Ruen and his family bid the old man farewell as they left the stall to explore the rest of the market. “Farewell boy, show the world your greatness.” The old man said with a voice full of confidence.

The man watched Ruen walk away until he and his parents disappeared into the crowd. ‘What an interesting boy’ The man thought. Never in his entire career had he seen a low-born boy of Ruen’s age possess such a strong connection to Gaia. He quickly hurried back behind his desk and grabbed a pen and paper. He stretched his arms and started writing a letter.

‘Dear Brother,

I hope life is treating you kindly. I heard about your recent promotion, congratulations!

I’m writing to inform you about a peculiar boy I tested today. You’re still looking for promising mages after all right? This boy looked nothing out of the ordinary. Low-born kid, both of his parents didn’t look too well off. When he walked into my stall neither I nor his parents had high expectations of him actually passing the test.

Well, wouldn’t you know? The kid actually passed the test! And he didn’t just scrape by, the tablet shone with a brilliance I’ve rarely seen. The orange light was so bright that the candles in the room seemed like distant stars on a summer night compared to it. I’ve only seen results like this from children of dukes and archdukes. It’s a shame that his family is too poor to afford to attend the academy.

Therefore I hoped you could grant him some lenience if he ever does apply for a scholarship. I don’t know his last name, but I overheard his parents calling him Ruen.

This is all I had to say,

I bid you farewell,

Your brother and closest friend, Oliver Owlbear.’

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

The old man, named Oliver Owlbear put down his pen. He stood up and started walking through his stall, reminiscing about what happened a few moments ago. After a few minutes of evaluating the experience, he shrugged it off and continued with his day.

*****

Ruen held his parents' hands as they walked through the market, glancing over each stall they passed. There were a myriad of stalls displaying all sorts of things, ranging from magic toys to brightly colored carpets. Naturally, Ruen's eyes lit up as he caught sight of the toy stalls. There, spread out before him, was a dazzling array of playthings, each one holding the promise of endless joy and adventure.

With a burst of excitement, Ruen rushed toward the toy stalls, his heart racing with anticipation. He marveled at the sight before him—the shelves adorned with magical trinkets, the air filled with the sound of laughter and tinkling bells. From enchanted dolls that could dance on their own to miniature dragons that could breathe smoke, the toy stalls held wonders beyond his wildest imagination.

Ruen's eyes scanned the colorful displays, his fingers itching to touch each enchanting creation. He reached out and carefully picked up a small wooden box, its surface carved with intricate patterns. As he turned the key on the side, a melodious tune filled the air, captivating his senses. The box opened to reveal a tiny figurine twirling gracefully, her dress flowing in an ethereal dance.

He couldn't help but giggle in delight, his eyes sparkling with joy. Ruen's parents watched with affectionate smiles as he explored the world of magic toys, his imagination taking flight with each new discovery. They knew that these toys were more than mere playthings—they were gateways to realms of wonder and possibility.

Ruen's attention shifted to a shelf displaying a collection of miniature magical creatures. His gaze settled on a small phoenix figurine, its wings spread wide as if ready to take flight. He picked it up delicately, feeling the warmth radiating from its tiny body. As he held the phoenix, a shock permeated through his body again, just like when he held the train for the first time. Ruen looked perplexed but quickly recollected himself.

"I want this one, Mom, Dad!" Ruen exclaimed, his eyes shining with determination. His parents exchanged a knowing look, understanding the significance of this moment. They nodded approvingly, their support unwavering. Ruen cradled the phoenix in his hands, a symbol of the magic that resided within him, and he vowed to nurture and explore his newfound powers with every ounce of his being.

With the phoenix nestled safely in his pocket, Ruen and his parents walked back to the train station after a day full of excitement.