---
Chapter 3: The Unseen Path
Nathan walked out of the Affinity Chamber with his head spinning. The test had been nothing like he expected. The surge of gravity pulling at him, the shadows twisting in ways that were entirely unnatural—nothing in his life had prepared him for that. He'd been so focused on not failing, on just showing up, that the reality of his abilities had hit him harder than he anticipated.
His mind raced as he walked through the Academy's long hallways. The old stone walls were covered with mystical symbols, each glowing faintly as if watching him. It felt like the building itself was alive, breathing in time with his own anxious heartbeat. Around him, other students were conversing in low voices, laughing nervously, or talking about the results of their own tests. Nathan tried not to listen. He had enough to worry about without comparing his strange powers to theirs.
The Academy was not a place for people like him. He had never felt out of place in the slums, where he was just one of many scraping by. But here, in a place of magic and nobility, he felt like a fish out of water. The others had families with status, with resources, with known affinities—power that was predictable and safe.
And then there was him, who could barely understand his own magic.
"Nathan!"
The call of his name broke through his spiraling thoughts. He turned to see Quinn Voss walking toward him, a confident grin on his face. Quinn was a year older than Nathan, and already had the swagger of someone who belonged here. The boy exuded an aura of arrogance and ease, something Nathan didn't quite understand, but couldn't help but envy.
Quinn was also a noble, though Nathan had never heard him brag about it. His affinity had likely been revealed in the test already, though Nathan didn't know what it was. But Quinn was no stranger to power, and he clearly had the air of someone accustomed to getting what he wanted.
"You did something weird back there," Quinn said, his grin widening. "Gravity? Shadows? That's not exactly the run-of-the-mill stuff. I didn't think we'd see someone like you today."
Nathan stiffened. "What do you mean?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"Well…" Quinn stepped closer, his gaze sharpening. "Not to be rude, but you're not exactly the typical first-year material. It's like you have a whole different kind of magic. Gravity? Shadow? You've got the Academy talking." His voice dropped a little, but there was an excitement in it. "I can't wait to see how you control it."
Nathan felt the cold knot of uncertainty tighten in his chest. Control. That was the word that terrified him the most. He didn't know how to control it—any of it. His magic had awakened in an explosive burst, and he had barely survived it. He didn't feel powerful. He felt out of control.
"I don't know what happened," Nathan admitted, his voice quiet. "It wasn't supposed to be like that. It's… it's just too much." He shook his head, frustration building. "I don't even know how to use it properly."
Quinn laughed, slapping him on the back with surprising force. "You've got a long way to go, I guess. But it's a good start, my friend. Don't overthink it. You're here now. And here, power talks."
Nathan watched as Quinn turned toward the grand double doors leading out to the courtyard. He hadn't realized how quickly they had walked through the corridors. The sunlight hit him like a wave as he stepped into the central courtyard of the Academy, and Nathan couldn't help but take a deep breath. The courtyard was vast, with stone statues of legendary mages watching over them from their pedestals. Lush gardens and fountains dotted the space, offering an oddly serene contrast to the tension Nathan felt in the air.
Students had already begun to gather in clusters, talking excitedly in small groups. Some were discussing their affinities, others whispering about the coming trial. But there was one thing that seemed to unite everyone—the fear of the unknown.
The trial. The reason why they were all here.
The reason they would stay—or leave.
At the far side of the courtyard stood a figure who radiated an aura of authority. Master Orlen. Tall, with long white hair that flowed around his face like a halo of wisdom, he was dressed in deep-blue robes that shimmered with magic. His eyes were sharp, the kind of eyes that seemed to peer into your soul, stripping away any pretense or hiding.
Nathan immediately felt a chill run down his spine.
The moment Master Orlen opened his mouth, the chatter in the courtyard fell silent, as though his voice carried an invisible command. "Welcome, first-year students," his voice boomed across the courtyard, rich and deep. He looked over them, scanning their faces with a quiet yet intense judgment. "You have all passed the preliminary test. Your affinities have been revealed. Now, you will prove yourselves in the first trial."
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. The students shifted uneasily, the excitement turning to anxiety. They were no longer the privileged children of noble families, or the hopeful commoners dreaming of greatness. They were candidates for a trial that would decide whether they had the strength to stay or leave.
"This trial will test your control over your affinities." Master Orlen continued, his gaze scanning them again. "You will be placed in a controlled dungeon—a place where the elements and beasts will challenge your magic. Work together. Show me you understand your powers. Fail, and you will be sent home. Succeed, and you will continue your training here at Alderfall Academy."
Nathan felt the weight of the words settle on his shoulders. It was one thing to survive the test. It was another to survive what was to come.
Quinn nudged him again, flashing that grin. "Looks like we're going in together, huh? Don't worry, I've got your back."
Nathan wasn't sure how comforting that was, considering Quinn's overconfidence. But the reality of the trial was too close now. They didn't have time for doubts. They had to perform. He had to control his abilities. For once, Nathan didn't want to be left behind.
Master Orlen raised his hand, signaling for the students to follow him. Without another word, he turned and walked toward a massive stone archway in the distance. Nathan swallowed, his pulse quickening as he followed behind, along with the rest of the first-years.
---
The Dungeon Trials
The archway led to a vast, dark cavern, the stone walls slick with moisture. The air was thick and stale, carrying a faint scent of earth and decay. Dim light flickered overhead as ancient torches sparked to life with the subtle hum of magic, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
Nathan couldn't help but feel like they were stepping into the belly of the beast itself. The dungeon stretched out before them, a labyrinth of winding paths and hidden dangers. He could hear the distant growl of creatures, the faint rustle of something moving in the dark.
Master Orlen stood at the entrance, looking down at them, his face unreadable.
"In here, you will face not just monsters but your own weaknesses." His voice was a low rumble, full of warning. "The dungeon will react to your magic. It will try to break you. Keep your wits. If you fail, the consequences will be swift. If you succeed… well, we'll see if you're ready for what comes next."
Nathan felt a pit form in his stomach. He didn't know if he was ready for this. He didn't know if anyone could be.
As the group entered, the stone doors slammed shut behind them with a sound that echoed through the cavern. The students exchanged nervous glances, some clutching their bags of supplies, others murmuring under their breath. But Nathan was already looking around, his senses on high alert. He could feel it—the oppressive weight of magic in the air. The dungeon was alive, responding to them, reacting to their very presence.
Quinn leaned over to him. "This will be fun. You with gravity, and me… well, let's just say I've got my own tricks." He winked, his confidence unshaken.
Nathan nodded but said nothing. He wasn't sure what Quinn meant, but he was about to find out. He just hoped it wasn't too late to learn how to control what he had unleashed.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled. A distant roar echoed from deep within the dungeon, sending a ripple of fear through the group.
And then, the trial began.
---
End of Chapter 3
---