Bonds and Beginnings

Leif wandered aimlessly around the Mayram Mountain Base with his curiosity piqued by its towering peaks and dense forest just beyond the camp's borders. "What's the point of calling this a base if you can't explore anything?" he muttered under his breath kicking a stray pebble.

A stern looking instructor noticed him and pointed him to go back towards the base entrance. "Back to camp, boy. No wandering past the boundaries until the exam starts."

Leif sighed dramatically and went back with his excitement visibly deflated. "What's the point of having mountains if we're not allowed to climb them?" he grumbled while rejoining Melch.

"You're going to need that energy tomorrow." Melch replied not even looking up as he adjusted the straps on his bag.

Leif perked up. "Oh, so now you're saying I'm conserving energy. Good thinking!"

They walked toward the base camp with a curious event unfolding in there. What initially appeared to be an open field of dirt and rocks suddenly began to change. The ground rumbled faintly and intricate glowing patterns of runes appeared in the earth. Columns of stone and wood shot upward as if summoned by an unseen force. Walls seamlessly formed followed by rooftops, windows, and doors. Within moments, a fully constructed building stood before them.

A deep voice echoed in their minds, clear and commanding. "Each group of four will take a room in the newly formed building. Food will be provided for one day until the exam begins. Use this time wisely."

Melch rubbed his temples slightly disoriented. "Mental projection magic. The caster must have a massive mana pool to reach everyone at once."

Leif's eyes sparkled. "Forget the caster did you see that building? I mean, who just raises a house from the ground like it's nothing? That's insane!"

Melch couldn't deny it. The magic was impressive, a clear sign of the academy's resources and the expertise of those running the exam. He recalled tales of the Earth Magic Tower when he visited the library in Rakllan, a force so skilled in manipulating terrain that entire fortresses could be constructed in mere hours. If the academy could field similar talents, it was no wonder they had such a reputation.

Once the building was ready, the boys entered to find their assigned room. It was simple but functional with four beds, a small table and a single lantern glowing with enchanted light. Two other boys were already inside in the room they went and they introduced themselves.

"Paul Everen." one said with a confident smile. He had neatly combed dark hair, sharp green eyes and a refined air that hinted at wealth. "Merchant family from Begnes territory."

The other boy gave a quick nod. "Alex. Just Alex." he said his voice quiet but steady. His plain clothes and no-nonsense demeanor marked him as a commoner though he didn't seem fazed by the presence of Paul or anyone else. "From Velot."

"Melch." he replied nodding to both of them.

"And I'm Leif." his companion said with a dramatic flourish slinging his bag onto the nearest bed. "No last name. No titles. Just raw talent and charm."

Paul chuckled. "Charmed, I'm sure."

Alex shook his head with a small smile tugging at his lips. "This is going to be an interesting group."

After settling in, the group decided to have their meal together. The academy provided a simple but hearty spread stew, bread and some fruits. Over dinner, the conversation turned to their backgrounds.

"So, Paul." Leif began leaning forward with mock seriousness, "what's it like living as a merchant prince?"

Paul laughed unbothered by the jab. "Hardly a prince. But our family does well. We specialize in goods from beyond the ocean usually demonic beast parts, rare herbs from isolated islands things like that."

Melch's interest piqued. "Herbs from the outer sea? Those must be incredibly potent if they grow in areas with high demonic activity."

Paul nodded. "Exactly. The danger makes them rare and rarity makes them valuable. But you have to have the right connections to get them."

Melch filed that information away. His recent immersion in medicine and herbal studies had given him a deep appreciation for rare ingredients. Visiting those islands someday suddenly felt like a worthwhile goal.

"Melch." Paul said curiosity in his tone, "I noticed you've been carrying medicine with you. Are you a healer or something?"

"Not exactly." Melch replied hesitantly. "I have Valkora."

Both Paul and Alex went silent for a moment with their expressions shifting to pity. Valkora was a debilitating condition and Melch's survival alone spoke volumes about his determination.

Breaking the tension, Leif leaned back with a grin. "Don't pity him too much. Melch is tougher than he looks. Though to be fair, I do carry the team when it comes to charm and good looks."

Alex chuckled softly, while Paul shook his head smirking. "You're a piece of work, Leif."

The lighthearted banter continued and soon the room was filled with laughter. It was the third time in the week that Melch felt truly at ease. For a brief moment, he forgot about the challenges ahead.

Before they went to sleep, the group made a pact. "If any of us cross paths during the physical test, we'll help each other out." Paul suggested.

"Agreed." Alex said simply.

"Sounds good to me." Melch added.

Leif gave an exaggerated yawn. "Fine, fine. I guess I'll protect you all if I have to."

The next morning, the base camp was bustling. Overnight, more students had arrived and the energy in the air could be felt. After breakfast, the mysterious voice once again returned while resonating in their minds.

"The time has come. The buildings will be dismissed and the exam will begin. Proceed to the teleportation circle at the center of the base."

The group gathered at the center as instructed while watching the stone structure that had housed them sank seamlessly back into the ground. The intricate teleportation circle glowed brightly, humming with raw magical energy.

"Now that's some serious magic." Alex murmured with his usual silence giving way to awe.

Paul nodded. "The runes are complex probably spatial magic mixed with stabilizing wards. This isn't something just anyone can cast."

Meanwhile, Leif poked at the glowing circle with his foot. "You think it's safe? I mean, what if it teleports us into a volcano or something?"

"Stop messing around." Melch said pulling him back.

One by one, the students stepped into the circle. When Melch's turn came, he felt a wave of disorientation as the magic enveloped him. The sensation was like how he had expreienced previously with its same twisting pull, as if the air itself were spinning him in every direction. His stomach churned and for a moment, he thought he might vomit.

When the dizziness subsided, Melch found himself standing in the middle of a dense forest. The air was cool and the sounds of distant wildlife filled the silence. He looked around but there was no sign of his companions.

Leif appeared moments later, stumbling and clutching his stomach. "Ugh, I think I should have eaten more of my breakfast back at the base camp." he groaned.

Melch couldn't help but smile. "I'll survive. Now let's get moving."

Before they parted ways, Leif gave him a rare serious look. "Don't get yourself killed out here, alright? I'll find you if I can."

"Same to you." Melch replied.

As Leif walked slowly, Melch felt a strange mix of emotions relief at being alone for the first time in weeks but also a pang of loneliness. He tightened his grip on his bag and steeled himself. The test had begun.

With determination in his heart, Melch took his first step into the Mayram Mountains.