Early the next morning, korah jumped up from bed with a start, visibly disturbed. Apparently, he was plagued with a very disturbing nightmare throughout the night. It used to be a common occurrence while he was still at the orphanage, but since he got to the mage academy, he has been sleeping better and had totally forgotten all about the nightmares which always seemed to take away his sleep every night. Korah rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream. He couldn't quite remember what it was about, but he knew it had been terrifying. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down, reminding himself that it was just a dream and it wasn't real.
He got out of bed and started his usual morning routine, trying to push the nightmare out of his mind. As he dressed up, he tried to recall if anything significant had happened yesterday that could have triggered the nightmare. But he couldn't think of anything. Korah made his way to the training hall, his mind still foggy from lack of sleep. When he arrived, he saw that Instructor Belle was already there, waiting for the students to arrive. She looked up as Korah entered, and noticed his tired expression. "Are you feeling alright, Korah?" she asked, concern etched on her face. Korah forced a smile. "I am fine, I just had a bit of a rough night," he replied. Instructor Belle nodded understandingly. "Well, try to shake it off and focus on today's lesson," she said. "We will be reaching for the Amplification level today, so you will need to be on your toes." Korah nodded and took a deep breath, trying to shake off the last remnants of his nightmare. He took his position in the training hall, determined to give his best despite his lack of sleep. They started with some warm-up exercises to get their bodies ready for the intense training session. As they progressed through the exercises, Korah began to feel more awake and focused. The physical activity helped clear his mind of the nightmare and he was able to concentrate on the lesson.Instructor Belle explained the concept of Amplification and how it can enhance a mage's powers by several folds. She demonstrated a technique, and then it was the students' turn to practice. Korah closed his eyes and visualized his element flowing through him. He focused on amplifying the power of his lightning element element, and he could feel the energy building up inside him As he channeled his energy, Korah felt a surge of power that he could not really describe, his connection and relation with his lightning element became heightened, he found himself, taking Deep breaths and it seemed like the blood in his veins became laced with lightening and was threatening to devour him. He quickly took charge of his body and his senses were stretched to the limits. Korah was fully immersed in the moment, feeling the raw power of his lightning element as it coursed through his body. He had never felt this kind of connection before, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying. He tried to maintain his focus and control, but the power was overwhelming. He could feel his body trembling with the effort of holding it in check. Instructor Belle watched Korah closely, impressed with the level of power he was displaying. She could see the strain on his face, but she knew that he was pushing himself to his limits. She decided to push him even further, to see how much he could handle. "Now, Korah, try to amplify your lightning element even further," she instructed.Korah hesitated for a moment, unsure if he could handle any more power. But then he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing all his energy on his lightning element. He felt the surge of power again, but this time it was even stronger than before. It was as if his body was about to explode with the intensity of the energy flowing through it. Instructor Belle watched in awe as Korah's lightning element flared up, illuminating the entire training hall with its brilliance. The other students gasped in amazement as they watched Korah channeling the power of the element like a true master. But just as suddenly as it had started, the power faded away, leaving Korah standing there, panting and sweating from the effort. He opened his eyes and looked around, disoriented. He could see the surprised looks on the faces of the other students and the admiration on Instructor Belle's face. After a few more minutes of gasping and panting, it dawned on korah that he had succeeded albeit for a moment to amplify his lightning element. he was still immersed in the feeling and he understood then that with the previous experience in mind, he would be able to amplify all his elements in a short period of time.The other students, as if put on steroids, began practicing with fervour to reach the level of Amplification. With korah as an example, it didn't take too long before they started to understand and get to that level. Before long, almost every student was able to Amplify one element albeit for a short time, but it was worth their effort. instructor Belle asked them to make sure they can amplify all their elements before the next class, and to be able to continue for long periods of time so as to sustain combat in that state. After a few words of advice, she said " tomorrow, instructor Warren will be here so if you can't amplify all your elements and sustain it for more than an hour, don't bother coming to class" after which she walked out. The thirty students in class, immediately realized that their performance would be evaluated in the next class by Instructor Warren, and they needed to meet the expectations of Instructor Belle to avoid being cut off and nobody wanted to be that person so they stumbled out of class, rushing to go home and continue practicing. immediately korah got home, he rushed straight to bed feeling worn out and he drifted to sleep shortly after. Due to his nightmare from the night before, he did not sleep very well and coupled with the days activities, he was as stressed as one could be.It was almost night when Korah woke up from his deep sleep. after few minutes of stretching, he decided to make food to eat first before concentrating on his practice. Before he could get to that, he heard a knock on the door, "Korah, it's me Lily open up." Korah was surprised to hear Lily's voice at his door. He quickly got out of bed and made his way to the door. When he opened it, Lily was standing there with a concerned look on her face. "Hey Lily, what's up?" Korah asked, trying to hide his exhaustion. "I heard about what happened in class today," Lily said, her tone serious. "I wanted to come over and make sure you're okay." Korah was touched by Lily's concern. "I'm fine," he said, forcing a smile. "Just a little tired from all the practicing." Lily looked at him skeptically. "Are you sure?" she asked. "You don't look okay." Korah sighed. "To be honest, I'm a little stressed out," he admitted. "I had nightmares last night and I didn't sleep well. Plus, I am under a lot of pressure right now to meet up" Lily nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine how you feel," she said. "But don't worry, you will do great" Korah felt a surge of gratitude towards Lily. She had always been a good friend to him, and he was lucky to have her in his life. "Thanks, Lily," he said. "I really appreciate your support." Lily smiled. "Anytime," she said. "Now, let's get some food in you. You look like you need it." Korah laughed, feeling a little lighter. "Okay, let's eat." Korah and Lily made their way to the kitchen, where Korah quickly whipped up something to eat. As they ate, they chatted about random things, trying to take Korah's mind off the stress of the upcoming class. Lily shared some funny stories about her day, and Korah couldn't help but laugh at her antics. For a moment, he forgot about his worries and just enjoyed the company of his friend. After they finished eating, Korah thanked Lily again for coming over. "You really helped me feel better," he said. Lily smiled. "You don't have to worry about that," she said. "I will always be here anytime you need me" As Lily got up to leave, she gave Korah a quick hug. "Good luck tomorrow," she whispered. "I know you'll do great." Korah hugged her back, feeling a renewed sense of energy. He went back to the practice room and began to practice his Amplification technique after seeing her off to her accommodation.Korah spent the next few hours practicing, determined to be among the ten students to represent the school. He focused on amplifying each of his elements, one by one, trying to sustain them for longer periods of time. As the night wore on, Korah could feel himself getting stronger and more confident. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but he was making progress, and that was all that mattered. Finally, as the sun began to rise, Korah collapsed on the floor, exhausted but satisfied. He had amplified each of his elements for more than an hour and felt confident that he could do it again in the upcoming class with Instructor Warren he quickly washed up and prepared himself. Korah arrived at the training ground early, feeling nervous but excited. As the other students arrived, he could see the anxiety on their faces too. They knew that this class would be the most challenging yet. When Instructor Warren arrived, he wasted no time in getting started. He asked each student to demonstrate their Amplification technique, one by one. Korah felt his heart racing as it was his turn. He took a deep breath and stepped forward. With all eyes on him, Korah closed his eyes and focused on amplifying his first element, water. He felt the energy flowing through him and amplified it until he was surrounded by a swirling vortex of water. He could hear the gasps of his fellow students and knew that he was doing well. Next, he moved on to the other elements, each time pushing himself further than before. Finally, after what seemed like hours, it was over. Instructor Warren looked at Korah with a critical eye. "Well done," he said finally. "You have certainly improved since the last time I saw you."instructor Warren, separated the students who where able to meet up from those who did poorly." This is the end of the road for you all that could not pass but work on what you've learnt so far, improve on yourself so that you can still see the world outside on your own when you get stronger " he said " moving on, those who passed would be learning combat techniques and would battle each other until the final ten students are realized." he immediately dismissed the students who he cut off, then he took a quick head count of the students present and they were fifteen in number. " We have two weeks to prepare ten students to represent this academy and it's not going to be an easy job for us and for you too, so I advise that you follow up strictly with the lessons" he said, while looking at everyone's face. "From tomorrow, prepare to get beaten and battered because your official training as a mage starts. continue to practice your Amplification. " he said "class dismissed". Korah and the other students left the classroom, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. They knew that the next few weeks would be tough, but they were eager to prove themselves and make it to the final ten.Korah had never known his parents. He had been found, abandoned on the steps of a small orphanage on the outskirts of the city. The nuns who ran the orphanage had taken him in, but life had never been easy for him.He was small for his age, with scrawny arms and legs and a shock of unruly black hair. The other children teased him relentlessly, calling him names like "runt" and "mouse". Korah tried to ignore them, but it was hard. He felt like an outsider, like he didn't belong anywhere.Korah had always known that he was different from the other children. He had no magic, no special powers that the other children had. In the city of Arindale, where magic was commonplace, being without it was a curse. The children who had magic could control the elements, summon creatures, and even fly. They were the elites, the chosen ones, and Korah was not one of them.Despite his lack of magical abilities, Korah was determined to make something of himself. He worked hard at his studies, and the nuns
Immediately after the tests, the principal and instructors in the school stood up and came before everyone. They separated the mages from non mages, and the also put together the mages in groups based on the elements the had exhibited. After all that was done, korah was the only one left without a group so he was asked to stand aside. The principal gave a speech about the history of the mage academy and welcomed every mage to the academy. He also asked senior students in the academy to assume the roles of group leaders so as to carry the new students along and to teach them about the rules guiding the academy. After the speech, the principal declared the end of this year's round of testing and admission.The principal cast a look at korah and before leaving he asked korah to follow him. korah walked quietly behind the principal until they got to a remote part of the academy after which the principal looked at korah again and invited him into a small room. Inside, korah stared wide eye
The chirping of birds and insects and the sweet scent of fresh dew on grass roused korah from his slumber. He had spent the night in deep meditation, trying to be in tune with his powers. Before standing up, he rubbed his eyes lazily and just took out time to reminisce about his life so far. He was going to be fifteen years in two months time, he had tasted the good, the bad and the ugly in his almost fifteen years of existence. He thought back to when he was bullied, neglected and mocked, he thought of the kindness of the nuns, the principal and his new found friends. He was happy to have been given a second outlook of life due to his lucky encounter with the magic artifact in the cave without which he would still be a worthless orphan who knew nothing about magic.After spending a little more time in bed, he stood up and started the day with breathing exercises, meditation and brushing up his magic skills.Today, the principal was going to have a long session with all the students o
korah, after realizing instructor Belle was asking him to move closer, blushed a little and moved towards her without disturbing the other students. after few seconds, he was close enough to hear and whisper responses to her, he sat down.As if on cue, instructor Warren paused the session and asked "what is the most important quality of a mage?" All the students looked at each other, unsure of the answer but after a while, responses started pouring out randomly from all the students present like an avalanche.after few minutes, instructor Warren cleared his throat loudly to stop the noise then he continued "the most important quality of a mage is a strong sense of determination. Without determination, a mage will give up too easily and never reach their full potential." this response, got all the students nodding their head in agreement especially Korah since he could relate to the importance of determination in his life's journey so far.Instructor Warren paused for a while as if wa