The morning of Lanthim's final examination had the young man standing with a pitiful look on his face. Since receiving his limiter the day before. He had worn the device the entire day since leaving the workshop. Initially, he had felt no real difference between having the limiter on or off. Becuase of the seal he had once had limits to his power was something he was used to. However now he was standing all dressed in his academy uniform. To which both his wives approved nodding and talking to each other as he prepared.
"Well, you look your age now so that is something. Just remember that most of the instructors that will be present. Will view almost all magic that you perform. As a fabrication being done by someone else." [Mynrea]
A harsh truth that would not simply go away. True with his little battle against Rieflin many years ago common knowledge. The likelihood of him actually having any decent results. From this examination would require something extreme.
"Without the limiter, you would almost certainly pass. That being said unless you know some kind of first order magic. That is not documented you will have trouble." [Leinea]
Continuing to listen to his own thoughts through come out of his wives mouths. The realization of what it was like for an average first order being began to dawn on him. Everything about him was laid bare. From his own thoughts and emotions. To his exact location anywhere in the world. The dragon marriage bonding was devastatingly strong.
"I am glad I only have to wear this damn thing while in the academy." [Lanthim]
He wished with a great passion for the removal of the limiter. However with the exam only a few hours away he could not afford to indulge that idea. Even though it was simple to put on. It took almost half the previous day just for the many parts of the limiter to initialize.
"I hear that there will be quiet the crowd that will attend the exam. A man manipulating mana is something that will draw people." [Leinea]
"So have become a side show for everyone to mock and enjoy." [Lanthim]
Mynrea watched as the two of them talked with each other. It was true that many would come and see. but what worried her was the presence of Feinya. Having her own interests at work in the academy. Lanthim's suddenly being thrown into the mix could cause problems.
"I would advise caution Lanthim during the exam. You can never tell who will try to take advantage of your reduction in order." [Mynrea]
"Yes, what you say is true. Preparations for all possible situations are underway." [Lanthim]
Imperial Capital Maldranith
Deep in the catacombs of the Strentalos clans primary estate. Arielia sat alone under the dim light of five candles. Having received news earlier that day. That her attempts to have Lanthim's final examination voided. She had come to this place deep in the clan vaults.
'I can not allow the status quo to change so easily. A man able to manipulate mana will shift the way, people view the current social structure.'
For over four thousand years since the reconstruction after the fourth breaking. The current social hierarchy had maintained its devastating grip throughout those four millennia. This being the case Arielia was not going to allow her mother's work end after only two generations.
"I have come as you have summoned mother." [Fienya]
The elf woman's voice was wonderfully clear. Almost as if she was singing more than just speaking. Covered in a dark overcoat she came into the light.
"I see you have brought Teilquin with you. Also, as I instructed." [Arielia
"I am here grandmother please tell me what you desire." [Teilquin]
The older woman showed no emotion. Looking only into the darkness that seemed to go on forever in front of her. On her lap lay some large firmly wrapped article.
"Take this Teilquin. It was made by your mother's grandfather during the fourth breaking." [Arielia]
Whatever this thing was Teilquin felt a deep longing from the item inside the cloth. Finding a loose piece by which he could begin unwrapping the item. The task moved swiftly as by the light of the candles around him he saw a glint of gold.
"A sword? For what purpose would you give this to me?" [Teilquin]
"I think the purpose should be obvious." [Fienya]
Placing her hand on the pummel of the sword Fienya looked at the blade more closely.
"This is a rune blade, my son. With this, you will kill Lanthim and rid us of him forever."
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
The cruel expression on her face gave no sign of mercy. All that either woman here wanted was an end to Lanthim Frenost.
Academy of Alistri Open Testing Region.
Standing alone at the heart of a massive open field Lanthim could not see any of the thousands that had come to watch this exam. The spectators being about twenty miles to the east. Made for a great enough distance that he could not see anyone from his current position.
As he waited for instructions a voice came through a small listening device he had been given.
~ The exam shall begin momentarily please stand by~
Hearing this the ground around him began to shake. Holding his position without hesitation twelve thin polls which bore elvish runes appeared from below the surface.
~The first part of the exam will test projectable range and your ability to maintain that range for a set period of time~
The instruction was simple so Lanthim moved quickly. Usually, he would always have his range to its fullest and always active. Now with the limiter on he had to exert himself to project his mana.
Watching from the spectators stands both Mynrea and leinea were watching on large magical projections of lanthim's position.
"How large of a range you think he can maintain before he collapses." [Fienya]
The entire clan sat together Arielia sitting above all of them with Mynrea and leinea placed conveniently at the bottom. Order of marriage and everything else.
Suddenly as everyone clamored about taking bets. In whether Lanthim would be able to complete. The test or not the twelve rods light up with an intense light.
At the examiners bench, all seemed struck with fear as the runes eliminated with such light.
"They will have to move the rods back or he will overpower the runes and end this test." [Leinea]
With a mischievous smile, Leinea sat confidently where she was. The rest of the clan members looking down at her. Felt nothing but contempt for her and the confidence she had in Lanthim. All except Litralia and her children that had come.
"They are expanding the range parameters now." [Litralia]
Turning everyone's attention back to the exam. Litralia watched in awe as Lanthim matched the rate of expansion for almost thirty minutes. With the range measurement, rods coming just four inches from the spectator stands before they ceased further expansion. Even at this range, the rods were rendered functionless after two hours of constant interaction with Lanthim's purified mana.
The examiners all together seemed to have died from fear. Never had such results been recorded in the history of the academy. Nineteen miles of projectable range was something unheard of. It meant in practice that any other witch. Would likely receive his attack before ever being seen by him.
* How should we proceed from here.*
* Well if he was receiving help it would take six highly trained witches just to achieve one-third that range.*
As the examiners continued to question each other. Mynrea stood from her seat watching them frantically try to make sense of what was happening.
"What fools. They wish to find fault but can find none." [Mynrea]
"They can not help it they are not here to help him pass after all." [Litralia]
Having come down from her seat both women stood to watch. Neither seemed overly impressed with the wasting of time that was taking place. Then something grabbed Mynrea's eye.
"Wait has someone entered the examination area?" [Mynrea]
Looking up at the projection that showed Lanthim standing alone. In the distance, a cloaked individual could be seen advancing towards him.
"Who is that Leinea tell Beiren that there is an unknown approaching Lanthim." [Mynrea]
This order while not something she would under normal circumstances give however came too late. With the cloaked individual closing the distance with Lanthim almost instantly.
Further up in the stands both Arielia and Feinya showed no emotion that anyone could see. Internally both felt a great deal a satisfaction.
"I see what he meant by having preparations made." [Leinea]
Standing with his opponent pressed in close enough he could have killed him. Lanthim pressed the assailant away with ease. Presenting a quarter drawn blade.
"My brother I am sorry. Sadly my rune smith is better than yours." [Lanthim]