Elyas was finally beginning to get the hang of his chaotic magic—or at least, he thought so. Sure, there were still moments when things went awry, like the time he accidentally turned Professor Grimbald's entire desk into jelly. But his latest victory with the stardust fox had given him a new confidence.
Unfortunately for Elyas, the Academy had a way of testing that confidence at the worst possible moments.
Professor Aldwin's announcement came one foggy morning. The class gathered in the main hall, which was adorned with banners from past generations of students who had graduated to become famous mages. It was a room that made people feel both inspired and very, very small.
Professor Aldwin (grinning mischievously): "Today, you'll all be facing a new challenge: The Haunted Tower."
The entire class, including Elyas, went silent. The Haunted Tower was a legendary structure on the outskirts of the academy grounds. It was said to be filled with ancient magic, curses, and ghosts that had been trapped there for centuries. Even the bravest students looked hesitant.
Seraphina raised her hand, her voice steady but curious: "Professor, why exactly are we being sent into a tower known for… um, haunted activity?"
Professor Aldwin (with a smile that suggested he knew more than he was letting on): "The tower tests more than just your magical abilities. It's a place of challenges, where you confront both the external and the internal. In other words, it will push you to your limits."
Elyas groaned internally. He already felt like his magic was a constant test—did he really need another one? Kellen, standing beside him, clapped him on the back with a wicked grin.
Kellen (smirking): "Don't worry, Elyas. Maybe this time you'll accidentally make friends with the ghosts."
Elyas (sarcastically): "Yeah, that sounds like something I'd do."
Seraphina looked between the two of them, her usual composed self. "Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. We need to focus. If the stories are true, the Tower is full of traps and illusions meant to confuse even the sharpest minds."
Marlowe, who had been leaning casually against the wall, piped up with his usual playful smirk: "I've heard the Tower feeds on your deepest fears. Should be fun watching Elyas try not to panic."
Elyas shot Marlowe a glare but couldn't deny that the thought made his palms sweat. Fear wasn't something you could just out-magic, and if the Tower was anything like the stories, there was plenty to be afraid of.
Entering the Tower
By midday, the group had made their way to the outskirts of the Academy grounds, where the Haunted Tower loomed in the mist like a shadow from a forgotten time. Its jagged, crumbling stone walls were covered in moss, and an eerie light flickered in some of the higher windows. It looked like it hadn't been touched in centuries.
Professor Aldwin stood at the base of the tower, a knowing smile on his face as he addressed the students one last time. "Remember, this is not just a test of your magical abilities. The Tower will challenge your courage, your wit, and your trust in each other. You'll be going in pairs. Find your partner, and good luck."
Elyas barely had time to react before Kellen grabbed his arm.
Kellen (grinning): "Looks like it's you and me, buddy. You'll need someone to keep you from turning into a puddle of goo when things get spooky."
Elyas (nervously): "I'd say you're exaggerating, but given my history, I'm not so sure…"
Seraphina, partnered with Marlowe, gave Elyas a reassuring smile. "Just remember what you've learned, Elyas. You've made a lot of progress. Trust yourself."
As they approached the Tower, the giant wooden door creaked open slowly, as if beckoning them inside. The air immediately turned colder, and the faint sound of wind howled through the cracks in the stone.
Kellen (nudging Elyas): "Let's just hope the ghosts are as friendly as you are."
Inside the Tower
The moment Elyas and Kellen stepped inside, the door slammed shut behind them with an ominous bang. Elyas jumped, his heart racing. The hallway ahead was dimly lit by flickering torches, casting long, eerie shadows on the stone walls. The silence was thick, broken only by the sound of their footsteps echoing off the walls.
Kellen (whispering): "So, what do you think the first challenge is? Spooky fog? Hidden traps?"
Elyas opened his mouth to respond when suddenly, the torches lining the hallway went out in unison, plunging them into total darkness. A cold breeze swept through the corridor, and a low, whispering voice seemed to come from all directions.
Voice (whispering): "Turn back…"
Elyas froze, his hand instinctively gripping his wand. He glanced at Kellen, whose usual bravado seemed to falter slightly in the dark.
Kellen (nervously): "I'm guessing that's not just the wind…"
Before Elyas could respond, the ground beneath them rumbled. Stone slabs shifted, and with a loud clunk, the floor opened up beneath their feet. Both of them plummeted into the darkness, their yells swallowed by the cold air.
They landed with a soft thud in what appeared to be a massive underground chamber. The walls were lined with ancient runes, glowing faintly in the dark. In the center of the room stood a massive mirror, its surface shimmering like water.
Kellen (brushing himself off): "Well, that was a rude welcome."
Elyas (glancing at the mirror): "I don't think we're alone down here…"
Suddenly, the mirror flickered, and a reflection appeared—not of the two of them, but of a twisted, monstrous version of Elyas. His reflection had wild eyes, its skin pale and cracked, with dark shadows stretching from its eyes.
Reflection Elyas (grinning wickedly): "You can't control your magic, can you? It'll always be chaos. You'll always be a failure."
Elyas's stomach dropped. The mirror seemed to be taunting him, feeding on his insecurities. Kellen stepped forward, his own reflection now visible beside Elyas's—except Kellen's reflection was chained to the ground, struggling to move, eyes wide with fear.
Kellen (staring at his reflection, voice low): "This isn't real. It's just a trick. The Tower's messing with our heads."
Elyas nodded, but his heart was racing. The twisted reflection of himself felt too real, the words hitting harder than he wanted to admit.
Reflection Elyas (mockingly): "You think you've made progress? You're a joke. Everyone knows it. Even your friends."
Kellen turned to Elyas, seeing the panic rising in his friend's eyes. He grabbed Elyas's arm, shaking him lightly. "Don't listen to it, Elyas! You're better than this. You've faced worse. We've faced worse."
Elyas swallowed hard, forcing himself to breathe. "It's just… a trick. A stupid, haunted trick."
He focused, his magic bubbling under the surface. Trusting his instincts, Elyas raised his wand and pointed it at the mirror. With a deep breath, he let his magic flow—not fighting it, not controlling it, but letting ittake shape on its own. A bright pulse of light shot from his wand, striking the mirror.
The glass cracked, then shattered, the fragments dissolving into mist. The twisted reflections vanished, and the room's oppressive energy lifted.
Kellen (grinning): "Nice work, Elyas. Didn't even turn the whole place into frogs."
Elyas chuckled, relief washing over him. "One disaster at a time."
As the mist cleared, another door appeared on the far side of the chamber, glowing faintly with runes. The next part of the challenge awaited them, but for the first time, Elyas felt a strange sense of calm. His magic, though unpredictable, had worked. He had faced one of his greatest fears—the fear of failure—and come out stronger.
Kellen clapped him on the back. "Let's keep moving. Who knows what other spooky nonsense this Tower has in store?"
Elyas smiled, nodding. "Whatever it is, I think I'm ready."
And so, they pressed forward, the haunted challenges of the Tower ahead of them—but for the first time, Elyas felt like he might actually stand a chance.