The circular room we entered was a marvel of architectural precision. Its polished stone walls gleamed like mirrors, reflecting the soft magical light emanating from a crystalline orb that hung suspended in the center of the chamber. The orb floated motionless in the air, defying gravity with casual indifference.
The elderly clerk turned to face us, her clipboard held at the ready. "Participants will come up to the orb in the center of the room once your name is called," she explained, her voice carrying the practiced tone of someone who had given this speech countless times. "You then put one hand on the orb and infuse it with as powerful of a blast of controlled mana as you can. While you do this, I will be in the other room watching the scanner connected to the orb that will give me a reading on your levels. I will then come out and give you your mana classification. Understand?"
We all nodded, but my mind was already racing with anxiety. How was I supposed to complete this test when I couldn't use magic? Ms. Vera's final words echoed in my memory, her cryptic message hinting that I might possess some kind of magic after all. But was I just desperately searching for meaning in words that held none?
The first participant stepped forward – a tall, scarred man whose lean muscles spoke of years of hard work and harder fights. His calloused hand settled on the orb with practiced confidence. As the clerk left the room, he began channeling his mana. A soft brown aura emanated from the orb, the telltale sign of earth magic. His face contorted with effort, sweat beading on his brow as he pushed every ounce of power he possessed into the sphere. When he finally finished, his proud posture had crumpled into exhaustion.
"E Class mana usage," the clerk announced upon her return.
The man's face twisted in disappointment. "Only E? I for sure thought I was gonna be D."
The clerk ignored the mans words which only enraged him more but he did not have and further outbursts and simply grunted before turning back to the group.
"Hey man, don't sweat it," another participant offered. "E is a completely average rank for beginner adventurers." The scarred man ignored the consolation, retreating to the back of the group with a grunt of frustration.
"Rowan, please step up."
My young friend approached the orb with calm determination. As his hand made contact, the sphere began to glow with a soft green aura – air magic, his natural affinity. He maintained the flow until exhaustion finally forced his hand away from the surface.
"D class mana usage."
Pride swelled in my chest at Rowan's achievement, but our smiles were cut short by an outburst from the scarred man. "D class? How's that possible? He's only a kid! He can't be higher than me, that's not possible!"
The clerk's patience finally cracked. "The test does not make mistakes, sir," she said, her tone sharp enough to silence further protests and shrink the angered man back down into the group.
The remaining participants took their turns, mostly receiving E classifications with one more D among them. I learned these were common rankings – C class was usually obtained by veteran adventurers, while B and A class were classes usually held by the most prestigious mages, whether they be successful adventurers, high-level teachers, or elite soldiers. S class on the other hand was so rare that most people would live their entire lives without meeting one.
Finally, only Maya and I remained. My name was called, and I approached the orb with trembling hands. Sweat beaded on my palms as I placed one against the cool crystal surface. I closed my eyes, trying to visualize mana flowing from my core into the orb – but nothing happened. The sphere remained dormant, mocking my efforts.
Frustration built with each passing second. Come on, work. Please work. Why won't it work? What's wrong with me? COME ON!
"Mr. Kai, is there a problem?" The clerk's confused voice snapped me from my spiral of self-doubt.
I stammered for a moment before the truth forced its way past my lips. "I- I can't use magic."
"WHAT?" The clerk's professional demeanor shattered, her eyes wide with shock. Behind me, whispers erupted among the other participants – some disbelieving, others cruel. I could sense Maya's anger towards the gossiping group building to dangerous levels, her hands clenching into fists.
"MAYA!" I called out before she could explode. Her angry gaze met mine, and I shook my head slightly. She understood, but the protective fury remained etched on her face.
"Are you serious?" the clerk asked, still struggling to process my admission. I nodded in defeat.
She took a second to process before she cleared her throat, composing herself. "F class," she announced, the words falling like stones in the silent room.
I shuffled back to the group, shame weighing down every step. The others' stares felt like physical blows – they knew what I already did. I didn't belong here. I was just a cripple, a burden on Rowan and Maya. The prodigy and her friend, dragging along their useless companion...
Suddenly, Maya stood before me. Before I could react, her fist drove into my sternum, driving the air from my lungs. As I gasped in shock, her fierce eyes bore into mine.
"You're making yourself look weak right now," she growled. "It doesn't fit you. You're strong, Kai, magic or not. Stand proud."
She strode past me toward the orb for her turn, leaving me stunned. Rowan's hand settled on my shoulder, and I turned to find his warm smile.
"Don't look so down," he said softly. "Maya was right. There's still the combat test. Show them how strong you are, Kai."
Their words didn't completely banish my doubts, but they gave me something to hold onto. They were right – there was still the combat test. Magic or not, I would prove I wasn't some weak, feeble kid.
I straightened my spine and lifted my chin, ready to face whatever came next. The whispers and stares didn't stop, but they mattered less now. Let them think what they wanted – I would show them what I was capable of.
Besides, I couldn't help but wonder as Maya approached the orb with determined steps – just what would our resident prodigy show us? The anticipation in the room was palpable as she raised her hand to the crystal surface, ready to demonstrate her power.