The Utility Test [1]

The American Mystic Academy's sprawling campus, an enchanting blend of tradition and modernity, served as the backdrop for the first of the four challenging tests that awaited the aspiring Mystic Masters. The trio of friends—Eve, Scion, and Luke—alongside their fellow students, embarked on this trial with a mixture of enthusiasm and determination.

The utility test, the first of the quartet, was focused on creating something practical to assist in combat. As they gathered in the courtyard, their anticipation simmered. Questions hung in the air, and the students exchanged uncertain glances.

The principal, standing proudly on the grand stage, prepared to provide the instructions. His commanding presence quelled the whispers and conversations that buzzed through the crowd. He held their attention, his eyes scanning the multitude of students, ensuring that each of them listened intently.

"In this first trial," the principal declared in a voice that rang out with authority, "your task is to create a practical utility item that can assist you or your fellow combatants in battle."

A ripple of curiosity swept through the students as they turned their attention to the principal, eager to learn more.

The principal continued, "The academy is equipped with hundreds of stalls and stations, each stocked with materials you may need for your creations. Your phone, which has been linked with the academy's system, will guide you to these locations using holographic markers. You have four hours to gather your materials and construct your utility item. Your invention should serve a purpose, demonstrating your creative and strategic abilities."

Eve, Scion, and Luke exchanged glances, contemplating the task at hand. The principal's announcement had brought clarity to the situation, and the students were now eager to prove their worth through their ingenuity and practicality.

With a firm and commanding voice, the principal declared, "Let the utility test begin!"

The courtyard erupted into a frenzy of activity as the students dispersed in various directions, each set on fulfilling the task before them. They immediately consulted their phones, which displayed the holographic system, pointing them towards the stalls that held the materials they needed.

Eve and Luke, who had been prepared for the test, wasted no time. Their phone-guided path led them to stalls filled with wood, leather, metal, and rubber. The academy had left no room for excuses—everything they required was readily available.

Scion, on the other hand, found himself a step behind. He had not considered the task as carefully as his companions, and for a moment, he struggled to decide on the best course of action. The clock was ticking, and the pressure was mounting.

As he looked around, Scion observed the various students and their unique abilities. One person manipulated shadowy figures that zipped around, efficiently acquiring the materials required. Another exhibited the ability to control ice, which they used to craft intricate structures. It was a spectacle of mystic talent, and Scion's determination surged.

A spark of inspiration suddenly ignited within Scion. He remembered something he had learned before—an electric scooter, a creation that could provide mobility, speed, and the element of surprise in a battle. Armed with newfound clarity, he raced toward the materials, determined to complete his project.

In his quest to assemble an electric scooter, Scion moved with purpose, each step guided by the vision of his invention. He swiftly gathered the wires, feeling their texture and flexibility, evaluating which ones would transmit electric energy most efficiently. Bars, handles, poles, wheels, and even the miniature engine—the academy's extensive materials seemed to have been curated just for his creation.

Scion's thoughts raced as he considered the scooter's design. It was not enough for it to be functional; it had to be an extension of his mystic powers, a testament to his potential as a Mystic Master. With the materials in hand, he envisioned the scooter's structure, the intricate dance of components, and the symphony of electricity that would power it.

As the assembly began, the challenge became more apparent. Trial and error became his closest companions. Connections were tested, dismantled, and rebuilt with meticulous care. Scion faced obstacles, from aligning the bars to calibrating the scooter's speed and control. At times, the scooter resisted his efforts, as if it had a mind of its own.

His determination remained unbroken. With each obstacle, he delved deeper into his reservoir of knowledge. This was not merely a matter of construction; it was a test of his understanding of electric energy, its flow, and the harmonious integration of components. Hours melted away as he worked tirelessly, a sheen of sweat glistening on his brow.

His thoughts wavered at times, especially when the scooter's engine refused to cooperate. Frustration threatened to creep in, but he quelled it, realizing that challenges were part of the journey. He could feel the scooter coming to life, its inner workings aligning with his vision.

As the four-hour deadline approached, Scion had finally completed his electric scooter. The invention stood before him, a testament to his hard work and determination. The scooter gleamed with metallic brilliance, wires neatly tucked, wheels spinning smoothly, and a hint of electric charge in the air. Scion's chest swelled with pride as he believed this could be the solution they needed.

Eve and Luke were the first to reconvene. They exchanged confident glances, ready to unveil their utility items. Eve's invention was a set of sleek, futuristic-looking footwear. The boots were unlike anything the students had seen before. They appeared heavy, but Eve explained with a mischievous grin that they were equipped with an intricate wind manipulation system.

"These are frictionless boots," Eve announced proudly. "I can control the air currents around me to create a cushion of wind, allowing me to negate the side effects of wearing heavy boots."

The boots looked cumbersome, especially on Eve's small frame, but the mystic magic was undeniable. They seemed to defy gravity as she hovered slightly above the ground, moving with grace.

Scion, his scooter ready for its debut, couldn't help but tease, "Frictionless boots? What a peculiar fashion choice, Eve."

Scion stood there, his gaze shifting from Eve's frictionless boots to the scooter he had created with a mixture of awe and surprise. He was still proud of his electric scooter, but there was no denying that Eve's invention was both practical and ingeniously crafted.

With an appreciative nod, Scion couldn't help but be impressed. "Well, I can't argue with that. Your boots look... functional," he admitted with a grin. "I guess I should have thought outside the box like you did."

Luke chimed in, his tone teasing, "Yeah, Scion, she made a pair of boots, and you created a Scooter for combat. I can't decide which one's more absurd."

Scion, while taking good-natured ribbing from his friends, still had a glimmer of confidence in his eyes. He believed in the potential of his electric scooter, even if the initial reaction wasn't as he had expected.

Luke, however, kept his utility item under wraps, mentioning only that he had finished it halfway and that it was far too heavy to bring out.

The principal's voice interrupted the conversations as he made an announcement. "The first test has concluded. You will now proceed to one of the many moderation rooms to have your work evaluated."

Scion, clutching his electric scooter, headed in the direction of the moderation rooms, his invention drawing curious and sometimes amused glances from his fellow students. It was clear that the scooter was an unconventional choice, but Scion was convinced that it had the potential to change the tide of the upcoming tests.

The room assigned to Scion was filled with students, each displaying their creations with a sense of pride and trepidation. Scion, despite the raised eyebrows and stifled laughter, remained unwavering in his belief that the electric scooter would prove its worth.