As Caelum entered the grand dining hall, the air buzzed with anticipation. Large chandeliers floated above, their soft, glowing light casting a gentle golden hue over the scene. The hall itself was an architectural masterpiece, with sweeping arches, tall marble columns, and windows that stretched high above the students, revealing the twilight sky. A soft hum of mana resonated within the walls, and Caelum could feel its pull.
First-year students filled the long tables, each with their second-year mentors seated beside them. The professors, sitting at the far end of the hall, watched with curious eyes, as if calculating each student's potential before the tests even began. Caelum scanned the room, taking in the faces of the students he'd be spending the year with. Some looked nervous, fidgeting in their seats, while others wore expressions of cool confidence, already prepared for what was to come.
At the head of the hall stood a shimmering crystal orb, set upon a pedestal, and beside it, a small table with various instruments that looked both mystical and scientific. The Aptitude Test was about to begin. The orb was said to assess a student's mana sensitivity, elemental affinity, and discipline dexterity, all while providing insights into their potential for combat, alchemy, and even enchantments. Caelum's heart beat steadily, his mind focused.
Aelric had explained the basics earlier: the orb would sense the depth of their magical potential and, using various mana signatures, evaluate their elemental affinity. The professors would also take into account a student’s discipline dexterity—their ability to adapt to fields like alchemy, artifacts, arrays, and enchantments.
"Stick with me after this," Aelric had said, a playful grin on his face. "I’m sure you’ll pass just fine, but this is when the fun really begins. I’ve got some stories about last year’s tests you won’t believe."
Caelum nodded quietly at the memory, glancing back to where Professor Vanis, Professor Zarya, and a few others sat watching. Their gazes occasionally drifted over the crowd but remained mostly fixed on the testing area.
Seraphine, sitting a few seats down from him, caught his eye. She seemed calm and composed, though there was a trace of nervous energy in the way she tapped her fingers against the table. Her test would come soon enough.
The first student stepped forward, a tall boy with sharp features and an arrogant smirk plastered on his face. He placed his hands on the crystal orb, and within moments, the orb glowed a fiery red. Sparks of energy crackled around it, and the professors nodded approvingly. His mana surged visibly, marking him as someone with a strong fire affinity. He removed his hands, a smug grin spreading across his face as he returned to his seat.
Next, a girl stepped forward. Her hands trembled slightly as she placed them on the orb, but her nerves seemed to fade when a soothing blue glow radiated from the crystal. The water element responded to her touch, calm and graceful.
Student after student took their turn, the colors of the orb shifting and changing with each touch, reflecting the variety of elemental affinities among them.
Then it was Seraphine’s turn.
She stepped forward with an air of confidence, her violet eyes focused on the crystal as she approached. Her steps were steady, and though Caelum could sense her inner tension, her outward composure never wavered. As she placed her hands on the crystal orb, the room seemed to hold its breath.
At first, there was nothing—just silence. A murmur passed through the students, as even the professors exchanged glances. But then, with a soft hum, the crystal began to glow a brilliant gold, followed by flashes of emerald green and sapphire blue. The colors swirled together, forming intricate patterns within the orb.
A faint gasp escaped from the crowd as the patterns grew more complex, weaving together in a mesmerizing display of magic. It was clear that Seraphine had affinities for multiple elements, a rare and highly sought-after trait. The professors whispered among themselves, clearly impressed.
Seraphine stepped back from the orb, her face flushed but her eyes glowing with satisfaction. She returned to her seat, and as she passed Caelum, she gave him a brief smile—a mix of pride and relief.
"Now," one of the professors announced, their voice carrying over the crowd, "Caelum Elrond."
The hall fell into an expectant silence.
Caelum stood and made his way to the orb, feeling the weight of dozens of eyes on him. The crystal seemed larger now, its surface gleaming under the light of the chandeliers. He placed his hands on the cool surface, expecting the same warmth as before.
Nothing.
A few seconds passed, and still, the crystal remained dormant. A faint giggle echoed from one of the tables. Caelum ignored it, focusing on channeling his mana, but again, there was no reaction.
"Lowborn Null," someone muttered under their breath, and a few more quiet chuckles followed. Caelum’s ears burned, but he kept his focus.
And then, without warning, the crystal cracked.
A thin fracture spiderwebbed across its surface, and the hall fell deathly silent.
Caelum pulled his hands back, stunned. He looked to the professors, unsure of what had just happened. There was no fury in their expressions—just mild surprise and curiosity.
Professor Vanis stood and approached the orb, inspecting the damage with calm detachment. "It seems we’ll need to replace the crystal," she said, her voice even. "They aren’t what they used to be. Easily breakable these days."
She beckoned for another orb to be brought in. A few students, however, couldn't resist whispering. "Pathetic," the voice of the same boy who had laughed earlier muttered. "Can't even manage an affinity test without breaking the thing."
Caelum tried not to let the words get to him, but he couldn't help but notice how the laughter this time was louder.
A new orb was placed before him. This one, freshly attuned, gleamed with renewed potential. Caelum placed his hands on it once more, willing himself to calm down. The crystal remained intact, but still, no color emerged—no elemental affinity.
"Lowborn Null," the same boy snickered.
Before Caelum could fully process what was happening, Professor Vanis raised her hand. "Enough," she said sharply, her voice echoing through the hall.
The orb was lifted, and the results were inconclusive—no affinity, no special constitution. Just… nothing. Caelum felt a wave of embarrassment rise in his chest. He knew that his magical abilities were still recovering from his time in the mortal plain, but he hadn’t expected to be this far behind. To have no visible affinity was an unusual and rare outcome, one that, in the eyes of others, seemed to mark him as weak or magically inferior.
The laughter from the table nearby continued, but Caelum kept his head high as he returned to his seat. His mind buzzed with questions. Was the test wrong? Or was he truly lacking in elemental affinity?
Seraphine, sitting beside him now, leaned over and whispered, “Don’t worry about it. These tests don’t show everything.”
Caelum forced a smile, but inside, doubt gnawed at him. Null? He had felt magic inside him, hadn’t he? Something else was at work here—he just wasn’t sure what.
As the final student approached the orb, the attention in the room shifted away from Caelum, but he couldn’t stop replaying the scene in his head. The broken crystal. The absence of color. And the boy’s mocking voice—Lowborn Null.
His hands clenched into fists beneath the table. There had to be an explanation.
Caelum’s mind churned as the last student completed their test. The noise in the dining hall seemed distant, muffled by his thoughts. He tried to reason through the anomaly of his test. It wasn’t possible that he had no elemental affinity—he had felt magic within himself before, even during his brief time in the magical plain. There had to be more to it.
The moment the final student sat down, Professor Zarya Drakonis stood from the high table, her long, draconic eyes scanning the hall. She stepped forward with the grace of a predator, her silken robe whispering as it flowed behind her. The students quieted instantly under her gaze, recognizing the unspoken power that radiated from her.
"First years," she said, her voice calm but commanding. "The results of today’s test are but a glimpse into your potential. Some of you will find your path clear, while others may need to search deeper. Regardless of your initial outcome, know this—affinity is not everything. Hard work, dedication, and a true understanding of magic will shape your future here."
Her gaze lingered on Caelum for a moment longer than the others. Then she stepped back, allowing Professor Vanis to speak.
"Before you retire for the evening," Professor Vanis began, "those who have shown potential will be assigned specialized studies with appropriate instructors. You will also have access to the library and certain facilities across the campus. Remember, your first year is the foundation of everything you will become. Build it well."
The hall buzzed with quiet murmurs as the students began to gather their things and prepare to leave. Some were still gloating over their results, while others seemed more pensive, contemplating what the future held for them.
But before anyone could move further, Professor Zarya gestured for Caelum. “You—Caelum Elrond. Come with me.”
A few heads turned, curiosity sparking in the eyes of those who had witnessed his unusual test. Whispers followed him as he walked toward Professor Zarya, his mentor Aelric giving him a small, encouraging nod as he passed. The boy who had mocked him earlier smirked and muttered something to his tablemates, but Caelum ignored him.
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Zarya led him toward a side door at the back of the dining hall, her movements deliberate and steady. The door opened into a dimly lit chamber lined with intricate tapestries, each depicting ancient scenes of magic. A soft hum of magical energy pulsed in the air, and as Caelum crossed the threshold, he could feel it resonating with his own mana.
“I want to conduct a more thorough test,” Professor Zarya said as she turned to face him. “You cracked the first orb because your mana is… unusual. That much is clear. But this isn’t the first time I’ve seen such a result. I believe there’s more to you than the initial test could reveal.”
Caelum nodded, though he wasn’t sure what to expect next. Zarya pulled a small pouch from her robe, withdrawing a series of smaller orbs—one for each element. She laid them on a table beside her, their surfaces shimmering faintly.
“I want you to place your hands on each of these. We’ll test for the individual elements—fire, water, air, and earth. If none of them react, we may have to delve deeper into what’s truly happening with your mana.”
Caelum’s heart thudded in his chest as he approached the table. He hesitated for only a moment before placing his hands on the fire orb. He closed his eyes, feeling the surface of the crystal beneath his fingers, willing his mana to connect with it.
Nothing.
He moved on to the water orb, repeating the process. Again, no reaction.
One by one, he tried the remaining orbs, and each time, they remained unchanged, their surfaces as smooth and untouched as when they had been placed on the table.
Zarya watched him closely, her brow furrowing with each failed attempt. When the final orb produced no result, she crossed her arms, deep in thought.
“There’s something… unique about you,” she said after a long pause. “It’s not that you lack elemental affinity—it’s that you are too balanced. I’ve seen this only a handful of times in my life.”
Caelum raised an eyebrow. “Balanced? What does that mean?”
“It means you have an equal affinity for all elements,” she explained. “It’s so rare that it usually doesn’t appear on standard tests. Most people’s mana naturally gravitates toward one or two elements, creating an imbalance. But in your case, the balance is so perfect that none of the orbs can detect it.”
Caelum blinked, trying to process what she was saying. “So… I’m not weak?”
Zarya’s eyes softened, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “No, you’re far from weak. In fact, this could be one of the most powerful gifts you’ll ever possess. But it comes with its own challenges. You’ll need special training to unlock your full potential—and I intend to help you with that.”
She placed a hand on his shoulder, her draconic eyes gleaming with determination. “But for now, keep this to yourself. There are those who would see your abilities as a threat. We’ll start your special training soon, but in the meantime, continue your studies as usual. Professor Vanis and I will make sure you’re given the guidance you need.”
Caelum nodded, still trying to wrap his mind around what he had just learned. Balanced in all elements? He had never heard of such a thing. But if what Zarya said was true, then maybe he wasn’t as powerless as the test had made him feel.
“Thank you, Professor,” he said quietly.
She smiled again, this time more warmly. “Go on, now. Your mentor is waiting for you.”
Caelum exited the chamber, his thoughts racing. As he re-entered the dining hall, Aelric was already waiting by the door. The other students were filing out, most of them chatting excitedly about their results, but Caelum felt a strange sense of calm wash over him. For the first time since arriving at the academy, he felt like he was starting to understand his place here.
Aelric fell into step beside him as they made their way back toward the dorms. “So… what happened?” Aelric asked, his voice full of curiosity.
“Zarya tested me privately,” Caelum replied. “It turns out I have a… balanced affinity. For all elements.”
Aelric whistled softly. “No way. That’s pretty rare. I’ve only ever heard of that in stories.”
“Yeah, that’s what she said. But apparently, it means I’ll need special training. She and Professor Vanis are going to help me.”
Aelric grinned. “Well, that’s one way to make a name for yourself. Just be careful. The kids here can get competitive, and not everyone likes it when someone stands out.”
Caelum nodded, knowing full well the truth of Aelric’s words. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the academy fading behind them as they made their way toward the dormitory. Caelum’s thoughts wandered back to the library. Now that the testing was over, he was eager to get back to his private suite and begin experimenting with his new ring.
The moment they reached the dormitory entrance, Aelric slapped him on the back. “Alright, I’ve got some things to take care of, but I’ll catch up with you later. Don’t stay up too late reading, okay?”
Caelum smirked. “No promises.”
With a wave, Aelric disappeared down the hall, leaving Caelum alone with his thoughts. He entered his private suite, the familiar warmth of the room greeting him like an old friend. The books he had collected earlier were stacked neatly on the desk, waiting for him.
He slipped the ring off his finger and set it on the desk, watching as the books shimmered faintly under the room’s ambient mana.
Now, it was time to test the limits of his ability.
Caelum sat at his desk, the faint shimmer of mana reflecting off the books, making them seem almost alive. He slid his chair back, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. This was no longer a mystery—his ability to absorb knowledge was now a tool, something that could distinguish him from others, a subtle edge he could hone.
He opened the first book, a worn tome with gold filigree edging. The title was etched in ancient script, a dialect he had yet to fully master, but as he flipped the pages, the words began to make sense. It was a simple book on introductory spell formations, detailing the building blocks of magic arrays. As he skimmed through it, he already knew every line, every detail. He hadn’t touched this book in his previous visits, yet here it was, resting in the vault of his mind.
Experimentally, he closed the book, his hand resting lightly on its cover. He closed his eyes and tried to visualize it, the text, the diagrams, the minute details. Everything came to him as if the book was sitting open in front of him. Every page, every intricately drawn rune flowed freely in his memory.
"This is real," he whispered to himself, his voice almost reverent. His ability wasn’t just raw power—it was precision. It was a gift.
He leaned back, staring at the shelves of books that lined his room. A thought occurred to him—what if this ability was bound not to the book itself, but to proximity or physical contact? He needed to experiment further, to test the limits of this newfound power.
Caelum stood and crossed the room, picking up another book at random. This one was thinner, more like a scroll than a proper tome. The cover was inscribed with bold symbols in a language he didn’t recognize. He traced his fingers over the spine, feeling the faint hum of mana within it
Flipping it open, he skimmed the first few lines, and the text again seemed familiar. He had never seen this language, yet the meaning revealed itself to him as he read. A rush of excitement filled his chest. Was this the result of his dream? Or had his mind already encountered it?
He closed the scroll and placed it back on the shelf. His head buzzed with energy, and his heart raced as realization struck—he could recall the entire book without ever needing to read it again.
Curious, he stood in front of the bookshelf and closed his eyes. One by one, he recited the titles, visualizing each book’s content with pinpoint accuracy. The books he had collected earlier that day—all of them were stored within his mind now, as though they had always been there. It was as if the act of bringing them into his private suite had activated something deeper within him.
Caelum needed to confirm his theory. Walking toward the far end of his room, he placed his hand on the door handle, pausing just before turning it.
"Let’s see how far this goes," he muttered under his breath, and with a flick of his wrist, the door swung open.
The crisp evening air greeted him as he stepped into the hallway. Torches lined the walls, casting flickering shadows as he moved down the corridor. His steps echoed softly in the quiet, and he made his way back to the library. If proximity or contact was required, he needed to test it outside the suite’s magical influence. The private suites were enhanced with mana-seeding arrays, designed to make private studies more efficient. If his ability was tethered to this specific location, that would be limiting.
The library loomed ahead, its grand doors slightly ajar. Caelum pushed them open with a soft creak, slipping inside. The familiar smell of parchment, leather, and faint candle smoke greeted him as he made his way toward the main shelves.
Lysandra was seated behind her desk, her silver eyes catching the light from the glowing orbs above. She gave him a knowing smile, as if she had expected his return. “Late night visit? Again?”
Caelum nodded sheepishly. “Just curious to test something.”
“Well,” she said, folding her hands, “the library never sleeps, and neither do I. Take your time.”
He offered a polite nod before continuing to the first row of books. The towering shelves stretched high above him, filled with centuries of knowledge. He traced a finger along the spines of the books as he walked, pausing to glance at a few titles. But nothing sparked. Nothing familiar clicked in his mind the way it had in his private suite.
Caelum frowned and stepped closer to one of the shelves, placing his palm directly on the wood, his fingertips grazing the smooth surface of the nearest book. He closed his eyes, trying to recall its contents, trying to feel the pulse of mana, but there was only silence.
So it wasn’t proximity alone.
The sound of Lysandra’s soft footsteps reached him as she approached. “Everything alright, Caelum?”
He exhaled, frustrated but determined. “I think so. I’m just… trying to understand something.”
Her eyes gleamed with a knowing glint. “The magic of knowledge is as fickle as it is rewarding. I see many students struggle with it in different ways. You, though…” She paused, her gaze lingering on him. “You seem to be searching for something more.”
Caelum hesitated, glancing at her. Should he tell her about his experiment? About what he could do?
“Let me show you something,” Lysandra said, cutting through his thoughts. She led him toward a counter at the far side of the library. There, behind a shimmering barrier of light, lay a small silver band. Faint runes were etched along its surface, pulsing with a soft glow.
“This is an improved library ring,” Lysandra explained, handing it to him. “It allows for the collection of books, much like what you’ve been doing. But this one is special—it’s a higher grade. With it, you can touch a whole shelf of books, and the ring will absorb them all into its magic, much better than the individual approach you have been doing.”
Caelum took the ring, feeling the hum of mana within it. “Why give this to me?”
Lysandra smiled. “I’ve watched you, Caelum. Your thirst for knowledge isn’t like the others. You’re not just a student—there’s something more to you. And I believe this will help you along your path.”
He returned the previous library ring and slid the new ring onto his finger feeling its magic settle against his skin. A strange warmth spread through him, and he gave Lysandra a grateful nod. “Thank you.”
“Just remember,” she said, her tone soft but firm, “knowledge is powerful, but it must be tempered with wisdom. Don’t rush into things you aren’t ready for.”
Caelum nodded, taking her words to heart. He turned back to the shelves, ready to begin this new phase of his experiment. With the ring on his finger, he pressed it gently against the nearest shelf. A soft pulse of energy coursed through his hand, and the books shimmered faintly as the ring absorbed their contents.
He felt a surge of information flood into his mind, but it was controlled, manageable. He could sense the knowledge settling in his thoughts, organizing itself as if waiting to be accessed at will. It was far more efficient than his previous method.
But as he walked back to his suite, something Lysandra said echoed in his mind.
“Don’t rush into things you aren’t ready for.”
He knew there was truth in that statement. He had already seen the effects of absorbing too much mana too quickly, and while knowledge was different, it was still a form of power. He would need to be careful. There were still mysteries about his abilities he hadn’t fully uncovered, and rushing headlong into danger was not how he intended to succeed.
As he reached his suite, Caelum removed the ring and placed it carefully on his desk, along with the new books he had absorbed. The night was still young, and there was much to learn, but for now, he would take it slow. There would be time.
For now, he let his thoughts drift back to the day’s events—his encounter with the magical affinity test, the strange reaction he had experienced, and Professor Zarya’s words. Something about his affinity had marked him as different, but he wasn’t sure what that meant just yet.
With a deep breath, he sat back down at his desk and opened the first book. The room was silent, save for the soft rustling of pages as the night stretched on, and Caelum dove deeper into the world of magic.