Areallya C2.4

Areallya enjoyed her small breakfast, even in the cold.

She tossed the crumbs of her croissant in front of her, letting the birds carry them away. With her latte still hot, she took shelter at one of the covered areas in the city. The fireplace roared, and she sat close to its warmth with others, taking out her study book. Areallya reviewed her notes about things most important to remember. The hours seemed to zip by with her looming test. She noticed the public clock, and decided to make her way back to the Skill’s Hall. Tucking the book away, she stood. Staring into the fire, Areallya prayed for favor before quickly taking off back into the afternoon crowd.

The appointed time approached, and again Igor stood at the building. He recalled his own time here while he waited. In youth, he and his friends frequented the hall. Always goating each other on and betting who would rise through the ranks first. They became one of the finest teams of Calpheon in their age. He promised to raise Areallya above even that. Igor heard a voice, and turned to see his student making her way to him. 

“Feeling a bit better?” He greeted Areallya. She nodded with a quick smile, looking more confident than earlier. 

“You are ready for this,” Igor reassured her. She nodded in response, swallowing the nervous lump in her throat. They climbed the steps once again, and stepped through the mage’s archway.

“A punctual start is a good one,” Illiana greeted them again. The lobby held less people than this morning. Only a few quiet conversations filled the large room. Areallya returned the piece of silver.

“Right! Let’s begin,” the high mage came from behind the desk. The teen looked back at Igor as she followed Illiana. He nodded and gave a short smile of encouragement before they turned a corner. All the class lobbies connected into one large room surrounding a long courtyard. The size allowed multiple tests to commence at once. Other masters watched intensely while focused trainees showed their best. Illiana led them to one unused section of the yard. The air chilled when Areallya stepped onto the grass, as if going through an invisible force field. She squinted while her eyes adjusted to the afternoon sun pouring into the uncovered ceiling.

“This test is to ensure you have enough control over your magic to step off the training grounds,” Illiana began to explain as she examined their space. 

“I’ll be using magic to manipulate these dummies. I want you to use what elemental spell feels instinctual.” The familiar strawmen appeared to come to life at the rise of the high mage’s hand. She demonstrated regular movements, and how they would disappear and reappear. Areallya nodded, merely impressed Illiana’s staff remained unsummoned while wielding her magic. It took incredible strength and years of control to cast spells without a staff. Igor continued to be the only other mage she knew capable of this. Meanwhile, Areallya called forth the slim silver rod, readying herself.

“And, start!” First, a singular dummy appeared yards from the teen; A simple beginning to set a gauge. Almost immediately, Areallya pointed her staff, sending a fireball to jolt the dummy back.

So, you favor fire, the high mage began to take mental notes. This time, three strawmen appeared closer. An electric shock shot down from the sky to the middle, then branched to the other two. High voltage lightning jolted through the mannequins that shook violently. Illiana continued testing her offensive abilities, presenting scenarios with the strawmen that mirrored basic monster tactics. The trainee alternated between lightning and fire, hitting her marks cleanly with an array of spells.

He’s trained you quite well, satisfied, the high mage switched to defensive sequences to see if Areallya’s casts adjusted accordingly. The girl surprised her with icy shards piercing the dummies surrounding her. Illiana’s eyebrows raised watching Areallya control the four elements through the trial. Her spells were still rudimentary, but contained effectiveness. Once she unleashed her earth technique, disrupting the ground beneath the high number of strawmen put before her, the high mage could see Areallya exhausting her mana. The trainee’s breath picked up, and her face dampened with sweat. Determination remained in her eyes while she continued to defend. 

“Alight!” At the sound of Illiana’s voice, all the dummies fell limp to the ground. Areallya straightened from her defensive stance, shoulders moving with her breath.

“I won’t make you wait-” the high mage spoke as she walked towards the teen.

“-You have passed the primary exam.” These words whisked away the tiredness Areallya felt, and replaced it with jubilant relief. 

“Walk with me a moment?” They exited the exterior back through the threshold onto the stone floor.

“You have great predilection for the elements, all of your spells have a strong foundation." Areallya thanked her for such a high compliment. 

“As the high mage, I’ve been made aware of your situation. I am truly sorry you must bear such a heavy burden,” Illiana continued the conversation. The girl thanked her again quietly, still wearisome about discussing the curse.

“I’d like to start your training in support and healing magic. At the end of every week, just a few hours in the morning. I’ll arrange it with Igor,” they made their way back to the mages’ lobby. 

“It would be a privilege,” Areallya responded, enthusiastic about what she could learn. 

“Good! Then it's decided,” the high mage said.

“Your information and status will be updated, and you can pick up your badge as early as tomorrow.” Areallya was dismissed and she hurriedly made her way to Igor to share her success.