I open my eyes to see sunlight shining through a window. My eyes scan the room I was sleeping in, clearly not my room at the inn. It had nice furniture and I felt a weird pang of nostalgia. I send ether out to summon my conduit, no reaction. I begin to panic, the bond I had for over 25 years gone. Did she sever the bond? I quickly get off the bed, and search the room for any clues as to where I was. I quickly rifle through the drawers in the dresser next to the mirror. In the bottom drawer I find a couple of notebooks. I flip through the first one.
Jason was a normal farmer's kid; little did he know he would soon save the kingdom. I shut the notebook in embarrassment. It was one of my stories I wrote as a kid. I thought I burned this years ago after my sister found it, what the hell is going on. A ridiculous idea popped in my head. "No way..." I whisper barely audible. I rush to the mirror, my mind racing. As I get to the mirror and see my reflection, I let a startled yell "HOLY SHIT" The person in the mirror was me but it wasn't the current me. It was my younger self. My usually white hair was now a light brown, the scar that had haunted me for years nowhere to be seen. A banging on my door startles me out of my daze. "Zan! Why are you screaming?"
A voice I thought I would never hear again rang out clearly. As I walk over to the door tears well up in my eyes. I open it to see a face that annoyed me in my younger years. My sister's hair tied back in a pony tail, her grey eyes full of life and a bit of confusion. I stand staring in disbelief.
"Hello? Anyone home?" Maria snaps her fingers in front of my face, "What's wrong Zan?" I wrap my arms around her, tears coming forth heavily. Her body goes rigid in my arms.
"Please tell me this is real," I speak softly burying my head in her shoulder.
"Are you okay? What happened?" her voice filled with concern. She pats me lightly on the back confused about this situation. "Are you worried about the test today?"
"Wait today? The test is today? The aptitude tests?" I question grabbing her shoulders backing up a little. "Okay, now you are worrying me. Did I hit you too hard yesterday during our sparring?" She put a hand on my head. At this I finally gather my composure, and gather my thoughts for a few seconds and brush her hand off.
"Sorry sis, I had a really bad dream that confused me," giving her a fake smile a step back, "it's nothing. Now you going to let me get ready or you want to be late?" Still looking concerned she looks at me for a bit.
"Alright then, get ready. Also wear the clothes mom picked or she will get mad," Maria said before leaving. I close the door and look around the room. It was the exact same, my childhood room before all the pain. I was given this chance and I won't mess it up this time. I go over to the dresser and start changing. I get my trousers on and grab my shirt off the dresser and found a familiar book underneath it. It was Axton's Grimoire. Holy hell, how is this here. Flipping through the pages for confirmation, possible answers float through my mind. Is it possible a problem countless sorcerers have given their lives to answer have been solved by Elliott Axton? If he did it explains the description, if the Great Divine had this it would lead to humanities enslavement. Holy shit I time travelled! And to my younger self, before the war, before my sister's death, to before-
"Hurry up, Zan!" My sister's voice break through my thoughts. She is right, figure this out later. Let's take the test first.
"I'm coming!" I throw my shirt on and head down stairs.
I get to the dining room wearing the clothes I wore for the last test grey cuffed pants, black ankle boots, and a buttoned shirt with grey accents. My sister was at the table in a matching outfit, but a blouse instead of a buttoned shirt. Restraining myself from crying I look at the person sitting across from her, our mother. I put on a smile and give my best effort to be casual.
"Morning everyone," speaking a bit stiff, "Breakfast smells good Mom."
"Morning sweetie," My mother smiles brightly at me, happy for the compliment, "Did the test put you in that good of a mood? You are usually so grumpy in the morning." While I was thinking how to respond Maria answers in my stead.
"He said he had a bad dream last night. He even was crying when he saw me," she gives a slight smirk, "I wonder what it was about." Mom looks over at me with a concerned look. Unprepared I say the first thing that pops in my head.
"It was just a dream where you guys died. I am better now though," as it slips from my mouth I regretted saying it instantly seeing Maria's face flush with anger. She immediately throws a spoon at my head.
"REALLY?! Really?" She stands up from the table, "For you to be happy to see me, you have to kill me off first? Like what the hell?"
"Maria, stop," Mom steps in front of her, "No fighting today sit down and eat. Unless you want to spar with me before the test?" Maria clearly still a bit angry grumbles as she sits back down. Mom and I then sit down. The rest of the meal was continued with casual conversation between Maria and Mom as I planned for what is to come. After we finished, we left the house to Axton Arena.
As we walk through the city, the difference from when the Clergic Order was in charge was obvious. Sorcery was ingrained in the city from the buildings to the citizens. No harsh stares, no patrolling holy guard. It is peaceful and bright a sight I haven't seen in years. Enchanted tools sold by vendors made life easier. Wards protecting buildings and walls, buildings built faster and stronger. The Golden Age of sorcery a sight I wish I never took for granted. But the more I see the more I remember the clergic uprising, I won't let it happen. I vow to not let tragedies to be repeated.
"Zan?" Maria meekly calls out, "What if I don't have an aptitude? What would I do?" Seeing her this worried reminds me of the first exam. She passed with flying colors, only losing to me in the mental strength exam for the second sword. I grin at her unneeded worry.
"Don't worry, by the end of the day everyone will be wishing to have your talent," I glance back and see Mom give me a smile of thanks. Maria gave me a nod staring at the ground. "So, mom what does the test entail?" She gives me a look of understanding, and starts explaining.
"As you know the purpose of the aptitude test is to find anyone with capability in the Three Swords and take them to be trained at Sylph Academy. The Three Swords are ki the first sword used by warriors, borrowed power is the second used by Spirit Channelers, and lastly the third sword is sorcery. Most people train in one and use the other two as support. Warriors use ki or the life energy of the body to enhance physical abilities. Spirit channelers use borrowed power of spirits and deities to summon and affect the world. Sorcerers use their souls to control the ether in the world to cast spells. The test is divided in three parts, one for each sword. The First Sword tests the quality and ability to control ki. This is done by injection of a Tiger ranked warrior examiner's ki and their observation of your ki. The Second Sword's test is a test of mental strength. The Third Sword use an enchanted device to measure your soul's compatibility and strength in each school of sorcery. It used to be done by a diviner but people can be bought off so the device has better validity. If you pass one or more you go to the academy as a student of a sword. If you don't you can go, but only as an academic student. But don't worry with your talent baby you will be okay." Mom gives Maria a reassuring pat on the shoulder, letting the tenseness leave Maria slightly. We walk in silence for a bit till the Axton Arena came into view.
The Arena had been erected in honor of The Sorcerer of Disaster for his prowess in combat. It was a giant coliseum with black brick walls and metal silver accents. As we reach the front gate the statue of Elliott Axton and his allies stood out front. His face obscured by his cloak leaving his facial features a mystery. The gate was guarded by 2 people by the door. One wore light leather armor with a spear in his right hand a tuft of blonde hair stuck out the back of his helmet. The other had brown hair and a wand stuffed in the belt of his blue robe. They both different badges, the warrior wore Bear emblem, and the sorcerer wore three badges 2 iron and 1 bronze. The badges and emblem represent the rank they are in the sword they practice. As we approach the warrior blocks the door with his spear.
"Excus' me ma'am," the warrior spoke with a rough accent attempting a gentle tone, "if yer gonna guide yer young'ns in I'm a gonna need identification." My mother flashed a smile and dug through her bag pulling out to scrolls of parchment that had our birth record on it. She handed it to the warrior, who ignored the sorcerers outreached hand and began to mouth the words slowly. Irritation started to show on the sorcerer's face.
"Are you serious Earl?" he spoke in a teasing way, "How many times have I told you, give me the papers, because we don't need your illiteracy slowing everyone down."
"But Jole I be needin' the practice," Jole snatches the parchment and glances over it in a huff.
"I'm going to need to see yours to miss." With a smile that doesn't reach her eyes she just points to the tiger emblem on her chest. The warrior's face blanches and stepped aside pulling the young mage with him. As we walk past them, I hear them whispering to each other. I look over at mom and she gives me a mischievous grin.
Through the doors we arrive in a lavish welcome area with a young lady at the reception desk. She gives us a business smile as we enter. Mom leads the way to the desk as we trail behind her.
"Welcome to The Axton Arena, how may I help you today?"
"Hi, these two are here for the academy exam," she pulls us in front of her as if to show us off, "I have all the proper documentation right here." She hands the woman some papers. The receptionist looks them over quickly then looks up.
"All seems to be in order, just sit over there until your name is called," as she speaks, she points to a waiting area with various people sitting, "have a nice day." She gives us one last business smile and returns to her paper work. We walk over and sit in some open seats. Exams were only once a month so it made sense that multiple people were taking the exam. A dreary silence hung over the room as many of the examinees are worried. After what seems like forever our names were called along with 8 others. Our mom gives us an encouraging hug as we stand up.
"Don't you guys worry, you'll do fine" she speaks pulling away, "after all you are my kids." She gives one last smile as we walk over to the desk. Beside the desk stands a composed older gentleman with papers in his hand.
"Line up in the order I called you if you may," his voice and speech projected clearly over the nervous whispers, "All are in attendance, if you may follow me down the hall we will proceed with the exam." Going through a well-lit hallway, I look back and give my sister an encouraging smile. She gives me a small nervous smile back. We reach the end of the hall and it opens up to an open air arena with a raised platform in the center. Leading us up onto the platform, the older gentlemen lines us up and promptly leaves. Standing across from us are four very different people and a bronze mirror. Starting from the left I scan each person. The first of which was a woman clad in light metal armor with a Tiger emblem hanging rom her waist. She stood about six feet tall and had a claymore strapped to her back. The person next to her is the total opposite of her loud and rough appearance, he wore a long simple black robe. The only thing visible under his hood were a pair of sharp dangerous eyes. The next guy would be the type you know is uptight. His clothes were plain but were very neat, to the point of impracticality. For a younger man he seems very rigid, the half-moon glasses and the furrow of his brow made him out to be a very by-the-book type of guy. The last examiner looks way to amused to have been examining people all day. He wore a blue cloak with sea life stitched on it. The fish on the cloak moved and swan on the cloak as if alive. Putting aside the bizarre choice in clothing, he was a very refined man. He looked to be in his early twenties, his eyes shifts colors behind his square gold framed glasses. His hair matched his eyes being pulled back in a messy fashion. His grin broadened as he eyes rest upon us.
"I see this group is very talented," his light feminine voice causes some confusion among the examinees, "I'm glad Elle gave me some good advice, about coming here personally."
"I see you aren't the head of the academy for nothin' teach," the swordswoman spoke nodding, "I see some suitable warriors also."
"Alright enough chitchat we still have more groups following this one," the man in the half-moon glasses spoke while pulling out some papers, "Orion Azanar, come stand in front of Ms. Elizabeth." He points to the swordswoman. A boy with hair shaped into rough locks walks over, but not before giving a few girls in the group a wink. Which included Maria, who looked more pissed off then charmed.
"Alright test is simple," Ms. Elizabeth explains, "I stimulate your ki by inserting mine into yours. Then I observe to see if you are able to keep it in check." Her expression revealed she was satisfied with her explanation. The boy on the other hand had a bright grin on his face.
"Inserting, my, my that sounds kind a kinky. At least buy me din-Agh" He got cut off with a punch to the gut, and fell to his knees. All the giggles from the other boys stopped immediately faces pale. After a few seconds of everyone staring in shock Miss Elizabeth clicked her tongue.
"You can stop faking before I hit you for real," Orion leapt up with a wide grin on his face "For being such a perv you have talent I'll give you that."
"So I passed?"
"I incorporated ki in the punch and caused only a slight ripple." She sighs, "So, yes you pass with Mid-tier talent." As she spoke half-moon scribbled on some papers, then he read off the next name.
"Isaac Baker, come forth."
A small boy with brown hair and a round face shuffled over to Miss Elizabeth in fear. Her expression relaxed as she put a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry kid, the test doesn't require me to hit you," the tenseness in his shoulders relax, "I just did that to him, because he is a piece of shit." The fish cloaked guy chuckled at this remark.
"I try my best," Orion jibed.
"You want to lose you manhood boy," more annoyed than mad she looks at him. The threat causes some of the guys to wince. "Alright kid, sit down and close your eyes." Isaac follows her instructions and she places her hand on his back. After a few seconds his breathing becomes labored and she removes her hand. "Low-tier." Half-moon scribbles on his paper again.
"Alexander Cain, proceed to be tested."