{~Sam~]I looked around myself as I came too when Turner spoke "Well well well, seems you are a prodigy."I turned my attention to the guard who was looking at me with an impressed look in his eyes and he nodded towards the ground. I looked down and my eyes widened. Surrounding me etched into the ground was a symbol. A six pointed star-like symbol. I reached down and ran my fingers over it, it wasn't etched. It was burned, and the cause evident by the chain-like look of the lines. I looked up as Franklin walked over and offered me his hand, and taking it helped me up. I stumbled a bit as I stood before steadying myself, a headache slamming to the forefront of my mind causing me to groan and double over, my hands on my knees before I straightened up. Turner chuckled as he nodded approvingly and explained "The fatigue is to be expected, but you did well. All right, after this test you'll have one last test before you can head on home and get prepared for your classes. Your major classes start tomorrow after all and you've got some high expectations. I'll let you in on some politics advice before it consumes you. Those people out there are afraid of you, with everyone of them watching the Six's every move. They're hoping that you mess up so they can persecute you. Fundamentally, humanity is scared of what they do not understand, and they deal with that fear the only way they know how and I'm sure I do not have to tell you what that is. So, my advice. Do what you do best, be a cocky prodigy who has every right to boast because who's going to challenge you when you can back it up with force." As he spoke a soft glow emanated from his body as small orbs of fire floated off his body and into mine, quickly sinking into my skin as energy coursed through my body, Turner's glowing tattoos fading as he finished using his magic. I nodded in appreciation before Franklin cleared his throat and motioned to the holes still filled with the elements. I steadied my breathing as i stared at the tornado which flared in response before flinging chains towards it, hoping to finally crush it and move on. The tornado flared just before the chains hit it and I quickly made a hand crushing motion when both magics impacted it. The impact reverberated up the chains and into my fingers, I held strong watching as the tornado attempted to escape before it slowly died down, the chains absorbing the magic into my body. I glanced at Franklin and Turner who simply gazed back at me with unblinking eyes before steadying my gaze on the pool of water. Like the ocean it was in constant motion, going from calm to crashing, the sound almost drowning out the crackling of the fire that raged next to it and the bubbling of the earth magic on the far side.I murmured softly to myself the same mantra my old mentor drilled into my head "Each magic has it's opposite, it is the way of the world. Balance. For fire, there is water. For water, there is earth. For earth, there is air. For air, the is fire. A circle of balance, nature's balance. Each element has an opposite element, every action has an opposite action. You must simply find that opposite." Franklin's voice penetrated my thoughts "If every element has an opposite, then what is the opposite of chaos?"I kept my eyes steady on the raging pool of water in front of me as I contemplated the answer, nothing coming to mind. I sighed in frustration before kneeling next to the pool of water. Greeted by my reflection, I stared into piercing red and gold eyes. I turned my head slightly and saw a small mark just below my left earlobe, a small reminder of the night I lost everything. I gritted my teeth before once again reaching for the familiar pull of the magic in my blood, greeted with it I pushed my hand into the water causing the turbulent waves to still before willing the water to disappear. The magic surged out and I watched as the two elements clashed as if a force had split the sea apart before releasing it. The droplets that splashed out onto the fire magic let out a steamy hiss as the chaos quickly consumed the water causing it to turn a murky black with red specks before swiftly returning to my hand.I nodded in satisfaction as the feeling of the magic boiling in my blood slowly became familiar. I flexed my hands before raising one and sending my chaos towards the floating amulet. The magic coalesced in a form of haze as I attempted to wrench the magic hold from Turner's hold, the amulet glowing in response before I clenched my hand closed willing the haze to surround the amulet, and forcibly sever the connection by basically consuming and replacing the magic that was controlled by Turner. I grinned and I felt the competitive flame slowly rise up inside me again once I heard an audible crack and Turner visibly flinched before he gain an impressed look and nodded slightly. The amulet slowly floated into my open hand, the jewel in the middle changed from a sheeny silver to a dark gray with red accents. Attributing to it the ownership and magic store inside it. I held it out towards Turner who snorted and shook his head "Nah, keep it. Besides, it'd be a hassle to break it's control again. It's got a decent energy storage enchantment on it that could be useful. The guard mages get them easily enough anyhow."I nodded in thanks and slipped it on before Franklin's gruff chuckle turned our attention to him. He simply shook his head before nodding to something behind me. I turned to see Doctor Brackenfield making his way towards us, this time without the other two guards that were with him earlier. I nodded in acknowledgement as he spoke "Gentlemen! Don't let my presence interrupt your concentration Samuel. Franklin, Turner, how's everything going?"I smiled and turned my attention as the three men conversed to the last two pools of magic, earth and fire. The two elements that I had been gifted with. I flexed my fingers, the popping in my knuckles once again causing the chaos in my blood to froth, ready to be unleashed. The fire magic crackled and popped, a small inferno bound only by the will of a man. And the earth magic, a pool of dirt and mud that transitioned from solid dirt to liquid mud. As I drowned out the voices of Doc Brackenfield and Franklin and gazed at the two elements, a memory resurfaced.{Five Years Ago,Greka, Eastern island}"That's it Sammy!" Mentor Elias's voice echoed throughout the field as I bounded through the obstacle course, sweat beading down my face as I scrunched my face in intense concentration. My opponent, an 150 foot obstacle course filled with magic traps and obstacles that if I failed would put me out of commission for at least a week. I wouldn't fail. I took a breath after clearing my latest obstacle, a 5 meter vertical wall. How mentor Elias expected me to scale it as a thirteen-year old kid who was barely 5'1, I've no idea. So I simply did what came to my head first, scaling it would take too long so I went through it. Strengthening my body with earth magic, I smashed through it. Gazing at my next obstacle, two paths that had different challenges. One goes into the sky and the other continues on the ground, I quickly made my choice scaling onto the top platform dodging between swinging bags and random air magic that coalesced into different things, birds, tornados, simple strong gusts of wind. Normally you couldn't see the air magic, with it being air and all that but mentor Elias has taught me a way to see without seeing, a pseudo-sight he calls it.To me it's more of a feeling, I feel the elements. The resistance of an object through the air, the disturbance of something through water, the vibrations in the earth, the taste in a fire. Yea, taste. I grinned as I sprinted through the obstacles dipping and dodging through the obstacles, when a rumble went through the platform I seamlessly slid shooting fire from my feet into a dummy that slammed down onto the platform before I grabbed onto the side and flung myself down onto the lower platform, landing with a roll and punching out, sending a fireball into a similar dummy. I continued through the obstacle course before coming to the final stretch, the exact spot I kept failing. It was a large gap that I had to get over but I had to figure out the way to get over it in less than three minutes or I'd be sent flying out the obstacle course by the wall of air that was closely following behind. I groaned as I considered my option when my mentor's voice echoed through the course "Clock's ticking kiddo! You're so close. If you fail in the same place over and over then create a new path!"I glanced back at the encroaching wall of air, before groaning in frustration as I stared at the hole in front of me, Elias's voice echoing in my head. I cracked my knuckles as an insane idea came to my head, I had done this course over and over always losing at this part. I had tried to use my earth magic to construct a walkway but it wasn't stable enough and I was NOT confident flying through the air using fire, though I had seen others do it. So why not combine both. And that's exactly what I did. Concentrating hard, I started to rub my hands together channeling the fire in my blood before they caught fire then slammed them into the ground willing the fire and earth to mix and erupt in the hole as I stood and took a few steps back before taking off for the finish line, the air wall licking at my back. A laugh erupted as the adrenaline kicked in and I looked down to see a floor of magma solidifying under my feet.{Present Day,Pixonia, Forga}I smirked as I motioned towards the pool of earth magic and clenched my fist, a cloud of chaos rising from my arms and surging towards the mud before slipping into it, the cracks growing red before it stopped moving. Every element had an counter, for earth it was air. Without air, earth was easy to crumble. And with too much it had no solid form and was difficult to control. As I gained control of the earth by slipping in chaos into every bit of it, I released my clenched hand and it splashed like water before slowly solidifying before I made a fist and smashed it into my palm and the chaos flowed like water from the earth before slamming into the fire and consuming it. And as I released my hand and the chaos slowly flowed back in to me, I turned my attention to the three individuals who were watching while speaking quietly. Doctor Brackenfield nodded as he spoke "Well now, you are quite the talented young man. Glad to see that firsthand. Anything you wish to note for the record?"I nodded "It works just like the other elements, reacting to emotion. And when I don't give it a form like chains or a projectile bolt, it seems like it defaults to a haze or cloud of magic. It's different than the other elements but similar to magic;" I flexed my hand as a small puff of chaos, like dust, puffed out of my hand and disappeared into the air. "Unlike magic and much like the chaos that we envision, it feels...hungry, and sometimes angry. It seems to thrive on consuming magic, or maybe energy in general. But it's versatile, like general magic. So for now, I'd say that chaos's counterpart is magic." The three men nodded as the doctor scribbled on his clipboard before nodding as it disappeared into thin air and he said "Great, the more knowledge we have on chaos, the better we can keep you and the other five off the pyres. Now, I believe that concludes the tests for today. You will be a little behind of course as you are starting with an entirely new magic, but I am confident you will manage dear boy. Now, your classmates have already been chosen by professors and you have not been spared that expense. Your classes will begin tomorrow of course, the curriculum waits for no one after all dear boy." Doctor Brackenfield rummaged in his pockets before snapping and an envelope appeared in his hands, Franklin and Turner chuckling at his use of magic before the doctor continued "Ah here it is, now your professor will be Professor Goldstein. Our head exotic mage, he excels at magic most do not think of. He will also be your handler for all things politics and anything concerning the council or the six;" He handed me the envelope as he continued "Now, there is much to attend to, so I will leave you be. All the information pertaining to your first day will be in that envelope, more than likely Professor Goldstein will catch you and introduce himself to you at some point as well as to the rest of your squad-mates. Good day Mr.Degray. Franklin. Turner." He nodded to the three of us before making his way out the door.Franklin chuckled and shook his head before saying "Well, that's that then. Samuel, we'll be around should you ever need us."I nodded and shook both his and Turner's hands as Turner retorted "We've got high expectations now Sam, we'll be watching. I know you'll do amazing things. You should just"I smiled as they turned and left with a few final words before I turned my attention to the envelope, opening it, I began to read. 'Dear Samuel Degray, It is my honor to congratulate you on your performance during the combat initiation and formally inform you that your mentor will be Professor Aeli Goldstein. Classes will officially start on the 16th of Septemus. As you and your peers have attended the general classes, you will already have the required equipment. Professor Goldstein may have his own required equipment list. You will be in a class of 4, with one Marcilene Garcia, Travis Sitner, and Sidney Malloweyer. You will receive your new official schedule from the Professor.Regarding your recent magical change, Professor Goldstein will be your advisor and forward contact regarding it, it is advisable to keep the council informed through Professor Goldstein.We understand that you may have residence outside of Pixonia, every student is required for their first year to reside in provided dorms with your class. If you indeed have residence outside Pixonia, confer with the student aid department for that if necessary.Signed proper, Head Communication Mage, Taylie Fouguy'The next day I was up bright and early, ready for classes to begin. It was the end of the month so if I hadn't been given a room by the school, I'd have to pay for another month at the motel 8 I was still renting . It's been a month since I came to Forga and I had stayed at the motel and worked at Phoenix Metallurgy while attending the basic classes at Pixonia. I decided to get dressed and head to Phoenix Metallurgy and tell them of my predicament since I was their enchanter. I hadn't tried enchanting since gaining my chaos magic, utilizing magic to enchant is a bit different than combat magic. Magical essence is a part of everything since the eruption of the original ley line and the resulting Conversion War, so pulling on magical essence is easy if you know how to. It is possible for someone with no magical essence in their system to become a proficient mage but those born with magic always find using magic easier. Simple evolution. And much of enchanting involved intent and a lot meditation, taking the magical essence from all around you and instilling your intent into it which creates the enchantment. Enchantments could be anything, from storing energy to alarm enchantments for things like safes to vaults.As I was getting dressed I heard a knock at the door, walking over and opening it I was greeted with a familiar face. I raised my eyebrows as I spoke "Well well, to what do I owe the pleasure Marcie"Her brown hair in long curls that fell down her shoulders topped with a sun hat and her athletic build covered by a flowery dress. She smiled up at me and replied "Well well, I wasn't sure if the techies were telling the truth. Don't worry I wasn't stalking you, I asked the student department about you since we're in the same class and are moving into a dorm together during the week. And since we were both in Phalanx, I thought you could use some company for the day if you don't mind. Everyone else was chosen by their mentors and are already in their classes."I shrugged as I opened the door inviting her in as I snorted "You know, if you have to say that you weren't stalking me, it makes it seem like you were."She chuckled and shrugged as she took a seat on the couch opposite the small television that was provided and I continued to get dressed, deciding to keep it simple by simply putting a jacket over my t-shirt and jeans and putting on my amulets before glancing at Marcie who was sneaking peeks between me and the tv that had some random tv show on. I raised an eyebrow and she smirked at me before sticking her tongue out and standing switching off the tv and asking "Finally done Sammy?" I rolled my eyes with a smile "Oh shut up, its like 9 am. Why are you so happy?" She smirked and replied "I am always happy."I groaned and retorted "Bullshit, you always had a scowl and were moodily staring off into the distance in class. Don't act like your suddenly into me Marcie." I raised an eyebrow at her as I raised my eyebrows at herShe rolled her eyes and walked towards the door smacking my chest as she passed "Oh shut up, you. I'm an air mage, I hate being cooped up in buildings. And for the record, you were always interesting. You simply did not socialize with the class. Always rough and callous, keeping to yourself unless there was combat involved."I chuckled and shrugged as we started to walk "You got me there, anyway since you have nothing better to do than bother me before class starts. You're coming with me on my errands."She laughed softly and smiled "Fine, fine. Besides, gives me time to drill you about what happened after the test."I groaned and shook my head as she didn't say anything but kept glancing at me with a large smile, I avoided her gaze as we made our way to the blacksmith shop. As we walked in Kylie on the phone, looked up with a smile then a questioning look at Marcie, I chuckled and said "Just on a few errands today Kylie, this is my classmate Marcie.'She nodded and continued to talk on the phone as I motioned for Marcie to follow, I headed to my office that only held my supplies for enchanting. Mainly food and water and some magic crystals that Madelyne had given me for helping her with some monster part acquisition, mostly to help with energy for enchantments. There also were orders that were in various places, mostly non-important ones like a necklace that someone wanted enchanted when specifically the seasons change to the day, or a bracelet that would vibrate when you forgot something. I opened one of my drawers and took out a small gemstone ring, before taking a deep breath and pushing a simple enchantment into it, the first Mentor Elias had ever taught me. The gem would glow if the enchantment held. Elias always said that for the best enchantments, you'll want the item to believe it was held that enchantment, makes it more solid and potent. He talked a lot of spiritual stuff but he was usually always right.I heard a whistle and opened my eyes to see the sapphire on the ring glowing brightly before dimming, I sighed in relief as I glanced at Marcie who tilted her head and asked "Alright, what was that about? I know you're much more capable than a simple glow enchantment on a ring."I sighed softly and shook my head before sitting on my desk and staring down at the ring "Well Goldstein will probably say something so may as well tell you. Ask and I'll tell all I can."She walked over to a shelf and looked at the assortment of crystals before asking "We saw what happened to you during the test, with the sandworms. You got cut off from the rest of us, smart considering there were four of them. The battle only lasted 15 minutes, and half of that was your doing. After you got separated from the class, we tried everything to get to you but we couldn't, then you blew them away. Causing that crack in the stadium before...before falling."She turned around and pulled her phone up before tapping a few things and handing it to me, it was the video of the test showing what had happened. I watched with a kind of morbid curiosity, seeing what had happened and living it was surreal. For me during that test, it felt way longer than 15 minutes. As the video ended abruptly after Ms.Blackman pulled my unconscious body out of the water, I digested what I had seen before chuckling and shaking my head as I spoke "Well, I know you can keep a secret so here goes. During that moment, when those DNA strands entered my body. Whatever magic that was, it replaced the magic I already had. So the earth and fire magic that I had before and during the test, and it was replaced with...well they're calling it chaos."I gazed at her as I held up my hand as the signature haze rose from my hand before slowly turning into a DNA strand that slowly spun. She stared with wide eyes, her mouth open and closing as she attempted to find the words before stuttering out "H-how...what..? How is that possible?"I shrugged before clenching my fist and the magic descended back into my body, as I stared down at my hand "Beats me, there's still so much about it that we don't know about it. Luckily, I can still manipulate the magic element so I can still enchant, although it may be a bit harder all things considered. I may even be more dangerous than I was before." I smirked a but before chuckling and glancing up at her.Marcie shook her head as a chuckle escaped her lips "I don't know what to say, this doesn't really change anything. You're still the same cocky asshole, you've just got a handicap now."I snorted and stood making my way towards the door, before opening it and offering the door for her "After you my lady." She smiled before walking through and spinning to look at me and asking "So, what else is on the agenda today oh mighty chaos mage?"I groaned and shook my head "Yea no, that little secret stays between us please Marce. I already had a crowd outside the hospital, let's not tell the whole world please." She snickered softly and nodded as we made out way outside, I nodded to Kylie on the way out who smiled back before the doors closed. I shook my head as I checked my phone before sighing softly "Well, we've some time to kill before classes start at 12. It's about 9 am now, so what do you wanna do until then?"She smiled and nodded towards the city gates that we were heading towards "I've got an idea. I know we both love a good fight, so lets get some early morning training in."I chuckled and shrugged "Okay, well I would but I've no idea where my armor is and haven't been able to track it down. I assume it's with one of the repair classes, probably Iron since they dealt with our acquisitions before the tests."She smirked and cracked her knuckles as small magic symbols appeared over her arms "You forget that I am very proficient in spatial magic, comes with the ease of air magic." I raised an eyebrow "I see you're prepared." She shrugged as we passed under the gates and replied "It pays to be prepared."As we made it outside the city, she stopped and waved her hands, three medium sized magical circles appearing on the ground before a purple sphere of energy appear on each circle. As the spheres slowly fizzled out, two armor sets and a bundle of weapons was in their place. My own chimera armor and war picks and her sky bird armor and khopesh respectively. I asked curiously "Are you Egyptian Marcie? A khopesh?" She chuckled as she picked up her armor and in a whirl of air, a tornado enveloped her and when it settled she stood in her armor. I shook my head with a smile as she responded "Yup, my father's family is still in old Egypt." I nodded and pulled off my jacket before strapping on my chestplate, greaves, vambraces, and belt. Then slipping my war picks into their sheathes on my hips before glancing at her and nodding, turning my jacket into magical essence, a technique taught to me by the school. Helpful in situations like this, Although I would need a new jacket now. Marcie nodded as I donned my helmet with it's trademark mane before turning towards the forest "Let's see if you can keep up!" And with that she darted off into the forest with a joyous laugh.