The magic system in the world of Alamcaran was both a science and an art. Mana, the energy that fueled magic, existed in every living being, but only a few were born with enough of it to wield magic. Magicians were categorized based on the type and number of magics they could use. Primary Mages could harness one magic type, Intermediate Mages two, and Advanced Mages three. A rare few, called Supreme Mages, could wield four. Magic types were unlocked through a ceremonial process at a magic academy, where each individual's unique affinity was revealed.
Samson had learned about this system from books and stories growing up, but now, he was on the verge of experiencing it himself.
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As the train pulled into Hexagon City, Samson's eyes widened. The sprawling metropolis was unlike anything he had ever seen. Towering skyscrapers glistened in the sunlight, their reflective surfaces capturing the vibrant energy of the bustling streets below. Carriages powered by mana zipped through the air, and people dressed in elegant robes walked with an air of confidence.
Stepping onto the platform, Samson felt out of place in his simple tunic and trousers. His fingers brushed the worn edges of his bag, a reminder of his humble beginnings.
He then takes a carriage. As the carriage rolled over the crest of the final hill, Samson's breath caught in his throat. There it was—a sight that seemed almost unreal. Hexagon City stood in the distance, its two massive hexagonal walls gleaming under the midday sun, a symbol of power and prosperity.
The outer wall was a formidable structure of stone, enchanted to shimmer faintly with mana, and punctuated by towering guard posts at every corner. Beyond it, he could see the faint outlines of buildings, crowded yet organized, alive with movement. The inner wall loomed further in, taller and grander, its pristine white surface glowing faintly with a protective mana barrier. It guarded the heart of the city—the domain of the elite and the prestigious Alamcaran Magic Academy.
Samson's chest tightened as the carriage passed through one of the Hexa Gates. The sight of the bustling outer layer was overwhelming. Streets lined with vibrant market stalls spilled over with goods powered by mana—floating lanterns, self-cleaning pots, enchanted toys that danced in the air. Children laughed as they played, merchants barked out prices, and mana-powered trams zipped by on tracks that wound through the city like veins of energy.
As he walked through the city, the contrast between this place and his past became painfully clear. He remembered the small, cramped house where he and Ayla had grown up. The leaky roof, the nights they went to bed hungry, and the look of exhaustion on his mother's face after long hours of work.
One memory, in particular, resurfaced: a cold winter night when Ayla had been sick. Samson had held her hand, promising her that he would one day make things better for their family. He had felt so helpless then, but now, standing in Hexagon City, he clenched his fists.
"I'll make the most of this," he whispered to himself. "I won't let this opportunity slip away."
---
After roaming the streets for a while, marveling at the intricate mana-powered lamps and street performers who used magic to entertain crowds, Samson finally reached his destination.
The gates of Alamcaran Academy were massive, crafted from shimmering blue crystal that radiated an aura of power. Two stone guardians, shaped like mythical beasts, flanked the entrance, their eyes glowing faintly as they scanned newcomers.
Taking a deep breath, Samson stepped forward. As he approached, the gates swung open silently, revealing a pathway lined with students and staff. The academy grounds were breathtaking—manicured gardens, grand buildings with spires reaching toward the sky, and training arenas bustling with activity.
"New here?"
The voice came from a tall boy with messy black hair and a confident smirk. Samson turned to see him leaning casually against a pillar.
"Yeah, I just arrived," Samson replied.
"Figured. You've got that overwhelmed look. I'm Khan," the boy said, extending a hand.
"Samson."
"Nice to meet you, Samson. Don't worry, everyone's nervous at first," Khan said, his tone reassuring.
Before Samson could respond, a girl with auburn hair and piercing green eyes joined them. "Making friends already, Khan? Impressive."
Khan rolled his eyes. "This is Elena. She thinks she's better than everyone because she reads too much."
"I'm just well-informed," Elena shot back with a smirk before turning to Samson. "Don't mind him. He's harmless. What's your name?"
"Samson," he replied, already feeling more at ease.
A third figure approached, a stocky boy with curly brown hair and a warm smile. "You making introductions without me? Typical."
"Rowan, meet Samson," Khan said.
Rowan grinned. "Welcome to the academy. Stick with us, and you'll be fine."
The four of them chatted as they made their way to the central hall, where the welcoming ceremony was about to begin. Despite having just met, Samson felt a connection with them. Their camaraderie reminded him of the bond he shared with Ayla, filling the gap he didn't know he needed.
---
The central hall was magnificent, with high vaulted ceilings and glowing orbs of mana that floated above, casting a soft, golden light. The new students were ushered to the front, where Headmaster Aldred, a dignified man with a flowing silver beard, stood waiting.
"Welcome to Alamcaran Academy," he began, his voice echoing through the hall. "Today, you take the first step on your journey to becoming magicians. Each of you will stand inside the Mana Chamber, where your mana reserves will be assessed, and your magic affinity will be unlocked."
The students murmured excitedly as the ceremony began. One by one, they entered the chamber—a tall, cylindrical structure glowing with a soft blue light.
When it was Samson's turn, his heart pounded. He glanced at his new friends, who gave him encouraging nods. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.
The chamber hummed to life as strands of blue energy swirled around him. A warm sensation spread through his body as the mana analyzed him.