Stepping into the academy felt like walking into a dream. Bob's eyes went wide as he looked around: students in robes sparring with fireballs and water whips, glowing magic runes in the air, and huge statues of mages surrounded by swirling flames, wind, and water. The place was alive with magic, always on the edge of exploding into spells.

Bob's chest tightened with hope. This is it, he thought. This is where I become a real mage. No more jokes, smells, or doubts. He'd learn fire magic, get powerful, and finally leave all the "poop" stuff behind.

Cooper nudged him, eyebrows waggling. "What do you think, Pooper—I mean, Bob?" He grinned, soaking in the academy's energy. "Look at all these wannabes. No clue what's coming! We're gonna crush these tests and show these stuffy teachers what real talent is!" He leaned closer, whispering, "And if the judges need some 'encouragement,' I've got a few tricks." He patted his pocket, and it jingled with what had to be more stink bombs.

Bob forced a laugh, but his nerves twisted inside. "Yeah... yeah, we got this," he said, trying to sound sure of himself. But all he could think about was his... unique magic and the chaos it could cause.

"Plus," Cooper added with a smirk, "with your 'special magic,' you're gonna blow them all away! Literally." He snorted, pinching his nose and making fart noises. Bob's cheeks burned like fire.

"Thanks, Cooper," Bob mumbled, eyes darting around. "Real... helpful."

Just as Bob started to find a bit of confidence, he heard a loud ding! He cringed, knowing what was coming. Not now... please not now...

"Reminder!" P.U.M.A. chimed in with its upbeat voice. "Your Stink Points are piling up! Spin the Magical Draw Dial for rewards!"

Bob sighed, trying to ignore it. But then another ding! And another. More and more notifications popped up, like a swarm of annoying, flashing bees crowding his vision.

"P.U.M.A. Alert! New Spell: Scorching Brown Blast—Use it three times today for a special bonus!" Ding!

"Keep up the stinky work, User! Don't forget to unleash the 'Pooper Wave' for some extra flair!" Ding!

"Daily Quest Alert: Practice Fart Control—Targeted Emissions Challenge!"

Pop-ups filled Bob's vision, blinking and flashing like annoying fireworks. He waved his hands in frustration, trying to swipe them away as if they were a swarm of flies. "Enough already!" he muttered, swiping frantically. "I don't care about stink bonuses! Just... stop!"

But P.U.M.A. kept going, its voice overly cheerful and relentless. "Come on, User! Don't miss out on all the stinky fun! Just one brown blast away from greatness! How about a quick practice now, huh? Maybe show these students what true power smells like?"

Bob clenched his fists, doing his best to stay calm. Each ding felt like a jab, every message mocking him, reminding him that P.U.M.A. wouldn't let him forget his embarrassing magic.

No more. Bob took a deep breath, forcing down his anger. He was tired of P.U.M.A. bossing him around, tired of the stinky spells, tired of the "congrats" on fart magic. It was time to find his own way.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Right there, in the academy grounds, with hands shaking from nerves and frustration, Bob made a vow. No more Stink Points. No more stinky spells. From now on... he would do things his way.

Bob lifted his chin and squared his shoulders, ignoring P.U.M.A.'s chirpy messages as he followed Cooper to the main courtyard. For the first time, hope flickered inside him. This academy was full of great mages—someone here could help him learn real magic. Someone could help him break free from P.U.M.A. and leave the stink behind.

As Bob and Cooper entered the main courtyard, the crowd of students fell silent. All eyes were drawn to the center, where a tall woman in flowing robes seemed to appear from nowhere, like a flicker of flame. This was Professor Emberlin, and her robes were incredible—patterns of red, orange, and gold that shimmered as if made of living fire. With each step, the colors seemed to move and dance.

Her presence was strong, almost overwhelming, and Bob felt small among the excited, hopeful students. He tried to focus on the hope rising in his chest—this was his chance. Emberlin's gaze swept over the crowd, and for a moment, Bob thought her eyes met his, sharp and piercing. Then she moved on, and he let out a breath of relief.

"Welcome, aspiring mages of Emberfield!" she called out, her voice loud and clear. "This academy has trained the greatest fire mages the world has ever seen. Here, you will hone your craft and stoke the flames within you to burn brighter than ever."

Bob shivered, both from nerves and the way her words fired up the crowd. She spoke proudly of fire mages and the academy's legacy. "Though fire is our focus, all magic affinities are welcome," she continued. "If you have talent, it will be nurtured here. All we ask for is dedication, passion, and... control."

Bob bit his lip. Control. That word echoed in his head. He remembered every time he'd tried to control his own magic—and failed. He shifted nervously, trying to hold it together. At least for today.

Professor Emberlin's voice snapped Bob back to the moment. "Today, you will face two tests," she announced. "The first will measure your magic's strength. The second will reveal your affinity—the element connected to your soul." Her eyes scanned the crowd, and Bob quickly looked away, trying to disappear into the sea of students.

"One by one," she said, "you will come forward to touch the orb." She gestured to a large crystal sphere on a pedestal in the courtyard. It glowed a soft blue, casting shifting patterns on the ground. "Your touch will reveal your power. Then we will see what you're truly made of."

The students stepped up, one after another, touching the orb with mixed expressions—some excited, others nervous.

The first to go was a short, freckled girl. When she placed her hand on the orb, it glowed faintly—barely there. She quickly stepped back, her cheeks burning as some students snickered.

Then a tall, muscular boy went up, looking confident. He touched the orb, and it flashed bright yellow, throwing sparkles into the air. A few teachers nodded in approval, and some students clapped as he returned to the crowd, grinning.

The orb continued to shine differently for each student—some just a faint flicker, others lighting up with colors that seemed to swirl. Bob's nerves twisted tighter with every step as his turn came closer.

Cooper was next. With a wide grin, he walked up to the orb like he owned the place. He shot Bob a thumbs-up before putting his hand on the crystal.

The orb lit up instantly. The blue glow shifted to bright red, flashing so intensely that some students shielded their eyes. Even after Cooper pulled his hand away, the glow lingered, leaving the crowd murmuring.

Professor Emberlin nodded, clearly pleased. "Solid performance," she said, scribbling on her parchment.

Cooper gave a little bow and turned back to Bob with a wink. "See, Pooper? Easy. You've got this!"

Bob swallowed, his nerves tight. It was almost his turn, and he couldn't stop thinking about that orb. What if I mess up? Or worse... what if it smells?

He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and tried to ignore all the eyes on him. It was now or never.