Chapter 31. The first trial.

Gavin's alarm on his phone went off early the next morning. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he sat up on his bed, the blankets falling back. He was physically and emotionally exhausted after the past twenty-four hours. He did not expect to get into a fight multiple times with the same guy, and found out the principal of his academy was his grandfather. Crazy small world, he thought as he rubbed his face and swung his legs over the bed before he stood up. He grabbed a change of clothes and went into the shower to get cleaned up for the big day of trials and testing today. He finished his shower and put the arm band back on his left bicep.

As he walked out of the bedroom, Jackson was sitting on the couch scrolling through his phone. He looked up and smiled at his roommate. "Morning sleepy head," Jackson said as he nodded in Gavin's direction. 

Gavin yawned as he walked into the kitchen. "Morning, dude," he replied as he pulled out a container of ground coffee and set about making a pot of coffee before they went to take part in the ranking trials and tests. He'd feel alot better if he just had some coffee in his system. 

After he made his cup of coffee and took a few appreciative sips, he felt ready to take on the day and wreck everyone that got in his way. "I wonder exactly what these tests are going to be," Gavin said out loud as he took his cup and sat on the couch next to Jackson. They had about an hour left until they had to be in the auditorium for the first part of the testing. 

Jackson leaned his head back against the couch and looked at Gavin thoughtfully. "No clue. But, I bet it will be in several different parts. Like different stages that will ultimately determine our overall rank and scores," Jackson said as he thought about the matter. In truth, he had no clue and was just taking a guess. 

Gavin gave Jackson a sheepish grin as he considered something. "It's going to be hilarious if there is a combat section of the trials and I get paired off against Bradley."

Jackson laughed at the evil glint in Gavin's eyes. "Dude, you already made him wet himself yesterday. I don't think another battle against you is good for his mental health," Jackson said with a grin. He was joking around, but he remembered the horrible sight from the day before. Gavin, fully transformed, had Bradley by his throat and there was nothing the other boy could do against Gavin's fury in the hallway. He was lucky Gavin didn't kill him then and there. 

"Well, either way let's get going to the arena and see what fresh hell awaits us." Gavin said as he stood up, and finished his coffee before he sat his cup on the counter. Jackson got up, stretched his arms above his head and sighed. 

"Yeah alright man," Jackson said as he followed Gavin out the door and locked it behind them. 

There was a steady stream of students making their way into the arena as they arrived. All of them were fellow first year students here to take that ranking assessment test. Gavin wasn't sure how many students had to take this assessment test today, but he had a feeling it was going to be a long day. A long, boring day. 

The boys joined the procession into the arena. They eventually went through the hallway and entered the grand arena itself where the principal gave his welcome speech the day before. They found their chairs and waited as the rest of the students filled in. At exactly eight a.m. the lights dimmed down, and a spotlight lit up the center of the arena floor where the podium was from the day before. Principal Shepard walked out from the side and approached the podium.

"Good morning, all you fresh first year students. Today we will test you in a few different ways to determine your capability, versatility, and potential skills with magic." Principal Shepard began by welcoming all the students that were gathered around the arena. Gavin noticed that on the floor of the arena there were a few dozen tables and stands at equal distance from each other with signs posted above them corresponding with the alphabet. 

"As some of you may have noticed, there are twenty-six tables scattered around the arena. Each table corresponds with a letter of the alphabet. When I am done speaking, you will all come down and find the table and teacher assigned to the letter of your last name." Principal Shepard explained clearely. 

"Once you arrive at your table, there are six magical crystals spread out on each table. You will take turns holding each crystal in your hands and pouring your mana into them. If the crystal lights up with a runic symbol, then you have an affinity for that magical element. Congratulations." Principal Shepard continued as a holographic display appeared in the air above him, showing the six different colored crystals, each about the size of a small cantaloupe. 

"There are a total of six different colored crystals. Red for fire. Blue for water. Brown for earth. Green for air. Black for darkness, and white for light magic. These six crystals will react to the mana that is poured inside them and a runic symbol will appear on the surface of the crystal if you are capable of learning that magical element," Principal Shepard said as he held up a fire crystal, and it glowed faintly as a runic symbol appeared on the surface of the crystal in his hands. 

A broad smile appeared on Gavin's face as he considered how everyone would react when he revealed his little secret.

"Most of humanity is only able to connect with one elemental magic. Less than thirty percent of magi can use two or more elements. Less than ten percent of humanity can use three elements. So on and so forth it goes. So do not be disheartened by the amount of elemental magic you are able to connect with and wield. For that does not determine the true strength of a Magi. The true strength of a Magi comes from their skills, creativity, and use of their manaflow to utilize their magical elements in the best way they can," Principal Shepard announced to everyone. 

The students around Gavin and Jackson were all excited as they talked among themselves. The conversations Gavin could hear were a mix of wonder at how many elements, and which elements they could all commune with and use. Gavin remained quiet as he knew just how much this was about to make him stand out even more in the academy. The only downside, apparently, that comes from the royal bloodline he shared with his grandfather. 

Jackson was excited as he chatted away with a blue-haired girl to his right. By the familiar scent, Gavin was sure she was the one that left the dorm room when he came back the night before. There was something odd about Jackson's new friend that Gavin couldn't put his finger on. He decided he would just keep an eye on the girl for now until he understood what was going on with her. 

Jackson turned and noticed the look on Gavin's face. "Hey man, this is Helena," Jackson introduced them. "Helena, this is my roommate Gavin," he said to the girl as he turned to face her. 

"Yeah, we met last night," Gavin said as he offered his hand in greeting. 

A slight blush crept over her cheeks as she shook Gavin's hand. "Yeah, nice to meet you officially," she said softly as she looked at Gavin. The last thing she expected was to run into Jackson's roommate after a quick visit with Jackson last night. 

Before Gavin could say anything more, the lights brightened back up and Principal Shepard spoke again, "Now students, please make your way to the table that has your assigned letter. The staff there will instruct you on how to proceed further." 

The three of them walked with the students down the steps of the arena towards the first floor. Jackson left the group and headed to the table for the letter S, while Gavin and Helena headed over to the table with the letter J. 

Gavin looked at Helena surprised. "My last name is Jeagar," she said in answer to his unspoken question. 

Gavin nodded but didn't say anything as a thin old woman stood up from the table to great the crowd of students that had gathered around her table. 

She was an older woman with long gray hair that was pulled back into a tight bun on her head. She had a stern expression on her face that gave Gavin the impression she didn't laugh or joke around much. "Greetings everyone. I am Professor Rose," she said in her introduction to everyone. 

"Now this part of the test is very simple. You will each take turns picking up all six of these crystals. You will then focus on building up your inner manaflow and pour some into each of the crystals. If they light up with a runic symbol, congratulations, you are able to use that particular element," she said in a short explanation. 

Helena stepped forward, her body brimming with excitement as she was almost bouncing out of her shoes. "My name is Helena Jeagar ma'am. I'd like to go first," she said as she gave her name. 

Professor Rose nodded as she checked Helena's name off a tablet she carried next to her. "Alright then, if you understand how to complete the test, feel free to go first," she said in response. 

Helena grinned as she stepped up to the table and took the first crystal in her hand. She held the blue crystal tight in both of her hands as she focused on her inner manaflow. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she closed her eyes and poured some of her mana into the crystal. Almost immediately, the crystal glowed softly as a runic symbol appeared on the surface. She cheered in excitement as she realized she was able to learn water magic. 

She continued through the rest of the crystals and the end result was that she is able to learn water, fire and earth elemental magics. The professor was pleasantly surprised. "Congratulations, Miss Jaegar. You are capable of learning three of the six elemental magics. That is quite a rare feat indeed," Professor Rose said as Helena jumped with joy. 

"Nice job Helena," Gavin congratulated her as he stepped up, ready to show off a bit of his skills. He noticed that Principal Shepard was nearby keeping an eye on his table as he stepped up. 

"My name is Gavin Johnson ma'am. I would like to go next," Gavin said in an introduction as he stepped up to the table. 

She marked his name off the tablet as she nodded. "Very well proceed," she said in response. 

Gavin closed his eyes as he picked up the first crystal, the red one. He focused his mana easily and poured it into the crystal. It naturally lit up with the red runic symbol as he poured the mana flowed into it. Gavin then took turns repeating the process through each of the crystals to the stunned reaction of everyone around him. 

"That cant be possible," Helena said in shock. "There hasn't been anyone capable of learning all six elemental magics in centuries."

The professor shook her head. Her eyes were wide in stupification as she witnessed this young student being capable of communing with all six elemental magics. "Something must be wrong. Please follow me," she said to Gavin as she led the way over to another table and asked to borrow the crystals there. There had to be something wrong with the set at her own table, she thought to herself. This can't be possible. 

Gavin went along with the extra request. He figured there would be some kind of denial reaction for his abilities and would have to show off in detail that he was capable of learning and using all six elemental magics. He closed his eyes as he picked up the first of the crystals and poured his mana into it. It glowed and lit up with the runic symbol. He once again went through the remaining ones and all of them lit up in response to Gavin's mana. 

Principal Shepard walked over as he seemed to notice the commotion and asked. "What is the problem here Professor Rose?" he asked gently. There was a glint of mischief in his eyes as he glanced between the professor and his grandson. 

Professor Rose cleared her throat as she pointed to Gavin. "This boy it seems, is able to commune with all six elemental magics, sir. It's absolutely unheard of," Professor Rose announced loudly. Her tone seemed to have drawn the attention of everyone nearby as they noticed the commotion. Her words caused a wave of gossip and commotion to go through the crowd of students. 

"Well then. This is a monumentous occasion. There hasn't been a Magi with that capability in a long, long time," Principal Shepard said calmly as he looked at his grandson. He had a feeling Gavin would be capable of this with his royal bloodline. Principal Shepard himself was capable of the same thing. He just never showed anyone his full capabilities to avoid standing out. He chuckled to himself as he imagined the future his grandson was going to have now that little secret was out in the open. 

Before anyone else could respond, an explosion sounded off nearby as the walls of the massive arena shook violently and dust fell from the ceiling in response. Someone was attacking the academy.