Chapter 3: The Trials Begin

The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden patches across the village square. Axton lingered near the edge of the crowd, his hands tucked into his worn jacket. The square was bustling with activity—parents whispering words of encouragement, children nervously fidgeting, and the academy's looming presence casting a heavy shadow over the villagers.

The academy representatives stood in the center, their dark robes flowing lightly in the breeze. They carried an air of authority that demanded attention. Axton's stomach churned as he eyed them. They were nothing like the villagers—tall, intimidating, and entirely focused on their mission. One of them, a man with sharp, angular features and piercing eyes, raised a hand to silence the crowd.

"Today," the sharp-featured man began, his voice carrying effortlessly over the gathered crowd, "we will test the candidates of this village for their potential to join the academy. Each trial will assess one of four essential qualities: strength, agility, elemental power, and mental fortitude. These qualities are the foundation of what it means to wield your abilities and grow beyond your limits."

The murmurs in the crowd died down completely. Axton felt his heart thudding in his chest as the man continued.

"We do not seek perfection," the man said, his gaze sweeping over the candidates, pausing briefly on each one. "We seek resilience, adaptability, and untapped potential. Do not concern yourself with failure, only with how you face the challenges ahead."

His words were meant to inspire, but Axton felt more out of place than ever. Resilience? Adaptability? How could he show any of that when he had no power to speak of?

Elias nudged him with an elbow, a grin spreading across his face. "You hear that? This is our chance, Axton. They're not looking for the obvious stuff. It's more than just showing off."

Axton nodded weakly. Elias had always been optimistic—too optimistic. He didn't know what it felt like to be invisible, to be the one no one noticed, no matter how hard he tried.

One of the representatives, a shorter woman with silver streaks in her dark hair, stepped forward with a scroll in hand. "We will call you forward in small groups to begin the trials. First, we test strength. Candidates, prepare yourselves."

The crowd shifted as a wooden platform was unveiled at the far end of the square. On it stood a massive stone obelisk covered in glowing runes. The villagers gasped softly; the obelisk was a relic of ancient magic, designed to measure the raw force of a strike. The glowing runes would light up with varying intensity depending on the strength of the blow.

Elias let out a low whistle. "That looks… intimidating."

"Looks impossible," Axton muttered under his breath.

The first group of candidates was called forward, and Axton watched intently. One by one, they stepped up to the obelisk. A boy with earth abilities stomped the ground, sending a shockwave into the obelisk. Three runes lit up, earning a murmur of approval from the crowd. A girl followed, summoning a gust of wind that struck the obelisk like a hammer. Four runes glowed brightly.

Then there was Gavin, the village's golden boy. With a grin, he stepped forward, drawing fire into his fists. He let out a ferocious yell as he punched the obelisk, flames exploding outward. Five runes lit up instantly, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Elias leaned closer to Axton, his voice low. "Bet you Gavin's already picturing himself at the academy."

"Probably," Axton replied, though his tone lacked the humor Elias was going for. Gavin wasn't just picturing it—he was almost guaranteed a spot.

Finally, Elias was called. He squared his shoulders and strode forward, his confidence palpable. Axton watched as his friend clenched his fists, summoning fire just like Gavin. Elias struck the obelisk with a precision and force that sent a crackling sound through the air. Four runes lit up, bright and vibrant.

The representatives nodded approvingly, making notes on their scrolls. Elias turned and shot Axton a grin as he rejoined the crowd. "Not bad, right?"

"Not bad," Axton agreed, though the knot in his stomach tightened.

"Next," the silver-haired woman called, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Axton Backwoods."

Axton froze. His name sounded foreign in her commanding voice, and for a moment, he wished he could disappear into the crowd. But all eyes were on him now, and Elias gave him an encouraging shove.

"Go on," Elias said. "Show them something."

Axton's legs felt like lead as he walked toward the platform. He stood before the obelisk, staring up at the glowing runes. His hands itched at his sides. What was he supposed to do? He had no fire, no earth, no wind to summon. He wasn't like the others.

"Whenever you're ready," the representative said, her tone neutral.

Axton raised his fist, hesitated, then brought it down against the obelisk with all the strength he could muster. There was a dull thud, but no runes lit up.

A hushed silence fell over the crowd.

Axton stared at the obelisk, his chest tightening. He hit it again, harder this time, but still, nothing happened. No light. No reaction. Just silence.

He stepped back, his face burning with humiliation.

"Thank you," the representative said, her tone giving nothing away. She scribbled something on her scroll before calling the next name.

Axton returned to the crowd, his head low. He felt Elias's hand on his shoulder, but he couldn't bring himself to meet his friend's eyes.

"Hey," Elias said softly. "It's just the first test. There are more chances to show them what you've got."

Axton didn't respond. All he wanted was to disappear.