Towards Mayram

Melch was taking a much needed rest following their grueling training. Melch and Leif began preparing for the next challenge: the long dreaded physical test. For Melch, this test loomed like an unscalable mountain a trial designed to expose his weaknesses. On the other hand, Leif seemed as indifferent as ever his usual carefree demeanor masking any hint of apprehension.

However, Galen was not taking any chances. That evening he instructed Kaiser to gather specific herbs. Kaiser returned with a hefty sack of ingredients from which Galen meticulously prepared into a steaming green herbal bath.

Standing before the bath, Leif's nose crinkled in disgust. "Is this a training regimen or an alchemist's revenge? Smells like something died in there."

"Get in." Galen ordered his tone leaving no room for argument.

Leif raised an eyebrow attempting to stall. "What if I just drink it instead? You know cut out the middleman."

Galen's glare silenced him. With a resigned sigh, Leif dipped a toe in only to shout. "It's boiling! You trying to cook me alive?"

Melch equally reluctant followed suit. The heat was intense, the kind that seemed to seep into their bones. "Are we supposed to survive this?" Melch groaned his voice shaky.

"Yes." Galen replied flatly "and you'll thank me tomorrow. Stay in for half an hour."

Leif snorted. "Half an hour? I'll be soup by then."

The minutes dragged on like hours. After seventeen excruciating minutes, Leif decided enough was enough. "I'm out." he declared starting to climb out of the tub.

Kaiser, who had been silently observing moved swiftly. Placing a firm hand on Leif's head, he unceremoniously pushed him back into the bath. "Stay there." Kaiser said his voice tinged with amusement. "You'll thank me later too."

Melch watched this exchange with a mixture of amusement and despair. He knew there was no escape. With every second, the heat seemed to strip away his energy leaving him feeling utterly drained.

By the time Galen allowed them to leave the bath, both boys were utterly exhausted. The once-vibrant green of the water had faded to a murky lifeless hue, a testament to the impurities drawn from their bodies. Melch staggered to his bed too tired even to speak. Leif, ever the chatterbox managed to mumble "Still alive, Melch? Or should I send for a healer?"

Melch being already half-asleep didn't even bother to respond. Patricia entered the room quietly administering Melch's medicine as he slept. Leif sprawled out on his bed muttered something incoherent before succumbing to exhaustion himself.

Meanwhile, Galen and Kaiser convened in the other room. Galen's expression was grave as he asked, "What's the latest on the academy's preparations?"

Kaiser leaned back in his chair. "The vice-head of the magic department personally oversaw everything. They managed to set up the barriers and logistics in just ten days instead of the usual month as we thought."

Galen's frown deepened. "If the vice-head, the one infamous for his harsh standards is directly involved, this test will be no walk in the park. It's going to be brutal. I need to ensure the young master is ready. He can't afford to falter here."

"You worry too much." Kaiser replied his tone light. "The kid has potential. You've done your part. Let him handle the rest."

Galen didn't respond his thoughts drifting to the challenges ahead. He knew this was Melch's journey but he couldn't shake the responsibility he felt for guiding the boy.

The next morning, the boys awoke to a surprising sensation. Their bodies which had felt like lead the night before now felt light and energized.

"What kind of sorcery was that bath?" Leif asked stretching his arms above his head. "I feel… amazing."

Melch nodded though his usual nervous energy had returned. "I'm ready, I think. But still this test… it's not going to be easy."

As Melch packed his medicine and essentials, Leif lounged nearby making no effort to prepare. "Why bother?" he said lazily. "Victoria personally invited me. I could skip the whole thing and still get in."

"You're impossible." Melch muttered shaking his head.

Just then, Galen entered the room dragging a massive bag behind him. He dropped it in front of Leif with a loud thud. "This is for you."

Leif stared at the bag, his eyes wide. "What is this? A portable house?"

"It's everything you'll need for the physical exam." Galen replied. "Food, supplies, survival tools. You'll carry it yourself."

"Carry it?" Leif echoed his tone unbelieving. "This thing is bigger than I am! All that's missing are a carriage and a butler."

Patricia overhearing the exchange chuckled. "Well, you'll have to make do without the butler and remember to find water as soon as the test begins. Don't wander aimlessly at night."

Leif groaned as he struggled to lift the bag. Kaiser stepped in to help hoisting it onto the carriage. Before leaving, Kaiser placed a hand on Leif's shoulder his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Take care of Melch out there, Leif. He's counting on you whether he says it or not."

Leif blinked momentarily taken aback by Kaiser's tone. Then with a grin, he saluted. "Don't worry, old man. I'll babysit him as usual."

Arriving at Theoder Academy, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Students bustled about some looking confident, others visibly anxious. The instructors directed them toward the teleportation gate that would transport them to the Mayram Mountain Base, the starting point of the physical test. The students had a day's grace period to reach the base, during which they could prepare themselves for the grueling challenge ahead.

As the gate activated, a low hum resonated through the air accompanied by shimmering waves of blue light. Stepping through the portal felt like being squeezed through a narrow tube. Melch stumbled as he emerged on the other side, his head spinning and his stomach churning.

"I think I'm going to be sick." he muttered clutching his abdomen.

Beside him, Leif staggered out his face pale. "That… was not fun. Whoever designed this thing needs a serious lesson in comfort."

Several students nearby were similarly affected some leaning on trees or sitting down to recover. A faint magical residue lingered in the air, a testament to the portal's immense power.

Melch took a deep breath forcing himself to steady. When he finally looked up the sight before him stole his breath. The Mayram Mountains rose majestically, their snow-capped peaks gleaming under the twin suns. The air was crisp and cool, carrying a sense of adventure and danger.

Leif appeared beside him dropping his massive bag with an exaggerated groan. "So this is it, huh? A mountain, some trees and a lot of walking. Remind me again why we're doing this?"

Melch didn't answer his gaze fixed on the towering peaks. For the first time, he felt a spark of excitement mingled with his nerves. This wasn't just a test it was an opportunity.

Leif, noticing Melch's silence nudged him lightly. "Don't get too serious on me now. We'll survive this. Probably."

A small smile tugged at Melch's lips. Leif's carefree attitude, while sometimes irritating had a way of breaking the tension. Together, they adjusted their gear and prepared to take their first steps into the unknown.

"Alright, Mayram Mountains." Leif said smirking. "Let's see what you've got for now before the exam officially starts."

As the two boys moved forward, the mountains loomed ahead promising challenges that would test not just their strength but their resilience and spirit.