Lance hurries back home, he is battered and bruised but the happiest man alive. He enters his home to discover a surprise party waiting for him, apparently the news of his victory travels faster than he can because most of the neighborhood already knew.
Mr Manuel the local baker brought several treats for everyone to enjoy, while others brought drinks, gifts and food to celebrate Lance's achievement.
Everyone in the neighborhood protected and looked out for Lance, mostly because they respected his mother. Why, Lance never really knew.
Elizabeth squeezes through the crowd of people to get to Lance and embrace him. "I knew you could do it, I never doubted you" She said with a warm smile.
"I know mom, thank you for always supporting me". Lance tells his mother as he returns her embrace.
Its not everyday that an individual from the common domain passes the Aptitude test. Due to their low magic potential most commoners failed, making Lance's achievement truly an occasion to be celebrated.
Lance's neighbors laughed and joked with him, telling him not to forget them when he reached the top. Lance promises to do his best, before hurrying off to buy some new clothes, for tommorow he would be joining the Mage Academy.
The next day Lance packs up his luggage and prepares to leave the Common Domain. The Mage Academy was in the Noble Domain so Lance would not get to see his mother often.
Elizabeth gives Lance a big hug, reluctant to let him go. He promises to make her proud before finally setting out on his journey.
Lance makes it to the Academy with no trouble, it was only a thirty minute carriage ride to get there. The Academy is huge and luxurious, once inside Lance could see the beauty of the place he would now be learning from.
Lance meets up with a guide who directs him towards his classroom. Standing at the closed door, Lance was too nervous to enter. He gathers up the courage to open the door and step inside.
Once in the classroom Lance spots her, the red haired beauty know as Lora Magma, his childhood friend. He tries to signal her with his stare, almost like she would notice that someone was staring at her. But this just means he was standing at the door like an idiot, with his eyes widen like he was in shock.
The magic instructor yells for Lance to take his seat, and the other students simply laugh at him. Lance continues to try and make eye contact with Lora, but she never once looked in his direction, almost like she was lost in her thoughts.
After the long lecture on magic control and limiting, the students are allowed to leave for a short recess.
Lance follows Lora and eventually catches up to her. "Lora it's me, Lance Grey. Your friend", Lance tells her nervously.
Lora stares back at him coldly and says, "My name is Lora Silver, heir to the Noble Silver Empire, and I am not friends with peasants".
And with that she walks away, leaving Lance dumbfounded and confused. He is still trying to understand what just happened, when a hand rests on his shoulder from behind.
He turns back quickly and sees the same guy from the Aptitude test. " Wow you really are jumpy (Chuckles)... Hi my name is Sebastian Tempest, its nice to see you again" The stranger named Sebastian said with a smile.
Next: Fate