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Chapter 2: The First Test
Nathan's footsteps echoed through the grand, hallowed halls of Alderfall Academy as he made his way deeper into the complex. The stone walls felt cold against his skin, the air thick with the palpable energy of magic, the kind he had only ever heard about in whispers back in the slums. Now, he stood in the very place where those with magic—those with power—were shaped into something more. He had made it this far, but his journey was far from over. The affinity test was the first step, and he had to pass it. He couldn't afford to fail—not here.
His fingers tightened around the application pouch tucked under his arm. The small leather bag held his hope—his future—more precious than anything else in his possession. To make it into the Academy meant a chance to leave behind the grim, narrow streets of Alderfall's slums, to rise above his station and become someone with meaning.
Yet, the nervous pit in his stomach threatened to pull him back. His mind kept flashing to the only truth he had ever known: he had no magical affinity. Not even the faintest trace of it. No flames like the nobles, no calming flow of water, no gift of earth or air.
He didn't belong here.
The corridors stretched on, filled with students who were excited, anxious, and confident in their own way. They were all talking about their affinities, exchanging rumors of who had fire or wind, the most prestigious elements, as if they had already won their place. Nathan could hear snatches of conversation as he passed.
"I heard Lady Mirielle is going to be in the test today. If she has fire, we can all just pack our bags," a student muttered to his companion.
"Fire? She's noble-born. It's probably air. Think of how she moves. It's like the wind itself carries her."
Nathan grimaced. Fire, air, earth, and water—the classic elements. Those were the affinities everyone knew, and those were the ones that would lead you into a discipline that shaped your future. Magic was powerful, and those with affinities were the ones who truly had a chance at greatness.
He was nothing.
A bitter feeling tugged at his heart, but Nathan pushed it aside. He couldn't afford to think like that. Not today.
The Affinity Chamber loomed ahead. The space was massive, its high vaulted ceilings lined with ancient sigils and symbols that pulsed faintly with magic, hinting at secrets long forgotten. In the center of the room stood several Affinity Pillars, each one carved from smooth stone and engraved with runes. The glowing crystal at the top of each pillar was what responded to a student's magical affinity, radiating with the energy of the element it recognized.
Students gathered around the pillars, each standing at attention before their turn, waiting for the moment that would define their magical future. The air buzzed with the crackle of magic, a soft hum that reverberated through Nathan's very bones.
He joined the line, trying to steady his breathing. Every few moments, the Instructor—a tall, stern man in black robes—would call a student to the front. Each one approached the Affinity Pillar, placed their hand upon it, and awaited the results.
The first student went forward with a confident stride. He was a tall boy with dark hair, his chin lifted in arrogance. As he placed his hand on the stone, the Affinity Pillar flared to life. A fierce surge of flame shot from the top, wrapping around the student's hand, and the boy smirked.
"A fire affinity, no surprise," the Instructor said, his voice flat. The boy stepped aside, satisfied, as the next student took his place.
Nathan's heart began to thud in his chest, harder with each passing moment. One by one, students approached the Affinity Pillars, and one by one, their magical abilities were revealed. Water, earth, air—the expected elements.
His turn was nearing.
He wiped his sweaty palms against his robe, trying to calm his nerves. What if it didn't work? What if the stone remained cold? What if they kicked him out of the Academy before he even had a chance to try?
"Next," the Instructor called, his voice like a whip cracking through the silence.
Nathan froze.
He felt as though the ground had shifted beneath his feet. Time slowed, his heart threatening to leap out of his chest. His entire future felt like it hung on this one moment. He had to prove he belonged here. He had to show them something, anything.
He stepped forward, his legs shaking with each step, but he didn't falter. This was his moment.
The Affinity Pillar stood before him, a towering monolith of stone, its glowing crystal casting a faint light in the dim chamber. As he approached, the room seemed to quiet even further, a hushed anticipation falling over the others.
The Instructor eyed him closely, noting the raggedness of his clothes, the plainness of his appearance. A commoner. His face was neutral, but his eyes held a trace of skepticism.
"Go ahead," the Instructor said, motioning toward the stone.
Nathan hesitated, swallowing hard. He reached out, his fingers trembling, and placed his palm on the cold surface of the Affinity Pillar.
For a moment, nothing happened. The room was still. The stone was silent, almost mocking him. The faint hum of magic that had been present in the air before seemed to fade, as though the stone had rejected him.
But then—something.
A faint pulse.
At first, it was like a distant echo, a ripple in the fabric of the air. Then, it surged. The air around Nathan began to shift, a heavy pressure mounting in the room. He felt it—the sensation of gravity, pulling at him.
And then, as if in response to his very thoughts, the shadows in the room began to move.
At first, it was subtle. A flicker of darkness along the stone walls, a creeping shift of the light. But then the shadows grew bolder, twisting around his feet, swirling in erratic patterns. The very air grew colder. The pillar beneath his hand thrummed, and the shadows around him grew deeper, more intense.
The room seemed to darken. The students around him began to murmur in confusion and fear, but Nathan couldn't stop it.
He felt the weight of gravity intensify, as though the room itself was pressing down on him. His knees wobbled, and the floor beneath him seemed to crack. The air became thick, heavy, like it was pressing against him, holding him in place. The shadows wrapped around him like a dark cloak, and he could barely breathe.
Panic bubbled in his chest.
But then, just as suddenly as it had started, the pressure released. The shadows dissipated, the gravity lightened, and the air returned to its usual state. The room fell silent.
Nathan gasped, his heart pounding in his ears. His hands shook as he stepped back from the Affinity Pillar, a feeling of unease settling over him. He wasn't sure what had just happened. Gravity and shadow had both surged through him, but neither was a conventional affinity. He had never heard of anyone being able to command both.
The Instructor's face was unreadable. He glanced to the other faculty members standing nearby, their expressions tense, before turning back to Nathan.
"Well then," the Instructor said, his voice barely more than a whisper, but with an edge of intrigue. "It seems we have... an unexpected result."
The room was deathly quiet. The students exchanged glances, some of them whispering in awe, others in disbelief.
After a long pause, the Instructor finally spoke again. "You may leave now, Nathan Beaumont. But you will be evaluated further. You've shown potential, but your abilities are... unconventional."
Nathan's legs nearly gave out beneath him. He had passed. He had shown something. The test had been a success.
The Instructor's tone softened, just for a moment. "For now, welcome to Alderfall Academy."
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End of Chapter 2