"Greetings, students," Master Orion proclaimed from the podium, her youthful appearance belying her authority as a seasoned educator. Her distinctive coiffure, sporting a pink streak amidst black tresses, elicited whispered admiration among the pupils. "Until the initiation of the examination, I implore you to maintain the sanctity of your books and desist from any perusal."
Fin, embarrassed by his premature breach of protocol, promptly complied and cast a surreptitious glance around the classroom, realizing he was the sole offender. He resolved to keep his unconventional ways in check and avoid attracting undue attention.
"Let me commence by extending a warm welcome to the Arcanum and the inaugural examination," Master Orion continued, composing herself with a discreet cough. "With your guardians absent, I shall impart a more comprehensive insight into the proceedings of the day. While some of you may have received invitations to apply for specialties such as music, astronomy, mathematics, or equestrianism, the purpose of your presence here is to be assessed for admission into the hallowed Memora."
She lifted her arms and the walls receded, revealing rough-hewn stone walls in their stead. The pupils remained seated at their desks, now situated on a mica-speckled rock floor that glimmered like scattered glitter. Glistening stalactites dangled from the ceiling like frozen spears.
The fair-haired boy gasped, as murmurs of amazement echoed throughout the room. It was as if they were within the caverns of the Memora.
A young lady with yellow beaded cornrow braids breathed, "So cool."
In that moment, despite his father's warnings, Fin yearned to visit the Memora. It no longer appeared frightening, but rather, it seemed incredible - a chance to explore or journey to a new planet.
His father's warning echoed in his mind, "The magicians will beguile you with alluring mirages and deceitful fabrications. Don't be lured."
Master Orion continued, her voice growing more confident. "Some of you come from families with a history at the Memora, while others have been selected based on your potential to become mages. However, admission is not guaranteed and only the Masters can determine the perfect candidate."
Fin interjected with an impulsive inquiry, "What if one desires not to attend?"
West, a boy with lanky arms and legs and a mop of brown hair, inquired in disbelief, "Who wouldn't want to attend the pony school?"
Master Orion, visibly irked, reminded them, "This is not a pony school. You are being evaluated for the qualities necessary to become a Master's apprentice and embark on the journey to Memora. Magic proficiency is not a matter of choice, as attending the Trial is for your own protection and the safety of those around you. Legacies understand the perils posed by untrained mages."
A hushed buzz filled the room as Fin noticed the murmurs directed towards Samantha, who sat stiffly, chin held high, pretending not to hear the whispers. He recognized the expression as the same he wore when people commented on his limp, deceased mother, or weirdo father.
"What transpires in the event of failure to enter the Memora?" the girl with braids queried.
"An excellent inquiry, Beth Thompson," Master Orion responded in an encouraging tone.
"To become a proficient mage, three essentials are required. Firstly, intrinsic magical power, which you all possess to varying extents. Secondly, the understanding of how to harness it, which we impart. Lastly, control, which must stem from within. As untrained mages, your power is at its peak in the first year, but without instruction or control. Should you exhibit a lack of aptitude for learning or control, admission to the Memora will not be granted. In such a case, we ensure your permanent safety, as well as that of your families, from magic or any potential harm of succumbing to the elements."
"What does it mean to 'succumb to the elements'?" Fin pondered, echoing the confusion of others, who asked, "Does that mean I failed a test?" and "What does she mean?"
West repeated his earlier query, "So, this is definitely not pony school?"
Master Orion disregarded the questions as the vision of the cavern gradually dissipated, and they found themselves back in the familiar white room.
"The examination pens before you possess exceptional qualities," the Master stated, with a hint of nervousness returning to her features. Fin pondered her age, noticing that despite her youthful appearance accentuated by her pink hair, she must have accomplished great feats in magic to earn her title as Master. "It is imperative that you utilize these pens, as failure to do so will result in unreadable test scripts. Ensure to shake the pen to activate the ink, and do not forget to demonstrate your work methods. You may commence now," she instructed.
Fin reopened the book and viewed the first problem with scrutiny:
A dragon and wyvern depart from the same cave at 2 P.M., flying in the same direction. The dragon's flight speed is 30 mph less than double the wyvern's velocity. After 2 hours, the dragon is 20 miles ahead of the wyvern. Determine the dragon's flight velocity, taking into consideration the wyvern's vengeful intent.
He couldn't help but gawk at the mention of revenge in the problem. Flipping the page, he encountered another puzzling problem:
Mia is preparing to cultivate deadly nightshade this autumn. She intends to plant 4 patches of common nightshade, each containing 15 plants. She anticipates that 20% of the field will be used to grow a test crop of woody nightshade. Calculate the total number of nightshade plants and the number of woody nightshade plants. If Mia is an earth mage who has traversed three of the gates, estimate the number of individuals she can poison before being captured and executed.
Fin gazed upon the assessment with trepidation. The conundrum of having to determine the erroneous responses without unconsciously garnering the correct ones confounded him. The notion of haphazardly filling in answers repeatedly in hopes of obtaining a low score was tempting, yet the law of averages dictated that he would still achieve an undesired 20% accuracy.
As he ruminated on his dilemma, he snatched the pen and attempted to transcribe on the paper. To his chagrin, his attempts were fruitless. Observing his peers, he noticed that most were able to write without difficulty, while a few others encountered similar issues.
The irony of failing to take the test as a typical, non-magical individual was not lost on him. He worried about the consequences of leaving the test blank and whether the mages would require him to retake it.
Frustrated, he attempted to recall Orion's instructions regarding the pen and remembered a mention of shaking it to activate the ink. Perhaps he had not shaken it with sufficient vigor.
Gripping the pen tightly, he briskly shook it with increased force fueled by his growing annoyance towards the test. He silently implored the pen to function, his mind filled with vexation.