Meanwhile...
Back in Theo's group, Professor White had just finished testing the last of his batch of first-year students. As the final student stepped off the practice mound, Professor White heaved a heavy sigh. Glancing over at a particular young mage sitting over on the bench currently surrounded by four or five other students. rubbing the bridge of his nose Professor White thought back to the young mage's extraordinary custom fire spell.
'That kid is way too talented for his age, being able to create a custom fire spell at the age of 12 is unheard of, let alone one so destructive! I have got to make sure that boy doesn't use that fire spell in the Magical Combat Tournament later today...'
For the last ten minutes, Theo was desperately trying to answer the neverending barrage of questions being asked by the other students. The current group of students surrounding him was the five students who had just finished up their test. The five students eagerly asked their questions.
"What was the name of that awesome spell?"
"I have never seen a white flame before! How did you do it?"
Theo smiled wryly as he answered the first two kid's questions.
"The spell is called TJ's White Inferno it is a really complicated spell to learn so I can't really explain how it is cast. Although I can explain why you have never seen a white flame before. The reason is a white flame is the hottest type of fire and normally fire doesn't get that hot."
as the other two kids were mumbling "TJ's White Inferno" and "Hottest type of fire" in admiration. One of the other students shouted out another question.
"Professor White said your name was Theodore Jennings, does that mean TJ's White Inferno is a custom spell you made?!"
The other five students looked up at Theo, their eyes glimmering with anticipation. Theo scratched the back of his head and with a wry smile, he replied.
"Yes actually, TJ's White Inferno one of the custom spells I created."
The surrounding five kid's eyes widened in shock and admiration and began asking even more questions.
"You created a custom spell?"
"Wait, you said that it was one of the custom spells you have created! What are the others?"
Theo was about to continue answering when the booming voice of Professor White cut him off.
"Alright, You lot! That's enough questions! I need to speak with young Mr. Theo about the Magical Combat Tournament!"
All the students surrounding Theo backed off as Professor White walked up to Theo. Professor White looked down at Theo who was sitting on the bench chuckling awkwardly. letting out an exasperated sigh the professor made his request.
"Young Mr. Theo I kindly request you refrain from casting that custom fire spell in the Magical Combat Tournament later today as it is far too destructive."
Looking up at the professor, Theo Smiled wryly as he replied with a chuckle.
"Yeah, I never planned on using it anyways. TJ's White Inferno is way too strong to use in a school tournament! Thankfully, I still have other custom spells that are more appropriate for such an event."
Hearing Theo's reply, Professor White let out a sigh of relief. He then rubbed the bridge of his nose as he realized this kid has created more than one custom spell. Mumbling to himself Professor White turned away from the impossible young mage.
"I am 42 years old and I have been practicing magic for over 35 years. I only managed to make a custom spell after I was 17 and on my last year at the Academy. However, This young mage not only managed to create such a destructive custom spell at the age of 12 but has created multiple custom spells!? This kid is way too talented! Regardless, I must verify this young mage's other custom spells in the tournament today! I don't want him killing another student and getting expelled! That would be a waste of talent!"
As Theo watched Professor White mumble away, the loud gong that marked the end of the Magical Assessment Test echoed through the campus. Professor White led Theo and the rest of the students back to the Entrance Hall.
Now gathered back in the massive auditorium space, Theo and the other kids in his group went to find their respective friends. After a few minutes of searching, Theo found Tina chatting away with another student. As Theo made his way up to tina, she noticed his approach and called out to him.
"Hey Theo, I heard you used a new spell at the Magical Assessment Test that caused quite the ruckus!"
As Theo heard Tina's comment, he raised an eyebrow as he asked slightly concerned.
"How did you find out already? Please don't tell me that what happened with TJ's White Inferno has already spread throughout the school?!"
Tina put her hands on her hips as she glared at Theo a little annoyed.
"No, it hasn't I just had a hunch you would go overboard with on some super destructive spell and I was right!"
Theo chuckled nervously as he explained with a wry smile.
"Well since you were going for casting speed I thought I should go for power instead. Since if we both used our fastest spell I would end up overshadowing your accomplishment. I wanted the school to know that you are the fastest young fire mage in the Soran Kingdom. It would not feel right for me to take that title since I'm not from the kingdom..."
Hearing Theo's Explanation, Tina blushed slightly as she realized that Thoe is still doing so much for her. Although her thoughts were interrupted by the other kid who had been left out of the conversation till now.
"Umm... Tina, Is this the same Theo you were telling me about?"
Snapping back to the present Tina hurriedly introduced her new friend to Theo.
"Right, my bad! Theo these are some new friends I met at the Magical Assessment Test!~"
Gesturing to a young girl with large round glasses that were peeking out of her long straight dirty blond hair that hid her face slightly. Her hands were fidgeting with the hem of her skirt nervously.
"~This is Paige Brooks she used a really fast wind spell at the Magical Assessment Test. She is another mid-year transfer to the academy."
After Tina's introduction, Paige gripped her skirt tighter as she elaborated. Her soft voice barely able to reach Theo's ears.
"I-I am really interested in the amazing stories Tina told me about magic in your homeland and was hoping to learn more about where you're from. I-If it is ok with you I was hoping we could all visit your homeland sometime."
As Paige spoke Theo felt his heart tighten as he could not handle how adorably shy this girl was. Keeping his expression calm Theo panicked internally as he felt the protective need to preserve this cute girl's innocence at all costs. As Theo struggled internally on how to explain that he cant take her to his version of earth.
As Theo was having this internal struggle, a sound thunderous boom echoed through the massive hall. The sound of chattering kids died down to a low murmur. Looking up toward the source of the boom Theo saw that a large stone wall had been conjured behind the 16 Advisory Professors. A skinny old man with a silver-grey beard stands in front of the line of 16 Advisory Professors. A light-grey ornate mage's robes with silver trim around the edges. A thick staff made of petrified birch wood held firm in his left hand.
As silence began to fill the room a gravely loud voice echoed throughout the hall as the old mage introduced himself.
"Seeing as how we seem to have some new students for the new semester, allow me to introduce myself. My name is James Stonehall, the Headmaster of Stonehall Magic Academy and current Arch-Mage of the Soran Kingdom.~"
After the brief introduction, James Stonehall took his staff with both hands and held it in front of himself before continuing.
"~Now It is with great pride that I announce to you young mages the start of this year's second semester at Stonehall Magic Academy. As well as the current standing ranks of the first-year students. Then finally the bracket of top students participating in the Magical Combat Tournament!"
As James Stonehall ends his speech, he slams the bottom tip of his thick staff on the stone floor. As another loud boom echoes throughout the hall, sparks of silver lightning crackle up the large stone wall. The silver lighting begins to carve the names of the 16 top students participating in the Magical Combat Tournament.