"What I can teach you is very limited! So, it's better for you to attend the Sorcerer Academy," Zave said. Though Aiden had finished high school, when it came to magic, he didn't mind starting again. "Before we talk, I need to confirm something. if you have the qualifications to learn sorcery?" Zave asked as he took out an item covered in a ragged cloth. He carried it carefully and unwrapped it, revealing a stone with many colours. "This is a precious item I made a huge effort to get. I reserved it for Leorna but never thought of using it so soon," Zave said. "What is this?" asked Aiden. "An Awakening Stone, some call it a Soul Stone. It's a mini version. Try to hold it," Zave said, handing it to Aiden. Aiden grabbed the stone, but nothing happened. "Did you feel anything, like dizziness or an upset stomach?" Zave asked. Aiden shook his head. Zave was upset. "Did I pass, Zave?" Aiden asked enthusiastically. "Sorry, Aiden, you can't become a sorcerer," Zave said, dropping the bomb. "You failed the test," he added in a worried tone. Aiden paled; his only way to survive was blocked. "Aiden, we have a way, but it is an unethical one. Are you willing?" Zave said solemnly. "Yes, I'm willing," Aiden replied. Because his days were numbered, he was willing to try anything to survive. Zave gave him a candle. "Aiden, you are going to light this candle with a spell. Repeat what I chant!" said Zave. "But—" "Do what I say!" Zave interjected. "Fine," Aiden accepted reluctantly. 'incaendo' , Zave chanted, followed by Aiden. But nothing happened to the candle. "Try again," Zave suggested. Aiden tried many times, but the candle remained unlit. "Zave, you told me I can't do sorcery, then why...?" Aiden began. "I said you can't become a sorcerer, not that you can't do sorcery!" Zave interrupted. "What is the difference?" Aiden asked. "A sorcerer can do sorcery effortlessly, but a normal person can only do it by paying a price," Zave explained. "Now try to light the candle again." Aiden failed repeatedly, becoming increasingly frustrated. "Calm yourself! Sorcery is not something you can do on your first attempt!" Zave said. "What do you imagine when you cast the spell?" he asked. "Nothing. I imagine the candle burning," Aiden said. "Imagining just fire won't make the spell work. It needs strong emotion," Zave explained. Aiden nodded, closed his eyes, and 'incaendo' cast the spell again. This time, the candle came to life. "Success!" Aiden was overjoyed. Zave was stunned by Aiden's success in fewer attempts. "What did you think of when casting?" asked Zave curiously. "I recalled a fire accident I experienced during my childhood," said Aiden. Suddenly, he felt he had lost something. "What is happening?" he puzzled. "It is the price that a normal person pays for doing sorcery—a little life force," replied Zave. "What! Zave, I'm already losing my vitality, and you want me to die earlier?" Aiden was angered. "No! I am testing if you can use a curse. Some people can use it at the cost of their life, some can't, no matter what. Luckily, you can; otherwise, death would be your only fate!" said Zave. "Even if I can use it, I will die in 5 or 6 spells," said Aiden. Zave searched through a pile of things in the closet and finally came out with a small glass bottle containing a single black pill. "Swallow this," he gave it to Aiden. "What is this?" Aiden asked. "Just swallow it!" Zave compelled. Aiden put it in his mouth. It was bitter, and he was about to spit it out. "Don't spit it out; I have only one now!" warned Zave. Aiden swallowed it with struggle. His weakness vanished, and he felt energetic. He gave a surprised look at Zave. "This is something I made by accident! It is basically a poison but works like a supplement on you!" Zave said. Aiden was stunned. "Are you treating me like a test subject?" Aiden was enraged. "Relax! I gave it to you after countless thoughts," replied Zave. "But I didn't expect it to work!" he added at last. "Do you know why this poison is a supplement to you?" Zave asked mysteriously. "It contains Norticle venom!" Aiden was dumbfounded and aggrieved. "You stupid old man! I miraculously escaped from transforming into a horrible ghost, but you don't want me to!" Aiden shouted at Zave. Zave laughed. "Calm down! I didn't experiment on you nor intend to change you into a Norticle! I discovered that your body treats Norticle venom as a supplement. If my guess is correct, we can make a pill that can increase your vitality multiple-fold," explained Zave. "You mean I can extend my life and... do sorcery?" realized Aiden. Zave nodded and added, "Temporarily! Until we find a way to turn you into a sorcerer." "Is that possible?" asked Aiden. "The world of sorcery is mysterious and full of wonders. Who knows, a way to change someone into a sorcerer might exist!" said Zave. "An awakening ceremony is held every year for those between 16-19. It is like an entrance test to sorcery schools, and it happens to be next week. We are going to depart the day after tomorrow," said Zave. "rest well! don't touch anything! said Zave leaving the lab, left Aiden lying on the table, watching the ceiling quietly.

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