The morning of the entrance exam dawned bright and clear, the sun casting a golden glow over the cobblestone streets of the capital. I stood at the edge of the bustling marketplace, my focus pendant resting against my chest, its faint glow a constant reminder of the magic within me. Today was the day I would take the first step toward my future at the Aetherium Academy.

  Eldrin had given me a list of books I would need for my studies, and I was determined to acquire them before heading to the academy. The marketplace was alive with activity, merchants calling out their wares, and the air filled with the scent of fresh bread and exotic spices. I weaved through the crowd, my small stature making it easy to navigate the throngs of people.

  The first stop was a small bookshop tucked away in a quiet corner of the marketplace. The sign above the door read Marlim’s Arcane Repository, and the windows were filled with stacks of books, their spines worn and weathered. I pushed open the door, a bell jingling softly as I stepped inside.

  The shop was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of parchment and ink. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books of every size and color. A wizened old man sat behind the counter, his nose buried in a thick tome. He looked up as I approached, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

  “Good morning, young mage,” he said, his voice raspy but warm. “What can I do for you today?”

  I handed him the list Eldrin had given me. “I need these books for the Aetherium Academy.”

  The old man adjusted his glasses and scanned the list. “Ah, the essentials. Let’s see… Marlim’s Fundamentals of Abjuration, Callis’ Guide to Conjuration, The Summoner’s Primer, and a few others. You’re starting early, aren’t you?”

  I nodded. “I’m taking the entrance exam today.”

  The old man chuckled. “Ambitious, I like that. Wait here, I’ll gather your books.”

  He disappeared into the maze of shelves, returning a few minutes later with a stack of books in his arms. He placed them on the counter, and I ran my fingers over the covers, feeling the faint hum of magical energy emanating from them.

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  “That’ll be ten silver coins,” the old man said.

  I handed him the coins, and he placed the books in a sturdy satchel. “Good luck on your exam, young mage. I have a feeling you’ll do well.”

  I thanked him and left the shop, the satchel slung over my shoulder. The weight of the books was comforting, a tangible reminder of the knowledge I was about to acquire.

  The Aetherium Academy loomed in the distance, its towering spires reaching toward the sky. The building was a marvel of architecture, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes. Students in flowing robes moved about the grounds, their faces filled with determination and purpose.

  I made my way to the entrance, where a line of children and their parents had gathered. The exam was about to begin, and I could feel the nervous energy in the air. I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and joined the line.

  The exam was held in a large hall, its walls lined with portraits of famous mages. At the front of the room stood a stern-looking woman in a flowing blue robe. She introduced herself as Professor Arlen, the head of admissions, and explained the rules of the exam.

  “The entrance exam consists of two parts,” she said, her voice echoing through the hall. “The first will test your core’s capacity, and the second will assess your control over mana. Step onto the platform when your name is called.”

  I watched as the other children took their turns, stepping onto the platform and channeling their mana into a large crystal at its center. The crystal would glow faintly for some, while others barely caused a flicker. A few managed to make it shine brightly, earning nods of approval from Professor Arlen.

  When my name was called, I stepped onto the platform, my heart pounding in my chest. The crystal loomed before me, its surface smooth and reflective. I closed my eyes, focusing on the pulse of my core.

  The energy flowed through me, steady and unyielding, and I directed it toward the crystal. At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the crystal began to glow. The light grew brighter and brighter, filling the room with a radiant glow.

  The other children gasped, and even Professor Arlen looked impressed. “A remarkable core capacity,” she said, her voice filled with approval. “Now, for the second part of the exam.”

  She handed me a small, clear orb. “This is a mana control orb. Channel your mana into it, but be careful—too much, and it will shatter. Too little, and it won’t activate. Show me your control.”

  I took the orb, feeling its cool surface against my palm. I closed my eyes, focusing on the flow of my mana. I let it trickle into the orb, careful not to overwhelm it. The orb began to glow, its light steady and even.

  Professor Arlen nodded. “Excellent control. You’ve passed the exam, Kaelith Veylen. Welcome to the Aetherium Academy.”

  As I left the hall, the satchel of books still slung over my shoulder, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. The path ahead would be challenging, but I was ready. The Aetherium Academy was a place of learning and growth, and I was determined to make the most of it.