As he sat there trying to rest, Master Poralis walked from the room to give him a moment of privacy. Upon his return, he placed a yellow topaz-colored robe about Von's shoulders.
"Congratulations, Von. You have shown more than sufficient skill to have earned this robe. You already have an appropriate focus, so I won't give you another, but I officially declare you to be a master chronomancer."
The entire tower erupted in cheers and shouts of congratulations as everyone had been given the opportunity to watch his third enrobing via the use of spatial magics. Not only did the tower get to view the enrobing of a third magical master, but the majority of the town of Sungrove had been made aware of what was going to happen.
Von was officially the youngest archmage in the history of the Ouranos Haven. A grand celebration was waiting for him at not only the Flooded Haven, but along every street on which he might pass to get there. Such was the excitement of honoring a new archmage of any age, but one so young was truly special.
Von felt a surge of pride and gratitude as Master Poralis bestowed upon him the yellow topaz-colored robe, a symbol of his newfound status as a master chronomancer. The weight of the robe settled comfortably on his shoulders, its vibrant hue filling him with a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
"Thank you, Master Poralis," Von said, his voice tinged with emotion. "I am truly honored by this recognition."
Master Poralis smiled warmly, his eyes gleaming with pride. "You have earned it, Von," he said firmly. "Your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering determination have brought you to this moment. Wear this robe with pride, for it signifies your mastery of time magic and the countless hours you have dedicated to honing your skills."
As the cheers and applause echoed throughout the tower, Von couldn't shake the sense of unease settling over him. While he was grateful for the recognition and honor bestowed upon him, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the expectations surrounding him. He wasn't certain what they might expect from him since he had been given, no, earned three robes. Being declared the youngest archmage in the history of Ouranos Haven was an incredible feat, but it also carried a weight of responsibility he wasn't sure he was ready for.
Amidst the jubilant celebrations, Von's mind raced with questions and doubts. What were people expecting from him since he now held such a prestigious title? Would he be confined to the tower, expected to devote himself entirely to the pursuit of magic? Or could he still pursue his other interests and ambitions, such as learning smithing and exploring other skills?
He still needed to get home, and he wanted to learn smithing and many other skills while the resources were available to him in one nearby location. Growing up in Milltown, he would have had to travel to several different cities far away to find the same educational resources located here in this one swamp town.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Von looked to Master Poralis and resolved to speak honestly and openly about his hopes and aspirations, trusting that his mentor would understand and support his decisions. He cleared his throat, steeling himself for the conversation ahead.
"Master Poralis," he began, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in his chest. "I know being declared the youngest archmage is an incredible honor, and I am truly grateful for everything you and the other instructors at the academy have done for me, but I also have other passions and interests I want to pursue."
He looked up at his mentor pleadingly before continuing. "I want to learn smithing, tanning, leather working, item creation, and most of all, swordsmanship plus other skills while I have the resources available to me here in Sungrove. Then I still have to return to my parents and the king in Marsgate. I love it here, but at the same time, there's so much more I want, and I feel like I owe the academy and all of you for teaching me, but I still need to go home."
Master Poralis regarded Von with a thoughtful expression, understanding the young mage's desire to explore his passions beyond the confines of time magic. He listened intently as Von expressed his heartfelt plea, nodding in acknowledgment of the weight of his words.
After a moment of consideration, Master Poralis spoke, his voice gentle yet firm. "Von, I understand your desire to pursue other interests and return to your home in Marsgate. Your dedication to mastering multiple skills is commendable, and I have no doubt that you will excel in whatever path you choose."
He paused before releasing a slow breath, "To be honest, we never expected you to become a master anything in the short period of time you were going to be with us. We just wanted to help you learn enough to prevent you from causing yourself or those around you any accidental harm. Your amazing ability to control the essences and master three of them while showing journeyman level skill in six more is miraculous to say the least."
Turning to Monica, who stood by Von's side, Master Poralis offered her a reassuring smile. "Monica, you have been a steadfast friend and companion to Von throughout his journey in life, then again at the academy. Your support and guidance have been invaluable, and I have every confidence that you will continue to stand by him as he embarks on this new chapter of his life."
He then turned back to Von, his gaze warm and supportive. "Von, while we will miss your presence here at Ouranos Haven, we understand from our initial divinations that your journey must continue beyond these walls. While you may not live among us, know that you will always have a home here, should you ever choose to return. Before you leave the academy, I and the rest of the council would request one favor."
Feeling more relaxed the boy replied cheerfully. "If I can do it I will!"
Poralis smiled then turned to Monica, "You as well. We would like you both to if not attune to the arches at the council tower, at least stand between them and allow the arches and the tower to acknowledge each of you as permanent members of the academy."
Monica looked back and forth between the master and her friend before grinning. "Sounds easy enough. Does it do anything?"
The ancient instructor turned pink then shrugged before replying. "I honestly don't know. I have passed between them so many times, I've forgotten if I ever tried to attune to them or how it may have felt if I did. As an instructor, I'm certain I should have, but I've been here for a very long time."
The two children looked at each other before looking back to the master. "Should we do it now, just to be sure?"
Again, Poralis shrugged. "Why not?"
Von concentrated on the way the arches looked in the evening light, the carved runes, the way the arches glowed, the surround gardens, and the sounds of the nearby waterfalls. He thought of the smells of the air with the bit of moisture and sent forth a weave to where he wanted to be while surrounding Monica and Poralis with the same weave.
In a fraction of a second, the three of them were standing before the outer archway being watched by hundreds of other wizards and students including the remaining full council members. Alden waited just inside the doorway past the innermost archway with an odd expression as though the ancient tortoise was smiling.
Seeing the youths arrive, the rest of the crowd spontaneously erupted in applause welcoming the academy's newest and youngest archmage. Alden stepped forward beneath the arches the runes appropriate to his affinities flashing brightly. He then raised one of his thick-scaled armored arms causing those gather to quiet.
With his raspy crackling voice, he looked to Monica. "Please, miss Cooper, step the into the center of the two arches and stand there. You will know when you may continue entering."
She stepped forward beneath the towering arch. Unlike before, two runes glowed, the first, the vivid and vibrant red which again lit the sky and surrounding garden and to glow as if caught in the reflection of a fire. The second was a blackish purple rune, the shape of which was difficult to discern. The expected warmth of welcome again filled her body, but this time, a voice intruded into her mind. Welcome back, Mistress Monica Cooper. Your seat on the council awaits you.
Gasping in surprise, she glanced around to see who might have spoken to her before settling her gaze on the archways. She asked aloud, "Did you just talk to me?"
Two flashes in her colors came from the archways as a mirth filled thought came to her mind. I did.
She jumped again before responding, "Thank you. I didn't realize you were sentient. Thank you for your warm welcome."
Another two flashes before the thoughts came again. I am the embodiment of many instructors and heroes from the academy's past. I was designed by those who came before as a special guardian of the academy. You will be numbered among the wandering council members. Please, enter and take your place at the table. You will always be a member of the academy for as long as it stands.
Monica curtseyed before the arches then entered into the chamber room. Unlike before, there was only one chair it was three quarters of the way around the table slightly to the left of the door opposite the entrance. She moved to sit in it and as before, the cushions adjusted to her body's shape while the temperature warmed to be exactly what she wanted. The upholstery renewed its appearance as though created from soft fabric made from iridescent shades of shimmer threads with patterns resembling symbols one associated with luck and chance, such as horseshoes, four-leaf clovers, and rolling dice. The carvings of the inlaid gold charms, coins, talismans, and other trinkets inlaid appeared on the backrest. The entire chair seemed to exude positive energy as she sat there.
As she sat there, a red envelope shaped like a figure 8 with stalks of bamboo and a goldfish embossed into it appeared above her then floated into the center of the table. After several seconds, these items swirled about before compressing themselves into a copper coin with a square hole in the center. This coin moved to sit directly before her on the table.
Looking at it, she had the urge to touch the coin and in doing so it pulled at her aura infusing part of it into the coin. Once this occurred, it became strung by a bamboo string before moving to hang on a wooden peg extending from the wall directly behind her chair. A sense of belonging and acceptance filled Monica as she watched and waited for Von to enter.