As Elian and Res entered Dean Cirala Thorne's office, they were greeted by the stern yet welcoming presence of the dean. His office was adorned with shelves filled with ancient tomes and magical artifacts, creating an atmosphere of reverence and mystique.
"Ah, Elian, Res, please have a seat," Dean Thorne said, gesturing towards the chairs in front of his desk. "I have an important matter to discuss with both of you."
Taking their seats, Elian and Res exchanged curious glances, wondering what the dean had in store for them.
"As second-year students of Arcana Academia, you are now required to undertake missions to further develop your magical abilities and contribute to the academy's objectives," Dean Thorne explained, his voice carrying a note of gravity. "These missions will challenge you, test your skills, and provide valuable experience that will shape you into formidable mages."
He handed them each a registration form, a parchment adorned with the academy's seal. "Please fill out these forms with your name, age, race, and abilities," he instructed. "Once completed, I will assess your strengths and assign you appropriate missions accordingly."
Despite Elian's gloomy disposition, the weight of responsibility hung heavy in the air as he filled out the registration form. Each stroke of the quill felt like a burden, a reminder of the challenges he would soon face.
As his hand moved across the parchment, Elian couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease that had settled within him since the battle with the Vor'talon of Vengeance. The memories of that fateful encounter haunted him, casting a shadow over his thoughts and emotions.
Name: Elian Aetheris
Age: 14
Race: Human
Abilities: Flame, Ice, and Light Magic
Even as he listed his formidable magical abilities, Elian couldn't muster a sense of pride or excitement. Instead, a hollow emptiness gnawed at his soul, dulling the spark of ambition that once burned brightly within him.
Handing the completed form back to Dean Thorne, Elian's eyes betrayed no hint of emotion as he awaited the dean's assessment. He was resigned to whatever fate awaited him, whether it be glory or further despair.
He glanced at Res who was filling her form happily
Name: Res Aqua
Age: 14
Race: mermaid
Abilities: Water and Wind magic
Exiting the dean's office alongside Res, Elian's steps were slow and heavy, weighed down by the burden of his own inner turmoil. Despite the prospect of embarking on missions and honing his magical skills, he couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that lingered like a dark cloud overhead.
As they ventured back into the halls of Arcana Academia, Elian's gloomy mood seemed to cast a shadow over the world around him. But amidst the darkness that enveloped his heart, a flicker of determination remained—a faint glimmer of hope that whispered of brighter days yet to come.
Elian stood before the array of magical instruments, his gaze fixed on the sword that lay gleaming before him. Without hesitation, he reached out and grasped its hilt, feeling a surge of anticipation course through him as the blade hummed with latent power.
As the sword assessed his proficiency, Elian braced himself for the verdict, his heart pounding in his chest. When the results appeared before him, he felt a mixture of satisfaction and determination. Though his skill with the blade was not the highest, it was a reminder of the progress he had made and the journey that still lay ahead.
Turning his attention to the orbs that shimmered with arcane energy, Elian felt a sense of familiarity wash over him. Flame, light, and ice—each element held a unique allure, a testament to the breadth of his magical abilities.
As the orbs gauged his mastery of each discipline, Elian held his breath, waiting for the verdict. When the results materialized before him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. Though there was room for improvement, his scores were a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Beside him, Res stood poised and focused, her own skills laid bare before her. As the rankings were revealed, Elian couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his friend. Despite the challenges she faced, Res had proven herself to be a formidable mage, her proficiency in water and wind magic a testament to her resilience and determination.
Dean Cirala Thorne scrutinized the parchment before him, his gaze shifting between the two young mages standing before him. With a solemn expression, he cleared his throat and began to read out their scores.
"Elian Aetheris," he announced, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "Sword proficiency: 6 out of 10." Elian listened intently, his eyes fixed on the dean as he continued. "Flame magic: 5 out of 10. Light magic: 6 out of 10. Ice magic: 5.6 out of 10."
As the scores were revealed, Elian's expression remained impassive, though a flicker of determination shone in his eyes. Beside him, Res awaited her own assessment, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
"Res," the dean intoned, his voice steady. "Sword proficiency: 3 out of 10." Res nodded, her gaze unwavering as she awaited the rest of her scores. "Water magic: 6 out of 10. Wind magic: 5 out of 10."
The air in the room grew tense as the dean finished reading out the scores. Elian and Res exchanged a brief glance, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Though their rankings were set, they knew that their journey was far from over. With determination burning in their hearts, they stood ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, their resolve unshakeable as they prepared to embark on their first missions as second-year students of Arcana Academia.
Dean Cirala Thorne paused, his gaze shifting from the parchment to Elian and Res standing before him. With a measured tone, he announced their ranks.
"Elian Aetheris," he began, his voice resonating with authority. "You are hereby granted the rank of Mystic Apprentice." The words hung in the air, but Elian's stoic demeanor remained unchanged.
Turning his attention to Res, the dean continued, "And you, Res, are also awarded the rank of Mystic Apprentice." A smile lit up Res's face, her eyes sparkling with joy at the recognition of her achievements.
While Res's delight was palpable, Elian's reaction was subdued. His expression remained impassive, betraying none of the emotions stirring within him. Despite the honor bestowed upon him, Elian's thoughts were consumed by darker currents, his mood weighed down by the burdens he carried.
As the dean concluded the ceremony, Elian and Res exchanged a brief glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Though their paths diverged in outward appearance, their bond remained unbreakable, forged through shared struggles and unspoken solidarity. With their ranks determined, they stood ready to face the trials ahead, each step forward a testament to their unwavering resolve.