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2024-10-29 19:42:56The indomitable Master Eldritch strode forth with ire, leading the cohort down the corridor with purpose, away from the examination chamber. The pace of the procession was rapid, rendering it impossible for Finnick to keep pace. His injured limb throbbed with pain, and the scent of burning tires emanating from him was overpowering. He hobbled in their wake, ruminating if there was ever a failure of similar magnitude in the annals of Memora. He dared to dream that they may grant him a premature discharge, both for his own well-being and that of his peers.
"Are you faring well?" Lance queried, slowing his stride to fall in step with Finnick. His countenance was affable and benevolent, as if their fellow group members' avoidance of Finnick was a trifle.
"I'm perfectly fine," Finnick replied through gritted teeth.
"I am at a loss to explain your feat," Lance marvelled. "The expression on Master Eldritch's visage was akin to..." He attempted to imitate the visage, furrowing his brow, dilating his eyes, and agape his mouth.
Fin commenced to emit a hearty chuckle, but promptly suppressed it. He didn't desire to exhibit any form of fondness towards his classmates, particularly the highly skilled Lance.
As they rounded the bend, they encountered the rest of their cohort who were waiting with bated breath. Master Eldritch cleared his throat, seemingly ready to reprimand Fin, yet he seemed to take notice of Lance standing beside him. The mage abruptly stopped his impending censure, and instead, opened the door to a new chamber.
Fin hastened into the room along with the other students. It was a mundane industrial setting, similar to the one in which they had undergone their first examination. It was equipped with rows of desks, each with a solitary sheet of paper resting atop.
Finnick pondered asking how many written assessments there would be, however, he deemed that Master Eldritch was not in a receptive state to answer. None of the desks were labeled with names, so he took a seat and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Master Eldritch!" Samantha cried out as she seated herself. "I don't have a pen," she added.
"You won't require one," Master Eldritch replied. "This evaluation will gauge your ability to command your magic. You will employ the element of air. Focus your energy on the sheet of paper in front of you until you are able to levitate it off the desk through the power of your thoughts. Ensure it rises in a straight line without wavering or dropping. Upon its successful levitation, kindly stand and convene with me at the front of the room."
Fin experienced a sense of relief. All he had to do was make certain that the paper did not soar into the air, which appeared relatively uncomplicated. Throughout his life, he had managed to keep paper from floating around in classrooms.
Lance occupied a seat across the aisle, his visage exhibiting a contemplative demeanor as he rested his chin on his hand and gazed with narrowed, verdant eyes. As Fin furtively shot a sidelong glance in his direction, the paper on Lance's desk levitated, achieving a state of perfect equilibration before resuming its resting place. Rising with a grin, Lance approached Master Eldritch at the front of the lecture hall.
A muted chortle emanated from Fin's left, prompting him to swivel his gaze and behold Frost extracting what appeared to be a mundane sewing needle. Pricking his finger, Frost allowed a droplet of blood to form before placing his digit into his oral cavity and sucking. Fin deemed him a weird individual. Yet, to his surprise, Frost then reclined in his chair, exhibiting a nonchalant demeanor that hinted at his proficiency in magic, as evidenced by the paper on his desk transforming through origami into a paper airplane that flew across the room and struck Fin on the forehead. Fin swatted it away, and it plummeted to the floor.
Master Eldritch intervened, "Frost, that's enough," though he spoke in a tone that lacked the annoyance it could have contained. "Join us at the front."
Fin redirected his focus to the paper before him as Frost strode towards the forefront of the lecture hall. All around him, students were fixated and murmuring among themselves, fervently hoping their documents would stir. A knot of anxiety formed in Fin's gut as he wondered what would happen if a sudden gust of wind dislodged his paper. Would it be deemed worthy of recognition if it moved on its own accord?
He vehemently instructed the stationary paper to remain steadfast. He envisioned himself exerting a firm hold over it, his fingers splayed, ensuring it wouldn't flinch. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Fin remained entrenched, his attention fully absorbed. He was not alone in his struggle, as several other pupils were unable to manipulate their papers, Samantha included.
"Finnick?" Master Eldritch addressed him with a weary tone.
Fin resigned himself. "I can't do it."
"If he can't, he can't," Frost chimed in. "Just award him a zero and let's be on our way before he causes a blizzard and we all succumb to paper cuts."
"Very well," the mage concurred. "Bring your papers forward, I'll grade you accordingly. Let's clean up this room for the next cohort."
Fin breathed a sigh of relief and reached for his paper - only to find himself paralyzed. Despite his frantic efforts, clawing at the edges with his nails, the paper had somehow become embedded in the wooden surface of the desk, rendering it inaccessible. "Master Eldritch, there's something amiss with my paper," he exclaimed in distress.
"Under the desks, pronto!" Frost bellowed, but the class was oblivious, their gazes fixed upon Fin. Master Eldritch approached him, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the sheet of paper fused to the desk.
"Who could have possibly wrought such an absurdity?" Master Eldritch queried, disbelief evident in his voice. "Is this someone's notion of humor?"
Not a single soul in the room dared to speak.
"Did you perpetrate this, Fin?" the master mage interrogated.
Fin was at a loss, he was merely trying to prevent the paper from shifting, but he dare not voice this. "I couldn't say, Master," he stammered. "Perhaps the paper was flawed."
"It's only paper!" Master Eldritch exclaimed in exasperation before reining in his emotions. "Very well, you shall receive a zero. No, wait, you will make history as the first aspirant to attain a negative score in the Arcanum Trials. A minus ten, it is." He shook his head, a mixture of disappointment and relief in his tone. "We can all be thankful that the final test is an individual endeavor."
At that moment, Fin was most grateful for the impending end of the trials.
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MEMORA, academy of magic Test with Flames
The contenders congregated in the foyer, arrayed before a formidable portal, awaiting their summoning. Frost conversed with Lance, directing his gaze towards Finnick, who appeared to be the focus of their discourse. Finnick heaved a dejected sigh, recognizing that this final examination would likely have minimal impact on his abysmal academic record. Regardless of the outcome, he would soon depart with his father, completing this trial.A mysterious mage, adorned with an intricate serpentine necklace, approached without introduction. Perusing a folio, she declared, "Finnick Black, Master Zoltar is eagerly anticipating your presence within."Fin pushed away from the wall and trailed the mage through the double doors into a vast, dim chamber. The floor was made of wood, and upon it sat a solitary magician next to a substantial wooden basin filled with water and a flickering flame that burned without any visible source. Fin froze, feeling a sudden unease at the nape of his neck as he rea
MEMORA, academy of magic Clash of intentions
Master Zoltar emerged from one of the doors with a commanding presence, causing the assemblage to fall into a hushed silence without uttering a single word. His piercing gaze scanned the room, eliciting palpable anxiety among some of the familiar faces in the crowd, including Sophia, Lance, Frost, and Samantha. The latter appeared composed, seated between an opulently dressed couple of dark-haired individuals with brown skin, elegantly attired in cream-colored attire."Aspirants of the year," Master Zoltar addressed the crowd, "I extend my gratitude for your attendance and tireless efforts during the Trial. The Memora extends its appreciation to the families who have supported and waited for the outcome." He paused, surveying the bleachers. "Nine mages are present and authorized to select up to six applicants each, who will serve as their apprentices for the duration of their five-year tenure at the Memora. This decision should not be taken lightly, as there will be more applicants th
MEMORA, academy of magic A hot spot
Fin's father's sudden recoil was inadequate, as two mages forcibly pried Fin from his grasp. The father's outcry filled the air, but Fin's thrashing and resistance proved fruitless as he was hauled over to Lance and Samantha, who appeared petrified. Fin retaliated by launching a well-aimed elbow at one of his captors, eliciting a pained groan and causing his arm to be wrenched behind his back. The reaction from the assembled parents, who had come to observe their children's aerodynamics schooling, was a mystery to Fin."Fin! Listen not to their deceitful words!" His father's fervent shout echoed as he was being escorted out of the hangar by other mages. "They are ignorant of your true nature!" Despite the commotion, Fin struggled to comprehend the surreal events unfold.Suddenly, a glimmering object caught Fin's eye. Unbeknownst to him, his father had broken free and had thrown a dagger toward him. The projectile flew with uncanny accuracy, its blade aimed straight at Fin. In a daze,
MEMORA, academy of magic The Deathless one
Fin was plagued by a deep-seated aversion towards the school bus. His social awkwardness and perceived oddities had rendered him friendless, and even among the cohort of aspiring mages during the Trial, he stood out as peculiar. Yet, the bus offered him a modicum of solace, affording him a row of seats to himself, likely due to the unpleasant odor of burning tires he emitted. At this moment, all he yearned for was solitude to reflect on the recent traumatic events and the loss of his father. He felt a pang of regret for not having a phone to hear his father's voice one last time, and to seek guidance on his next course of action.As the bus embarked on its journey, Master Eldritch rose to address the students, detailing the structure of the Arcanum Year program. The students were to remain at the school for the winter, as it was deemed unsafe for them to return home with only partial training. The curriculum entailed working with their respective Masters throughout the week, attending
MEMORA, academy of magic The Arrival
The nocturnal bus journeyed deeper into the stygian wilderness, as the last vestiges of twilight vanished from the horizon. Through the window, Fin gazed upon the celestial expanse, speckled with countless glittering constellations. The dense, leafy foliage of the forest and jagged rocks were obscured by the enveloping darkness, rendering them indistinct and eerie."And that's precisely what the Deathless one is waiting for, a chance to breach the Treaty," interjected Frost, his tone sardonic."He wasn't the sole practitioner of magic in his generation," Samantha added, her voice reverberating with reverence and conviction, as she recounted out the tale she'd learned by heart. "There was another, a valiant champion named Radiant Storm, who was slightly older than us, but she fought valiantly against the Deathless one and we were gaining ground. Unfortunately, the Deathless one committed the most heinous act imaginable." Lowering her voice, Samantha continued, "All knew that a great ba
MEMORA, academy of magic The Introduction
FIN STOOD resolutely before a towering mountain facade, with verdant forests flanking his position on either side. Yet, directly before him loomed a pair of immense double doors, exhibiting a pallid, weather-worn appearance. Their iron hinges were twisted into ornate spirals that curled inward upon each other, and Fin envisaged that in the absence of the luminosity cast by the bus headlights, these doors would have been nearly imperceptible. Etched into the rock above the portals was a symbol that was alien to him, and below it were inscribed the words: "The flame yearns to ignite, the currents aspire to flow, the winds crave to soar, the earth yearns to anchor, and dark hungers to consume." The word "consume" sent a chill down his spine, and he contemplated his last opportunity to flee. However, he realized that he was not fleet-footed and that there was nowhere for him to escape to.The cohort of aspiring mages had obtained their apparatus and were now congregating, mirroring the st
MEMORA, academy of magic Wristbands
The enormity of the entrance hall astounded Fin, its sheer size dwarfing any interior space he had ever encountered. Its dimensions could comfortably accommodate three regulation-sized basketball courts, with ample room left to spare. The flooring was made of glittering mica, which he had previously seen in the apparition in the airplane hangar, while the walls were adorned with flowstone, resembling the result of thousands of wax candles that had melted and trickled down the surface. Stalagmites jutted out along the edges of the room, while stalactites hung low, almost touching in certain areas. A radiant blue river bisected the chamber, its luminosity reminiscent of a brilliant sapphire. It flowed in from one archway and out through another, a carved stone bridge spanning its course. Intricate patterns were etched into the sides of the bridge, patterns unfamiliar to Fin yet reminiscent of the markings on the dagger his father had thrown to him.As the new apprentices from the Trial
MEMORA, academy of magic Imagine your favourite food
"It transforms the symbols into a quincunx," declared Master Zoltar as he raised three wristbands from a stone table that appeared to be carved from a single piece of rock. The wristbands, which were wide leather cuffs with a strip of iron riveted into the cuffs and secured with a matching metal buckle, elicited awe from Samantha as she picked up her own wristband."Wow," she breathed.Fin, however, remained skeptical. "Are they magic?" he asked."These wristbands symbolize your advancement in the Memora. If you successfully pass your end-of-year examination, you will receive a higher rank," Master Zoltar explained. "The first rank, Arcanum, is represented by iron, followed by Aureum, then Obsidian, Platinum, and finally, Diamond. Once you have completed your Diamond Year, you will be considered a journeyman mage, eligible for admission to the Collegium. "In answer to your question, Fin, yes, these wristbands are magic," he added. "They have been crafted by a metal shaper and serve a
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Imagine your favourite food
"It transforms the symbols into a quincunx," declared Master Zoltar as he raised three wristbands from a stone table that appeared to be carved from a single piece of rock. The wristbands, which were wide leather cuffs with a strip of iron riveted into the cuffs and secured with a matching metal buckle, elicited awe from Samantha as she picked up her own wristband."Wow," she breathed.Fin, however, remained skeptical. "Are they magic?" he asked."These wristbands symbolize your advancement in the Memora. If you successfully pass your end-of-year examination, you will receive a higher rank," Master Zoltar explained. "The first rank, Arcanum, is represented by iron, followed by Aureum, then Obsidian, Platinum, and finally, Diamond. Once you have completed your Diamond Year, you will be considered a journeyman mage, eligible for admission to the Collegium. "In answer to your question, Fin, yes, these wristbands are magic," he added. "They have been crafted by a metal shaper and serve a
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The enormity of the entrance hall astounded Fin, its sheer size dwarfing any interior space he had ever encountered. Its dimensions could comfortably accommodate three regulation-sized basketball courts, with ample room left to spare. The flooring was made of glittering mica, which he had previously seen in the apparition in the airplane hangar, while the walls were adorned with flowstone, resembling the result of thousands of wax candles that had melted and trickled down the surface. Stalagmites jutted out along the edges of the room, while stalactites hung low, almost touching in certain areas. A radiant blue river bisected the chamber, its luminosity reminiscent of a brilliant sapphire. It flowed in from one archway and out through another, a carved stone bridge spanning its course. Intricate patterns were etched into the sides of the bridge, patterns unfamiliar to Fin yet reminiscent of the markings on the dagger his father had thrown to him.As the new apprentices from the Trial
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The Introduction
FIN STOOD resolutely before a towering mountain facade, with verdant forests flanking his position on either side. Yet, directly before him loomed a pair of immense double doors, exhibiting a pallid, weather-worn appearance. Their iron hinges were twisted into ornate spirals that curled inward upon each other, and Fin envisaged that in the absence of the luminosity cast by the bus headlights, these doors would have been nearly imperceptible. Etched into the rock above the portals was a symbol that was alien to him, and below it were inscribed the words: "The flame yearns to ignite, the currents aspire to flow, the winds crave to soar, the earth yearns to anchor, and dark hungers to consume." The word "consume" sent a chill down his spine, and he contemplated his last opportunity to flee. However, he realized that he was not fleet-footed and that there was nowhere for him to escape to.The cohort of aspiring mages had obtained their apparatus and were now congregating, mirroring the st
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The nocturnal bus journeyed deeper into the stygian wilderness, as the last vestiges of twilight vanished from the horizon. Through the window, Fin gazed upon the celestial expanse, speckled with countless glittering constellations. The dense, leafy foliage of the forest and jagged rocks were obscured by the enveloping darkness, rendering them indistinct and eerie."And that's precisely what the Deathless one is waiting for, a chance to breach the Treaty," interjected Frost, his tone sardonic."He wasn't the sole practitioner of magic in his generation," Samantha added, her voice reverberating with reverence and conviction, as she recounted out the tale she'd learned by heart. "There was another, a valiant champion named Radiant Storm, who was slightly older than us, but she fought valiantly against the Deathless one and we were gaining ground. Unfortunately, the Deathless one committed the most heinous act imaginable." Lowering her voice, Samantha continued, "All knew that a great ba
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The Deathless one
Fin was plagued by a deep-seated aversion towards the school bus. His social awkwardness and perceived oddities had rendered him friendless, and even among the cohort of aspiring mages during the Trial, he stood out as peculiar. Yet, the bus offered him a modicum of solace, affording him a row of seats to himself, likely due to the unpleasant odor of burning tires he emitted. At this moment, all he yearned for was solitude to reflect on the recent traumatic events and the loss of his father. He felt a pang of regret for not having a phone to hear his father's voice one last time, and to seek guidance on his next course of action.As the bus embarked on its journey, Master Eldritch rose to address the students, detailing the structure of the Arcanum Year program. The students were to remain at the school for the winter, as it was deemed unsafe for them to return home with only partial training. The curriculum entailed working with their respective Masters throughout the week, attending
- MEMORA, academy of magic
A hot spot
Fin's father's sudden recoil was inadequate, as two mages forcibly pried Fin from his grasp. The father's outcry filled the air, but Fin's thrashing and resistance proved fruitless as he was hauled over to Lance and Samantha, who appeared petrified. Fin retaliated by launching a well-aimed elbow at one of his captors, eliciting a pained groan and causing his arm to be wrenched behind his back. The reaction from the assembled parents, who had come to observe their children's aerodynamics schooling, was a mystery to Fin."Fin! Listen not to their deceitful words!" His father's fervent shout echoed as he was being escorted out of the hangar by other mages. "They are ignorant of your true nature!" Despite the commotion, Fin struggled to comprehend the surreal events unfold.Suddenly, a glimmering object caught Fin's eye. Unbeknownst to him, his father had broken free and had thrown a dagger toward him. The projectile flew with uncanny accuracy, its blade aimed straight at Fin. In a daze,
- MEMORA, academy of magic
Clash of intentions
Master Zoltar emerged from one of the doors with a commanding presence, causing the assemblage to fall into a hushed silence without uttering a single word. His piercing gaze scanned the room, eliciting palpable anxiety among some of the familiar faces in the crowd, including Sophia, Lance, Frost, and Samantha. The latter appeared composed, seated between an opulently dressed couple of dark-haired individuals with brown skin, elegantly attired in cream-colored attire."Aspirants of the year," Master Zoltar addressed the crowd, "I extend my gratitude for your attendance and tireless efforts during the Trial. The Memora extends its appreciation to the families who have supported and waited for the outcome." He paused, surveying the bleachers. "Nine mages are present and authorized to select up to six applicants each, who will serve as their apprentices for the duration of their five-year tenure at the Memora. This decision should not be taken lightly, as there will be more applicants th
- MEMORA, academy of magic
Test with Flames
The contenders congregated in the foyer, arrayed before a formidable portal, awaiting their summoning. Frost conversed with Lance, directing his gaze towards Finnick, who appeared to be the focus of their discourse. Finnick heaved a dejected sigh, recognizing that this final examination would likely have minimal impact on his abysmal academic record. Regardless of the outcome, he would soon depart with his father, completing this trial.A mysterious mage, adorned with an intricate serpentine necklace, approached without introduction. Perusing a folio, she declared, "Finnick Black, Master Zoltar is eagerly anticipating your presence within."Fin pushed away from the wall and trailed the mage through the double doors into a vast, dim chamber. The floor was made of wood, and upon it sat a solitary magician next to a substantial wooden basin filled with water and a flickering flame that burned without any visible source. Fin froze, feeling a sudden unease at the nape of his neck as he rea
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The Levitation Test
The indomitable Master Eldritch strode forth with ire, leading the cohort down the corridor with purpose, away from the examination chamber. The pace of the procession was rapid, rendering it impossible for Finnick to keep pace. His injured limb throbbed with pain, and the scent of burning tires emanating from him was overpowering. He hobbled in their wake, ruminating if there was ever a failure of similar magnitude in the annals of Memora. He dared to dream that they may grant him a premature discharge, both for his own well-being and that of his peers."Are you faring well?" Lance queried, slowing his stride to fall in step with Finnick. His countenance was affable and benevolent, as if their fellow group members' avoidance of Finnick was a trifle."I'm perfectly fine," Finnick replied through gritted teeth."I am at a loss to explain your feat," Lance marvelled. "The expression on Master Eldritch's visage was akin to..." He attempted to imitate the visage, furrowing his brow, dilat
