James had a plan, and the pieces were falling into place. Life energy was to a fighter orientated class what mana was for mages. They worked as the same principle supplying the person with energy to cast spells. To gain access to mana was not uncommon for soon to be mages and happened the same time people gained their first class. When they would receive their class is when their core would change to a specific element. This fundamentally changed the pure mana to enter the elemental core then process into which ever elemental they could control. He noticed through mana sense Susy had an almost calming energy surrounding which showed some type of reaction or affinity. James was relieved as he knew she would be able to pass the affinity test and attend an academy. Some people had no reaction to mana and would have to go down the path of a warrior, hunter, or rogue as some examples. He could test her himself considering his class but still wanted to keep some secrets close to heart to protect his family.
The morning of the affinity test James excitedly joined Suzy and his mother for breakfast. Nobody talked much but there was a feeling of nervousness in the air while Suzy could be seen chewing her nails with a cute look of worry.
“Do not worry goblin, I will protect you,” James puffed his chest up trying to lighten the mood. All he got were laughs from both his sister and mother which he responded with a look of being hurt.
Suddenly the door could be heard flying open with a loud “I’m home,” heard from a man that is six foot five inches tall, muscles like a bull, and a long scar down his left cheek. He had the signature silver hair cut military style which his siblings inherited but light blue eyes that seem to peer into a person’s soul.
Suzy ran up to give her father a hug while Emily walked to give Roy a kiss on his cheek. A bit nervous James followed up last trying to be hidden but was quickly noticed with a hard gaze from Roy. He felt all his secrets could be read by those light blue eyes, until the look softened and Roy took James into his arms.
“I am glad to see you’re doing better. I noticed something has changed about you but remember you are still just a boy,” Roy said with a loud whisper and look of pride.
James could feel his emotions running wild and covered his eyes to prevent himself from crying. He never had a family that cared about him, instead it was always training lessons, tutoring, and constant reminders of getting stronger from his foster parents in his previous life. In his past life he was a tool or puppet for those looking to use him for their own selfish benefit.
“Today is the day you test for your affinity James and Suzy; it is the beginning of your future. Let’s head over and then when we get back, we can celebrate with some your moms’ famous cookies.” Roy said with mischievous look which caused Emily to put on a helpless expression. Everyone laughed as they headed out the door to whatever may come.
The streets were filled with people going about their day. Mostly adults were out but some kids were running around as yelling and talking could be heard. Street vendors were lined along the street with their wares on blankets as they sat hopefully to make some coin. He noticed a handful of beggars and thieves in the shadows between buildings trying to avoid being seen. They all had a hint of intelligence in their eyes, so they probably knew who to pick as targets. The roads were getting better and houses nicer as they made their way towards away from the lower-class part of town.
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They made their way to the adventures guild which sat between the noble’s district and merchant ran part of town. The adventures guild functioned as a location for the test but was a separate entity from any political influence. It was crowded with families at the wide entrance, but they made their way in and past the desk. James could notice the difference in social classes by the clothes people wore. Kids could be seen in rags with dirt covering their faces while others had brand-new gold trimmed outfits which told lots about their upbringing.
After entering the guild, they made their way through a couple hallways being directed by what James assumed to be students because they either had armor or robes on. Finally entering a room that the crowded towards there was a wide space with people gathering of people as James made it to the location of the affinity test.
As his family found a spot with the rest of the families and kids who were ready to take the test, he noticed some lingering eyes on himself. He was an unknown factor and kids were always curious while some of them even competitive or wanted to become aggressive. At the front of all the people waiting, in an almost sectioned off area for people of higher class, James noticed a brother and sister pair surrounded by their minions eyeing him like he was some piece of trash on the side of the road.
‘They both had must be kids of the Loor family that run the town.’ James thought. They had the nicest clothes, jewelry, and even elaborate designed weapons each that really fit mainly as decorations. Both had black hair with green eyes which must be a staple of their family.
The boy probably a couple years older than ten, decently had strong muscles and was a few inches taller than James. The girl was shorter than James but was probably around his age which he guessed from her thin petite build. She carried herself like everyone else was below her and never let her gaze linger on a single person.
‘Wow your ten years old and already have a stick up her ass!’ James thought. He quickly turned away as to not draw any more attention to himself.
Roy had signed up both James and Susy for the test, so they mainly had to wait for their names to be called for their turn.
Many were called up to go to a desk with a small crystal orb the size of a child’s fist at the center of the wooden surface. It was on top of a gold triangular platform with an indentation for the orb to sit in. There were mages with different colored robes which identified their element, crystal symbols stitched which showed their class upgrades, and house emblems on the shoulders which signified their loyalties.
Without a speech, names were called out and the feeling of nervousness was almost suffocating throughout the room.
Lots of kids came back to their families crying after their results while a few were lucky to receive a monotone congratulations. Both Susy and James were nervous as time went on and it wasn't until a couple of hours that a familiar name was called.
“Suzy please come to the desk,” The mage who was administering the tests announced looking bored in his red robe with a stitched book and three crystals on each shoulder. James could not figure out what the book symbol represented as he thought of what type of noble houses it may represent. He did figure out thought that the three crystals represented having achieved their third-class upgrade. With a quick pat on the back and some hugs from their family, Susy collected herself before heading to the test.
“Good luck and no matter what we will always love you,” Emily said giving a smile of encouragement. Both James and Roy just nodded and smiled as well trying to reassure little Susy.
As Suzy walked up, she tightened her small fist and kept her chin up. Lots of talking from families could be heard as she reached the desk waiting for instructions while looking up at the mage.