Finally awake, the group approached the black-haired man who had led them to that meadow.
«As I mentioned yesterday, you will undergo three tests:
• Discover how much mana you possess.
• Increase your mana.
• Determine if mana circulates within your body. Mainly for Riswyn, but you all will accompany her.
The first is very simple. You probably don't know me, but I, of course, am from Antiqua Costormia and am a high-level sorcerer. I know a black magic that, when applied, affects only those whose blood allows the circulation of mana. You'll feel a slight tingling and be immobilized for a few seconds. I suggest lying down; otherwise, you'll fall.» He said.
Thus began the first test. Already lying down, they couldn't clearly see the man's movements. They were all immobilized for a few seconds, all, except Herega, who quickly stood up, feeling only a faint tingling. The man was surprised, as were the other three, who had just gotten up.
«Your blood does not allow mana to circulate, but you do possess it; otherwise, you wouldn't be able to use sorcery. Let me see again.» He said to the red haired youth.
Herega created a chain again. There was no doubt about it. It was something unprecedented. Neither the man, nor Herega, nor the others could explain it.
«You said you were born and raised in the south of Aostra, right? Perhaps you have an ancestor from Antiqua Costormia so distant that your blood has been corrupted to the point of not being compatible with this test...» The man improvised.
In fact, this reasoning had many flaws. If the ancestor were so distant, Costormian blood would likely be widespread across much of the continent. Additionally, it wouldn't explain mana circulation. If it were so corrupted, Herega likely wouldn't possess mana at all. All five of them knew this wasn't the correct theory. The issue likely dealt with the spell, Herega's blood, or the general theory about mana and sorcerers.
Although surreal, it wasn't a pressing concern at the moment. They decided to proceed with the second test.
«To determine how much mana you possess, we use another spell. At most, you can endure it five times before fainting, but you'll only need a few minutes to regain consciousness. Based on how many times you endure it, your mana is categorized as follows:
1 • Scarce. You can cast very few spells in succession.
2 • Low. You can cast a small number of spells in succession.
3 • Medium. You can cast a normal amount of spells in succession.
4 • High. You can cast a large number of spells in succession.
5 • Elevated. You can cast a tremendous number of spells in succession. It is almost impossible to deplete this level of mana.
However, the mana used also depends on the type of spell. The more powerful it is, the more mana is consumed.» He explained.
They lay down again. All of them endured the first instance of the spell. At the second, Riswyn closed her eyes. At the third, Herega and Rirai gave up. Emzam remained conscious until the fourth and was the last to wake while the others watched him with satisfaction.
The man reassured them that a low mana level wasn't a concern. Sorcerers had never been used as warriors in Aostra's wars, so consuming mana was rare unless for personal reasons or pure enjoyment. However, this didn't apply to Herega, who had a dangerous mission and couldn't delay learning how to increase his magical essence.
«Unfortunately, sorcerers do not live together. The goal of this society is to reconnect all of us, the descendants of Antiqua Costormia. Yesterday, I told you about our history, and you shared your stories with me. Today we focus on mana, so we must move on to the most challenging yet fascinating part. To increase your mana, you must learn new spells. Therefore, I will offer you a selection of magic and black magic spells within your reach. You will choose which to learn.» He concluded.
Looking into his disciples' eyes, he saw curious expressions, he couldn't ask for better. The selection of the four winners had been successful. These youths had great potential and, more importantly, a strong desire to learn.
«Yesterday, I explained the assignment of "+" based on eye color, assuming you already knew their significance. Since you asked no questions, I assume there's no need for clarification, but I'll explain anyway. Based on eye color, a person is aligned with a specific category:
Red • All Categories
Blue • Close Combat
Yellow • Black Magic
White • Magic
Black • Ranged Combat
Just a pigment of color is enough to grant affinity. If mixed with red, you'll be aligned with everything but more so with the category of the second pigment. Based on this information, choose one of these three spells:
• Wind Spell: With the Solid Characterization, you can create currents or strong and weak winds, which can also be used strategically. With the Imaginary Characterization, you can cause someone to lose their breath. However, before they can die or faint, the sorcerer's mana will be depleted. Depending on the Characterization, this becomes either magic or black magic.
• Fire Spell: With the Solid Characterization, you can create flames and blazing bursts that can be launched in a single direction or generated at a specific point, excluding a person. With the Imaginary Characterization, you can ignite someone's spirit, giving them determination and even healing some of their injuries. Depending on the Characterization, this becomes either magic or black magic.
• Darkness Spell: With the Solid Characterization, you can create a hole in reality. When an object is introduced, no one knows where it ends up. If a person inserts a limb or their body, they'll have a few seconds to escape the hole, potentially saving themselves. With the Imaginary Characterization, you can blind an enemy for a few seconds. Depending on the Characterization, this becomes either magic or black magic. However, among these, it consumes the most mana.
Your choice is among these. Choose wisely, as it takes time to master them.»
The youths listened attentively and with determination. Each of them had decided which to learn.