Melch stepped into the magic measuring room his heart still slightly pounding. The room was dimly lit with glowing orbs suspended mid-air, their soft hum adding an air of mystery. In the center of the room stood a peculiar cylindrical pillar that glowed faintly green. Around him, the other participants seemed just as tense as he was with some whispering nervously among themselves.

A second-year student wearing the sharp blue uniform of Theoder Academy walked to the front of the room and clapped his hands for attention. “Alright, Everyone listen up. Each of you needs to grab one of the floating orbs with one hand and place your other hand on the pillar. Don’t overthink it. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can leave.”

Melch studied the pillar closely. It looked odd, almost alive. Before he could ask any questions, a girl broke the silence. “Excuse me.” she said hesitantly, her face scrunched in discomfort. “Is that… slime? Do we really have to touch this thing?”

“Yes.” the second-year replied flatly. “This is a mana slime. It’s harmless, but essential. It transfers mana into your body so we can accurately measure your affinity. Now stop complaining and get on with it.”

Melch blinked, stunned. A slime? He’d read about them in books but never expected to see one used in this way. As he hesitated, his mind wandered. If there’s a slime king somewhere in this world, I absolutely have to meet him. Maybe even befriend him. He decided his New life’s goal.

The girl groaned but reluctantly pressed her hand against the pillar, her expression one of utter distaste. Melch followed suit grabbing an orb with one hand and placing his other hand on the slime’s surface. It was cool and oddly squishy like sticking his hand into a gelatin mold.

Around him, orbs began to glow as participants completed the test. The first orb lit up blue, indicating water affinity. The second glowed brown for earth. The third displayed two colors both green and blue which was wind and water. The fourth orb also showed the previous same dual affinities. A few of the participant’s orbs didn’t glow at all and the second-year handed them a golden liquid to drink before retrying.

As the test continued whispers began to circulate. A fifth participant’s orb glowed with three colors in it: green, brown and blue. Then a sixth participant’s orb displayed four colors: green, brown, red and blue. The tension in the room was intense.

Finally, it seemed like Melch’s orb started glowing one color after another red, blue, brown, green and finally black. Five colors. The room fell silent. All eyes turned toward him, a mix of curiosity and awe.

“That’s… rare.” someone muttered under their breath.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Melch stepped back, his thoughts racing. Was this a good sign or a bad one? He left the room quietly and returned to where Galen was waiting.

Galen raised an eyebrow as Melch recounted the test. “Five affinities?” he repeated, shaking his head. “That’s… unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate?” Melch frowned. “How can it be bad to have more affinities?”

“The more affinities you have, the harder it is to progress.” Galen explained. “Someone with a single affinity can focus entirely on that element and advance quickly. But with multiple affinities, you’ll need to master each one before moving forward. It’s a slower, more arduous path. While your potential is greater, others with fewer affinities may surpass you in the short term.”

Melch absorbed this information in silence. He hadn’t considered how the Academy might filter students based on their speed of progression rather than their overall potential.

Meanwhile, Lief after hearing what had happened to melch came and waited in the corner of a room looking utterly unbothered. When his batch number was finally called he strolled into the room he was told to go with his usual carefree demeanor. His eyes landed on the glowing pillar and he smirked. A slime, really? This is what they’re using for a big important test? Memories of his childhood training with Galen flooded his mind. Being thrown into forests full of slimes, snakes and who knew what else had been his regular playmate. Compared to that this test felt almost laughable.

Math, the second-year overseeing the test raised an eyebrow as Lief casually grabbed an orb. “You’re awfully relaxed.” Math said.

“Relaxed?” Lief grinned. “I’m just too lazy to worry.”

As he placed his hand on the slime, the orb in his other hand glowed bright blue water affinity. Without waiting for further instructions, Lief let go and stepped back.

“Water affinity.” Math announced scribbling on his clipboard. “Wait a moment. Lecturer Victoria wants to speak with you.”

Lief raised an eyebrow but followed Math to a small stage where a poised woman with a commanding presence waited. Her sharp eyes studied Lief and she nodded as he approached.

“You seem… unbothered.” Victoria said her tone measured. “What are your plans for the future?”

Lief chuckled. “Plans? I’m just here to keep my young master out of trouble. Babysitting, mostly.”

Victoria arched an eyebrow. “Babysitting? That’s… unexpected.”

“Hey, it’s an important job.” Lief said with a shrug. “Someone’s gotta make sure he doesn’t walk into walls or set himself on fire.”

Victoria looked like she was suppressing a smile. “Very well. You may leave.”

As Lief turned to go, his grin widened. I can’t wait to run into that red-haired guy from earlier. Imagine his face when he hears I aced this test too.

Back outside, Melch sat with Galen still deep in thought. Lief approached with his expression smug. “Guess who’s officially better than the young master?” he announced.

Melch groaned. “What now?”

“Single affinity, water.” Lief declared dramatically. “I’m basically a prodigy. Meanwhile, you’re over there with five colors. What are you, a festival lantern?”

Melch rolled his eyes. “Better to be a lantern than a glorified water fountain.”

Before Lief could retort, Galen grabbed his ear and twisted it. “Enough.” Galen said sternly. “Both of you. There are still more tests to prepare for.”

“Ow, ow, ow! Okay, okay!” Lief yelped though he was clearly more amused than hurt. “Man, you’re no fun.”

The trio returned to their inn, where they settled down for the evening. Melch sat by the window staring out at the bustling streets of Rakllan. Despite the challenges ahead, he felt a growing determination. Each test was a hurdle but he was committed to overcoming them one by one.

Across the room, Lief sprawled on a chair his feet propped up on the table. “You know.” Lief said breaking the silence, “this whole Academy thing? It’s like one big game. And guess what? I’m the main character.”

Melch didn’t even look at him. “More like the comic relief.”

Lief laughed, unbothered. “Hey, every great story needs one.”

Galen sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. “Both of you, get some rest. You’ll need it for the next test.”

As the room quieted, Melch allowed himself a small smile. With Lief’s antics and Galen’s steady guidance the challenges ahead didn’t seem quite as impossible as before. Together, they would face whatever came next.