The Measure of Potential

The carriage rattled down the busy streets of Rakllan, the capital of the Viria Dukedom. Towering spires and grand architecture spoke volumes about the city's rich history and wealth. Silent, John was taken aback by the scale of the capital, while Leif slouched lazily against the window, his cheek resting on his hand watching the streets slip by.

"So, this is Rakllan." he remarked his tone dripping with feigned awe. "Look at all those people, all running around like ants. It's almost like they have something important to do. Unlike us."

Melch smirked but said nothing, his mind already filled with thoughts of the upcoming entrance exams to Theoder Academy. Despite his best efforts, he still couldn't feel any trace of mana within himself. The frustration gnawed at him but he resolved to keep trying.

The carriage pulled up to the gates of Theoder Academy. Even from a distance, the academy loomed large with its towering walls and intricate carvings exuding an air of authority and grandeur. Kaiser, their carriage driver hopped down and opened the door for them.

"Here we are." Kaiser said tipping his hat. "The academy gates. Let's see if there's any news about the exams.

Galen, ever the pragmatist stepped forward to speak with one of the academy staff stationed at the gates. After a brief conversation, he returned to the group with an update.

"The entrance exams begin in two days" Galen said. "The first test is the magic affinity exam which will run for seven days to accommodate all the applicants. It's going to be crowded."

"Crowded?" Leif groaned. "Fantastic. Now I just love being crammed into a mob of sweaty strangers, all fighting for a chance to prove how special they are."

Patricia shot Leif a warning look but Galen simply ignored the comment and continued. "We'll stay at an inn for now. The exams will take over a month to complete so we'll need a base in here."

The group made their way to the inn where they settled in for the long stay. John spent the days leading up to the exam trying and failing to sense mana. Leif, on the other hand alternated between lounging and making sarcastic observations about Rakllan's hustle and bustle.

One evening, as they sat around the inn's common room Kaiser approached Galen with a serious expression and signaled to come outside.

"I've been thinking about the physical exam" Kaiser said. "If the young master doesn't pass the magic affinity test, we'll need to make sure he can succeed in the physical portion. I've already begun to pull some strings."

Galen's brow furrowed. "You're not the only one thinking that way. Others will be doing the same. But let's not make any decisions until we see how he performs in the first test."

Kaiser nodded but remained silent clearly unconvinced. As the conversation wrapped up, Leif chimed in from a corner.

"Oh, don't worry about me. I'm sure my natural talent will carry me through" he said, grinning. "As for the young master. Well, he can always charm his way past the judges. That's a skill, right?"

Galen shouted "Leif…". Leif went to Melch and sat together with him.

The day of the examinations finally arrived, and the gates of the Theoder Academy were wide open. A massive crowd surged forward eager to register and secure their spot. The shouts of the academy's staff were hard to hear from among the noise of the crowd.

"Well, this is a disaster waiting to happen" Leif said, enjoying the scene. "Who knew mages to be so pushy?"

As the crowd pressed closer, a young man with grayish hair and glasses stepped forward. He wore the blue uniform of Theoder Academy and raised his hands to silence the crowd.

"Everyone, listen up!" he called out. "My name is Math and I'm a second-year student here. I'll be coordinating the magic affinity test. If anyone causes trouble by pushing or rushing, you'll be kicked out and receive negative scores. So behave."

The crowd murmured but slowly settled down. Shortly after, a woman with a commanding presence stepped forward. Her sharp eyes scanned the crowd and she introduced herself as Victoria, a lecturer in the water element on the magic department.

"You will all receive a badge" she announced. "When your badge number is called, you will proceed to the examination room. You must also declare the day you intend to take the test. Choose wisely, as the schedule is tight."

John observed the process in interest. "With this many people, they could streamline the test with more powerful mages. It doesn't make sense to drag it out like this."

"Ah, the wonders of bureaucracy." Leif muttered with a smirk. "Leave it to the magical elite to take something as simple as a test and make it complicated.

Waves of applicants took the test throughout the day. Many came out of the examination rooms looking like their dreams had been crushed. The ruthlessness of the test became apparent as it spread by word of mouth that only a small percentage of applicants had even an average affinity for magic. Those with no affinity would have to rely wholly on the other exams to get in.

A few students came out from time to time, confident with their results that attracted the academy lecturer's attention. Only two of them stood out and they were Elissa, a girl with long black hair and Edwin, a well-trained boy with fiery red hair. Such enormous affinities gave them the opportunity to have Victoria's personal attention, asking them what their future plans are.

Elissa wanted to be a mage and Edwin, proud of being the lineage of a knight said that he would enter the warrior department. At which Leif couldn't help but say something sarcastic.

"Well, isn't that noble?" he said, giving a mock bow. "Another knight in shining armor to grace us with his presence. Truly, we are blessed."

Edwin's eyes narrowed as he turned to Leif, clearly annoyed. "Do you have something to say?"

Leif raised his hands in mock surrender. "Nothing at all. Just admiring your… confidence."

Melch sighed, pulling Leif away before the situation could escalate. "Do you always have to antagonize people?"

"It's a gift." Leif replied with a grin. "One I intend to share with the world.

By evening, Melch and Leif had received their badge and registered to take their tests on the third day. The two felt like they needed to spend the next day preparing. Melch spent all day indoors working laboriously over an elixir to increase mana sensitivity. Even If he could sense mana even faintly, it might give him a chance to pass the affinity test.

Whereas Leif used the chance to wander around the city savoring his brief taste of freedom. "You know." he said when he came back to the inn "if this whole magic thing doesn't work out you could always set up shop as an apothecary. 'Melch's Marvelous Mixtures' has a nice ring to it."

John ignored him focusing on perfecting the elixir. The next day passed in relative quiet and soon it was time for Melch's test.

When Melch's badge number was called he stepped into the magic affinity measuring room. The atmosphere was tense and the air seemed charged with energy. In the center of the room several white glowing orbs floated their faint hum filling the silence.

With his heart pounding, Melch took a deep breath as he steeled himself for the first of many trials at Theoder Academy.