Kazi's Test

As I sat in the designated area for those who had passed the tests, I couldn't help but observe Kazi as he prepared himself for the challenges that lay ahead.

His usual air of confidence wavered slightly, replaced by a flicker of determination that burned in his eyes.

I watched with keen interest, wondering how he would fare in the face of the Dean's tests.

Kazi, his dark eyes focused, stepped forward onto the podium to take the First Test, assessing his Spiritual Affinity.

The Dean gestured for him to touch the mirror. Kazi nodded and took a deep breath.

The atmosphere in the room seemed to intensify as he placed his palm on the mirror. Ripples of energy spread across the surface, indicating the profound resonance between Kazi and the mirror.

A heavy silence enveloped the room, the only sound being the faint hum of ancient magic resonating through the air.

The mirror stood before Kazi, its surface shimmering with an eerie darkness. His back was turned, concealing the emotions that stirred within him and leaving his expression a mystery to both me and the rest of the audience.

"There is a resonance, indicating your capability to harness Astral Energy. However, it appears you cannot yet reach the 1st layer," The Dean's voice reverberated through the hall, his gaze fixed on Kazi's form.

"You have successfully passed the First Test,"

Kazi nodded, his back quivering slightly as he accepted The Dean's words. With determined steps, he moved on to face the Second Test, preparing himself for the impending ordeal that awaited him.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, the crowd holding its breath as they watched the next challenge unfold.

With determination etched on his face, Kazi placed his palm on the mirror once more. A surge of power coursed through him, the energy of Body Ascension engulfing his senses.

Beads of sweat formed on his brow, but he gritted his teeth, enduring the pain with unwavering resolve.

The room seemed to hold its breath as Kazi struggled, his body contorting under the strain. Despite the pain, he stood tall, refusing to yield. The mirror glowed brightly, capturing the essence of his physical prowess.

"Remarkable resilience," The Dean's voice resonated with approval. "You have successfully harnessed your Special Physique. You have passed the Second Test."

A wave of relief washed over Kazi's face as he moved on to the final challenge – the Third Test, unveiling his elemental affinity. I leaned forward, my curiosity piqued. Once again, the Dean erected a barrier that covered the stage, isolating Kazi and the mirror from the rest of the room.

With a deep breath, Kazi approached the mirror once more, his hand trembling slightly. He pressed his palm against its surface, and the room seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the revelation of his elemental affinity.

The mirror remained still for a moment, the silence stretching taut. Then, as if responding to an ancient calling, it came to life.

Whirlwinds of energy swirled around Kazi, and soon a chill as cold as a winter's night spread across the room.

Unaffected, I looked on as the stage that Kazi stood on became encased in ice that spread with uncontrollable momentum.

Kacha!

Ice sculptures rose with a crisp sound, and soon the stage was filled with deformed shapes of ice. I watched in silence alongside the crowd, marveling at this impressive display of elemental power.

'Ice element, huh?' a chuckle escaped my lips. 'We are destined to be rivals at this point. I'll crush him and remind him why I am a Mustafa.'

"The Ice Element," The Dean's voice cut through the tension, his eyes alight with appreciation.

"A fitting element, indeed. You have passed the Third Test."

Cheers erupted from the students and teachers, acknowledging Kazi's achievement.

He stepped back from the mirror, turned to face the crowd that clapped and cheered for him, his eyes scanning the audience until they met mine. Same venomous look, but now held a much more piercing coldness. Of course, I met his gaze with the same intensity.

Kazi left the stage and joined us but opted not to come where I was. Instead, he found a spot among some richly dressed boys and girls who eagerly conversed with him. I assumed them to be nobles.

'To bad the academy doesn't care about our backgrounds, yet doesn't change the fact I might need allies one day'

A chuckle sounded next to me, and a hand patted my shoulder. I turned my eyes away from Kazi and saw a handsome but oddly feminine boy standing at my height.

He wore black pants that were baggy and a tight turtle neck vest with the same shade of colour. I felt overdressed in my royal robe that screamed nobility.

His dark golden eyes were striking, and his white hair had dark streaks tracing through it.

"Looks like he really doesn't like you, huh?" he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

I smirked, my confidence unwavering. "He'll have to get used to it. After all, he's not the only one with something to prove here."

The boy chuckled again, his laughter echoing the shared sentiment. Extending his hand, he introduced himself, "I'm Avery. It's good to see someone who can stand their ground against Kazi."

I shook his hand, noticing its slim and soft texture, but I paid it no mind. Instead, I smiled warmly, "I'm Antaeus, and it's nothing much. I just dislike people like him."

"Likewise," Avery replied, his eyes meeting mine in understanding. "It will not be easy navigating this place, especially with individuals like Kazi around. He's got quite the reputation."

I nodded. "Tell me about it. But we can't let people like him deter us. We have our own paths to carve, don't we?"

Avery's eyes shined brighter, a giggle escaping his lips that made me raise an eyebrow.

Something about his laughter made me doubt his gender, and in that moment, I observed Avery a little more closely. Understanding flashed in my eyes.

I decided to not say anything but I was confused by why she pretended to be a boy

"Absolutely. I've heard about the Mustafa Royal Clan, but you seem different from the rumors. I respect that."

I shrugged modestly, not one to revel in my family's reputation. "Rumors are just that, rumors. I want to make my own mark, not ride on the coattails of those who came before me."

Avery nodded in agreement, her smile genuine. "Well said, Antaeus. I feel the same way. Let's show them what we're made of."

(AN: Will refer to Avery as She/her)

I admired her spirit and determination, finding a kindred spirit in the halls of the academy. "I couldn't agree more, Avery. Here's to facing the challenges head-on and emerging stronger."

As we shared a nod of understanding, the bond of friendship began to weave its threads between us.

Little did I know, this newfound alliance would prove invaluable in the trials that lay ahead, as we ventured deeper into the mysteries and intrigues of Alkebulan Spirit Academy.

Avery and I turned our attention to the last participant, Nailah.

"Looks like Nailah is the last one up," Avery commented, his voice filled with admiration. "She's my idol; I heard that she's been made the heiress of the Ashanti Clan."

Indeed, Nailah walked with purpose, her steps reflecting the confidence of someone well aware of her abilities. Due to the nourishing food we consumed during our youth, most kids developed rapidly, both in terms of physical power and growth.

That's why we could endure the pain of the physical tests. Nailah, being no exception, stood taller than most would expect for a 10-year-old.

The stage was set for Nailah to take her turn, and the hall fell into a hushed silence, waiting for the next chapter of this extraordinary tale to unfold.

The anticipation was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for what was about to come.

As the atmosphere grew tense, The Dean stood tall at the edge of the stage, his presence commanding the attention of everyone present.

His eyes, sharp and discerning, were fixed on Nailah, his anticipation mirroring ours. His silent yet powerful demeanor added to the gravity of the moment, reminding us all of the significance of the tests that awaited each participant.

-Maliks POV-

"Amani, I hope your successor can live up to your expectations; mine sure has," I said with a chuckle, pride swelling within me. That boy had made me proud. At least he could walk both paths, a rare feat among our kind.

I thought back to the age-old rivalry between the Nia Clan and the Mustafa Royal Clan. It wasn't just a matter of personal pride; it was a clash of ideologies. The Nia Clan believed that cultivating Astral Energy, the spiritual path, was the orthodox way.

While the Mustafa Royal Clan delved into the intricate art of Jok, the physical path, alongside Astral Energy cultivation.

The disdain from the old geezers in our clan toward Jok infuriated me. Their narrow-mindedness hindered our progress, and it was time to prove them wrong.

"The reason our clan loses to the Mustafa Royal Clan is because of those old geezers' disdain when it comes to cultivating Jok," I continued, my voice tinged with frustration. The injustice of it all fueled my determination.

"But my son is going to prove them wrong when he beats that Mustafa boy. His potential is terrifying, but what is potential? Only strength matters in this unforgiving world of Gods and Jorin."

Amani, the respected Matriarch of the Ashanti Clan, regarded me with coldness, her eyes reflecting a warning.

"Malik, your son is gifted, but he needs guidance. The path he treads is treacherous. His arrogance and nefarious ways will soon be his downfall if nothing changes."

Her words stung, and annoyance flickered in my eyes. "Amani, I understand your concern, but my son's strength is paramount. We cannot afford weakness, especially in the face of the Mustafa Clan's rising power. Kazi's fire is what will fuel our victory."

Amani's gaze remained steady, unwavering in her conviction. "Strength without discipline is a double-edged sword, Malik. It can cut both ways. If Kazi continues down this path, he might bring calamity upon us all."

I clenched my fists, the tension in the air thickening. "Amani, I appreciate your counsel, but I won't let anyone stand in Kazi's way, even if it's you. We'll harness his power and mold it into a force that will reshape the destiny of our clan."

With those words, I turned away, my resolve unyielding. The stakes were high, and I was willing to risk everything to ensure our clan's dominance.

Little did I know that this determination would lead us all into uncharted territories, where the line between power and destruction blurred, and choices would have consequences that none of us could escape.

"Let the Tests begin," The Deans voice cut my thoughts and we focused on Nailah.