"Poralis, you may give him the final results," said the tortoise.
They grey-haired wizard smiled benevolently toward the you man who was briefly his student. "Von, your journey through the arcane currents has led you to the pinnacle of Chronomancy—an expert level of affinity nearing the threshold of adept mastery. The threads of time respond to your essence with a resonance that transcends the ordinary. You are on the cusp of unlocking the secrets of temporal manipulation with a mastery attained by few.
When I offered you the hourglass, I chose one well beyond those given to apprentices or even journeymen as I saw what occurred when you touched the large on in the temporal classroom. There are only three more powerful foci available, and most students will never be able to attune themselves to them, if they can be found. Your focus was created from two emperor beast cores of a temporal huge black hound which had been corrupted by a fell rift opening near their rocky den. The other metals involved are mithril and orichalcum making it a very powerful focus. When you were able to attune to it, I knew you could master chronomancy and I would like you to spend the rest of your time before you return to your Marsgate studying with me as my direct student."
The council members, well-versed in the complexities of temporal magic, exchanged approving glances, recognizing the significance of Von's expertise. "However," the old chronomancer continued, "as the river of time flows, so does the diversity of magical currents intertwine within your essence. This being the case, I understand if you would like to explore those other portions of the intricate tapestry defining your magical destiny."
Von stood as the other leaders in the room waited with bated breath. A student of the age and caliber of the boy in front of them would increase the standing of their college immensely. If he could learn their fields as rapidly as he did temporal magics, he would also provide incentive for the older students to knuckle down and take their studies seriously. After all, no one wants to be bested by someone half their age or younger.
With this, the other instructors each pitched their schools hoping to lure him to be their direct student beginning with the older woman in indigo to Monica's right. "Von, the power of the mind is unparalleled. In the college of myalomancy, you'll delve into the intricacies of mental magic – telepathy, telekinesis, and the manipulation of thoughts. Unleash the potential of your intellect and witness the extraordinary feats achievable through the mastery of the mind. Join us, and your thoughts shall become your greatest arsenal."
The second archmage in the group was next. "Von, my aspiring student, consider the wonders of space and dimension. In my college, you'll unravel the mysteries of spatial magic, bending the fabric of reality itself. Portals, pocket dimensions, and the manipulation of space will be at your fingertips. Studying choromancy will allow you to create storage items and teleport to anywhere you can perceive in a mere instant. Choose my college, and you'll navigate the cosmos with unparalleled grace and skill."
The tortoise looked at the group before saying in his slow thoughtful voice, "Since they have told you the value of their schools, I guess I should do the same. I realize elemental magics are the flashiest and probably the most well-known, but my pitch is this: As my potential protégé, envision yourself commanding the primal forces of nature. With me at the helm of your studies, you'll embark on a journey through the gentle flow of water, the solidity of earth, and the swift currents of air. Each element will be a symphony, and you will be its conductor. Join my college, and you shall master the very essence of the world itself. Unlike some here, I see you have great caring for those around you. While it isn't something we test for specifically, I also wield the magic of protection, apotropaic magics. These will be useful in so many ways in your years to come for both yourself and the protection of others. I believe based your natural affinities, you could excel at this as well, and I offer my guidance in helping you to learn."
Each pitch carried a distinct flavor, with the Alden emphasizing the raw power of elemental forces, Eve highlighting the intellectual prowess of mental magic, and Alendoria showcasing the enchanting possibilities within the realm of spatial magic. The decision now rested on Von's shoulders, as he weighed the allure of each magical college and the unique path it promised to unveil.
Von stood amidst the group of eager instructors, each vying for the chance to mentor him in their respective forms of magic. His brows furrowed, and a perplexed expression played across his features as he grappled with the overwhelming choices before him. The air was thick with anticipation, and the instructors' enthusiastic pitches blended into a cacophony of magical possibilities.
Von, uncertain and visibly caught in a dilemma, shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His gaze darted from one hopeful instructor to another, each presenting their unique style and expertise. The complexity of the decision seemed to hang in the air, and for a moment, he appeared lost in a maze of conflicting choices. It was evident that he didn't know how to answer the pressing question of which magical path to embark upon, leaving him in a state of bewilderment amidst the sea of eager mentors.
As the myriad of magical options unfolded before him, Von finally found his voice amidst the clamor of enthusiastic instructors. With a thoughtful expression, he acknowledged the richness of choices laid out before him. "It's truly overwhelming," he admitted, a hint of contemplation in his eyes.
As Von continued to share his thoughts, a genuine passion for magic illuminated his eyes. He spoke eloquently of the intricate tapestry comprising the diverse realms of elemental magic and the myriad other magical disciplines present before him. His words conveyed not only a mere interest but a profound fascination with the possibilities each path offered as he reworded what they had spoken of their fields.
Looking at each of the wizards, starting with the tortoise he mused aloud, "the elemental forces hold the essence of the world itself. The dance of fire, the ebb and flow of water, the solidity of earth, and the whispers of the air – they each carry a unique resonance beckoning me to learn it. Protection magic I have seen in action and would love to know more about it and develop a talent for it as well, but," he added with a thoughtful pause as he looked toward Master Trapper, "there's also the allure of mental magic, where the mind becomes a canvas for extraordinary feats. The power of thoughts, telekinesis, and the unseen forces of the intellect – it's a realm of limitless potential."
His expression shifted, reflecting the genuine struggle within him before looking at the elven archmage. "Then, there's spatial magic," Von continued, "the manipulation of space and dimension. Portals that bridge worlds, pocket dimensions waiting to be explored – it's an enchanting prospect, particularly since I have wanted a storage bag so many times while carrying wood or water. Chronomancy brings the ability to learn everything and potentially keep my youth as I age, and its ability to mimic other magics, is by itself incredible. Looking around, I know each instructor here brings something invaluable to the table, and I find myself torn in this internal struggle to choose just one path."
Von's acknowledgment of the value each instructor brought to the table resonated in his words. "Archmage Alden embodies the raw power of nature and the power of protection, Master Trapper delves into the depths of the mind, Archmage Alendoria unfolds the mysteries of space, and Archmage Poralis offers the past, the future plus more in his offerings. Each offers a unique perspective and set of skills, and I can't help but recognize the richness each path holds."
His genuine appreciation for the magical arts painted a vivid picture of a student caught in the throes of a magical dilemma, torn between the enchanting promises of elemental and protection magic, the intellectual allure of mental magic, the cosmic wonders of spatial magic, and the delights of all ages available to temporal magic. The decision ahead was weighty, and Von's internal struggle echoed the complexity of choosing a singular path among the alluring possibilities that magic had laid out before him.
In a moment of inspiration, Von's eyes brightened with an idea. "Is it possible," he began, addressing the gathered instructors, "to study under each of you for a few hours during the next week? I believe that experiencing a taste of each magical path could help me make a more informed decision." His suggestion hung in the air, a hopeful proposal to navigate the labyrinth of choices and glean insights from the expertise of multiple mentors. The instructors exchanged glances, considering the unconventional request, as Von awaited their response with a mix of anticipation and determination.
Turning to Oren, he added as if he had contemplated his words for quite some time, "My request includes you Master Oren. As a master pyromancer skilled metallomancy, xylomancy and chloromancy, you are impressive already and would fill in the gaps lacked by the rest of the group. Adding to this your incredible skill in weapon and armor smithing and the ability to create magical items with beast cores, crystals, or hearts, whichever you choose to call them, you would be an amazing addition to my choice of instructors. Please consider my request as well."
Startles, Oren's deep shade of violet widened in shock at the prospect of taking on such a potentially talented student. He had long given up his days of teaching and had few apprentices over the last three centuries. For such a young boy, he seemed wise well beyond his years.
The elven male looked baffled for the first time since he had met Von and Monica. "I don't know. I don't know how much of my craft can be learned in a few days, let alone a few hours. I don't know how useful my knowledge would be other than to keep you from being taken advantage of in the future."
Looking at Archmage Poralis, then back to the instructors, he said, "I have learned one lesson of great importance. Time is subjective. Using the great hourglass, I was able to watch classes from centuries ago through this morning. I think, if my studies begin with Master Poralis's temporal teachings, I will be able to increase the amount I can learn from each of your during those few hours, if you agree. I would rather not choose one of you if I can be students of all of you. Is this acceptable?"