The day was unusually quiet in the academy. The usual hum of activity seemed muted, as though the air itself was holding its breath, waiting for something. Alaric, now accustomed to the academy's ever-changing rhythm, couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen—something significant.
As he made his way through the academy grounds, he found himself heading toward the eastern wing, the section of the academy where the higher-level mages often trained. The ancient oak trees lining the path created a canopy overhead, and the distant sounds of magic being practiced in the courtyard filled the air with an eerie hum.
His thoughts drifted back to the day before, to the grueling training session with Master Vaelion. The meditation had been a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but it was a victory nonetheless. The divine energy within him still thrummed with power, just waiting to be unleashed, and Alaric knew that he had to continue mastering it if he was to survive the challenges that lay ahead. But for now, his focus was on something else—something more immediate.
The academy had announced an upcoming test, a challenge that would determine the potential of every student in their magical abilities. While this test was routine for most students, for Alaric, it was different. His power was unparalleled, and with that power came expectations. The test would be a demonstration, a way for everyone to see what he was capable of, and the thought of it both excited and terrified him.
As he approached the training hall, Alaric noticed a group of students gathered outside. They were talking among themselves, but when they saw him, the conversations suddenly stopped. Eyes turned toward him, some with admiration, others with wariness. Alaric didn't let it bother him. He had learned that this was a natural reaction to someone with his reputation.
"Alaric Solis," a voice called out. It was Liliana Solis, his cousin, and one of the few people in the academy who had managed to forge a bond with him. Liliana's icy demeanor didn't fool him. Beneath her cold exterior, she was fiercely loyal and protective. She had been one of the first to congratulate him after his potential had been revealed.
"Are you ready for the test?" she asked, her voice calm but sharp, like the edge of a blade.
"I suppose I don't have much of a choice," Alaric replied, his lips curling into a faint smile. "But I'm not worried. It's just another step on the road."
Liliana raised an eyebrow. "You're not worried? After everything you've gone through, you're still so casual about this?"
Alaric shrugged. "Worrying won't change anything. I have enough to think about without adding unnecessary pressure."
She studied him for a moment, her gaze searching. "I just don't want to see you burn yourself out," she said softly. "I've seen what this kind of power can do to people. Don't push yourself too far."
Alaric's expression softened. He knew she meant well. In many ways, she was the only person who truly understood the weight of his power. The divine energy that coursed through him was not something to be taken lightly. It was a force that could consume him if he wasn't careful, if he didn't keep it in check.
"I'll be fine, Liliana," he said, his voice steady. "I won't let it control me."
She didn't respond immediately, but her eyes softened, and she gave him a small nod of approval.
The doors to the testing hall opened with a creak, and the students began to filter inside. Alaric followed Liliana, his thoughts focused on the task ahead. The hall was grand, its high ceilings supported by columns of marble that gleamed in the light of the floating orbs overhead. At the far end of the hall, a large crystal stood, glowing faintly with a pulsing light.
"This is where the test takes place," Liliana explained, gesturing toward the crystal. "It measures the magical potential of each student. It will give the council a clear understanding of your strength."
Alaric nodded, his gaze fixed on the crystal. His mind briefly wandered back to the first time he had tested his power—how the energy had surged within him, threatening to overwhelm him. But now, he felt a sense of calm. He had faced the storm, and he had learned to control it.
A few moments later, the council entered, their robes flowing behind them like ripples in the wind. The head of the council, Master Arran, was the first to step forward. His face was stern, his expression unreadable. Behind him stood a handful of other powerful mages, each one looking as though they had seen and experienced more than their fair share of battles, both magical and political.
"Students," Master Arran's voice rang out across the hall, drawing everyone's attention. "Today, we will witness the magic of our academy in its truest form. This test is not just about your magical abilities—it is a measure of your will, your determination, and your potential. The crystal will assess your magical affinity and your power."
Alaric stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt the eyes of the council on him, felt their expectations weighing on him, but he pushed those thoughts aside. He wasn't here to impress them—he was here to prove something to himself.
"Alaric Solis," Master Arran called, his voice carrying across the room.
Taking a deep breath, Alaric stepped forward, placing his hand on the crystal. The moment his fingers made contact, he felt it—an electric jolt that seemed to pulse through his entire body. The crystal responded instantly, glowing brighter as it began to measure his power. The hum of energy filled the room, and for a brief moment, everything seemed to stop.
The students in the hall were silent, their eyes fixed on Alaric, waiting for the results. The council, too, stood motionless, their expressions unreadable. Alaric could feel the divine energy within him stirring, as if it recognized the moment for what it was—an opportunity to show its true strength.
The crystal began to hum louder, its light flickering as it registered Alaric's mana and divine energy. The room seemed to hold its breath as the light reached its peak, and then, with a sudden burst, the crystal flared brightly, illuminating the entire hall.
For a moment, there was silence, a palpable sense of awe hanging in the air.
Then, the crystal's light began to shift. It formed a symbol in the air, glowing like a beacon: God Tier.
A collective gasp rippled through the hall. Whispers spread like wildfire among the students. "God Tier?" someone murmured. "But that's—"
"That's impossible," a voice from the council interrupted, and for the first time, a flicker of surprise crossed Master Arran's stern features. "God Tier…?"
Alaric stood frozen, his hand still on the crystal. He had expected power, but not this. The room buzzed with tension, and he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him.
Liliana's voice cut through the chaos. "Told you," she said, her tone almost amused. "God Tier… You were always destined for greatness, Alaric."
But Alaric's mind was elsewhere. As the council members muttered among themselves, he could feel the divine energy within him stir, its presence more pronounced than ever. He had always known that his potential was beyond anything they had seen, but to see it written in front of him, to hear the astonishment in the voices of those around him, was another thing entirely.
The council was silent, their faces unreadable as they exchanged glances. Master Arran stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Alaric with an intensity that almost felt like a physical weight.
"Alaric Solis," he said, his voice cold but not unkind. "You have shown us power beyond imagination. A God Tier mage is a rarity, a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. We will be watching you closely. Your potential is limitless, but so too is the danger that comes with such power."
Alaric nodded, understanding the gravity of the words. This test had just been the beginning, and he knew that from this point forward, the eyes of the academy—and the world—would be on him.
As the council left, and the room began to clear, Alaric stood there for a long moment, lost in his thoughts. God Tier. The words echoed in his mind. This was only the beginning of his journey, and he was ready for whatever came next.
But deep down, Alaric knew one thing for certain—this was only the first step toward a destiny that had been written for him long before he had ever stepped into this world.