At the conclusion of the Fire Festival, council leaders Michael and Sophia walked onto the main stage for the closing ceremony. “The time has come for our school’s freshman class to display their talents and skills for a chance to enroll in the Royal Academy. The official decree arrived this morning, graciously brought to us by none other than Sir Knight Thelos, a hero of The Great War,” Sophia announced.

The crowd cheered at the exciting news and the presence of such a renowned figure. Thelos stepped forward, his royal knight's suit of armor glistening in the flames and his long white hair blowing in the wind. His commanding frame and stoic demeanor radiated leadership. "Dear citizens of Westhaven, it is an honor to be here. The Royal Academy eagerly awaits to welcome those who show the promise of excellence and the determination to pursue it. Though we may not always succeed in building the future we want for our youth, we can cultivate our youth so that they may build the future they want for themselves. Young men and women, work hard and do your best, for not only your sake and the sake of your family, but for the sake of the whole kingdom."

The following morning, the kids and an equally eager audience gathered inside the school's main hall. The tests would take place over the next three days and would cover the fields of literature, art, history, science, engineering, knighthood, and magic. Those who did not excel in any area would continue to study in the town's school and get another chance in three years. If they still could still not demonstrate excellence in a field of study by then, they would be assigned to local mentorship programs after graduation.

“Settle down everyone,” Mr. Buckman said to silence the chatter. “We are graced with the presence of three elder mages from the Department of Magic of the Royal Academy. Elder Mage Samson will be the one administering the magic test this morning.”

“Children, fret not.” Samson, a short gray bearded man wearing an indigo robe stepped forward. Most magic users could only manifest and control the elements using magic gems, though a few became mages who could freely wield the elements like Samson. “This test is only meant to give you and us a glimpse of your inherent talents. It will not by itself determine your acceptance into the Royal Academy or your potential for future accomplishments in magic. Talent may give you a leg up, but hard work is what ultimately determines what you can accomplish.”

The magic test entailed touching a magic gem the size of a small watermelon that had been prepared by Elder Mages from the Academy to measure their magical aptitude by the gem's glow and elemental affinity by the elements that manifested above it. The core elements were light, air, water, fire, and earth. Light was linked to the spirit. Air to the mind. Water to the heart. Fire to the gut. Earth to the body. Each element could also display degrees of purity or corruption. Typically, only a handful of students would display decent aptitude and affinity with an element, sometimes with two, and on rare occasions with three.

The kids waited in line for their turn to walk up on stage and touch the gem. After a few results of low to descent aptitude and no elemental affinity, it was Raj's turn. He slowly reached out to touch the gem while turning his face away from it. To the unsuspecting spectator, it would seem as if Raj was afraid of the gem, though Bodhi knew better. He knew Raj was only hesitant because he half expected the gem to explode in a burst of his awesomeness. And to the surprise of many, the gem did light up considerably and a huge flame manifested above it.

Many in the crowd were amazed. The flame displayed a dazzling orange and yellow glow as an expression of the purity of Raj's character. The elders rejoiced in the results as they smiled and nodded to each other. The crowd cheered and clapped for Raj. "The gem may not have exploded but it was still filled with my awesomeness!" He proclaimed with his trademark ear-to-ear grin and hands-on-hips pose.

Next up was Bhran, who was annoyed by the elation Raj received. "I will show this peasant the proper order of things. My dad did not spend a fortune on magic enhancing potions over the years for nothing," he told Rogan and Keagan, his most loyal lackeys, loud enough for others to hear, including Bodhi who could not help but roll his eyes. Bhran walked on stage and heavy-handedly touched the gem. It shone intensely, and to the crowd's amazement, three elements manifested above the gem. "Wow! Three elements! Do you see that?! That's amazing!" Many in the crowd were astonished. "Ha! That is our leader for you!" Rogan shouted.

The manifestations were a flame that burned dark red, a chunk of muddy earth, and a dim sphere of light blemished with dark spots. The elders looked at each other with somber expressions. His aptitude and multi-element affinities were indeed impressive, though the expression of the elements was troubling. Brushing off the elder's signs of concern, Bhran proudly proclaimed, "this is the difference between a noble and a peasant, and nothing can ever change that!" Rogan and Keagan shouted in agreement, “Yeah, that’s right!” There was some scattered applause in the now mostly quiet and resentful crowd.

It was Vana's turn next. She walked up to the gem and took a deep breath before gently laying her hand on it. Bodhi admired how calm and collected she seemed, unlike the growing agitation inside of him. I hope she does well. A beautiful soft glow emanated from the gem as it gradually grew to at least double the radiance of Bhran's test. A beautiful swirl of clear water manifested on top of the gem as well as a bright sphere of iridescent light. The elders were impressed. "Such aptitude and purity," one of them remarked. To everyone's further amazement, the swirl of water and the iridescent light merged, creating a beautiful liquid light that swirled above the gem. "A healer!" someone blurted out as gasps and cheers spread throughout the crowd.

The elders talked amongst themselves before they turned to her and bowed in recognition of her exceptional talent and character. She returned the bow as she smiled. Bhran was livid. “A measly two-element affinity and they bow to her?" He griped loudly. How can he be so petty? Bodhi had to consciously decide to ignore him to temper his level of annoyance and so he would not get distracted for the task at hand. I must do well too. After a few more tests with varying results, including a handful that displayed a good aptitude and an elemental affinity, it was finally the turn of the last kid in line. It was Bodhi's turn. He was now paradoxically feeling both anxious and calm as he slowly approached the elders. This is for all the marbles. As he reached for the gem, the voice from his dream echoed in his mind, you are nothing.

To everyone's surprise, nothing happened. There was no glow. Not even the slight radiance that even the lowest results had shown. There were no manifestations either. Both Raj and Vana's shoulders dropped as they empathized with their friend. Chatter erupted amongst the kids and the audience. Bhran relished the moment. "I always knew that you were a worthless peasant Bodhi, now that's the right order of things," he shouted. Bodhi was unphased. Apparently so were the elders who looked on as if knowing something was about to happen. You are everything, the voice swelled up in his mind as the brightness of the gem grew to an almost blinding intensity. The crowd gasped as most looked away. Bodhi kept his eyes fixed on the gem as the manifestations appeared above it. "It's all five elements!" Someone blurted out in shock. Similar reactions erupted from the agitated crowd.

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The manifestations were a purplish flame, swirling clear waters, a stable vortex of air, a floating chunk of light-colored earth, and a sphere of iridescent light. "How is this possible? He must be cheating!" Bhran shouted but was drowned out by the crowd's cacophony of astonishment. Both Raj and Vana looked overjoyed. "I always knew you were special, Bodhi," Vana said loudly, hoping he would hear her. He did. His cheeks turned red. "There you go Booodhiii!" Raj shouted.

"Okay everyone, calm down, calm down," Samson tried managing the mayhem but was unsuccessful in squelching the growing uproar. Thelos stepped forward. The loud sound from his war horn blanketed the large hall, drowning out the tumult. “Thank you, Sir Knight Thelos.” Samson cleared his throat. “As I was saying, this is indeed a momentous occasion as a five-element affinity is indeed a rare sight. This young man has a bright future as do all the youth of Westhaven. Support and take care of each other always, as each one of us are the foundation stones our Light Kingdom is built upon." Affirmations of support for the elder's words sprouted amongst the proud crowd.

The three elders smiled at Bodhi and bowed before taking their leave. Bodhi returned the gesture and then looked down at the palm of his hand, pondering, nothing and everything. He was not clear about its true meaning nor why the gem behaved that way, but he was elated. I am finally going to leave this town, he assured himself as he clenched his hand into a fist. I did it, Mom. I hope you are proud of me.

After the magic test, the kids gathered outdoors in the sports field to test their sword or archery skills as well as their physical endurance. Ever since The Great War, kids had to learn sword or archery from the age of seven. Typically, boys would choose the sword and girls the bow, even though there was no rule stating so. "We are now starting the sword and archery tests which Knight Thelos will also be monitoring,” Reyner, the school’s knighthood and physical education teacher, announced.

“Aha! Look at that idiot!” Some of the kids mocked one of the boys who was sporting a bow instead of a sword. “Don’t mind them. They are the fools,” Vana said as she released an arrow from her bow to hit a bullseye. “Wow, so cool!” The boy ramarked in praise. “She is,” Bodhi said softly as he walked by them on his way to the sword skills test area where students paired up to demonstrate their grasp on the set of moves from the beginner’s manual of The Way of The Knight.

"Before we begin, who can tell me what the Seven Virtues of a True Knight are?” Reyner asked. “Bhran?”

“Come on Mr. Reyner, who cares about the stupid Seven Virtues? What truly matters is who wields greater power.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Rogan chimed in.

“The Seven Virtues are for fools,” Keagan added.

“I am sorry you three.”

“What are you sorry for Mr. Reyner?” Keagan asked.

“Clearly, I have failed you as a teacher. And for that, I apologize.” Reyner let out a sigh of disappointment. “Your mind becomes dyed with the colors of your thoughts. I hope it is not too late for you to create a more beautiful tapestry. Drop your swords and give me three laps around the school grounds. Now!”

“That is not fair! How dare you pick on us. My father will hear of this,” Bhran grumbled before the three begrudgingly acquiesced and took off.

“Now, who can tell me what the Seven Virtues are? Bodhi?”

“Mr. Reyner, the Seven Virtues are bravery, discernment, dedication, moderation, generosity, honesty, and fairness."

“Good job. What about the Seven Vices?"

"The Seven Vices are greed, lust, cowardice, ignorance, dishonesty, vanity, and jealousy."

“Correct."

"Bodhi, is a knight a True Knight just because he or she can defeat others in battle?” Thelos asked as he approached them.

“No, Sir Thelos. Without the Seven Virtues, a knight cannot be considered a True Knight. A True Knight has a brave heart and a discerning mind. He is dedicated to the betterment of himself and the protection of others. He displays moderation with his demeanor and generosity with his actions. He is fair in his judgment and honest with his words.”

"And what distinguishes a True Knight from a Master Knight? Is it just a difference in skills?"

"Sir Thelos, we have not yet taught them that," Reyner interjected.

"Excuse me, Mr. Reyner, I know the answer," Bodhi said.

"You do?" Reyner was surprised.

"Go ahead Bodhi," Thelos said.

“A Master Knight has not only achieved mastery of the sword and the Seven Virtues but also abides by the Three Treasures."

“Which are?"

“Wisdom, Compassion, and Selflessness."

“Please describe them."

"Wisdom is gaining greater knowledge of oneself, as well as the world, through learning, experience or insight, and applying it into one’s contemplation, decision-making or behavior.”

“The root of all wisdom is indeed self-knowledge. What about compassion?”

“Compassion is having empathy for another's suffering and concern for their well-being, naturally leading to a desire to help and treat others as you would want to be treated."

“A commendable description, though if your compassion does not include yourself, it is not complete. How about selflessness?”

"Selflessness is placing the good of all ahead of your own personal desires. It is said that a Master Knight gives of himself for the sake of all while a Shadow Knight takes from all for the sake of himself."

“Well said. Keep in mind, however, that weak pillars cannot hold a solid structure to shelter others. Before you can serve others you first need to empower yourself. Then you can work with other empowered and trustworthy individuals to become dependable pillars of your community and the kingdom.”

"Thank you for your guidance, Sir Thelos," Bodhi said.

"When the Seven Virtues are not applied, the knight will fail. When the Three Treasures are not present, the people will suffer. And if the One Truth is not cherished, the kingdom will fall."

"The One Truth?" Bodhi asked.

"Love," Thelos replied.

"Love."

"Love is both the source and the destination. Like water that rains down on the mountains, it flows into the streams of the Seven Virtues and the rivers of the Three Treasures, eventually reaching the ocean of the One Truth, in a cycle of meaning, purpose, and growth. You will gain greater insight into the One Truth as you grow older. For now, know that being loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone gives you courage. Use this strength and courage to follow your heart, and your wisdom to know how to, as you quest to become what you most admire. You give me hope for the new generation, Bodhi. Thank you." Thelos bowed.

"No, Sir Thelos, we are the ones who thank you for your service," Bodhi said as he, the other kids, and Reyner bowed to him.

"Thank you all. And please, just call me Thelos from now on. Carry on."

The kids continued with the drills. After each took on the role of the attacker and the defender, they switched pairs.

“Nice technique, Raj,” Thelos commended him.

“Thanks. Bodhi and I have been playing with wooden swords since we were four.”

“I can tell. Speaking of which.” Thelos moved closer to Bodhi and his partner. “Bodhi, those are some interesting moves.”

“What do you mean Sir, I mean, Thelos. These are the same moves as everyone else's.”

“Hmm. Are they?”

Bodhi tensed up. Crap, I don’t know if Master would want me to say anything to a Royal Knight.

“I guess you are right,” Thelos said. Bodhi breathed a subtle sigh of relief. “Proceed,” he added as he walked away.

Thelos was intrigued. A five-element affinity with a high-level aptitude, insight into the Three Treasures and these moves. Old friend, what have you been up to?