Exiting the side door of the refectory, the group found themselves outside of the domain of the chronomancers and back at the courtyard between the dormitories and the large amphitheater.
"Neat, huh?" said Daegel. "Each exit takes one near a specific part of the academy. When the refectory was built, the choromancer assisting in building the eatery bent space around the exits so they could quickly travel where they needed to be so as not to be late for classes. There are also specific doors in each college which will take you to the entrance of the refectory. Just remember, never stand between a wizard and good food. Of course, as a chronomancer, you will never have to worry about being late." He chuckled at his joke.
Daegel led the group to a building nestled within the heart of the academy near the council chamber. Walking beyond the council chamber, the group gazed at the outside and the luminescent stone building which seemed to capture the essence of starlight. The stone, infused with enchantments, radiated a gentle glow that intensified during key moments—such as important council sessions or when a momentous decision was being made. The facade bore intricate carvings depicting scenes from the annals of the various magics within the academy, showcasing pivotal moments in the history of the academy's time.
As the tower ascended, the stone seamlessly transitioned into crystal-clear windows spanning the upper levels. These windows, adorned with delicate traceries of magical and protective symbols, allowing glimpses into the activities transpiring within the council chamber. The arrangement of windows formed an elegant spiral pattern, symbolizing the ever-turning wheel of time and its place in the world of magic.
Adorning the exterior were enchanted torch sconces illuminating the tower with a soft, pulsating light. These torches, imbued with magical flames, cast dancing ethereal shadows across the facade. The torches responded to the magical currents within the tower, their flames flickering with increased intensity during moments of heightened magical activity.
Daegel explained the sconces served a dual purpose—besides providing illumination, while also acting as protective wards, warding off unauthorized intrusions and maintaining the sanctity of the council chamber. The flames within the torches took on hues corresponding to the predominant magical schools discussed during council sessions, creating a mesmerizing display reflecting the ongoing deliberations.
The entrance to the council chamber was marked by a grand archway, framed by two colossal pillars adorned with mystical reliefs representative of several dozen types of magic. The archway itself bore an inscription in ancient runes, signifying the timeless nature of the council's decisions. As the quartet approached the entrance, the archway responded to their magical essence, momentarily glowing in acknowledgment of their presence.
During important council sessions, the archway would undergo a mesmerizing transformation, forming a shimmering portal allowing the various wizards to enter the chamber in a manner befitting the esteemed nature of their discussions. The archway served as a symbolic threshold, separating the sacred space within from the external world.
Surrounding the council chamber was a meticulously tended garden, an oasis of tranquility amidst the arcane currents of the rest of the academy. The garden featured exotic flora flourishing under the influence of variety of magics concentrated in the area, their blooms exhibiting a dazzling array of colors. Enchanted pathways meandered through the garden, inviting passersby to indulge in moments of contemplation amid the timeless beauty.
The testing arena was situated adjacent to the council chamber and echoed the magical ethos of the Academy. Designed to seamlessly complement the grandeur of the council chamber, the testing arena's exterior encapsulated the spirit of initiation and discovery, featuring a series of arched arcades, constructed from a fusion of enchanted metals and crystalline materials. Each arch bore chronomantic reliefs, depicting magical affinities and the diverse schools of magic taught within the academy. The arcs gracefully converged toward the central entrance, creating an inviting path for new students.
The arcades, enchanted with subtle protective wards, served as a transition space where the ambient magical energies surrounding the arena were subtly attuned to the frequencies of the incoming students. The arches pulsed with a soft glow, welcoming the students into a realm where their magical potential would be explored.
The exterior walls of the arena were adorned with chronomantic glyphs which shimmered in a kaleidoscope of colors. These glyphs were not merely decorative; they resonated with the magical signatures of the students being tested, providing a visual representation of their affinities during the assessment process. As students entered the arena, the glyphs would react, subtly adjusting their luminosity in response to the students' magical resonance.
The glyphs served as a public display of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of magic within the academy while acting as a testament to the academy's commitment of nurturing individual magical aptitudes and guiding students toward paths aligned with their unique affinities.
Adjacent to the exterior of this coliseum were cascading waterfalls, imbued with enchantments mirroring the flowing currents of magic. The waterfalls, while aesthetically pleasing, also served a practical purpose—providing a serene backdrop which attuned students to the fluid and adaptable nature of magical affinities.
The waterfalls interacted with the magical energies within the arena, creating a gentle resonance accompanying students during their approached to the evaluation stations. The sound of cascading water served as a calming influence, encouraging students to embrace the magical experience awaiting them within the academy.
Moving forward, the entrance to the testing area was marked by a magical archway—a magnificent structure serving as the gateway to magical self-discovery. The archway bore an inscription, inviting students to step into the realm of magical evaluation in order to unveil their latent magical potentials. The archway's surface exhibited magical displays, showcasing snippets of magical phenomena and hinting at the wonders awaiting within.
As the four of them passed through the archway, each of them experienced a subtle attunement to the ambient magical energies of the testing arena. The archway symbolized the threshold between the mundane and the extraordinary, inviting students to embark on a transformative journey of magical exploration. It instantly became clear to the three outsiders, the exterior of the testing arena, with its enchanting architecture and thematic elements, set the stage for the initiation of new students into the mysteries of the various schools of magic and the exploration of their magical destinies within this grand academy.
The archway provided access to the reception area, where assistants awaited to guide students through the initiation process. This reception area featured a desk behind which several assistants waited for the next examinee while throughout the room a series of orbs floated, each representing a different school of magic. As students approached, the orbs would react, pulsating with energy and displaying illusionary images offering glimpses into the diverse magical disciplines taught at the academy. Wizardly assistants engaged with students, answering questions and providing a sense of the magical richness awaiting them within the Academy.
Beyond the reception area lay the heart of the testing arena—a series of individual stations designed for the assessment of magical affinities. The stations were circular platforms, each inscribed with runes and sigils representing the foundational elements of magic. Students were guided to stand upon these platforms, and the runes would react to their magical aura, initiating the process of affinity assessment.
As students stood on the platforms, a gentle hum of arcane energy enveloped them. Enchanted sensors embedded within the platforms gauged the students' responses to the ambient magical frequencies, providing real-time feedback on their affinities, then runes on the platforms would glow in correspondence to the detected magical resonance, indicating the primary schools of magic to which the students exhibited a natural affinity.
Following the completion of the affinity assessments, students were guided to a results area where different assistants provided personalized feedback. The results were presented as magical displays, showcasing the students' primary magical affinities and highlighting potential areas for further development. This personalized guidance helped students understand their unique strengths and encouraged them to explore specific magical disciplines aligned with their affinities.
The testing arena served not only as an assessment tool but also as a welcoming space where new students could begin their journey into the intricacies of magical education. The careful design of the arena, combined with the guidance provided by these assistants, ensured each student felt seen and supported from the moment they set foot within the academy.
Once the group moved toward the desk, one of the assistants, a pleasantly curved woman with long deep-blue hair around 30 years old stepped forward and bowed before the elf saying, "Welcome back, Master Moonrise. It has been several decades since you have graced us with your presence. Have you decided to return to teaching?"
Looking away Oren replied, "No, teaching wasn't for me. I just didn't have the patience for classrooms of students who are easily distracted or seeking immediate power. I have brought a couple of youths, Monica and Von, who deserve to be tested. I am uncertain of the abilities of the girl, but this boy has absorbed a beginner geomancy focus while in possession of an attuned chronomancy focus of master tier."
Hearing this, several other assistants looked over at Von in curiosity before the blue-haired woman introduced herself. "Well, this is something interesting. My name is Brook. I am a hydromancer by nature but have an adept level of affinity to healing magics. My work here is to help others learn what affinities they have within themselves before sending them to nourish those affinities in the academy. Monica, Von, if you would follow me." Grabbing a second assistant to assist with Von, Brook escorted Monica into the area with the platforms.
The new assistant, a slim human male around 25 with short spikey green hair and bronze skin, walked over to Von. "Good afternoon, I am Stephan. I will be your guide through this assessment. Do you have any questions...?" As if asking for Von's name.
"Von," he replied. "Other than wondering what your primary affinity is, I don't really know if I have any questions yet. So far, it just looks like I'll step up onto the platform and wait."
"My affinity is an uncommon specialty—myalomancy, the magic of the mind. Many wizards can use telepathy as well as other skills which are within the school of myalomancy, but I can combine it with other effects from the other schools like making one believe they are on fire or causing confusion. It's like illusion magic, but when I do it, I am fooling the brain to feel what it knows without any visible effect to anyone besides those I intend to affect with the spells. Much like the others, I can also peer into one's thoughts when needed as well as other skills. As for the test, with regard to the platforms, you essentially have it correct, Von. Once you step onto the platform and the testing begins, you will feel a given type of element or essence, which may include smells based on the specific type of magic being tested. A few of these tests will be done in the small chambers off to the side where Brook has taken your friend. We will start there."
Moving to the door adjacent to the one Monica and Brook entered, Stephan opened it. Inside was a serene chamber adorned with symbols associated with palmistry. Soft lighting and ambient music created a tranquil atmosphere. Stephan then guided Von to a space where a palmistry chart lay open.
During the chiromancy test, Von's own hands became the canvas for magical insights. As he focused on the intricate lines of his palms, a gentle warmth enveloped his hands. These sensations corresponded to the patterns revealed through palmistry, creating a tactile and intuitive experience. As he compared the chart to the lines on his hand, he was accompanied by a heightened connection to the energies coursing through his hands, revealing glimpses of a magical future lying ahead. He also noted a strong potential for the sword. The table under his hands began to glow with a subtle light.
Why not, more is better, right?
Suddenly, the light on the table disappeared.
A moment later, it returned with a fervor before again diminishing to almost nothing eventually becoming a strobing.
Stephan looked perplexed. He had been doing this for four years and had never seen this happen before. "That was odd, however, you do have a goodly amount of affinity for palmistry, however. Enough so to be a fairly accurate fortune teller with only a small amount of studying. Next, we shall go through this door and try cartomancy."
Within the Cartomancy testing chamber, Von found himself surrounded by an array of mystical cards, each adorned with arcane symbols and vivid imagery. The air carried a sense of mystery and anticipation. Stephen guided him to a table where a deck of enchanted cards awaited. As he drew cards, each evoked a distinct sensation—a subtle tingle or a rush of insight. The cards themselves then responded to his aura, aligning in meaningful patterns hinting at the currents of destiny. As he continued through the deck, his aura felt a connection to the cards and the energies surrounding him providing additional glimpses of his future. This time, he was wearing a suit of plate mail armor wielding a hand and a half sword in his left hand and lightning flowing from his right. As he drew the cards, the cards took on a glow of several different colors of energy as he became aware of this interconnectedness between the drawn cards and his possible future.
Yes, please.
Suddenly, the glow of the cards disappeared.
A moment later, the cards began strobing as the table did earlier each time stronger than the last.
Von felt his future seemed clearer with the cards than with his palms, however, there were still more tests to go.
Stephan looked even more puzzled after this display because for the first two tests out of two, the young man had already shown enough affinity to be an apprentice at each form of magic, yet in both tests, the implements had acted strangely. Was there a way to cheat on these tests which no one had noticed previously? "You show quite the affinity for palmistry as well. You definitely have the makings of a fortune teller in you."
He had been doing this for four years and had never seen this happen before. "That was odd, however, you do have a goodly amount of affinity for palmistry, however. Enough so to be a fairly accurate fortune teller with only a small amount of studying. Two more chambers before we go to the platform room. The next room will test your affinity to bibliomancy." Opening the door away from the entrance and motioning with his hand, Stephan said, "Right this way."