The days leading up to the arrival of the testers from Elderglen Institute of Arcane Studies were a whirlwind of activity and emotion for Lance. He spent his mornings doing chores and his afternoons with Father Elias. Though the priest couldn’t teach him magic, his guidance in meditation and concentration exercises proved invaluable.

Lance’s friends, especially Jory, were supportive yet curious. They bombarded him with questions about his abilities and what he expected from the testers. Though nervous, Lance couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. He was about to embark on a journey that could change his life forever.

The morning of the testers’ arrival dawned bright and clear. Lance stood by the village gates, his heart pounding in his chest. Beside him, Father Elias offered words of encouragement.

“You’ve got this, Lance. Remember to stay calm and focus on what you’ve learned.”

Lance nodded, trying to steady his nerves. As they watched, a small group of robed figures approached, their presence commanding and dignified. The leader, a tall woman with silver hair and piercing green eyes, stepped forward.

“Good morning. I am Magister Rowan, head of admissions at Elderglen Institute. You must be Lance.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Lance replied, his voice trembling slightly.

“Let’s proceed to a quieter place for the assessment,” Magister Rowan suggested, her gaze sweeping over the villagers who had gathered to watch. “We need a space free of distractions.”

Father Elias led them to the church, which had been prepared for the occasion. Inside, the air was cool and serene. The testers arranged themselves around Lance, their expressions neutral but attentive.

Magister Rowan produced a small, intricately carved crystal. “This is a energy resonance crystal. It will help us gauge your connection to the lifestream around us. Hold it in your hands and focus your thoughts on drawing mana towards you.”

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Lance took the crystal, its surface cool and smooth. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart. He envisioned the lessons with Father Elias, the feeling of lifeestream like a gentle breeze brushing against his skin. Slowly, he reached out with his mind, trying to draw the mana toward him.

At first, nothing happened. Lance’s heart sank, but he remembered Father Elias’s words about staying calm. He took another deep breath, focusing harder. He tried again and again, feeling increasingly desperate. The crystal remained dark.

Minutes felt like hours as he struggled. Sweat formed on his brow, and his hands began to tremble. He could feel the weight of the testers' gazes, judging his every move.

Just when he was about to give up, he felt a faint, almost imperceptible tingle in his fingertips. He focused all his energy on that sensation, willing it to grow. Slowly, very slowly, the crystal began to emit a dim, flickering light.

Opening his eyes, Lance saw the faint blue glow. It was barely visible, but it was there. The testers exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

“Barely, but it’s there,” one of the testers murmured.

Magister Rowan nodded. “Very well.”

Magister Rowan conferred with her colleagues before turning to Lance. “You have a very small affinity for lifestream, Lance. It is not strong, but it is present. You barely passed the requirements.”

Lance’s heart pounded. “Does that mean I can go to the Institute?”

Magister Rowan paused before nodding. “Yes. You have passed the minimum requirements. We would be willing to offer you a place at Elderglen Institute. However, you must understand that you will need to work exceptionally hard to keep up with your peers.”

A wave of relief washed over Lance. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

“We will make the necessary arrangements,” Magister Rowan said. “You will have to reach the university in 2 weeks, by then the summer courses will have ended. Use this time to prepare and say your goodbyes.”

As the testers left the church, Father Elias placed a hand on Lance’s shoulder. “I knew you could do it, Lance. This is just the beginning of your journey.”

Lance nodded, his mind buzzing with excitement and anticipation. He had three days to prepare for the biggest adventure of his life. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to embrace it with courage and determination.