Elian trudged through the dusty streets of Brindlemark, his eyes fixed on the ground to avoid the mocking stares of the other children. He had grown accustomed to the whispers and snickers, but it still stung.
As he turned a corner, the imposing stone façade of the Magister's Tower loomed before him. Elian's heart sank. Today was the day of the Annual Magical Assessments, and he knew he would be the only child without magic.
Elian's parents had vanished when he was just a baby, leaving behind only a cryptic note and a small, intricately carved stone. The stone, now tucked away in Elian's pocket, seemed to pulsate with a strange energy, but it offered no explanation for his magiclessness.
As Elian approached the tower, a group of children, all clad in their finest robes, jeered at him. "Magicless! Magicless!" they chanted, their voices echoing off the stone walls.
Elian quickened his pace, his face burning with shame. He had tried to ignore the teasing, to pretend it didn't hurt, but it was no use. The constant reminders of his inadequacy had taken their toll.
Upon entering the tower, Elian was greeted by the stern face of Magister Thorold. "Ah, Elian, I see you've decided to attend the assessments. I must admit, I'm curious to see how you'll fare."
Elian swallowed hard, his throat dry. "I'll do my best, Magister."
Thorold's expression turned skeptical. "I doubt that will be enough, Elian. You are, after all, magicless."
The Magister's words cut deep, but Elian refused to show his pain. He stood tall, his eyes locked on Thorold's, and whispered, "I'll prove you wrong, Magister."
Thorold's eyebrows arched in surprise, but he said nothing more. Instead, he gestured to a nearby room. "The assessments will begin shortly. Please, take your place among the other children."
Elian nodded, his heart racing with anticipation and fear. He knew he was about to face his greatest challenge yet.
As he entered the assessment room, Elian's eyes scanned the crowd of children, all of whom seemed to radiate an aura of magical energy. He felt like an outsider, a stranger in a world where magic was the norm.
The assessments were about to begin, and Elian steeled himself for the humiliation that was sure to follow. Little did he know, his life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would change everything he thought he knew about himself and the world of magic.