The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled the headmaster said, “Hmm, now than, your mentors will lead you to your permanent residences. Afterward, take some time to converse with your mentor, about what classes you should take. Due to the situation that occurred in the south slums, classes will start up in three days. Enjoy this time to get settled, and prepare, because even though we have accepted all of you, the standards of Eden will be upheld. If you don’t meet those standards you will be expelled.

As the rest of the students followed their mentors out of the room; my mentor stood stock still, leaving me wondering what was going on, and maybe if I was in some kind of trouble.

As the spaced-out look left his face, turning to the headmaster Desmond said, “headmaster, I plan on taking Kyle to my demiplane. I always fulfill my promises.”

Laughing, waving at my mentor, the headmaster said, “Of course you do, go ahead Desmond; take your charge, just make sure he’s back in time for his classes.”

Slightly bowing Desmond said, “I will headmaster, there is no need to worry about that.”

Nervously, following behind my mentor through the gate of shadows he created, without any movements.

Stepping through the gate; all I could see was blue-tinged shadows, it was like I had fallen into ice-cold water. Burning tingling spread across my skin as I lost the feeling in my whole body. Seconds that seemed to stretch into minutes that felt like hours. With a snap; the shadows receded from my vision, revealing a room made of some type of stone. Giant bookcases were everywhere filled with tomes of varying colors. Five hulking silver boxes were spread out around the parameter of the room.

Looking at me, with a dark smile, my mentor said, “Welcome to my demiplane; I modeled it after the shadowlands, It’s where I do the majority of my research. Few have had the honor of coming here as guests.

My stomach was still twisting from the gate trip, plus the nervousness of dealing with my mentor. Who I couldn’t get a proper read on didn’t help me decide how I should respond.

Taking a chance, and try being honest, I said, “It’s very, well I don't know who I should respond, I’ve never been to a demiplane before, I don’t even know what a demiplane is.”

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Laughing, He said, “Honesty I like it, only the weak fear the truth, and can’t bear to show their weaknesses. Have you heard of a microcosm?”

Shaking my head I said, “Yes, It’s basically a spatial enhancement.”

Walking deeper into the room He said, “Great, walk with me as we talk, time is always precious. A demiplane is very much like a microcosm but on a whole other scale of power required to create one. Instead of making a space in our world bigger, and more complex. A demiplane is a completely separate space, that operates as a small world.”

As we reached the first silver contraption. My mentor said, “Since you’ve shown me honesty I will do the same for you. I don’t take students for good reason, I find it a waste of time, energy, and resources to take a student when your not going to put in a hundred percent of your effort to raise them up. Simply put; I’m not just trying to help you find out what your talent is, but also if I should take you as a disciple. Of course, you could turn my offer down, and we can go separate ways.”

What this isn’t how I pictured this going at all, I definitely didn’t see an ultimatum coming my way.

Nervously, taking a deep breath, bowing deeply. I said, “I don’t really know you, I can’t make such a serious decision without more information. I'm sorry for letting you down.”

Chuckling, He said, “Raise your head, Kyle, you didn’t let me down. For many reasons I've never considered myself a Magus; First, and foremost I am a seeker of knowledge and a keeper of wisdom. Had you taken my offer, I would be disappointed in you and would have turned you down. While taking chances is important, being well informed of the risks, and benefits are even more important.”

Looking at him in shock, I said, “So this was nothing but a test than?”

Smiling at me He said, “Yes it was, you can’t expect me to just take a disciple depending on just talent, can you? Let me fill you in on how things could proceed. I’ll help you figure out your talent, and if you reach my standards. We will continue on to a few other tests, and if your willing after that I’ll invite you to become my disciple. If you don’t meet my standards or are unwilling we will continue with this student, and mentor setup that Eden uses. But you should know that I will not put forth the effort I would for a disciple.”