Mingma's heart pounded as he stepped into the designated trial hall. The first phase of the admission process was about to begin: the trial of theory for magic. The hall was vast, filled with rows of desks arranged neatly, and the atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy. Hundreds of candidates, each with their own hopes and dreams, were seated, waiting for the trial to commence. Mingma took his seat near the back, his eyes scanning the room briefly before focusing on the empty desk in front of him.
An instructor stepped to the front of the hall and addressed the candidates. "The trial of theory will test your understanding of the foundational principles of magic and its applications. This is not merely a test of knowledge but of your ability to think critically and adapt your understanding. You will have two hours to complete the paper. Begin when you receive it."
Mingma adjusted his chair, taking a deep breath to calm himself. He had prepared for this moment, though he wasn't entirely sure what to expect. When the papers were handed out, he flipped his over and froze for a moment. The questions were written in neat, flowing script, but the content… it looked like advanced mathematics and biology.
Equations for mana flow dynamics, diagrams of magical circuits, questions on the anatomy of magical beasts—it all seemed shockingly familiar to him. His university education back on Earth had included math and science courses that now seemed almost tailor-made for this moment.
Mingma let out a quiet sigh of relief. While others around him stared at their papers with furrowed brows and whispered frustrations, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. These questions were not only manageable but surprisingly straightforward to him.
The first section focused on mana flow—essentially magical physics. Questions about mana conservation, flow rates, and thresholds seemed eerily similar to problems he had solved in his engineering courses. With confident strokes of his pen, he worked through the equations, double-checking his answers as he went.
The second section delved into magical biology. It included diagrams of creatures' internal mana pathways and questions about the function of specific organs. Mingma's background in biology—albeit non-magical—helped him here as well. The principles weren't too different from Earth's biology; it was just a matter of applying his existing knowledge in a slightly new context.
The final section, however, gave him pause. It focused on magical theory, requiring essay-style responses. Questions such as "Describe the theoretical implications of combining two opposing elemental mana types" and "Discuss the philosophical implications of mana as a finite resource" required not just technical understanding but creativity and depth. Mingma frowned, tapping his pen against his chin as he thought.
This section was tougher, but he tackled it methodically, drawing from both his new understanding of this world and the analytical skills he had honed in his past life. He didn't have the deep magical background that some of the other candidates likely did, but he made up for it with structured arguments and logical reasoning.
Time flew by as Mingma immersed himself in the paper. When the instructor finally called time, he leaned back in his chair, stretching his stiff fingers. Around him, the tension was palpable. Some candidates looked dejected, while others were still scribbling furiously even as their papers were collected.
Mingma glanced at his paper as it was taken away. He wasn't sure how it would be graded, but he felt confident. This phase had been less of a trial and more of a reminder of the skills he had honed during his years on Earth. Still, this was only the beginning. He knew the next phases would be far more challenging.
As the candidates were dismissed from the hall, Mingma found himself in the throng of murmuring students. Some were discussing the difficulty of the questions, others lamenting their lack of preparation. Mingma stayed quiet, his mind already shifting to the next trial. He had survived the first phase, but two more awaited him, each promising to test him in ways he couldn't yet predict.
He found Amira waiting for him outside the hall. She smiled faintly as she studied his expression. "How was it?"
Mingma shrugged. "Not as bad as I thought. I think I managed."
Amira's smile widened slightly. "Good. That's one down. But don't get too comfortable. The next trial will push you in ways this one didn't."
Mingma nodded. He already knew that. The trial of theory had played to his strengths, but the upcoming phases would likely require him to push himself further than ever before. For now, though, he allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. He had taken the first step, and he wasn't about to stop now.
The second trial began in a vast open courtyard, where candidates gathered in groups. This phase was the Trial of Affinity, designed to measure each individual's natural alignment with elemental and advanced magics. Mingma found himself standing among the throng, observing the other candidates. Some appeared confident, others nervous, but everyone was waiting with bated breath for the trial to start.
An instructor stepped forward, his robes flowing in the gentle breeze. "This trial will determine your magical affinity. Each of you will step forward, and the Affinity Orb will reveal your primary elemental alignment and its strength. Those who display a sufficiently high affinity will pass this trial. Remember, magic is not only about power but also about control and understanding."
One by one, the candidates approached the large crystalline orb set upon a pedestal in the center of the courtyard. As each placed their hand on the orb, it glowed with various colors, representing their affinity to the elements—fire, water, earth, air, and rarer affinities like gold and void.
When Mingma's turn came, he approached the orb with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Placing his hand on its cool surface, he felt a rush of energy course through him. The orb began to glow—first a deep crimson, then a shimmering golden hue. Gasps rippled through the crowd as the colors intensified, radiating outward in a dazzling display.
"Fire and gold," the instructor announced, his voice tinged with surprise. "A dual affinity, and both quite strong."
Mingma stepped back, his mind racing. He had expected his Rathore bloodline to give him an edge, but the intensity of his affinities took even him by surprise. Fire felt natural to him, a reflection of his determination and unyielding spirit, while gold—an uncommon and prestigious affinity—seemed to resonate with his resolve to forge his own path.
As the trial continued, many candidates displayed moderate or single affinities, while only a handful exhibited dual affinities like Mingma. By the end of the session, the instructor called forward those who had passed. Mingma stood among them, feeling a mix of pride and resolve. He had cleared another hurdle, but he knew the next trial would demand even more from him.
The instructor's voice broke through his thoughts. "Those of you who have passed the Trial of Affinity, follow me. The third and final trial awaits."
Mingma fell into step with the group, his eyes forward and his mind focused. Two trials down, one to go. The road ahead was daunting, but he was determined to see it through.