Council leaders Michael and Sophia took to the main stage of the festival. After customary remarks, they announced the news.
"Dear citizens of Aswan, the time has come for the freshman class to test their talents and skills. Those who excel will have the chance to embark on the Pilgrimage of the Youth to the capital in order to enroll in the Royal Academy. The official decree arrived this morning, graciously brought to us by none other than a hero of the Great War, the heroic Knight Thelos himself."
The crowd cheered at the news and at the presence of such a famous figure. Thelos stepped forward, sporting his full knightly garment with his long white hair and chiseled chin.
"It is a pleasure to be the bearer of such good news to Aswan's youth and the parents gathered here today. The Capital of Light and the Light King and Queen eagerly await to welcome all of you who show the promise of excellence and the determination to pursue it."
The next morning, the freshmen kids and a sizeable audience gathered on the school grounds. The tests would encompass the areas of academics, art, knighthood, and magic. Based on the results, kids would be extended an invitation letter to enroll in the Royal Academy. Those who did not excel would continue to study in the town's school and get two more chances before graduating. If they still could not demonstrate excellence in a field of study by then, they would be assigned to local mentorship programs.
The first test would measure the magical aptitude and elemental affinity of each kid. Magical aptitude is a measure of their raw potential for using magic and elemental affinity refers to the ability to connect and manifest one or more of the elements of light, air, water, fire, and earth. The light element is connected with the spirit, air with the mind, water with the heart, fire with the gut, and earth with the body. Each element can also manifest degrees of purity or corruption.
The test entails touching a magic gem the size of a watermelon that had been prepared by the elder mages from the capital. The aptitude is measured by the radiance of the glow that emanates from the gem while the affinity is determined by the elements that manifest above it. Most magic users can only manifest and control the elements through the use of magic gems, with only a few becoming mages who can freely wield the elements. Typically, only a handful of students would display a decent level of aptitude as well as an affinity with an element, sometimes with two, and on rare occasions with three.
"Alright kids, settle down." Mr. Buckman said. "We are graced with the presence of three great elder mages from the Department of Magic of the Royal Academy. Elder Mage Samson will administer the test."
"Children, fret not, this test is only meant to give you and us a glimpse of your inherent talents, it will not by itself determine if you get accepted into the Royal Academy or your potential for future accomplishments in magic. Now everyone line up." Samson said.
The kids lined up to wait for their turn to walk up to the elders and touch the gem. After a few typical results of low aptitude and no elemental affinity, it was Raj's turn. He cautiously stepped toward the gem and slowly reached towards it as he turned his face away from it. To any spectator, it would seem as if Raj was scared of the test, though Bodhi knew better. He laughed on the inside as he knew Raj was not afraid but only hesitant because he half expected the gem to explode in a burst of his own awesomeness.
To the surprise of many, the gem did lit up considerably and a huge flame manifested on top of the gem. The flame displayed a beautiful orange and yellow tone as an expression of the level of purity of Raj's character. The elders clearly rejoiced in the results as they smiled and nodded to each other.
"Ahaha! The gem may not have exploded but it was still filled with my awesomeness. Ahahaha." Raj proclaimed with his trademark cheek-to-cheek grin and hands-on-hips stance.
The crowd cheered and clapped for Raj. Next up was Bhran, wearing a heavy frown, clearly annoyed by the elation Raj received. "I will show this peasant the proper order of things. My dad did not spend a fortune on magic enhancement potions over the years for nothing."
Bhran confidently stepped up to the gem. The gem shone brightly and to the crowd's amazement, three elements manifested themselves above the gem.
"Wow! Three elements! Do you see that?! That's amazing!" many in the crowd exclaimed in astonishment.
"Ha! That is our leader for you!" Rogan and Keagan, Bhran's most loyal lackeys, exclaimed as others cheered and nodded.
The manifestations were a flame that burned dark red, a chunk of muddy earth, and a dim sphere of light blemished with dark spots. The elders looked at each other with somber expressions. His aptitude and multi-element affinities were indeed impressive, though the expressions of the elements were troubling. Brushing off the elder's expressions of concern Bhran proudly proclaimed "see, this is the difference between a noble and a peasant, and nothing can ever change that!"
"Yeah, that's right!" Rogan and Keagan cheered in agreement. There was some scattered applause in the now mostly quiet and resentful crowd.
Bhran stepped away and it was now Vana's turn. She walked up to the gem and placed her hands on her heart and took a deep breath before reaching out and laying a hand on it. A beautiful soft glow began emanating from the gem and it gently grew to be at least double the luminescence of Bhran's test. Then a beautiful swirl of clear water manifested on top of the gem as well as a bright sphere of warm iridescent light. The elders were awestruck. "Such aptitude and purity," one of them muttered.
Then to everyone's further amazement, the swirl of water and the iridescent light merged with each other creating a beautiful liquid light that swirled around the gem. "A healer!", someone in the crowd exclaimed. The elders excitedly talked amongst each other for a few moments before they turned to face Vana and bowed their heads in recognition of her exceptional talent and character. She bowed back.
Bhran was furious that the elders would bow to her and not to him. "Hmpf, a measly two-element affinity, and they bow to her?!" he protested under his breath.
After a few more tests with varying levels of results, including a handful more displaying good aptitude and one element affinities, it was finally the turn of the last kid in line. It was Bodhi's turn. He slowly approached the elders and as he made contact with the gem, the voice from his dream from a couple of nights ago surged in his mind. "You are nothing."
To everyone's surprise, nothing happened. There was no glow. Not even the slight radiance that even the lowest results had shown. There were no manifestations either. There was nothing. Both Raj and Vana felt a sinking feeling of empathy for their friend. Chatter erupted amongst the kids and the audience. Bhran was thoroughly enjoying the moment. "Hahaha I always knew that you were a worthless peasant Bodhi, now that's the right order of things. Hahaha."
Raj then noticed that strangely enough, Bodhi seemed unaffected by the unfolding event. And so did the elders who intently looked on as if knowing something was about to happen.
"You are everything". The voice once again swelled up in his mind. In that moment, the brightness of the gem grew to an almost blinding intensity. The crowd gasped as most looked away. Bodhi kept his eyes fixed on the gem as manifestations appeared above the gem.
"It's all five elements!!!" Someone in the crowd exclaimed in shock.
"What?! It can't be! Has this ever happened before?!" similar reactions echoed throughout the crowd.
The manifestations were a blue flame, swirling clear waters, a stable vortex of air, a floating chunk of light-colored earth, and a sphere of iridescent light.
"How is this possible?! He must be cheating!" Bhran proclaimed but was drowned out by the crowd's cacophony of astonishment. Both Raj and Vana were overjoyed.
"I always knew you were special Bodhi!" Vana thought to herself.
"There you go Booodhhiii!" Raj yelled out.
"Okay everyone calm down, calm down..." Samson tried to control the mayhem but was unsuccessful in squelching the growing uproar.
"Ahoooommm...." A loud horn sound blanketed the grounds and drowned out the tumult. Everyone fell silent as Thelos put his horn down.
"Ahem… Thank you sir Knight Thelos. As I was saying," Samson continued, "this is indeed a momentous occasion as a five-element affinity is a rare sight indeed and only comes around maybe once a generation. This young man has a bright future and so do all children of Aswan, please always take care and support each other for the glory of the Kingdom of Light."
"Yes elder! Yes! For the glory of the kingdom." Affirmations of support for the elder's words sprouted amongst all.
The three elders smiled at Bodhi and bowed before taking their leave. Bodhi returned the gesture and then looked down at the palm of his hand. "Nothing and everything huh?"
After the magic test, the kids would be given the knighthood test which mainly consisted of sword or bow skills as well as a physical test. Ever since the Great War, kids had to begin learning sword skills or archery skills starting at the age of seven. Typically most boys would choose the sword and most girls would choose archery, though there was no rule stating so.
Now we will start with the sword and archery tests which Knight Thelos will also be monitoring himself." Mr. Borsh, the school's knighthood and physical education teacher, announced.
"Aha! Look at that fool!" Some of the kids mocked one of the boys who was sporting a bow instead of a sword.
"Don't mind them Tom. They are the fools." Vana said as she released an arrow from her bow to hit a bullseye.
"Wow so cool." he thought to himself.
Over at the swords skills test, students were pairing up to show their grasp of the basic set of moves from the beginners manual of the way of the sword.
"Firstly, who can tell me what the Seven Virtues of a True Knight are?" Mr. Borsh asked.
"Bhran."
"Come on Mr. Borsch, who cares about the stupid Seven Virtues? What truly matters is who wields power."
"Yeah that's right." Rogan chimed in.
"The Seven Virtues are for fools." Keagan joined them.
"I am sorry you three."
"What are you sorry for Mr. Borsch?" Rogan asked.
"Clearly I have failed you as a teacher. And for that, I apologize." Mr. Borsch said with a sigh. "I hope it is not too late for you three, so drop your swords and give me three laps around the school grounds. NOW!"
"That is not fair! How dare you pick on us. My father will hear of this." Bhran said before the three begrudgingly acquiesced and took off.
"Now, who can tell me what the Seven Virtues are? Bodhi?"
"Mr. Borsh, the Seven Virtues are bravery, discernment, dedication, moderation, generosity, fairness, and honesty."
"Good job Bodhi."
"Bodhi, is a knight a True Knight just because he or she can defeat others in battle? " Thelos asked as he approached them.
"No Sir Thelos. Without the Seven Virtues, a knight cannot be considered a True Knight. A True Knight has a brave heart and a discerning mind. He is dedicated to the betterment of himself and the protection of others. He displays moderation with his demeanor and generosity with his actions. He is fair in his judgment and honest with his words."
"Indeed. And what distinguishes a True Knight from a Master Knight? Is it just a difference in skills?"
"No, sir Thelos."
"What is it then?"
"Ah sir Thelos, we have not yet taught them this." Mr. Borsh interjected.
"Excuse me Mr. Borsch, I know the answer," Bodhi said.
"You do?"
"Please go ahead Bodhi." Thelos said.
"A Master Knight has achieved mastery of the sword but also abides by the Three Treasures."
"Which are..."
"The Three Treasures are Wisdom, Compassion, and Selflessness."
"Correct. Please describe them."
"Wisdom is applying knowledge, experience, and insight into one's contemplation and behavior."
"Well said."
"Compassion is having empathy and concern for others' physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual pain well being, naturally leading to a yearning to help and uplift others as well as treat all as you would want to be treated yourself."
"Also well said."
"Selflessness is giving of yourself for the betterment of others, placing the good of all ahead of your personal desires. It is said that a Master Knight gives of himself for the sake of all while a Shadow Knight takes from all for the sake of himself."
"A commendable description."
"Thank you Sir Thelos."
"When the Seven Virtues are not applied, the knight will fail. When the Three Treasures are not present, the people will suffer. And when the One Truth is not found, the self will falter."
"The One Truth?"
"Love."
"Love..."
"You will gain greater insight into the One Truth in time young Bodhi. You give me hope for the new generation. So thank you." Thelos said as he bowed.
"No, please Sir Thelos, we are the ones who thank you for your service," Bodhi said as he, the other kids, and Mr. Borsh bowed to Thelos.
"Thank you all. Let us all be all that we can be for the sake of ourselves, the kingdom, and the whole world. And please, just call me Thelos from now on. You may continue."
The kids continued with the testing drills. After each took on the role of the attacker and the defender they switched pairs.
"Nice technique Raj."
"Thanks, Thelos. Bodhi and I have been playing with wooden swords since we were four years old hehe."
"I can tell. Speaking of Bodhi..." Thelos said as he looked at him. "This kid." he thought to himself as he moved closer to Bodhi and his partner.
"Bodhi, those are some interesting moves."
"What do you mean sir... I mean Thelos. These are the same moves as everyone else's."
"Hmm… Are they?"
"Oh crap. I don't think Master would like me to reveal anything to a Royal Knight." Bodhi thought to himself.
"I guess you are right. Proceed." Thelos said as he turned around.
"Phew."
"A five-element affinity with a high-level aptitude, insightful knowledge of the Three Treasures and these sword moves. Old Friend, what have you been up to?"