NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Chapter 10
"Fifth grade? A good seedling!" A white-bearded old magus stroked his chin, "Alright! Now to test for elemental affinity!"
After aptitude test Leylin now stood in front of an old man, who reminded Leylin of Dumbledore, not a good remembrance at all for him.
The old wizard knocked on the tabletop, and the wooden surface split apart with an unnatural precision. From within, a black stone basin emerged, its surface carved with intricate runes that glowed faintly. Inside, a liquid resembling molten mercury rippled, shifting as if alive.
"Carefully look into the water!" the wizard's voice commanded, carrying a weight of authority that demanded obedience.
Leylin—stepped forward, his gaze locked onto the swirling silver mass. He peered deep into the shifting currents, allowing his consciousness to drift, his mind sinking into the basin's depths.
As the liquid churned, a vortex formed in the center, black and endless, as if reaching into the void itself. It twisted violently, swallowing the surrounding light, and within its depths, flashes of deep crimson pulsed, like the heartbeat of something ancient and malevolent.
"What do you see?" the old wizard asked, his voice suddenly tense.
Leylin's pupils shrank, his voice calm yet distant.
"Darkness. An abyssal whirlpool. Crimson lightning crackling within. It devours all light."
The wizard's fingers twitched. "Anything else?"
Leylin narrowed his eyes. The longer he stared, the more the image shifted. Around the black whirlpool, shadowy tendrils reached outward, coiling like living serpents. And there—at the edges—glimmering, almost imperceptible, was something else.
"Shadow… devouring everything in their path. And... a silver mist, cold and fleeting, and a metallic luster, but not much."
After a sharp exhale, the wizard snapped his fingers, and the liquid instantly stilled.
Leylin's mind was yanked back, his breath coming out in a slow exhale. The experience had been... intense.
The wizard studied him with unreadable eyes before speaking.
"Darkness and Shadow are your domain. Outstanding affinity. Your second strongest is Blood, followed closely by Ice. There is also a faint trace of metal, but it is weak."
Leylin remained silent, absorbing the information.
"Darkness is destruction, the endless abyss. It consumes all. Shadow is deception, hidden paths only the gifted can walk. Blood is power, binding life itself under your command. And Ice your servant." The wizard's voice grew lower.
The old wizard swiftly marked Leylin's form, leaving behind a complex seal. When he handed it back, there was an unmistakable hint of intrigue in his expression.
Leylin accepted it with a polite nod. He did not need the man's admiration. Power was power—and now, he knew where his strengths lay.
Lifting the heavy cloth at the tent's exit, a ray of golden sunlight fell upon him, but in his mind, all he saw was the infinite abyss he was destined to command.
"Hey! Leylin!"
A familiar voice rang in his ears. George rushed over, an excited grin on his face. "You finished your aptitude test too?"
Leylin nodded, casually waving the sheepskin form in his hand.
George puffed up his chest. "Hehe! I, this young master, am a genius with a fourth-grade aptitude! My father will be thrilled!"
Leylin raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he asked, "This grading system of various aptitude, what does this signify? I don't understand it, could you explain it to me?"
George, ever eager to show off, cleared his throat. "Of course! The aptitudes of acolytes are ranked based on the probability of advancing to a true Magus."
"The best is fifth grade—those with this talent have a 90% chance of becoming a Magus. Then comes the fourth grade, like me, with around a 50% chance. Third grade is much lower, only about 10%. Second grade? Maybe 2 to 3%. And first grade? Almost hopeless—just 1% or even less."
Leylin listened, his expression calm. Ninety percent, huh? He had no doubt he would reach beyond that.
'As expected.'
"So basically, third grade and above have a shot, but first and second? They're stuck as acolytes forever." George shrugged.
Leylin nodded, taking in the information. "And elemental affinity?"
"That determines a Magus' path," George explained. "Some control fire, some command lightning, others bend frost to their will. Technically, any Magus can use any element, but without a strong affinity, spells will be weaker and cost more energy. If a Fire-element Magus tries casting water magic, the result might be pathetic—like summoning a flood but getting a puddle."
He smirked. "So, your aptitude decides how far you go, and your affinity decides the path you walk!"
Leylin's eyes gleamed slightly, almost impressed. "Hmm..That sounds like a good way to put it. "
George laughed sheepishly. "Heh… I read it in my father's study. A travelling Magus once wrote it."
Leylin eyelid draped but said nothing. Fifth-grade aptitude. Outstanding affinity with Darkness, Shadow, Blood, and Ice.
He was already standing at the pinnacle of talent. Now, he just had to seize what was rightfully his.
"Have you decided about the Academy? So far I only know about Ennea Ivory Ring Tower from Jevon."
George grinned. "That's exactly where I would be going, My father already decided. Our family has ties with a senior Magus there. Why don't you come with me?"
Leylin squinted his eyes, not sure about what to do but he knows that a talent like him would be appreciated everywhere so there is no need to worry about favours.
He shook his head. "I'll think about it, I want to explore my options first."
George shrugged. "Alright, if you change your mind, find me at the Ennea Ivory Ring Tower's area!" With that, he disappeared into the crowd.
Leylin wandered through the camp, observing the strange and varied academy tents. Some resembled giant mushrooms with fan-shaped doors, while others were shaped like monstrous skulls, their open mouths serving as entrances.
Each bore a name in the mainland's language: Ennea Ivory Ring Tower, Mercifura Academy, Wetland Gardens…
'My main affinity is Darkness and Shadow, followed by Blood, and lastly Ice. Except for Ice, all are negative elements. I need to find an academy that can further my studies.' Leylin walked towards various camps and under each of them they bore academy names, there were details such as specialisation areas, and famous Magi, all for the acolytes to consider.
'From the outlook, it seems the Magus Academy are divided into two factions- Light and Dark. And unlike Wizard World both paths are encouraged, for each their own. And for a Dark Wizard like me there is only one way to go..' Leylin walked for about 10 minutes and finally reached a tent that was constructed with numerous white bones.
The words on top were arranged to form, "The Abyssal Bone Forest Academy welcomes you!" These big words were all written in red and dripping blood, which scared many of the surrounding acolytes away.
'This is the overall best academy when it comes to dark elements.'
Leylin didn't think much and walked into the tent of white bones.
As he entered, a cold aura that reeked of blood engulfed Leylin.
"He he he...After waiting for long, finally, one comes!"
Leylin looked around the tent, realizing that the ground inside the tent was uneven and there were many dried bones littered around.
The walls, if one could call them that, were lined with grotesque decorations—jars of preserved organs, desiccated limbs strung together like garlands, and skulls arranged into neat stacks, their empty sockets watching in silent vigil.
But Leylin couldn't find the speaker anywhere.
"No need to look around! You are stepping on my hand!" The voice travelling from beneath Leylin's feet.
Leylin realised that his shoes were stepping on a withered palm. He looked on the ground where various bone parts were scattered, he carefully stepped away and bowed.
'Playing trick against me? why would you place you bones right in front of the entrance. As expected Dark wizard are characteristically crazy.'
As Leylin moved backwards, the few dried bones of hands and legs began to assemble into a skeletal figure.
At first, it was merely bones. A skeletal hand reached forth, its fingers impossibly long, clicking together in idle amusement. Then the rest followed—vertebrae stacking one by one, ribs knitting themselves into place, each bone gliding together like a puppet assembling itself.
And finally, a skull.
Faint, withered flesh still clung to it in places, stretched thin over ancient bone. And in its hollow sockets—green flames flickered to life.
"You boy, not flustered, good." The white bony teeth clacked and produced a human voice: "Let me introduce myself, I am a professor of the Shadow and Dark elements. You can call me Dorotte!"
"I pay my respects to Lord Magus Dorotte." Leylin kept his head low. The hierarchy in this world is exceedingly overbearing, one oversight and one might lose their life.
"You coming here, does that mean you wish to enter the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy?" The bony white Dorotte conjured a black robe from nowhere and concealed its body within it.
"Yes."
"Good resolve no hesitation and no doubt, or probably you are one those who are head strong." Dorotte took out a dusty sheet of sheepskin paper from behind and handed it over to Leylin, "Read it."
Leylin took the paper, and read it quickly,
Ancient Agreement: The student gains rights based on a longstanding pact.
Basic Lessons: Enrollment grants access to fundamental teachings at Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.
Meditation Techniques: The student receives a set of elementary meditation methods.
Five-Year Support: Free residence, lodging, and food for five years.
Magic Crystal Transactions: Students can use magic crystals as currency to exchange for knowledge from professors etc points were mentioned.
"Sir I understand but it doesn't mention enrollment fees."
"Thirteen magic crystals or an item identical in value!" Dorotte said.
Leylin nodded as he withdrew a ring hung around his neck. It was not just any ring.
A Magus' artifact—an heirloom, passed down through his bloodline. His father had once spoken of a debt, of a Magus who was helped by the Farlier family. This was the repayment.
"Ah..interesting toy!" The green flame in Dorotte's eyes flashed.
The bony white hand took the ring and placed it in its palm, and then took out an item similar to a magnifying glass and inspected it."Mn...haven't seen these patterns in a long time!"
"A low-grade artifact… yes, unmistakably crafted in our academy. A hastening spell formation… though broken. Worth about 15 magic crystals."
"Are you willing to mortgage this ring for your school fees? Once you have decided, sign the ancient contract of our Abyssal Bone Forest Academy!" Dorotte said, with an accentuated tone.
"Yes Lord Magus." Leylin's resolute voice sounded.
"Good! I hereby declare that the contract is formed!" Dorotte said, "Hand over your form to me!"
After receiving Leylin's form, Dorotte laughed, "Fifth grade talent? Should have told me earlier...hmm..Shadow and Dark element affinity, no wonder you are here. In this Death Beach, we are the most outstanding!"
"Well since you forked out a greater amount than the fees required, you would have been accepted and won't need an entry test! But... "
"You have a Fifth Grade talent," Dorotte stated, stepping forward, his long black robe barely concealing the rattling of his bones beneath. "I have already accepted a student today, one with the same grade. If I take you as well, the other professors will be displeased."
Leylin's mind raced. This was an opportunity. But an opportunity for what? He didn't understand Dorotte words, one minute he was talking about admission, next his talent and telling him about accepting student only to imply he doesn't want to displease other professors.
Dorotte watched him in silence before continuing. "Even so, I will offer you a choice. Become my disciple, and in return, I will repair this."
With a flick of his bony fingers, the Magus held up the worn ring Leylin had traded.
"Not only that," Dorotte's voice took on a darker edge, "but your entry fee will be waived. No payment required."
Leylin remained still, his mind analyzing every possibility. Free entry. A repaired magic artifact. But the cost? Becoming a student under this crazy guy, but who knows others might be worse there must be a reason that the academy assigned this work to him.
Despite of that Leylin gaze remained impassive. "I have no doubt your offer is generous, Professor Dorotte, but surely some of the other Magi could provide similar or even more?"
Dorotte chuckled, a dry, rattling sound. "Indeed. Some might offer you more things, resources, or even a personal laboratory. But none of that compares to what I can give you right now."
Leylin narrowed his eyes. He needed more information before making a decision. "And what is that, exactly?"
Dorotte's grin widened, revealing a row of pristine white teeth beneath his desiccated skin. "A meditation technique."
Leylin's breath slowed.
"You are talented, boy. You are meant to become a Magus. The sooner you begin, the better." Dorotte took a step closer, the air turning colder. "The journey to the academy will take six months. Others will begin learning only after arrival. But I... I can give you a head start. You can begin your path to power now."
For the first time, Leylin felt a genuine pull. Six months. That was a long time to be idle while others surged forward the moment they stepped into the academy. And if Dorotte was offering an actual meditation technique—
The only question was whether he was willing to place himself under Dorotte's wing to do so.
Leylin exhaled slowly, eyes meeting the hollow sockets of the Magus before him.
He had a decision to make.