Chapter 7. The Qualification Test

Several weeks later, on a sunny day, the central square of the city was abuzz with excitement and activity. Young graduates, their parents, friends, and even curious townsfolk had gathered around a stage, encircling a newly erected wooden room said to play a key role in the upcoming event.

Arthur stood among the crowd, experiencing mixed emotions. On the one hand, he had been eagerly anticipating this day with excitement. On the other, he felt an unusual inner calm. His years of knightly training at school had taught him composure, and now he was ready for any challenge.

Children of the appropriate age were arranged into groups. Some whispered to each other, discussing rumors about the testing process, while others stood silently, staring at the mysterious wooden room. Anna, as always, stood beside Arthur, her gaze a mix of nervousness and determination.

The city mayor, a tall man in a formal dark green suit, ascended the stage. His voice was loud and clear, capturing everyone's attention:

"Dear citizens of our city, today we gather for an important event. As you know, every year, wizards assess the magical potential of young citizens. Today, a wizard has been appointed to conduct this test. According to the rules, only children of the appropriate age and their parents are allowed to remain in the square. All others must leave this area."

The crowd murmured, but Arthur listened attentively. The mayor continued:

"Remember, this is only the beginning of your journey. Even if you do not pass this test, it does not mean your dreams are over. Everyone has their own purpose in this world."

With these words, he left the stage, leaving the children to await the wizard's arrival. The waiting dragged on. People began speculating about what the wizard might be like. Some said he would be an old man with a long beard, while others claimed he would arrive accompanied by magical creatures.

Arthur pondered what might lie behind this test. Deep inside, he felt a strange certainty, as if he already knew how it would unfold. He couldn't explain this feeling, but it gave him peace.

Hours later, a deafening hum broke the silence, and all eyes turned upward. A dazzling orb of light rapidly approached from the sky. Before the astonished spectators, it transformed into a giant white bird, seemingly woven from flames. But this lasted only a moment. The bird's form blurred and shifted until it became a human figure. It was clear to everyone—the wizard had arrived.

Elric Sturdust stood on the stage, his piercing amber eyes scanning the gathered children and their parents. His arrival as a white bird left an indelible impression, but the wizard himself appeared completely at ease. He casually brushed invisible dust off his robes and began to speak.

"Dear children," he said, gesturing with his hands, "today you have the chance to change your lives. But remember, even if you do not become a wizard, it is no reason for disappointment. You are still unique and talented, for magic is not all that defines greatness. It is simply our path to seeking truth. There are many other paths."

His voice was loud yet gentle, carrying a magical quality that seemed to embrace each listener. He explained that the test would involve stimulation of the spiritual realm, and one by one, the children would enter the wooden room.

The first to enter were the children of influential city families. Elric called each child from the list with a touch of irony, but his tone remained warm and encouraging. Parents waited outside, holding their breath. Occasionally, flashes of bright light would escape from the room, signaling an attempt to open the spiritual world.

Each time a child emerged with shining eyes and a look of wonder, the crowd responded with applause. However, there were also those who exited silently, their heads bowed. Elric would reassuringly pat them on the shoulder and say:

"Don't worry, little one. Magic has its whims; it doesn't determine your worth."

Finally, it was Arthur's turn. He stepped forward, his heart pounding faster with each step. Glancing at the crowd, he met his parents' eyes. Their faces were calm, but their eyes betrayed a hidden worry.

Inside the wooden room, Arthur felt the air around him become charged with energy. On the floor was an intricate magical circle glowing faintly. Elric watched him intently from the doorway.

"Step into the center of the circle and relax," the wizard instructed.

As Arthur stepped into the circle, he felt a strange warmth spreading through his body. Then came a surge of energy, and everything around him disappeared. He found himself in a void.

Before his eyes, a strange landscape began to take shape. He stood on a floating island in the sky, surrounded by thick pink clouds resembling cotton candy. A soft, warm light enveloped the island, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.

In the center of the island stood an elegant tower made of white stone, adorned with intricate patterns. A gentle breeze, carrying the sweet scent of unknown flowers, brushed against his skin, accompanied by faint, melodic chimes.

The island felt both cozy and mysterious. Arthur was certain that something greater lay hidden beyond the pink clouds, but he couldn't see through them.

As the vision began to fade, Arthur opened his eyes to find Elric watching him with genuine interest, his expression focused.

"Interesting," Elric muttered, then clapped Arthur on the shoulder. "Well done, young man. Welcome to the world of wizards."

When Arthur exited the room, his face was calm, but his eyes shone with emotion. The crowd buzzed, and his parents rushed to embrace and congratulate him. Though Tom maintained a reserved demeanor, his pride was evident. Martha couldn't hold back her tears of joy.

Arthur glanced at Anna, who stood nearby. She smiled at him, showing her happiness for his success.

Once all the children had completed the test, Elric returned to the stage and announced:

"Today, many of you have opened the door to the world of magic. But remember, this is only the beginning of your journey. You will now train to unlock your potential. This path is not for the faint-hearted. Be prepared for hard work, patience, and overcoming challenges."

When the results were announced, joy and pride filled the hearts of those whose children were among the five who passed. Standing with his parents, Arthur felt a mix of happiness and anticipation. His excitement grew when he saw that Anna was also among those who had passed. This reassured him that he would have someone to share this new journey with.

Elric gave the children half an hour to say goodbye to their families. The moment was touching and filled with emotion. Arthur's mother held him tightly, giving him countless words of advice, while his father simply placed a hand on his shoulder, his gaze full of pride and hope. Arthur promised to do his best and return strong and worthy.

Anna, meanwhile, was also saying a tearful goodbye to her mother. She looked uncertain, but a shared glance with Arthur was enough to convey that they would support each other in this new chapter.

When the time was up, the children gathered around Elric. The wizard scanned them with his piercing gaze before unexpectedly transforming. His figure shifted and blurred until he became a giant white bird, blazing with bright white flames. The children were awestruck.

"Climb onto my back," his altered voice called.

Hesitant at first, the children followed Arthur's lead. The giant bird was surprisingly comfortable, and its white flames were warm but not scorching. Once everyone was seated, the bird spread its powerful wings and soared into the sky.

The flight was brief but mesmerizing. For the first time in his life, Arthur felt truly free, as if he were a part of the heavens. The wind played with his hair, and below stretched endless forests, rivers, and mountains.

Before long, a massive airship hidden among the clouds came into view. Elric landed gracefully on its deck, and the children cautiously climbed off his back. Once the last child had dismounted, Elric returned to his human form, adjusted his bright robe, and smiled.

"Welcome to your first step into the world of magic."

The airship was enormous, its golden hull adorned with intricate carvings that glowed softly. Tiny magical orbs floated around it like little stars. The deck featured comfortable seating and transparent screens along the sides, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding world.

The children were in awe, exploring this marvelous vessel. Elric led them inside, where they were greeted by several older students—apprentices recruited from other cities.

Each child was assigned a small cabin with minimal but cozy accommodations. Arthur was surprised by how comfortable it was: a bed with a soft mattress, a shelf for books, and even a small window with a view.

Elric strongly encouraged the children to use the journey for self-study and preparation. Each was given a personal copy of a book containing basic runes and practical meditation exercises. Written in simple language and tailored for beginners, the book explained the fundamental principles of magic, the structure of the spiritual realm, and the role of runes in a wizard's development.