After finishing his breakfast, Leo's excitement bubbled over as he bolted from the table, weaving through the bustling streets toward the academy. His thoughts were filled with anticipation for the tests ahead, knowing they could shape his future.
Upon arriving, Leo spotted Mrs. Hargrove near a few carts filled with supplies, surrounded by helpers loading the final items. She was preparing to head back to the village, paperwork stacked in her arms. As their eyes met, Leo waved her goodbye, and she smiled warmly in return, waving back before climbing into one of the carts. With a gentle crack of the reins, the caravan slowly set off down the road, disappearing into the distance.
Leo turned to find Thorne standing behind him, his sharp gaze fixed on Leo. The tall, stern-looking instructor greeted him with a nod. "Are you ready to show me what you can do, Leo?"
Leo nodded, his nerves bubbling under the surface but overshadowed by his growing excitement.
"Good," Thorne said, his voice steady. "The tests are straightforward. First, we'll see how many wisps you can control at once—this will assess your magical capacity and precision. Next, we'll evaluate your defensive and offensive abilities, including your proficiency with weapons and armor. Finally, you'll face a combat simulation to test your skills in a realistic environment. It's going to be tough, but I believe you're ready. Let's head to the academy grounds and get started."
As they approached the towering academy gates, they swung open with a low, magical hum. The gates, forged from enchanted metal and standing a formidable sixteen feet tall, shimmered in the morning light, etched with runes that pulsed faintly with energy. Leo couldn't help but feel awe-struck at the sight of the academy's vast grounds, which stretched out before him like a small city. Pathways wound through clusters of buildings, gardens, and training fields, all surrounded by the hum of magic.
"This is what we call Moonveil academy" Thorne explained, gesturing to the buildings ahead. "It's where the academy's students and staff live. If you pass, you'll be assigned a dorm here, along with a monthly allowance to cover essentials. The focus is always on training, so everything is provided to ensure your full attention."
Leo nodded, his eyes wide as he took it all in.
"I see you've already picked up some books," Thorne noted. "Mr. Brookfall must've helped you. He's one of the academy's main suppliers of magical items and tomes. The fact that he's taken an interest in you is a good sign—it means you've caught the attention of someone who recognizes talent."
Leo smiled at the mention of the kindly shopkeeper, feeling a little more confident.
"Follow me," Thorne said, leading Leo toward the grand building at the far end of the courtyard. "The test hall is this way."
They walked along the stone paths, passing groups of students practicing magic, sparring with enchanted weapons, or reading beneath the shade of trees. The academy buzzed with energy and potential, and Leo's heart raced with excitement. He knew that this was where his journey would truly begin.
As they entered the test hall, Leo was overwhelmed by its sheer size. From the outside, it had seemed massive, but inside, it felt as though it stretched endlessly. The ceiling soared above, and the enchanted walls seemed to vibrate with stored magic, making Leo feel small in the grand space.
"Alright," Thorne said, stopping in the center of the room. "I'll call the principal and the head instructors. We'll begin your first test shortly."
Leo nodded, trying to calm his nerves. His heart pounded, but he took a deep breath, reminding himself that he had trained for this moment. After a few minutes, the sound of footsteps echoed in the vast hall as several figures entered. Principal Raven, a tall woman with sharp eyes and flowing dark hair, led the group. Her presence exuded authority, and the head instructors followed her closely, each radiating their own sense of power.
Principal Raven stepped forward, her gaze unwavering as she spoke. "Alright, Leo. We will begin by testing your control over the wisps. Gather as many as you can and show us your ability to channel them. Then, use their power to create the strongest spell you're capable of."
Leo's nerves spiked for a moment, but he quickly focused, closing his eyes. He raised his hands, palms open, and reached out with his magical senses, calling the wisps to him.
In seconds, the faint flicker of energy filled the air as small blue orbs began to form. One by one, they floated toward him, responding to his call. With concentration, he gathered more and more wisps until twelve hovered in the air, spinning around him in a controlled formation. The air buzzed with magic as he maintained their steady orbit.
The hall fell silent as everyone watched, waiting for Leo's next move. Feeling the pressure, he took a deep breath and focused harder. He began weaving the wisps together, their energy combining into a single, glowing orb that hovered before him. As he channeled more power, the orb grew larger, buzzing with potential.
Then, with a deep breath, Leo took it further. He concentrated on splitting the orb, his brow furrowed with effort. Slowly, the glowing sphere was divided into three distinct sections.
The first fragment glowed a brilliant red, crackling with flames that danced and flickered within its core. The second turned a shimmering blue, swirling with the essence of water as it churned like a miniature storm. The third glowed a deep green, swirling with rocks and soil as the power of earth surged within it.
With a final gesture, Leo released the three elemental orbs. They shot forward across the room, leaving trails of light in their wake. As they reached the far end of the hall, the fiery orb exploded in a burst of flame, the water orb splashed into mist, and the earth orb crumbled into dust, all evaporating harmlessly into the air.
For a moment, the room was still. Then Principal Raven's lips curved into a small smile. "Very impressive, Leo. Not only do you show excellent control, but your ability to manipulate multiple elements simultaneously is quite advanced for your age."
The head instructors exchanged glances, clearly impressed by the display. Leo stood there, still feeling the hum of magic in the air, his heart pounding with both excitement and relief. The first test was complete, and he had proven himself. But he knew that this was only the beginning—the next challenges were just around the corner.