Finally, the day of the exam had arrived. The first part was a theoretical test, which could be taken in their city itself. Both Ian and Myrra passed with ease, securing excellent scores. It was hardly surprising, both of them had prepared extensively. But now, the real challenge awaited.
The practical examination was set to be held in the district capital, Efsagroth. This meant they would be leaving town. For Ian, this was particularly exciting, it would be his first time stepping outside the boundaries of his now 'home city'.
Before their departure, Myrra's aunt and uncle, along with her little cousin, came to see them off.
Her uncle, Darius, was a tall elf with sharp, elegant features and deep green eyes that gleamed with quiet intellect. His long, black-streaked hair was neatly tied back, and his attire, a sleek, dark-blue tunic embroidered with faint luminescent patterns, reflected his refined taste. Darius was a businessman. He owned several high-end medical supply shops and alchemical boutiques across the district, specializing in rare ingredients and advanced healing formulations. Though not a doctor himself, he had an excellent understanding of the field and maintained strong ties with researchers, healers, and arcanists alike.
Selene, his wife, was a doctor in regenerative medicine, focused on using bio-synthetic technology to accelerate healing and restore damaged tissues. Her flowing silver hair shimmered under the artificial sunlights of the docking station, and her amethyst-colored eyes radiated warmth. Where Darius was precise and analytical, Selene was intuitive and nurturing, always ensuring those around her felt at ease.
Darius studied Ian for a moment before speaking. "Take care of Myrra," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Keep an eye on her."
Ian nodded. "I understand. You don't have to worry, I won't let anything happen to her."
Selene smiled softly and stepped closer, adjusting the travel coat around Myrra's shoulders. "And you, Myrra, don't go anywhere alone. Always stay together with Ian."
Myrra huffed quietly. "I'm not a little kid."
Selene shook her head with a knowing smile. "Which is exactly why I'm reminding you. Stay safe, alright?"
"I will, Aunt Selene," Myrra said, her voice softer.
Meanwhile, Lura had been bouncing on her shoes, waiting impatiently for her turn. Her golden-brown hair swayed as she suddenly grabbed Ian's sleeve. "Bring me something cool from Efsagroth!" she demanded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ian chuckled. "Alright, alright, I'll find something."
"Something shiny," she added. "And rare!"
"I'll see what I can do."
Darius had originally considered traveling with them, but upon learning that Master Ordan would be accompanying them, he decided to stay behind. The fact that a Master Arcanist was going along was reassuring enough.
"Well then," Darius said, glancing toward the waiting airship. "You should get going. Your transport won't wait forever."
With a final wave, they turned toward the docking station, where the airship gleamed under the city's ambient glow, ready to take them to Efsagroth.
They then boarded the airship, a fusion of arcane and technological engineering. Segmented gravitic stabilizers extended from its sides, adjusting dynamically to shifts in altitude. Along the vessel's spine, pulsing crystal cores regulated propulsion, their synchronized glow casting a faint luminescence. Inside, the cabins were lined with polished alloy and soft cushioning, providing both luxury and comfort. Enchantments embedded into the walls ensured a smooth journey, preventing turbulence from disrupting the passengers.
Ian found himself fascinated by the inner workings of the airship, observing the glowing conduits that channeled energy throughout the ship. Master Ordan noticed his interest and chuckled. "First time on an airship?"
Ian nodded. "Yeah."
Myrra leaned back in her seat. "You're going to spend the whole trip studying the ship, aren't you?"
Ian grinned. "Maybe."
The journey was smooth without any hiccups and soon they arrived near their destination.
As the airship descended toward Efsagroth, the vast city unfolded before them, a breathtaking fusion of nature and technology. Towering structures of glass and metal reached skyward, their surfaces shimmering. Many of these buildings were covered in cascading greenery, with hanging gardens and bio-luminescent vines winding around sleek, curved facades. Skybridges connected different sectors, allowing smooth transit across the city without disrupting the bustling streets below.
The heart of Efsagroth pulsed with activity. Floating platforms ferried people from one district to another, their surfaces lined with glowing sigils that adjusted their paths dynamically. Below, markets stretched along the wide avenues, where merchants sold everything from exotic crystals to advanced arcane devices. The scent of roasted spices and fresh synth-fruits filled the air, mingling with the hum of conversation.
Despite its modern advancements, Efsagroth had not abandoned its culture. Ornate archways and stone bridges still stood, seamlessly integrated into the city's expanding skyline. Some areas retained their old-world charm, with cobblestone paths and wooden storefronts standing alongside sleek, floating structures.
The airship docked at one of the city's hovering platforms. They quickly made their way through the bustling terminal, weaving through crowds of travelers and merchants, before boarding a automated vehicle that carried them through the vibrant streets of Efsagroth.
Master Ordan's house was situated in the Aurion District, an area known for its serene gardens, historical architecture, and the residences of esteemed scholars. The house itself was an elegant estate, its high-arched windows framed with delicate silver filigree, while the stone walls bore intricate carvings of ancient runes and celestial patterns. Soft enchantments ensured a constant, refreshing breeze, and subtle wards shimmered faintly in the air, protecting the residence from any unwanted disturbances.
"This is quite the place," Ian said as they stepped inside, his gaze wandering over the towering shelves and softly humming artifacts placed around the room.
Master Ordan set down his travel pack and nodded. "I've lived here for many years. A quiet district, close enough to the archives but far from the city's unnecessary noise. It serves its purpose."
Ian exchanged a glance with Myrra before turning back to Ordan. "We appreciate you letting us stay here."
Ordan gave a slight nod. "You'll find the guest rooms on the upper floor. Make yourselves comfortable. Tomorrow will be a long day."
The next morning, they arrived at the exam location, the Grand Arcanum Pavilion, an immense, elegantly designed structure that blended artistry with functionality. Towering crystalline spires rose into the sky humming faintly, while intricate runes lined the grand archways, glowing softly in the morning light. The open central hall was vast, with tiered platforms where various test stations had been arranged, and an observation gallery where scholars and officials watched from above. Hundreds of participants had gathered, their voices forming a low murmur of anticipation. The atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy as robed invigilators moved through the crowd, ensuring everything was in place for the exam to begin.
Ian and Myrra found themselves surrounded by unfamiliar faces, drawing a few curious glances. It wasn't difficult to guess why, Ian was the only human present.
The first test focused on fundamental magical principles. Each participant was presented with a set of blueprints and designs, requiring them to construct intricate enchantments from raw materials. This test assessed their grasp of energy flow, precision in etching, and understanding of arcane stability.
Ian tackled the problems with a structured, methodical approach, carefully analyzing before acting. Myrra, on the other hand, moved with instinctual grace, her responses fluid and intuitive. Though their styles differed, both worked with quiet confidence, completing their tasks efficiently.
After what felt like hours, the first trial concluded, and a deep chime rang through the Pavilion.
"That's it, times over stop the work .... " Master Jorun, one of the invigilators, said.
Participants were given a short recess. The outer corridors of the Grand Arcanum Pavilion were lined with refreshment stalls, offering light meals infused with restorative enchantments.
Ian and Myrra found a quiet spot beneath a canopy of enchanted flora, where shimmering leaves pulsed faintly with a soothing glow. As they settled in, a voice interrupted them.
"First time in Efsagroth?"
Ian turned to see an elf with neatly braided dark hair and sharp emerald eyes. His tunic was embroidered with an intricate silver pattern, subtle yet unmistakable, a mark of someone from a distinguished elven lineage.
"Yeah," Ian replied. "You?"
"No, I live here. My family owns several workshops in the city," the elf said with a nod. "Name's Rhys Yelynore." He extended a slender hand, and Ian shook it firmly.
Beside Rhys, a shorter elf with auburn hair tied into a practical braid studied them both before offering a curt nod. "I'm Reina Callis."
"And who might this be?" Rhys asked, turning to Myrra with a charming smile.
"My name is Myrra. Nice to meet you both," she replied politely.
"Likewise, my lady." Rhys gave a slight bow, offering a gentlemanly salute before turning back to Ian. "And where exactly are you two from?"
"We're from Lylva," Ian answered.
"Interesting. A proper one from Lylva," Rhys mused.
"Yes," Ian confirmed.
Rhys didn't press further, though curiosity lingered in his gaze. Humans were rare, if any were to be found then they would be in the Federal capital, Fylsneas. His family's wealth and status meant he had encountered a few before, but only there, never in a place like this. Instead of dwelling on it, he smoothly shifted the conversation.
"So, what did you think of the exam?"
The four of them fell into an easy conversation about the trials and what might come next. Theories and speculations passed between them, some realistic, others bordering on the absurd. Soon, the break ended, and it was time for the second trial.
This test pushed them to their limits, demanding adaptability and control under pressure. Each participant was given a set of unstable materials, their volatile nature requiring precise handling. The objective: stabilize the raw energy and reshape it into a functional enchantment.
One by one, participants received their materials. The air hummed as they got to work. Some struggled, a shard cracked, releasing a burst of blinding light. Another fizzled out completely, rendering it useless.
Ian focused, carefully modulating his energy flow, ensuring the arcane circuits aligned in harmony.
By the end of the trial, both had successfully completed their tasks, standing among those who had passed unscathed.