"*yawwwwnnnnn* another day, another-?!"

[Indistinct chattering can be heard outside, startling Lydo]

"Huh? Who's causing such a ruckus as this hour? Jeez.. I guess I should go check it out"

[Lydo walks outside and observes the surroundings. His eyes go wide as he sees a group of knights and mages setting up camp in the middle of town.]

(What the.. what are knights and mages doing in these parts? I know we're not exactly in the slums but normally they stay in big cities and only interact with nobles... Unless there's some kind of threat..)

[A mass of commoners are grouped up asking the knights and mages questions. In the mass Lydo sees his parents with concerned faces. He walks over to them.]

"Mom? Dad? What's going on?"

Claria - "We don't know, these knights just started setting up camp and aren't telling us anything!"

[A frustrated expression washes over Clarias face.]

[The knights keep the people at bay while the mages go into the makeshift tent.]

Unnamed knight - "calm down, calm down! Everything will be answered soon enough!"

[One of the knights who's wearing differently colored armor prepares to make an announcement]

Knight Captain - "ATTENTION! We will be conducting a talent scout for potential magicians! This won't take long, we're looking for children between the ages of 12 and 16 years old! If you meet our criteria you may be entitled to free admission into Avalon Academy! Aswell as free housing for you and your family!"

(I wonder why they're suddenly doing a talent search.. Well speculating won't do me any good I guess. Since I found that magic book a few years ago I've been studying it and practicing magic. Although after years of work, the most I was able to do was make small flames.. Maybe this can be a chance to finally expand my knowledge on magic!)

Unnamed knight - "Please form a line at the start of the tent!"

[A large line of children begins to form, Lydo lands somewhere in the middle. One by one children enter and leave the tent, each one leaving with a disappointed look on their face]

[After some time it's finally lydo's turn, he turns to his parents and they wish him good luck.]

(Finally, it's my turn. I'm a little nervous because of how many failed before me.)

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

[Before him stands a mage with an uninterested expression across his face, and 2 knights on either side of him. In front of the mage is a medium sized stone ball with runes inscribed in it.]

Uninterested mage - "Name."

"Lydo Cryansler."

"Age."

"14 years old."

[The mage takes a quick glance up at Lydo before jotting down your information and observations about you onto his journal.]

Uninterested Mage - "place your hand on the stone ball in front of you."

...

Uninterested mage - "Good, now close your eyes and clear your mind."

Uninterested mage - "Do you feel any effects on your body?"

"Uhmm.."

"It's alright if you don't feel anything just-"

"No.. I feel.. a shocking sensation throughout my body"

[The mage paused mid pen stroke while the two knights look at him.]

Uninterested mage - "To think.. there'd be a deviant in a town like th-"

"I also feel heavy.. to the point it's difficult to stand.."

[Lydo hears the sound of a pen falling and clattering against the floor, his focus is broken and he opens his eyes to see the previously bored magician dumbfounded by your statement.]

"Uhm.. did I say something wrong?"

Uninterested Mage - "you're... you're a dual attunement deviant.. the probability of having a dual attunement alone is astronomical.. but they're both deviants.."

[Soul Attunements are elements that are intrinsic to your soul. What this essentially means is that you'll be able to learn the attuned element faster than other elements. A deviant element is any element besides the four main elements. In this case being lightning and gravity.]

[The mage takes off his glasses and and mutters to himself]

"Holy shit..."

[He puts his glasses back on and takes a deep breath before composing himself.]

Uninterested mage - "Congratulations! You've won an all expenses paid enrollment in Avalon Magic Academy!"

"R-really?!"

Uninterested Mage - "mhm, by the way, my name is Melchoir, apologies for the belated introduction"

[Melchoir reaches his hand out for a handshake]

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Melchoir"

Melchoir - "please, I'm only 24, no need for the formalities. Now we need to go tell your parents the good news."

[As Melchoir is telling Lydo's parents about the talent they found, Claria begins tearing up and gives Lydo a tight hug]

Claria - "I knew you were special! Who knew our boy would be so talented!"

[Lydo's father Charles turns to Melchoir]

Charles - "so, everything's paid for and we get free housing you said?"

Melchoir - "that's correct sir, you'll be residing in a mansion provided by the kingdom with your own servants."

Charles - "that's amazing... But may I ask: why go to these lengths, for us commoners no less?"

Melchoir - "unfortunately that's sensitive information, even I don't know much about why we're searching for talent. Maybe the new king just wants to nurture budding mages. Regardless, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Charles - "indeed"

[Lydo, Charles, and Claria exchange positive looks with each other before they all look at Melchoir]

Charles - "I guess there's not much to talk about haha. When do we leave?"