9 The annual test

The atmosphere was thick with tension, and Xylon couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring.

He knew that this was just the beginning of a long and grueling process, one that would determine the rest of his life. But he was ready for it. He had been preparing for this day for years, and he was determined to make the most of it.

The headmaster started his speech by saying :""My dear students," he began, "today is a day that will shape the rest of your lives. The decisions you make here, the efforts you put forth, will determine your future in this world of magic. It is not a responsibility to be taken lightly."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

"Many of you have dreamed of this day since you first discovered your affinity for magic. You have worked hard, studied tirelessly, and sacrificed much to be here. You have all faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and proved yourselves time and time again."

He looked out over the sea of young faces, his eyes filled with pride and respect.

"But today, my dear students, is not about what you have done in the past. It is about what you will do in the present. It is about how you will face the trials ahead, how you will push yourselves to the limit, and how you will emerge stronger, wiser, and more capable than you ever thought possible."

He paused again, taking a deep breath as he allowed his words to sink in.

"You are all capable of greatness. You have all been blessed with a gift, a power that sets you apart from the rest of the world. But with great power comes great responsibility. You must use your abilities for the greater good, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and to bring hope and light to a world that is shrouded in darkness."

He looked out at the candidates once more, his eyes blazing with passion and intensity.

"So go forth, my dear students. Show us what you are made of. Prove to us, and to yourselves, that you are worthy of the great power you possess. And remember, no matter what happens today, no matter what paths you may choose, you will always be a part of this great community of magic. You will always be one of us."

With those final words, the headmaster stepped back, allowing the candidates to process his message and prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

The headmaster finished his speech, leaving the arena in an almost palpable silence. Suddenly, another teacher appeared in front of the students, clearing his throat to grab their attention.

"Good morning, students," he began, his voice loud and clear. "I am here to explain the rules and procedures of today's test."

Teacher John took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the crowd of anxious faces before him.

"You all know why you are here today. This test is not only a chance for you to showcase your abilities, but also a chance to prove yourselves worthy of the jobs you desire."

Teacher John paced back and forth, his arms folded behind his back.

"You will be divided into groups to complete a series of tasks. These tasks will challenge your physical and mental abilities, and will require you to work together as a team."

He paused, his eyes locking onto Xylon's for a moment before continuing. "Remember, teamwork is crucial in this test. Your success depends not only on your individual abilities, but also on your ability to work together with your fellow candidates."

He took another deep breath before continuing. "And make no mistake, this test will be difficult. You will be pushed to your limits, both physically and mentally. But it is only through hardship that we grow stronger, and it is only through perseverance that we can achieve our goals."

Teacher John looked around the arena once more, his eyes resting on each student for a moment. "I have faith in each and every one of you. You are all talented and capable young mages, and I know that you will do your best to succeed today. Remember, this test is not just about achieving your desired job, but also about the continuation of our society "

The teachers knew the students well and had a fair idea of what each candidate was capable of. However, they also understood that there was always room for surprises.

They had seen students who had underperformed in their studies suddenly excel on this day. They had seen students who had been confident and self-assured crumble under the pressure of the test. They knew that Destiny day was not just a test of magical ability, but also a test of character and resilience.

As the other students cast hateful glances towards Xylon, he remained composed and unperturbed. He could feel the animosity directed at him, the fear that he might be placed on their team and hinder their chances of success. But he refused to react, knowing that any attention drawn towards him would only make matters worse.

Xylon's calm demeanor only seemed to fuel their resentment. They saw him as weak, lacking in the powerful magic that they possessed. But what they failed to see was his determination, his drive to prove himself and rise above their expectations.

  Xylon refused to let their negativity affect him. He kept his head held high, his mind focused on the task at hand. He knew that he had a lot to prove, but he was willing to do whatever it took to succeed.

As the other students continued to glare at him, Xylon remained steadfast. He wouldn't let their fear and hatred get in the way of his dreams, and he was determined to show them that he was more than capable of holding his own.

The first of the series of five major tests that the candidates had to undertake was to assess their affinity towards the different elements of magic .

Xylon raised his head and let out a small smirk. He watched as his peers quickly formed groups, none of them bothering to include him. But Xylon didn't let it get to him. Instead, he took a step back and stood in the center of the arena, watching as the other teams discussed strategy.

Then, he spoke up.

"Looks like you all made your choices. That's fine by me," he said, his voice calm and collected.