Chapter 7: A Test of Strength

The following weeks brought new challenges. The citadel's head mage, Master Thalor, decided it was time for Lysandra to undergo a series of rigorous tests to determine her readiness for more advanced training. These tests were designed not only to measure her magical abilities but also to push her to her physical and mental limits.

The first test took place in the citadel's grand hall, a vast chamber filled with ancient relics and magical artifacts. The hall was dimly lit by torches, their flickering flames casting long shadows on the stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment and the hum of latent magic.

Lysandra sat in her wheelchair, her back straight, her hands resting on the armrests. Alaric stood beside her, his presence a comforting anchor. Master Thalor, a tall, imposing figure with a long white beard and piercing green eyes, approached them.

"Are you ready, Lysandra?" he asked, his voice a deep, resonant baritone.

Lysandra nodded, her expression determined. "Yes, Master Thalor."

The first test involved manipulating raw magical energy. Thalor conjured a series of glowing orbs, each pulsing with a different elemental power. Lysandra's task was to control and merge these orbs into a single, harmonious entity.

She closed her eyes, extending her hands. Slowly, she began to draw the orbs towards her, their energies swirling around her like a vibrant storm. Her brow furrowed with concentration, sweat beading on her forehead. She could feel the distinct characteristics of each element—fire's fierce heat, water's cool fluidity, earth's solid strength, and air's light touch.

The orbs resisted at first, their energies clashing violently. Lysandra's hands trembled as she fought to bring them under control. Alaric watched with bated breath, his fists clenched at his sides. He could see the strain on her face, the sheer effort it took to maintain control.

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the chaotic storm began to calm. The orbs' glow softened, their energies blending together into a single, harmonious sphere. Lysandra's eyes snapped open, the blue light of her magic reflecting in her gaze. With a final, decisive gesture, she merged the orbs completely, the resultant sphere hovering above her hands, radiating a serene, multicolored light.

Master Thalor nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. "Well done, Lysandra. Your control is impressive."

Lysandra exhaled, releasing the sphere and letting it dissipate into the air. She glanced at Alaric, who grinned at her, pride evident in his eyes.

The next test was a trial of endurance and precision. Lysandra was tasked with creating a magical barrier while simultaneously attacking targets that appeared randomly around the hall. It was a test designed to simulate the chaos of battle, requiring split-second decisions and flawless execution.

As the targets began to materialize, Lysandra's wheelchair moved fluidly, guided by her magic. Her hands moved in intricate patterns, casting spells that formed a shimmering shield around her while sending bolts of energy to strike the targets. Alaric watched in awe as she maneuvered effortlessly, her movements precise and calculated.

Despite the intensity of the test, Lysandra remained focused. Her wheelchair, reinforced by Alaric's craftsmanship, responded perfectly to her commands, allowing her to navigate the hall with ease. The targets fell one by one, each struck with pinpoint accuracy. The barrier around her held strong, deflecting incoming attacks with a dazzling display of light and power.

When the last target was destroyed, Lysandra lowered her hands, breathing heavily but smiling triumphantly. Master Thalor approached her, his expression one of approval.

"You have surpassed all expectations, Lysandra," he said. "Your strength, both physical and magical, is extraordinary. You are ready for the next stage of your training."

Lysandra's eyes shone with pride and relief. She had proven to herself and everyone else that her paralysis was not a limitation, but a testament to her resilience and determination.