CHAPTER 3: The Unveiled Challenge
The mysterious man's identity remained a puzzle until we arrived at the Director's office. Director Elwes greeted him with a mixture of reverence and familiarity.
"Lord Arcturus, welcome," she said, her eyes lowered.
Lord Arcturus? The name resonated within me.
"Ah, Director Elwes," he replied, his emerald eyes gleaming. "I see our young friend has impressive magical potential."
"Ariana, Lord Arcturus is the Chairman of the Silvermist Magic Association," Director Elwes explained.
I bowed, awed by his authority.
"Lord Arcturus, what brings you here?" Prince Ryder asked, his tone cautious.
"I've taken an interest in Ariana's development," Lord Arcturus replied. "And I propose a challenge: complete a task, and I'll grant any wish you desire."
My heart skipped a beat. Any wish?
"I accept," I said, determination igniting within.
Lord Arcturus smiled. "Excellent. Director Elwes, arrange the Trial of Valor. Ariana will participate."
The Director nodded. "The Trial of Valor pits our juniors against our senior mages. It's a test of strength, strategy, and magical prowess."
I steeled myself. Bring it on.
The day of the trial arrived, and I stood alongside other juniors, facing our senior opponents. Mine was the infamous Mage Ryker – known for his mastery of fire magic.
The battle commenced, and Mage Ryker unleashed a blazing inferno. I countered with a gentle breeze, dispersing the flames. Our duel raged on, with earth, water, and air magic exchanging blows.
But something unexpected happened.
As I defended against Mage Ryker's fireballs, my magic responded with ice shards. Then, when he summoned a whirlwind, my magic retaliated with lightning bolts.
The crowd gasped.
"Ariana has multiple magic elements!" someone shouted.
Mage Ryker's eyes widened. "Impossible!"
I seized the opening, unleashing a fusion of earth and water magic. The ground trembled, and a tidal wave crashed down, engulfing Mage Ryker.
The battle ended with my victory.
Lord Arcturus appeared, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Well done, Ariana. You've earned the uniform of the Association's elite."
The uniform, adorned with silver embroidery, felt heavy with significance.
Next, I visited Lord Arcturus's office, my wish ready.
"Lord Arcturus, I've come to make my request," I said, standing before his majestic desk.
"Proceed," he replied, leaning back.
"I want to avenge my family and reclaim my empire," I declared, determination burning within.
Lord Arcturus's expression remained unreadable. "A formidable wish. Very well, Ariana. I'll grant it...but be warned: the path ahead will be treacherous."
I nodded, resolute.
With Lord Arcturus's backing, I felt invincible.
But little did I know, the shadows held secrets, and my journey was only beginning.