As Aizel approached the gate, the guards stepped in front of him, blocking his way.
"What business do you have?" One of the guards asked.
"I am here to take a test to enter the Felgura Magic Institute," Aizel replied politely.
"Okay, then head straight from here; you will find a big statue in between. From there take a right turn and go straight. That's where the newbies are all gathered for the test, and don't wander around, or you might get kicked." The guard replied as he opened the gate for Aizel.
Aizel nodded at the guards and moved quickly toward his destination. His heart was beating fast with anticipation and excitement.
The vivid surroundings fascinated Aizel as he walked along. Flowers of all kinds grew in fields as far as the eye could see. However, he knew the institute was still a considerable distance away.
As he arrived at the designated area pointed out by the guard, Aizel's eyes fell upon a towering statue of an elderly man with a beard that cascaded down to his waist, holding a book in his left hand and a staff in his right.
The intricate details of the statue's features were breathtaking. The wrinkles etched onto the statue's face and the intricate patterns on the robe the statue wore seemed almost lifelike.
The name inscribed at the base of the statue read "Cedric Felgura," the founder of the Magic Institute and the revered father of the Felgura Kingdom.
As Aizel neared the statue of Cedric Felgura, he spotted three paths branching out from it. One way led to the left, another straight ahead, and the final one to the right, which was the one he meant to follow.
Aizel chose the right path and followed it with purpose. He had no desire to wander aimlessly and risk being expelled from the institute.
He couldn't help but notice the many people passing by, as he walked along the path. They were all adorned in luxurious robes, some even bearing the symbol of nobility.
"Well, that was expected," he thought.
"Listen Aizel."
A sudden shock coursed through Aizel as Alora's voice resounded in his mind.
"Oye, don't do like that, I might have a heart attack someday."
"You idiot, listen to me first; I don't have much time." She replied anxiously.
"I am listening."
"They will give you the mana ball, which will test whether you have the ability to use mana or not, and the ball can even tell which affinity suits you the most.
"Try to imagine the affinity you wanted to show everyone; don't try to think about many things at the same time; the ball might react differently, which might cause trouble for you.
"I won't be able to help you in that world, "remember it". Alora finished explaining everything she wanted to say.
"Okay, I got it, but why can't you help me here?
"Alora? hello, you there? Tsk this loli." he thought with annoyance,
Aizel realized he had arrived at the testing area. He could see a bunch of novice mages gathered together in the wide woodland before him.
He also observed a few older mages wearing the same characteristic robe, who was most likely acting as examiners for the magic institute.
Aizel moved quickly towards the mages, taking care not to break their concentration. He found a spot in the back and stood silently, observing his fellow aspiring mages.
"It seems everyone is here." One of the examiners came forward and said.
"Welcome to the "Felgura Magic Institute," everyone. My name is Liam, and I am a professor at the institute.
"Let's not waste any time and get straight to the point. One by one, come forward and test the mana crystal, so we can determine your affinity and mana usage."
The professor retrieved a crystal ball from his ring, its white tone sparkling in the sunlight, as Aizel observed. The mages took turns stepping forward to test their affinity and mana usage.
Aizel waited patiently for his turn, watching as other magicians tested their affinity and mana usage before him. When it was finally his turn, he firmly approached the professor and stood before him, prepared to listen to his instructions.
"Place your hand over the crystal ball and pour your magic energy from your core into it."
Aizel followed the professor's advice and approached the crystal ball, focusing his mental energy on a bolt of lightning.
As Aizel focused his mental energy and imagined lightning, the once-white crystal ball began to glow and transform. Bolts of lightning flickered within the ball, each one crackling with energy.
"Okay, you can go now."
Aizel nodded as he returned to his spot among the mages.
"Now that everyone here qualifies to take the test, we will tell you what it is going to be."
"The test will take place in this large forest area; there is currently only one type of monsters here.
"Crimson Wolfs" is a wolf-like monsters with red-colored fur. It can use fire magic to a certain extent and hunts in groups without fear of death. It also has razor-sharp claws and fangs capable of causing serious harm in close combat."
"Your job is to hunt at least one pack of wolves and bring them here as proof. Only five mages among the groups that will hunt the fastest will pass the test."
When the professor presented the task, the entire group fell silent, even Aizel. The difficulty of hunting a pack of crimson wolves was not to be taken lightly, but what actually shocked them was the number of contenders and the restricted slots available.
Out of the fifty aspiring mages present, only five would pass the test.
"There are no rules; if you want to steal from others, you can do it. Your life will be in your own hands. Do whatever you want; we will only judge the first five who will show the result first."
The air became tense as the members of the group exchanged suspicious glances. The earlier sense of friendship had faded, replaced with a sense of competition and self-preservation.
In Xelgar, power and benefits reigned supreme, above all else.
