Fleya stood outside of the training room, waiting for Tommy to finish his test. He had been in there for about thirty minutes now, which was about the average, maybe a little longer, compared to the norm. She figured he would be done soon but didn’t have much faith in his results.

The test was supposed to measure a person’s innate talent, as well as offer them a chance at having an insight. Not many were able to pull off the latter as insights didn’t come along very often. But when they did, it was immediate stable growth. Most Adroit would never have an insight.

Considering Tommy was her age and hadn't manifested until now didn't bode well. Sure, manifestations could come at any time in a person's life. But typically, the stronger the talent, the earlier the manifestation would be. Any minute now, she thought to herself, calling up a spell to check the time again.

As if on cue, the runes around the door lit up, indicating a passing result. Tommy stumbled out of the doors, looking as confused and disoriented as always. Scanning her perception through him, she noticed an immediate difference.

“Rogue? What happened in there?” Fleya demanded, dragging him over to the results panel. The pane itself wasn’t much, just a sectioned off part of the wall next to the door. It had a slightly worn indent in the shape of a hand in the center of the panel with ten crystals inlaid in a circle around it. Taking his hand, she pressed his palm into the indent.

Normally a panel would light up for two reasons. The first being an indication of the current cultivation a person had. The second indication gave insight into the potential the person has.

When Fleya pressed his hand into the wall, Tommy was still trying to gather his thoughts from the ordeal he had just experienced. Instantly he felt power trickle into his hand from the wall, running through his body and down into his core. The sensation he was getting was as if he was being weighed on a scale. After a moment, the runes on the panel flashed twice, briefly.

“Rogue, as expected,” Fleya murmured, glancing to Tommy with a contemplative look. “And now for your potential.”

Tommy felt as the trickle of power slowly built into a steady stream, filling his body from head to feet. It felt as if he were being swarmed by a thousand sweat bees; uncomfortable but painless.

The sensation came and was gone in an instant, but he still wrenched his hand away from the wall as if it would devour him if he kept it there any longer. The panel glowed from within, the intensity slowly building as the runes around the side of the panel slowly lit up one by one. The two watched as slowly each tier lit up around his hand. One, two...four....six... Fleya was in shock as she watched the tenth and final stone light up.

Glancing from the board, to his hand, to Fleya, and back to his hand, Tommy asked, “Care to enlighten me?”

Studying the panel for a moment longer, she ran some power through the device and pulled him down the hallway with her. Seeing her contemplative look, Tommy decided to give her some time to gather her thoughts. He knew this entire situation was strange enough as it was, and it seemed like a new variable was tossed into the equation each time they rounded a corner.

The two made their way through the building in silence, the maze of hallways a blur. Tommy kept stealing glances at Fleya throughout the walk, however she appeared to be deep in thought. Heading up two flights of stairs and around a few corners, Fleya had them stop outside of a door in what she said was the personal quarters of the school. Knocking twice, she looked at Tommy and said, “Look give me a few minutes with my friend, and then we can talk. Stay out here for a sec?” The last part coming out more as an order than a question.

She had hardly finished her sentence when the door opened. A young, scholarly man was standing on the other side. He had a lean frame lined with muscle, stood a little under six feet, and had a splattering of brown hair that wound up in curls on top of his head. His entire appearance seemed to give off a reserved, yet confident bearing. Looking at the two of them and noticing Fleya, he flashed a bright smile.

“Fleya! I thought you were dealing with issues out of the western border. What a pleasant surprise,” the young man said, warmth in his voice. Looking to Tommy, he opened his mouth again and managed to get a few additional words out before Fleya cut him off. “And who—”

“Sorry Terrowin, can we step inside for a minute?” Fleya requested forcefully, glancing at Tommy and pushing into the room beyond the door. “Can you give us just a few minutes Tommy?” she asked when Tommy went to follow. Terrowin stepped aside with an eye brow raised, but otherwise silent as he glanced at Tommy, and then turned to study Fleya’s face. Seeing her serious look, he relented, saying, “Sure.”

The two awkwardly shut the door on Tommy, effectively leaving him alone for the first time since his crazy experience started. Alone, in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar rules and people.

He suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

Pushing back into the wall and doing his best to go unnoticed, he waited. And continued to wait while the minutes dragged on, his impatience building. After a few minutes he heard some muffled exclamations coming from the other side of the door. Everything went silent once more and Tommy strained his ears, trying to catch anything else that might drift through the door.

Without realizing it, he had pushed his ear up against the door. So much for trying to blend in, he thought to himself, straightening up again as he noticed a few passersby giving him an odd look.

Blending in? Boy, you stick out like a sore thumb.

Feeling the hair on his arms stand up, Tommy looked around, however he didn’t see anyone near him.

Of course not. It’s been all of ten minutes and you’ve already forgotten me? the voice said, seemingly coming from nowhere.

“Um, excuse me but who is this?” Tommy whispered, looking around furtively. Not hearing a response, he looked around a few times, but didn’t see anyone near him. Determined to ignore yet another crazy occurrence in his life, he decided to ignore it ever happened. Turning to look at the door once more, he jumped back a few steps at the sight before him.

Noru had appeared as an apparition of sorts, and was standing close to the door, arms folded and appearing to lean against the wall. The ghostly man drew himself up to his full height, however meager it was, and slowly approached Tommy. As he walked, he seemed to shimmer in the air with an ethereal quality.

That spell linked us together, forever. However unfortunate that may be, we need to work together to get you up to speed as quickly as possible. Noru said, coming to a halt a few steps away from Tommy.

“Sorry, so you’re just living in my…head?” Tommy asked, feeling somewhat alarmed.

You’re about as quick as a snail, eh? That spell I cast chose you to be my successor. That means you get me, in my full glory. Noru said, the last bit rolling off with more than a hint of sarcasm. I can explain more later on, we have more important matters at hand presently. So, first things first. Do not tell anyone about me, or what I’ve told you so far. From what I gather, you have limited support here. There’s no reason to add more confusing elements to the equation until you have a firmer grasp on your situation.

Seeing the blank look on Tommy’s face, he said, Understood?

Tommy slowly nodded. At this point, he couldn’t really see much else that could surprise him. Being reincarnated into another world was one thing. Having magic powers was another, and now he had to contend with a millennia old stranger living in his head.

It’s really not that bleak. If anything, think of me as another pillar of support. Except, this pillar is more imaginary, and can only offer a little wisdom and guidance. Still, that’s more than nothing. Tommy had a gut feeling this might be a bit of an understatement.

“I’m sorry, I know this must be odd for you too, and I’m being rude. It’s just…” Tommy said, trying to gather his thoughts. “It’s a lot.”

I’m sure we will both come to terms. Noru said dryly. Let’s move along though, he said, eyes shifting from Tommy’s in a show of embarrassment he didn’t quite understand. You should know, you don’t have to speak aloud for me to hear you. I can hear it if you think it. This can be a bit invasive, he said, hand rubbing the back of his neck, but I promise to give as much privacy as I can afford to give.

Now Tommy understood. So, he could hear all of his embarrassing thoughts, could feel his anxiety, fear, and helplessness. I must be the perfect picture of a world saving hero, huh? he laughed at himself.

Herculean.. Noru responded dryly, making a motion as if to pat Tommy's back. Training will fix everything. I just hope we have the time. Tommy went to respond, however the door behind Noru started to open, and the old man faded away before his eyes. Terrowin met Tommy at the door, hand extended with a smile on his face.

“I’m sorry, Tommy is it? I don’t usually keep guests waiting, but these don’t appear to be normal circumstances.”

Tommy took his hand and shook it, nodding along to Terrowin as he was shuffled from the hallway into the apartment. “No, I guess they aren’t,” he responded to Terrowin, looking around for Fleya. He wasn’t quite sure what all to say to this man before he heard Fleya’s plan.

You shouldn’t say anything at all, to anyone, until you’re positive they mean you no ill will, Noru’s voice sounded out in his head. Tommy was getting more than a fair share of old hermit vibes from Noru, the man looked like he quarantined for years before the Fracturing. There was a strong sense of irritation from wherever Noru was mentally located inside of his brain. Tommy smile, the man reminding him of his grandfather back on Earth.

Would you pay attention? Noru snapped at him, appearing in front of Tommy abruptly. Gathering his senses and focusing back onto the room, Tommy saw Fleya as she gestured him further into the small apartment. Though, apartment was far from what Tommy would call it. The room was very cramped, consisting of a small entryway room for greeting guests, and a main circular room that made up the rest of the residence.

A fire blazed in the center of the room, the smoke billowing upwards seemingly being absorbed into the shadows themselves. Torches were set throughout the room emitting a soft, warm light throughout the room. The walls were lined with bookshelves, paintings of forests that appeared as old as the forest from Tommy’s visions in the training room. Seeing their likeness, a shiver ran up his spine and he hurriedly glanced away.

Now was not the time he wanted to be reminded of the demon that had be stalking his nightmares. The rest of the room appeared to be dressed up the same way a woodland hunter would furnish his home, but with a large slew of books thrown into the heap. A small desk sat in the corner with scrolls stacked orderly on top, and a bed lined in blankets that appeared to be made from bear or wolf fur.

Overall, the room gave off a cozy atmosphere. Tommy almost felt like he was sitting around a campfire as he was ushered into a warm armchair that sat close to the fire in the center of the room. Glancing over at his two compatriots, he waited, expecting to be informed on his results, as well as to why Fleya had seemed so secretive about them before.

Instead, he was made to feel like the prized hog at the county fair. Terrowin and Fleya gathered around the fire in chairs of their own, each sitting and watching him intently, as if they expected him to turn water into wine at any moment.

“Um, could you guys not stare at me like that?” Tommy asked, scratching the back of his neck and looking quite uncomfortable. The two looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between the two in a moment. Terrowin nodded at Fleya, then they looked back to Tommy.

“You’ve got a lot of potential Tommy. But you’re starting ten legs behind everyone else your age. So, that leaves us in a slight predicament,” Fleya explained, cutting to the heart of the matter. And of course, Tommy didn’t understand anything she was saying.

He was starting to wonder if that would ever change.

“Before you get flustered,” Fleya continued, reading the emotions pass across Tommy’s face. “Let me continue. Most mages start training at an early age, usually around age ten for anyone that seriously wants to pursue the arcane arts. On top of this, some mages manifest their inherent powers and become part of the Adroit class.

“Typically, most Adroit see their powers manifest around the age of sixteen. This age can vary, but for the most part it’s our average manifestation age.” Fleya took a breath, looking over to Terrowin. Seeming to pick up her thoughts, Terrowin continued where Fleya left off.

“Fleya tells me you are our age. Most mages our age are at the adept level, or have been selected to study underneath another mage.” Tommy thought he understood where they were heading here. Terrowin took a small pause to take a quick sip of whatever was in his cup, and then proceeded with his explanation.

“You have a lot to learn if you are trying to catch up with the people of your own age. Additionally, with the potential you have, you would typically be fast-tracked into the higher classes with the more experienced tutors. You would be provided the best resources and living accommodations within the Academy.” He stopped, seeming reluctant to continue. Fleya picked up for him.

“We can’t tell anyone about your potential though, as it could put you an a more difficult position than you already are. You have next to no backing here, considering your background. Most tutors here won’t take you seriously due to your age. The later you start cultivating or learning magic, the more difficult the climb is.

“So, if we were to head to the Academy elders with your training results, you might have potential enemies aiming to take you out of the game before you can gain any leverage over your situation here.” She looked like she wanted to say more, but Tommy cut her off. This was all becoming more confusing as they “explained” the situation to him.

“Hold on, stop. Please. I don’t understand half of what you’re telling me. What potential, and why would it make me a target?” Terrowin stepped in again, looking to stop Tommy before he went off the rails.

“The training room measures each person who enters it in three different ways. Mage strength, your cultivation power level, and your inherent talent. In the first two that I mentioned, you scored well below average for people your age. As a matter of fact, your scored well below average for most students younger than fourteen.” He paused for a minute, taking another sip of his drink. Setting it down, he locked eyes with Tommy once more.

“The third category showed the highest ratings. You appear to have a special class talent, which is very rare.” Seeing the blank look on Tommy’s face, he simplified his explanation. “You have the potential to be one of the very best. There’s only two other people at the Academy right now that can match your potential, and both of those people were given the best treatment since they were brought here to the Academy.”

Tommy sat back, not sure what to do with the information he was being fed. The first thing he noticed was his feeling of helplessness was receding. Being around Fleya, talking to Noru, and being here in a more comfortable setting was helping to ease his nerves a lot.

Even if there was a ghost haunting him, at least he wasn’t entirely alone anymore. Shifting his attention back on what Terrowin and Fleya had told him, he started picking it apart like he would a ticket from his engineering job back on Earth.

On one hand, the added variables of being in danger simply because of what he might one day achieve were somewhat to be desired. However, on the other hand Tommy was being told he could be one of the most powerful men that walked around today. Putting aside his extraordinary story up to this point, he had always had fantasies of being a superhero or magician.

Hell, most of his books were about dragons, swords and sorcery, or reincarnation tales he would find online. Being told he could experience one of these adventures in real life was a bit surreal and exciting. The problem was getting to the point that he could take care of himself here in this new world, especially if he wasn’t going to be given any special treatment for his circumstances.

“So, what are my current options?”

“Well, you really only have two. You could decide to join the Academy as you are with little to no backing. While there is still some danger here, you can fly under the radar while you get a handle on your situation and power up a bit.

“Otherwise, you can disregard everything we have said here today, take your results to the elders and have them decide your fate. While you will see more attention and focus placed on you, you might also be singled out and be taken care of before you grow into a real threat to anyone.”

Digesting this, Tommy spoke up, “So, what do I do if I don’t go to the elders? How can I catch up to you guys with so little provided to me?”

“There are other ways the Academy provides to allow its students to gain more opportunities. First, you have the regular classes you can attend every day. The Academy has a far wider gathering of experienced mages and Adroit than most other country sects and schools.” Fleya input, scooting closer to the fire and sticking out her hands to warm them.

“And then there are missions, and the contests.” Terrowin finished, sitting back and giving Tommy a quick smile. "That's where all the fun is at."