As usual Maya had been waiting for me at the bus station.
"Good morning Noah."
Her statement and greeting was brief.
As she gave off her usual smile.
"Any plans for today?"
Maya asked.
"Hmmm...not really, though I do tend to visit the Town Centre and pick up a few items."
I replied.
'I didn't want to say much, but the items I intend to buy are artifacts that I'll need for the First Act of the story.
Up until now, I'm hoping everything goes as it should be...
Me becoming the Blessed Sage was not to happen.
It was supposed to be Amy.
Then again, I did say I'll get involved in the storyline no matter what.
I just didn't think becoming the Blessed Sage was part of it.'
"Okay, after classes we will head out."
Maya stated.
We got on the mana-powered bus as it made it's way to the Tuition Cube.
I had a small book out as I jotted down on it.
Scratching my head and even leaning back multiple times.
Maya noticed my uneasiness and asked.
"Something bothering you Noah?"
It had been a while since I had written speeches.
Last time I did it was when I was asked to present one after finally getting a job at a tech company.
But that was ages ago.
Now I have to come up with one for the assembly.
"Are you able to write speeches?"
I asked Maya.
Maya seemed lost.
'Why is he asking that all of a sudden?'
'Unless...'
"You see...I...Uhhh..."
"I was chosen as the Blessed Sage..."
I said then chuckled nervously.
"Eh?..."
Maya gave out a single response.
Moreover adding to the fact even she didn't see it coming.
"Are you serious?"
Maya asked. But when she looked at Noah, it bluntly proved that he wasn't.
"Oh, okay...ummm, just hand me the book I'll know what to do."
Noah just complied, he hesitated at first but put all his trust on Maya.
'I hope she comes up with a good speech...not too long or short..'
"Even though I want it short...I'm not one to handle big crowds."
"Especially teenagers..."
The bus arrived at the Tuition Cube as everyone got off.
Noah hadn't realized it at first but there were even second years on the bus as well.
"Don't they get on earlier than second years?"
"If that's the case, then they are doomed..."
Noah thought as he knew those late to classes recieve punishments around the school.
Some even end up being sent to the Ravenwood forest located in the school premises to look for items, such as crystals and herbs.
On top of that they have to survive while getting them.
Although there was no need to worry, the school could never send anyone past the second closing of the forest.
Every single first year student had already arrived and hurriedly made their way to the assembly point.
After they had gathered, they began chattering, some excited and others who were tensed after narrowly escaping the magic evaluation passmark.
"Talk about almost having a stroke...I got a 41%."
One stated.
"We're actually less than we started, don't you think?"
"Yeah, those who had below 40% are at the gate, didn't you guys see them?"
"Oh, wow, Ravenwood is no joke...I better study my ass off."
On another side, conversations were flowing.
"Who do you guys think is the Blessed Sage?"
"Probably that blue-haired girl..."
"Amy?"
"Yeah, is that her name?"
"You guys are delusional, if there's anyone fit for that title it's Xander, prove me otherwise."
Amy was actually infront of the talking group, she almost fell embarrassed.
Not because she couldn't actually meet their expectations.
Or because she felt bad recieving such praises.
Sure it felt nice, but to her it hurt in a way.
'I don't understand what happened...I showcased the best I could and yet I wasn't chosen to be the Blessed Sage...'
Amy scolded herself.
She knew if she had been chosen then it would get her deeper into the good books of her family.
Most importantly her father.
It was an achievement.
One that seemed too easy. And yet...she hadn't gotten it.
For now, she could just wait and watch who took her spot on one of the most favoured positions in the academy.
She looked at her watch displaying the window as she reviewed again the email she had recieved.
---
[Dear Amy Bluerose,
Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to serve on the Ravenwood First Years Student Council at Ravenwood Magic Academy. Your exceptional abilities and strong character have not gone unnoticed, and we are confident that you will make a valuable contribution to the council.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will have on our school community.
Sincerely,
Headmaster Elara Windrider,
Ravenwood Magic Academy]
---
She gritted a bit, but her mood went up again.
To her it was better than nothing.
Her eyes then diverted to Xander who was being swarmed by students.
Especially females.
"So, did you get chosen as the Blessed Sage?"
"Gee...I uhh...really can't say."
Xander replied.
"Come on you can tell us..."
Maya stared at the students and other assistants and then looked at Noah who was infront of her.
'Hmmph...they don't know he is actually the Blessed Sage...'
Maya thought as she closed her eyes and smirked a bit, almost feeling like a proud mom.
All the chatter came to an end when Professor Sharon took the stage as other several individuals followed.
"Hey isn't that the academy's Headmaster?"
Slowly people began speaking in hushed tones.
"Ssshh...all she'll hear you..."
A woman with blonde hair that leaned more on white had taken a seat.
She looked old and in her youth at the same time.
Her face was expressionless as the other professors took their places standing behind her.
'Elara Windrider...'
Noah mumbled.
'One of the strongest mages on this continent atleast.'
Professor Sharon then began addressing the students.
"Welcome, first years, to Ravenwood Magic Academy. I'm excited to officially welcome you as you begin your journey here.
Yesterday, you all participated in the magic evaluation test.
I want to start by saying that those who scored less than 40% are already at the gate, preparing to leave. If you didn't pass and are still here hoping to stay, I suggest you leave immediately."
"Now, let me explain what the magic evaluation test was really about.
Many of you showcased abilities that were explosive and chaotic, focusing mainly on damaging the crystal.
However, the true purpose of the test was to measure how much mana you could output.
The amount of mana you can output is directly related to how much mana you can intake.
So, while some of you chose the most flashy and jaw-dropping spells, it all came down to the amount of mana they cost."
"The function of the magic crystal was to measure the amount of mana dealt to it and received by it.
A lot of you demonstrated great abilities, but only six individuals truly stood out.
Among them, one person climbed higher than the rest."
"You know who you are. Please proceed forward..."
Everyone was looking around.
Most eyes falling to Xander who surprisingly hadn't began moving.
Some thought he was probably shy or had stage fright.
Noah on the other hand was busy pondering back to the test.
The single ice spell he had cast.
'Most mana output...'
He muttered then it hit him like a brick as he quickly pulled out his status window.
There he saw it.
[■Mana: 3]
His mana levels had dropped immensely from 200+.
Now sitting at only a 3.
One more mana output and he would be facing another mana deficiency for a day or two.
'No wonder I couldn't release the icicle...
My hand got colder and began freezing.
Only to think that single icicle was draining my mana pool.
Sounds more complicated than I had thought.
No wonder it was more powerful than the basic one.'
He thought and paused.
'So that's the kind of spell he had discovered and developed...'
He thought as Draven's image flashed in his mind.
'But his was different...'
"Ehem...uhhh, Noah...it's you they're waiting for..."
Maya leaned over Noah's shoulder to bring him back from his thoughts.
"..."
"Here's the speech..."
Maya said ripping a piece of paper she had written from in the small book.
Noah folded it multiple times and put it in his pocket as he made his way through the crowd.
Eyes fell on him, each heavier than the last.
Their expressions said it all: "Him? Seriously?"