Lanthim's decision to enter the academy reverberated throughout the campus. Three weeks had passed since Litralia had submitted her letter of recommendation for her eldest son. As the three weeks dragged along Lanthim, had been required to take four different kinds of examinations. All meant to investigate whether he would enter the academy in the same grade as Leinea.
To the surprise of all the examiners, his scores were astronomical. In all four examinations, Lanthim scores would have put him a grade ahead of Leinea. With all this data gathered, all that would be required for Lanthim. Would be his mana manipulation exam that was going to take place at the academy.
That being the case, Lanthim would have to limit the purity of mana. He could use it at least within the academy's campus. The purpose was simple, he would be participating in the tournament with Leinea. As such, if he was to unleash a fifth-order spell against a student. Things would not go too well for him.
Also, Lanthim was not keen at the present time to promote the existence of high order beings. Keeping the fact that there were thousands of individuals. Who were no longer bound by the same seals as the rest of the world? There would be mass hysteria throughout most of the known world.
Lanthim was not alone in this. His younger brother Melryn would also have to have his powers limited as well. The young man having his seal removed only a month previous had grown impressively. Having reached the third order in that short period.
With such growth, Melryn had also become a threat to his classmates if he misused his mana.
"With the exam being tomorrow. I have made the necessary preparations for our limiters. To be made to the same specifications as the limiter Leinea wears." [Lanthim]
Walking down one of the many open corridors created a feeling of being one with nature. Both brothers were going to where the limiters were being created. In what was Lanthim's greatest treasure after of, course, his wives. Deep in the bowels of the mountain range. Lay the forges of the greatest magic workshop in the world. Where all kinds of magical items that have not been seen in the world for thousands of years were being made.
It was out of this shop. By the hands of the master smiths, that worked all kinds of ore and other materials. Within this workshop was the most powerful of the disciples of Lanthim Frenost. Who daily performed his great works the elf, grandmaster, Melfsol Veralf. Having had been abandoned by his clan at a young age. Meeting Lanthim both grew and learned many things from each other.
"Is it true that Grand Master Veralf can use elvish rune magic? I have studied the subject at length." [Melryn]
Heralded at the peak of magical theory thousands of years ago. Before the second braking. Elvish rune magic was seen by many as the most potent form of mana manipulation in the world. With runes engraved on a surface of any kind. All one had to do was apply mana to it, and the runes would take that mana and amplify it thousands of times.
"Yes, Melfsol can use rune magic. It is only because of his magic that I will be able to limit my mana to a manageable first order." [Lanthim]
Hearing this, Melryn felt a little concerned. For all his adolescent life, he had looked up to his brother. That immense presence watched over him and his younger siblings. Now would give his power away for if only for a time. So to participate in going to the academy.
"What troubles you, Melryn? I can sense that concern troubles your mind." [Lanthim]
"I do not understand. Why you would allow your mana to be limited simply to enter the academy." [Melryn]
Still continuing towards the entrance of the tunnel that would take them both into the mountains. Lanthim smiled, looking out over the vast forest.
"A time will come, my, brother when you will have a family of your own. At that time, you will have to sacrifice your time and energy for them. [Lanthim]
Stopping, both looked down into one of the gardens. Mynrea and Leinea were sitting together talking. As Syrelia, who was always with Mynrea, pointed in the direction of the two brothers.
"We must do all we can for our family's my brother. No matter the sacrifice that may have to be given." [Lanthim]
Proceeding on the large gates, that when. Open led into the mountains looked like the gate to an underground city.
"There are powerful runes that block transportation magic from being used to enter the mountain. Once we are inside, I will open a portal for a quick trip." [Lanthim]
Melryn nodded as Lanthim waved his left hand toward the great doors. Doing so the earth shook violently as the stone gates scraped their way open.
"One more thing Melryn. When you see Melfsol, remember that you are not recognized as a high templar yet. Even if you are my brother, you are still an apprentice. Do not be disrespectful, do you understand?" [Lanthim]
The serious nature of Lanthim's tone was not lost on his brother. A grandmaster would destroy Melryn without even the slightest struggle. Not to mention elves are well known for their resolute actions.
Simply nodded both entered the mountain. As they did so the gates closed behind them. Creating a space of absolute darkness that neither could see through.
"Give me your hand Melryn." [Lanthim]
Doing as he was bid, Melryn reached out to his brother who was in front of them. Immediately after their hands made contact, the darkness gave way to light.
"You are here good. I have just finished the final inscriptions." [Melfsol]
Looking at the back of a man that he could not see too well. Melryn was shocked by what he saw. The elf grandmaster, sitting in a large obsidian chair that could almost be called a throne. Imbued throughout this great seat were several different kinds of runes all, glowing in intense white light.
Levitating in the air behind him were two bracelets. Which glowed with the same brilliance.
"As always, my friend, your works are a marvel to behold." [Lanthim]
The elf smiled, accepting Lanthim's praise.
"These limiters will bring both of you to a first-order level as ordered." [Melfsol]
Turning his chair back towards his work. The elf ever so slightly moved his hands. While he did so, both limiters came to him from their levitating position.
"I would not suggest testing them until you leave this place it is a long trip back to the surface from here." [Melfsol]
"We shall do so. I shall report to you if any issues may arise." [Lanthim]
Taking one of the cases that Melfsol had placed the limiters, Lanthim turned to Melryn to give him his limiter.
"Do not lose this! A great deal is at stake. We can not allow the existence of higher-order beings to be let out into the world at this time." [Lanthim]
The Expression on Lanthim's face was one of grave seriousness. Never had Melryn seen his brother have such an intense aura about him. A great deal was a stake. The True Magi would move with increased prejudice towards him if they knew what he was doing.
Taking the case from his brother Melryn felt like he carried the world in his hands.
"I shall not fail you, brother." [Melryn]
Standing facing each other, Melryn could only look down at the case he had been given. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, all became black again.
"Brother, how long does it take to learn this kind of Transportation magic?" [Melryn]
"There are some at Fourth order, but most magic of this kind requires a much higher order." [Lanthim]
A disappointing discovery for Melryn. Being able to move from place to place. Without having to use large mana-consuming gates to get around would be something.
Waiting for the gates to open both stood in the darkness. Melryn could not tell if his brother was waiting for something or just taking his time.
Standing as he was in the pitch-black he felt out around him to sense what Lanthim was doing.
He knew that his brother was there but not what he was doing.
"Melryn is there a person you care for above all others?" [Lanthim]
Stunned by the sudden question Melryn thought the question through quickly.
"May I ask what you mean by asking this question?" [Melryn]
"What I am asking is. Do you have a female interest that you have any feelings for?" [Lanthim]
Now understanding the question. Melryn thought hard about all the girls he knew in the academy. Most were just followers who watched his growth and popularity with intense interest.
"If you ever find a girl that you feel you can love without shame. Only then can you remove that limiter." [Lanthim]
Saying these words the gates opened. With the sun blazing banishing the darkness.