Outside, having seen Monica enter, Von knew it was his turn, but he waited for Archmage Alden to tell him to move forward.
After seeing something happening inside, the ancient tortoise turned to Von. In his crackling voice, he said, "Archmage Von Zupan, please step the into the center of the two archways and remain. You will know when you may continue entering."
Walking directly to the center of the archways, Von stood noticing again as every rune glowed brightly against the setting sun. Just like before, not a single rune was unlit and the crowd gasped collectively at this incredible feat. The brilliance of the runes was practically blinding, but still they all watched closely to see what would happen to the small boy.
Within his mind, the deep voice from what seemed like long ago returned. Welcome back, Archon Von Zupan. I am glad to note your abilities have improved and you have strengthened that which is within you. You will always have a home within the academy and a seat upon its council for as long as it stands. Until you return, you will be numbered among the wandering council members. You may take your seat when it pleases you.
A feeling of warmth and belonging filled Von's body and mind, but he was also puzzled. What do you know of that which within me?
The deep voice returned. We are nearly the same. With these thoughts, part of Von's aura extended into the archways, allowing him to feel the past wizards' essences within the grand structures. Each had their own specialties and every one of them could be felt individually as well as together. At the same time Von felt as though each one of them had something, some knowledge they wished to impart to him, but he wasn't quite ready.
Von felt better knowing there was more than one system. Thank you, guardian. I will return in the future.
Walking forward, the runes flashed twice before creating a kaleidoscope of colors in welcome to the newest archmage. The crowd cheered again in appreciation of the amazing boy as he walked into the antechamber toward the council chamber.
Entering the council chamber, instead of a number of chairs, with the exception of where Monica was seated, there was only one chair. This chair was directly across the table from the door he was entering. Behind it was the door to the library hidden within. Von scanned the room with his eyes narrowed. Before, there were various accoutrements behind several chairs, now there were just the two.
As he neared the empty chair, he noticed a coin behind Monica which hadn't been present the last time they were there. A red aura pulsed from within seemingly directed at his best friend while enveloping the rest of the chamber.
He put his hand on the empty chair before sitting, but this time, the chair changed sat. The shimmering crystal throne from before was back, even more elaborate than before. The energies resonating within it were much stronger than he remembered and the entire throne, (was this a throne before? he thought...) seemed made for a king, not something a boy might sit in. The elegance of the symbols was so much more pronounced than he remembered, despite being only a few days ago.
Von finally sat on the chair dedicated to him. He looked to Monica who had a strange look on her face as if seeing Von for the first time. Unbeknownst to him, when he walked into the antechamber, a golden aura surrounded her friend. She didn't know why, but wondered if the same occurred when she walked through the doors. Regardless, she wanted to see what focus would form from his essence.
As if triggering the creation, dozens of spheres of energy formed above Von's head before swirling their way into the center of the table. Once there, they stretched to a line before forming a circle and beginning to spin. As the multi-colored spheres spun within their loop, the colored globules repeatedly swapped places with one another as if jockeying in line for dominance.
Three eventually made their way to the front. The yellow, lavender, and tan spheres took the lead before finally crashing into each other only to be joined by the remaining globes of essence. Over the course of ten or so minutes, the essences formed shape after shape until hundreds of shapes had formed and been decided against. Eventually, the mass of essences seemed to have come to a decision. With a blazing flash of light, a staff formed and lay on the table before Von.
Monica watched in awe as the magical ritual unfolded before her eyes, her gaze fixed on the mesmerizing display of energy swirling and coalescing into various forms above Von's head. She couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the sight, her curiosity piqued by the mysterious golden aura that surrounded her friend.
As the spheres of energy converged and transformed into a staff, Monica couldn't suppress a gasp of surprise. She had expected something more in line with Von's aspirations of becoming a knight-wizard, perhaps armor or a weapon suited for battle. Yet, the appearance of the staff seemed to defy her expectations, leaving her intrigued by its significance.
He sat there resisting the strange urge to touch it. In his mind, he wondered why a staff? Didn't his magic know he wanted to be a knight? Perhaps breeches, or a bracer, maybe even a robe would be more his style, why a staff? Puzzled, he asked in a whisper. "Why a staff? A staff isn't the weapon of a knight-wizard. A suit of armor seemed more appropriate, or since I have the helm already, maybe a breastplate? Or, if it's only to be used in the council chamber, a robe representing all my affinities. Why a staff?"
Von's whispered question echoed in the chamber, drawing Monica's attention back to him. She observed his puzzled expression, recognizing the confusion and uncertainty in his voice. She, too, wondered why the magic had chosen a staff for him, but before she could voice her thoughts, she witnessed the staff's transformation in response to Von's uncertainty.
As if hearing his whispers, the staff spun in the air returning to the center forming a breastplate, then a robe, and finally settling on a cape appearing to be made of enchanted silks which changed color similar to the threads of the upholstery making up the throne. It finally flew back to the table before him as if waiting on his approval. He stared at it as elaborate runes appeared on the surface representing each affinity he knew about and many more he didn't.
As the staff shifted into different forms—a breastplate, a robe, and finally, a cape—Monica's eyes widened in amazement. She marveled at the intricate runes that adorned the surface of the cape, each representing a different affinity of magic. It was a sight unlike anything she had ever seen, and she wondered how much a part of Von's affinities affected the choice of this beautiful cape. The thought occurred to her of if she had wanted something different, would a coin still have formed, or would she too have a different item.
As his friend marveled at the sight before her, Von again felt like he needed to touch the cape to let it know it had chosen well, but now he was in awe of the masterful work laying in front of him. Seeing Von's hesitation, it started to shift as if to move to the center again, but the boy snatched it before it could clear the edge of the table completing the ritual.
Feeling its need, he infused a portion of his aura into the cape which again flew through the colors then settled on his shoulders for a moment before moving to hang behind him on the back of his chair. It was perfect the boy thought and as though feeling his emotions, the cape flashed briefly only to be mirrored by the great archways outside the building.
When Von finally accepted the cape, Monica couldn't contain her excitement. She watched with bated breath as he infused a portion of his aura into the fabric, witnessing the brief flash of light that accompanied the gesture. In that moment, she knew that the cape was more than just a symbol of Von's mastery—it was a reflection of his inner strength and determination. As the cape settled on Von's shoulders, Monica couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for her friend.
With a mixture of awe and gratitude, Von gazed at the cape adorning his shoulders, the elaborate runes shimmering in the ambient light of the chamber. Feeling the weight of responsibility settle upon him, Von straightened his posture, this was something special, and he needed to show he was worthy of what it meant.
Turning to Monica, he offered her a grateful smile, his eyes reflecting a newfound sense of determination. "Thank you, Monica," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "I know this all started with something bad happening, but I only made it this far because of you."
Monica, having always wanted the best for her friend, returned his smile with one of her own, her eyes shining with pride. "You've earned this, Von," she replied, her voice tinged with admiration. "I worried for a while, but seeing this, not even your mother or King Garret could doubt that you'll do great things. I spent a lot of time crying when I found out I hurt you but seeing you like this means it was meant to be. It truly is luck."
He felt warm inside as he smiled at her, although he didn't know why. "You are my lucky charm, Mon. Whether good luck, or ill, it always works when you're with me."
There was always something special about being with Monica and now, he found a newfound sense of purpose burning within him, Von looked to the future with optimism and determination, eager to learn the knightly side of becoming a knight-wizard and with Monica by his side, he knew that no challenge was too great, no obstacle too daunting. Together, they would forge their own destiny, guided by the light of their shared dreams and the boundless potential of magic.