MEMORA, academy of magic

Magic Trial preparation begins

The mages stood before Fin, exuding an aura of power and authority. Though he had imagined them to be more eccentric in appearance, they were simply dressed in black tunics and pants, adorned with leather-and-metal cuffs on their wrists. Though their attire did not betray any extraordinary characteristics, Fin couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. The tallest among them, a man with a hawkish nose and silver-streaked brown hair, stepped forward and addressed the assembled families in the bleachers with a commanding presence.

"Greetings esteemed aspirants and esteemed families of said aspirants, to the paramount occasion of your progeny's existence."

Fin pondered the gravity of the situation as he whispered, "Are all of the applicants aware of the true purpose of their presence here? To secure a coveted spot in the prestigious institution of magical education?" His father shook his head, his voice tinged with cynicism as he replied, "The parents are blinded by their own desires and expectations. They see what they wish to see and hear what they wish to hear. Whether they hope for their child to become a renowned athlete or a brilliant surgeon, they perceive this as a preliminary step towards achieving their goals. And for those who yearn for wealth and prestige, they view this as an opportunity for their offspring to mingle with the elite."

The accomplished mage continued to expound upon the plans for the impending afternoon, detailing the duration of the proceedings. "We extend our utmost appreciation to those of you who have journeyed from distant lands to present your offspring with this unparalleled opportunity," he proclaimed. As he spoke, Fin could not help but detect an additional voice, one that seemed to originate from all around him yet nowhere in particular.

As Master Raven concluded his discourse, a commanding voice echoed, "Upon the conclusion of Master Raven's address, all aspiring participants are to rise and make their way to the front. The Trial is imminent."

Fin turned to his father and queried, "Did you hear that?" His father nodded in affirmation. Fin surveyed the countenances of those in attendance, noting a mix of apprehension and enthusiasm. He pondered, "What about the children?"

Master Raven, whom Fin surmised must be the speaker from the mysterious voice, finished his oration. Fin realized that he should begin to descend from the bleachers, as his movements would take longer than the others. Nevertheless, he remained seated, eager to uncover the answer to his question. 

"Individuos possessing even the slightest semblance of authority can discern the teachings of Master Vulcan, with the majority of aspirants having previously experienced some form of arcane phenomenon. Some have surmised their capabilities, while others remain certain of their aptitudes, and the remaining individuals are on the cusp of discovery." The audience rose from their seats in unison, causing the metallic bleachers to reverberate with the movement.

"So that's the initial examination?" Fin queried his father. "Whether we discern Master Vulcan's presence?"

His father appeared preoccupied and barely acknowledged Fin's query. "I suppose that is one aspect. However, the subsequent trials shall be of a far more formidable nature. Keep in mind my advice and it shall all soon be over." He seized Fin's wrist abruptly, taking him aback. Though Fin knew his father cared for him, he was not typically affectionate. He tightened his grip on Fin's hand before releasing it abruptly. "Proceed now."

As Fin descended the bleachers, he observed the other aspirants being organized into groups. A female magician gestured for Fin to join a group at the end. All of the other hopefuls were murmuring amongst themselves, appearing both apprehensive and excited. Fin caught sight of Sophia Williams in a group a few yards away. He briefly considered calling out to her to inform her that this was not a ballet school audition, but she was grinning and chatting with her fellow aspirants, so he surmised she would not have paid him any heed.

Ballet school audition, he mused grimly. That's how they lure you in.

"I am Master Orion," the female mage who had directed Fin, led her group out of the large room and down a hallway with blandly painted walls. "For this initial test, you will all be together. Please follow me in an orderly manner," she instructed.

Fin, almost at the back of the group, hastened his pace to catch up. He knew that arriving late could be seen as a sign of disregard for the tests or a lack of preparation, but he detested the stares he received when he lagged behind. In his haste, he collided with the shoulder of a girl with large, dark eyes. She shot him a disgruntled glance from beneath her dark hair.

"Sorry," Fin apologized reflexively.

"We're all nervous," she said, with a hint of amusement in her voice. However, she seemed completely composed, her eyebrows perfectly arched, not a speck of dust on her caramel-colored sweater or expensive-looking jeans. The delicate filigree hand pendant around her throat was a Hand of Fatima, and her gold earrings looked like they had once belonged to royalty. Fin felt self-conscious, as if he were covered in dirt in comparison.

As a tall Asian youth with floppy, razor-cut black hair approached, Samantha reluctantly turned away from Fin. The boy, who appeared to be sneering as he spoke, muttered something inaudible to Fin, causing him to fret over the possibility that it was a derogatory comment regarding his physical disability and awkward gait, reminiscent of the infamous creature from Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein. This sparked a feeling of resentment within Fin, particularly as Tamara had not appeared to take notice of his impairment and had simply seemed annoyed with him, as if he were an unremarkable individual. He reminded himself that once he inevitably failed his exams, he would never have to encounter these individuals again. Additionally, he contemplated the fact that they were all doomed to die underground.

The incessant contemplation that plagued his mind propelled him forward as he traversed an interminable succession of corridors, ultimately leading him to a grand, pristine chamber where rows of desks were meticulously arranged in orderly lines. The room bore an uncanny resemblance to every other standardized testing facility Fin had ever had the misfortune of being subjected to. The desks, plain and wooden, were attached to unstable chairs, each adorned with a blue book bearing a child's name and a pen placed atop. A commotion ensued as the examinees scurried about, frantically searching for their designated seating arrangements. Fin located his own in the third row, where he took his seat behind a pallid, wavy-haired boy donned in a soccer team jacket. The boy exuded the appearance of a jock, an unlikely candidate for the prestigious mage school. He offered Fin a cordial smile, to which Fin responded with a blank expression. He opened his blue book and perused the pages filled with questions and empty circles designated for the possible answers: A, B, C, D, or E. Fin had anticipated the tests to be a source of trepidation, but the only apparent hazard was the risk of succumbing to ennui.