work hard to pull this off, even if it took extra practice time. There was no more need to think about it, this was the chance he has been waiting for all this time.
I can and will become a magical knight one day!, Allen thought confidently, ready to deliver his answer.
"I accept!," Allen shouted, loud enough for everyone to hear.
The entire audience of examinees, examiners, and even the other directors were all in shock and surprise - Allen really accepted the proposal himself.
"Do you see this, Martha and Garet? He accepted the conditions. He's willing to attend the academy, despite the odds," William announced a small grin in the corner of his mouth. "Now then, what's the final vote? Yes or no? Will we make Allen a student of our academy?"
. The audience once again waited in anticipation as the other directors continued to think. Will the other directors accept?
"I say we should accept the boy; let him show us what he can do," the water director, whom William called Martha, voted in favor.
William nodded in response. "And you, Walter?"
"Hmm, this was difficult," the earth director, whom William called Walter, had closed his eyes in thought. "But, given the following conditions, then very well. If this boy can manage to pass your conditions despite his weak magic, then he may attend the academy. Have him prove to us he is worthy of the academy, just like everyone else"
"Then it's settled!," William announced, once again getting everyone's attention. "Will Allen pass the conditions, and continue on to his second year? Or, will he fail and be kicked out of the academy? Either way, Allen Fleming will become a student at the Magical Knights Academy!"
Suddenly, the audience went crazy. Some of the examinees were cheering Allen on, while others just scoffed. The examiners had either looks of concern or disgust. The directors in question, had looks like they were studying Allen, as if they were trying to get a better read on him.
Allen almost couldn't believe it. He did it, he became a student at the academy! The start of his long awaited dream was now a reality! With enough practice and studying, he could pass those conditions, continue being a student, and perhaps one day become a magical knight!
Before William left, he looked over at Allen, as if he wanted to say something. But, it was too loud to hear anything if he were to say something. He simply gave Allen a nod, and then went back to his seat with the other directors. The three directors promptly continued on with the other examinees' results, once they got the audience to calm down. After all, Allen was not the last one to be called up.
Allen went back to the area he had stood before he was called up. Several examinees either congratulated, or simply ignored or mocked him. Unfortunately most of the students were against his entry, but he was at least glad there were a few that were nicer.
Allen was so lost in thought about everything that it felt like only a second passed until all of the results were finally in. William stood up once more, ready to make his final announcement and conclusion.
"Congratulations to everyone who passed the exam. Remember, for those of you who failed, you can keep practicing and try the exams again next year. For those of you who did pass, classes will start next week. You will have an assigned teacher based upon your starting rank. Don't be afraid to start studying and training now!"
For a moment, it seemed William was looking at Allen for a moment before continuing.
"Each of you will be assigned a dorm room to stay in while you are here attending the academy, which you will then be given your schedule for your classes. Good luck everyone, and study hard!"
Shortly after his closing statement, the three directors promptly left, the other examiners/teachers following.
This is it, Allen thought. I will be starting class soon!
What will his class be like and will he like it? Will he be able to train enough to improve his magic? Only time will tell.
Eventually, all of the other examinees, now students, left the training grounds. Now that the exam is over, everyone had a few days to kill before the first academy term would start.
Before he left, Allen tried looking around for Thomas, the boy he met before his exams. He wanted to congratulate him on being accepted, and perhaps ask him if he wanted to hang out or something. After all, he could be his first friend at the academy.
After a few minutes of searching around, he wasn't able to find him. Allen decided he would go and find an inn he could stay in until he was able to live in the dorms.
Once he found a suitable inn that was a good price, he immediately headed to his assigned room. It was already sunset, and he would need some rest. He decided he was going to train everyday until the first day began. He will need as much training as he can get in if he wants to make it to his next year.
He sat on his bed, unable to sleep with all of the pacing thoughts in his head.
"How am I going to become a C rank anyway?," Allen asked out loud to himself. "As if reaching D rank will be easy enough as is"
Despite all of Allen's thoughts earlier, deep down he was still worried about everything. He wasn't completely filled with all the confidence he pretends he has.
"Then, there's that tournament William mentioned. If I lose once out of those 4 times, I automatically fail my condition, and would be expelled...," Allen let out a grunt of frustration as he shook his head.
"It's not even my fault that my air magic is so weak!," he exclaimed while pounding his left hand on his bed. "If only- If only I didn't have this!"
He took off his singular glove, which he always wore on his right hand. He lifted his hand up, opening it. A small elemental magic circle appeared above his right hand, and magic came out from the circle.
But this wasn't his air magic. He can't use his air magic as easily, nor can he even produce an air elemental magic circle. No, this elemental magic circle was red, and flames were what came out of the circle.
"Sure, I have this. But... if anyone were to see this, my fire magic, I would surely be imprisoned, and no doubt executed," he said, just before putting out his fire magic, and quickly laying back on his bed.
Allen did not just have air magic - he also had fire magic! However, since fire magic is strong against air, this majorly plays into effect for Allen.
His inner fire mana almost completely cancels out his inner air mana. This makes it much more difficult for Allen to easily control his air mana, which results in him having difficulties casting his air magic.
If he didn't have this fire magic, then who knows how powerful his air magic could've been? After all, he can never truly tell how much air mana he has, when it's difficult to control and feel as it is.
Will he be able to train and practice more with air magic, despite his fire magic weakening it? And, will he be even able to truly hide the fact he has fire magic while at the academy? Only time will tell for Allen.
He finally closed his eyes, trying to get some rest for his upcoming days ahead. With a lot still on his mind, he wasn't able to sleep at first. But once he pushed his thoughts away, he was finally able to fall asleep, and get some rest.