Beltinium, the capital of Cæb treated the impoverished citizens like fodder, especially those not endowed with magic. The Castillilion family was cursed with both attributes, living one step above the slums. After many generations, Eric the son of Neia and Menor was born with an affinity for magic. Though his family constantly praised him, the pressure of perfection was astronomical.

Overcompensation was his forte, and by the time he was 17, he performed tier five magic, recognized as one of the only youth in his district that could. He aimed for acceptance at the University of Probimeidis, a renowned establishment that produced many meritorious casters. With his acceptance, he would earn the respect that he and his family deserved, despite the contempt the elites exhibited. Each year they held a competition for enrollment and if you bested your peers acceptance was guaranteed.

The ultima incantatores, a spell unique to the caster was the final evaluation, Eric's creation was the stone of obsidian. The incantation utilized three of the purest forms of magic earth, fire, and air. When imbued with magic this stone could tame an athraki, creatures with obsidian eyes who guarded casters. Though this magic existed, it was rare that anyone lower than tier 6 could utilize it.

The athraki brought before him was a fox and with ease, he fabricated a stone subsequently calling the beast into his arms. However, as he held the animal it tore at his flesh. His spell failed, disqualifying him from the competition.

Eric had practiced this spell religiously, even taming stray athraki. How could it have not worked? He recalled some of the elites near his belongings noting that his lunch had tasted a bit weird, but he reasoned that they could not have sabotaged him. It was illegal to do so.

Accepting his defeat with grace, he exited the premises. After a few months of sulking in misery, he decided to leave the capital. The air felt suffocating and he couldn't bear the disappointment he saw from his parents whenever their eyes met.

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