Chapter 3

I know i stated there are three major cities, but beyond that there are many smaller cities responsible for caring for themselves while paying taxes too the major cities in charge of their land. I live in one of these smaller cities know as Boarhead, my name is Alaric. My sister Phoebe had just turned 13, meaning she was now eligible to be checked for a magic affinity. But, more importantly, it meant I would be able to find out my natural affinity. Our parents had decided not to check my affinity until my sister was old enough in order to save money. Normally each person would go to the magic association to be inspected for 1 gold piece at the age of 13. But, if you brought two people at once you could save 5 silver; the cost of the association's time. So after our parents had given 1 gold piece and 5 silver, Phoebe and I set foot in the Magic Association Headquarters to be inspected.

"I really hope I get earth, then I can learn water and combine both to get nature… I could then use magic to make all the flowers I want!" Phoebe was nervous and excited at the same time.

"You have a 50% chance of being able to control nature at some point, which isn't bad but don't get to bummed if you cant theirs plenty of great magic you could make with all the elements."

"Yah but none as pretty." Phoebe seemed even more nervous now.

A beautiful receptionist was leading us down a hall towards the inspection room, she seemed to be between 16-19 years old. As I was watching her graceful figure from behind she seemed to have noticed and her face flushed red as she stumbled slightly.

"So I'm Alaric, what's your name." This was the best I could come up with as I felt like stabbing myself, due to embarrassment.

"Oh, hi Alaric… I'm Candice I hope you get the affinity you hope for." She said while slightly looking back at me.

"Honestly, I don't really mind what affinity I get as long as it helps me to grow strong to help my family I'll be happy." 'Although, if I could get something impressive like fire, the military will prioritize me and more importantly, so will girls' I thought in my head.

"Candice maybe when this is over we can go get a bite to eat… I'll pay." My heart was beating extremely fast and I began to feel hot waiting for her response.

"Sure, I get off at 6 you could pick me up then." She responded with a smile.

I was jumping on the inside… finally life was looking up. Once I get my affinity I'll know how to train and what resources to buy. Then, before I know it I'll be rich and powerful.

"We're here. Do you both understand what to do?" Candice asked while reaching the door at the end of the hall.

"I'm a bit unfamiliar with what to do inside, if you wouldn't mind reminding me." Phoebe was the first to respond.

"Of coarse. So, in the center of the room is a grey crystal. You will each take a turn grabbing the crystal, where you'll focus all of your energy as it changes color in relation to your affinity. Alaric you'll go first if you're ready." Candice briefly summarized what we needed to do and what to expect.

I slowly walked to the center and began to focus all my energy into the crystal with my eyes closed. I felt hot all over my body as my mana began flowing faster towards my palms, which were holding the crystal. Finally, I couldn't hold it anymore and as I opened my eyes to look at the now grey crystal while panting, I turned towards Candice to hear my result. Bizarrely, her smile turned to a scowl as she quickly answered my question, "Another piece of trash, you're a talentless bastard. To think someone as ugly as you wanted to go out with me. Get out of here before I call someone to remove the sorry life that you are!"

My heart dropped, I felt dizzy, sad, and frustrated I wanted to yell and cry all at once… and as I tried to speak nothing came out. I quickly walked out with my head down and tears rolling down my cheeks. I completely forgot to check Phoebe's results as I waited outside the building.

Phoebe walked out with a barely visible smile a few minutes later, which quickly turned to a frown. She walked up to me slowly and voiced her results. "I also have no affinity."

"What?! How is this possible? There has to be a mistake. Phoebe I'm sorry if my results affected yours. We should go in and demand a retest for you." I began walking towards the entrance of the building with Phoebe's hand in mine.

"Wait! Stop it's fine I saw the crystal, it was gray the whole time I really am affinity-less." She said the last part much quieter with visible sadness on her face.

"We need to go home and tell our parents, they'll know what to do." I decided to look for help in the one place I had grown to rely on it.

We got home where our parents were waiting with smiles and as we began telling them the events of that day, their smile began turning sour. Finally, at the end of our story our parents smiles had formed into the same scowl Candice had that day. My back was sweating as well as my palms, while my heart was racing waiting for my parents solution that never came. Instead my mom threw us out of the house while kicking and screaming at us. My dad just watched with a scowl from the couch where we had told him of the events that had transpired that day.

"YOU TRASH!!! Get out of my house! I can't believe I raised children like you! Leave before I have my husband beat you within an inch of your life!"

This was the last thing our mother had said too us. While i felt daggers pierce my chest, nothing compared to the look on my sisters face after being thrown out by our own parents. This was the moment I inwardly decided my sister would never be treated like this again.