Areallya S2.3

A late night post because I forgot I hadn't type this out 🌙 Season 2 is almost complete! Next month I'll be focusing on shrine maiden updates before diving into season 3. I'm excited about all the new work I have for them. The Codex will also have updates about all my characters in the head cannon. In the meantime, enjoy season 2 and stay safe in this big snowstorm 🌨️ -01/24/26

Areallya’s abilities continued to be tested after her feat with water.

Each day, following Igor’s instruction, she put her studies into action. Ice became her primary way of wielding water. After some guidance, it became a deadly defensive tactic. Another month into winter passed. The hard work of hours in the school’s library and pouring over class notes in her room started to pay off. Working from the weakest ability gave her confidence. Progressing through the rest of the elements came easier. Earth spells taxed her mana. She did not favor them, but they were powerful nonetheless. Electricity had less power, yet Areallya focused on dispersing it through multiple enemies. This element gave her range and a strong ability to stun. When it came to fire, the training felt simple. Areallya’s connection to the element came naturally. She commanded fireballs effortlessly. The flames always carried out her instruction. There was little left to learn from hitting a straw dummy. Impressed, Igor knew the time for mage registration arrived. 

At the start of the week, instead of training grounds, Areallya made her way to the Skill’s Hall. Masters from every class gather here to oversee registration and specialty training. She made her way through the busy, snow-covered streets. Getting closer to her destination, the crowd thinned to other young trainees, coming for the same purpose. The building was grand in size with 3 floors. Many shuffled up and down its small flight of steps, coming and going. Igor greeted her, and they headed inside. Each class held a section of the hall. The walls were adorned with accessories from past warriors who defended Calpheon. The mage’s lobby lay midway through the first floor of the building. They turned through a grand archway. Others idled in the room, or waited in line for their turn at the large desk at the far end. Igor had explained in order to take quests she needed to be registered here. Ranks are assigned based on assessment scores, and registration is required for any of the masters’ exclusive lessons. 

“Igor? What are you doing here?” The woman at the desk asked with a smile. Her long dark hair stayed braided out of her face. She wore the exquisite robes only bestowed to those who have achieved the rank of master. 

“I’m here to help my student register, why else?” Igor chuckled at her question.

“You? Have a student?” she teased. Having known Igor and his impatience with the church, she had difficulty imagining he could stand a young mage. However, she shifted her attention to the girl beside him. Igor laughed again.

“This is Areallya, she is indeed my student,” he stepped aside and she introduced herself with a respectful bow. The woman raised her eyebrows.

So this is the girl. The one who is cursed. She thought. The DMI had kept the incident under wraps, but those of importance were informed of her status.

“I am the high mage, Illiana. I’ll be the one to test you and give your rank,” she responded with another warm smile. 

“We’ll start with the official documents. Testing is between noon and 5o’clock. I’ll give you an assigned slot once you’re finished with these.” While Illiana spoke, she gathered forms from the desk and handed them to Areallya. 

“Well, I’m less surprised now,” the high mage said once the girl sat out of earshot.

“You probably are best suited to handle something like this,” she commented. Igor remained one of the most knowledgeable magic-users in Calpheon.

“She’s got the persistence to overcome this” Igor responded.

“She’s going to need all that untapped potential to do this,” Illiana could see the girl’s aptitude radiating off her. 

“You know what’ll happen if she can’t…?” Illiana said with concern. The librarian sighed, then nodded grimly. 

“But I refuse to think that way.” Shortly after their chat, Areallya handed her papers back over. After flipping through them, the high mage filed them away.

“Wait here for a moment,” Illiana disappeared into one of the rooms behind the desk. Upon her return, Areallya received a silver tab with her information, the date, and a time. 

“Come back at the engraved time, and we shall begin,” Illiana said with a small wave. They said their goodbyes, and Igor led the way out of the Skill’s Hall.

“Hey now! You’re going to do fine,” Igor said, sensing Areallya’s unease. She looked at him and smiled the best she could. The knot in her stomach still stayed tight.

“Your slot isn’t for four hours. Why don’t you enjoy something and take a break before your test?” Igor suggested. Areallya’s eyes lit up with excitement, and soon she hurriedly walked off towards the bakery. He watched her disappear into the crowd and sighed. Clasping his hands together, he said a short prayer, and began down the steps back to his library.

Areallya quickly made her way down the street and followed the smell of freshly baking bread to the bakery on the corner. After a short greeting, she pointed to the baked items she wanted, and asked for hot chocolate. Her goods were bagged and she happily made her way out of the business to the courtyard. Areallya brushed the small bit of snow from the bend and sat. She carefully set her cup down, and opened the bag. The still warm pastry melted in her mouth, and her anxious thoughts were temporarily relieved.