The Three Tests

"We have received approximately 1000 applications this year, but not everyone will make it through the three tests," The Dean's voice echoed through the hall, his expression stern.

I nodded, acknowledging the challenge ahead. 'That's to be expected,' steeling my resolve.

"Some of you might specialize in different professions based on your talents,"

The Dean continued, his gaze briefly locking onto mine before he shifted his focus. "Remember, might makes right in this world."

"Now, let me explain the three tests before I call you up. The First Test assesses your Spiritual Affinity.

Your Spiritual Affinity determines if you can cultivate your Ori by absorbing Spiritual Energy from the environment to achieve Spiritual Ascension. If you possess the talent, you'll learn more about it during your studies."

"The Second Test evaluates whether you have a Special Physique. Not everyone can cultivate their Ori, but anyone can cultivate their Jok through Body Ascension. Some are simply more gifted than others in this regard."

"The Third Test is the ultimate challenge, separating the best from the rest," his eyes gleamed with a mysterious intensity.

"This Test is simple, but many will fail." The space in front of him twisted in a bend, shocking the students. With a wink, a mirror appeared.

"This mirror is a Heaven Class Artefact called the 'Aetheric Elementum,' created by a renowned Mystech Alchemist," The Dean announced, his voice echoing with gravity.

"It will unveil your elemental affinity, determining the core essence that resides within you."

The Aetheric Elementum, an exquisite mirror adorned with ancient glyphs, floated in mid-air.

Its surface shimmered with an otherworldly glow, reflecting the anticipation and nervousness etched on the students' faces.

"As each of you approach the Aetheric Elementum," The Dean continued,

"It will reveal your elemental affinity through a profound resonance.

There are 6 Elements, 3 Heaven Class Elements and 3 Hell Class Elements. Those with heaven and hell class elements are rare.

Fire, Water, Ice, Wind, Earth and Storm are the six elements. Chaos, Chronos and Creation are the 3 Heaven Class Elements.  Necroxis, Inferna and Umbrakinesis are the 3 Hell Class Elements"

He paused, letting the significance of his words sink in.

"The Heaven Class Elements," he continued, his tone carrying a sense of reverence,

"Embody the purest forms of power. Chaos, representing the primordial forces of destruction; Chronos, the essence of time itself; and Creation, the very fabric from which reality is woven."

A hush fell over the crowd as the gravity of these elements settled upon us.

The very mention of their names carried a weight that was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

"In contrast," the Dean's voice lowered, hinting at darker truths,

"the Hell Class Elements are formidable in their own right. Necroxis, the mastery over death; Inferna, the embodiment of consuming flames; and Umbrakinesis, the manipulation of darkness."

The Dean's words hung in the air, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and tension.

As he continued, his voice took on an almost hypnotic quality, drawing the attention of every student in the hall.

"The Aetheric Elementum will reveal your elemental affinity through a profound resonance,"

the Dean's gaze scanned the room, his eyes intense. "Approach it with confidence, for it will discern the very essence that defines you."

I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. The idea of a mirror determining my elemental affinity was both fascinating and nerve-wracking.

I glanced at the mirror, its surface rippling with mysterious energy, and took a deep breath, steadying my resolve.

The Dean's voice resonated again, breaking my momentary trance. "Now, let the testing begin."

Students started to approach the stage one by one soon, we were all lined up. The tension in the air was palpable as the first test was about to commence.

"Shouldn't The Prince his Highness be the first one in line ? Isn't that much more befitting of status" a student with dark red hair and caramel skin murmered to another boy that I recognized to be Kazi.

"The Academy does not care about such things, here we are all equal" Kazi smirks at me but this time I just stare at him with disinterest

Instead I focus back on the currently on going test, where a boy has now taken stage to test his potential.

"Tenzi Ruvagi place your hand on the mirror in order to assess your Spiritual Affinity"

Tenzi looked to be 10 years old like me, with a cold look in his eyes that is unfitting for his age. His hair was light brown that framed his childish but determined face as he walked up to the mirror.

As the boy, Tenzi Ruvagi, approached the mirror, it seemed to draw closer to him as though inviting him to reveal his hidden potential.

With determination in his young eyes, he reached out and pressed his palm against its surface, causing ripples to spread like water disturbed by a stone's touch.

An ethereal light aura began to form on his forehead, captivating the onlooking students.

The unexpected next step sent a shiver through the crowd. The aura expanded, enveloping Tenzi's entire body, separating from him like a soul departing its vessel. His eyes widened in alarm, the experience feeling as if his very essence was leaving him.

"Soul Lock," The Dean proclaimed calmly, raising his hand with an air of authority.

His gesture seemed to contain and redirect the radiant light, returning it to Tenzi. The audience watched in amazement and silence as the Dean performed this mystical fantastical act.

Among the spectators, only the Dean and the seated teachers and parents remained composed, having witnessed such occurrences before.

A middle-aged man couldn't contain his joy and cheered exuberantly, "That's my boy!"

Tenzi, gradually coming to terms with the profound experience, felt as though he had been reborn anew. The Dean's words resonated with power, "Pass. You have now entered the Mortal Astral Body Layer 1."

'I can't wait to test myself and unlock my true potential', I watched the unfolding show of talent infront of me, hoping it would go faster.

"Are you ready to proceed to the next test?" the Dean asked, his eyes meeting Tenzi's with a depth of understanding that acknowledged the significance of the moment.

In response, Tenzi's gaze remained resolute, echoing his unspoken determination.

"Yes, Dean," he affirmed, his voice steady and filled with newfound confidence.

The anticipation in the hall hung thick, a tangible veil of excitement as the young apprentice prepared himself for the challenges yet to come.

"The next trial delves into the ancient techniques our Ancestors used to rebel against the 12 Orders of Heaven before discovering their Ori and touching the Realm of Divinity," The Dean's voice resonated with historical weight.

Excitement lit up the eyes of the students as they remembered the stories and myths they had read in books, tales of power and rebellion that fueled their dreams.

"Special Physique grants you access to your Jok essence, tapping into bloodline power that is capable of toppling mountains and flattening continents. It embodies pure physical strength of astronomical proportions," the Dean explained, his words charged with the magnitude of the power he described.

"We refer to this as Body Ascension."

"Now, young one, place your palm on the mirror once more. But be warned, unlike unlocking your Astral Soul, this process will be agonizing, but you are destined for great things if you can endure," the Dean cautioned, his gaze fixed on Tenzi, who stood ready to face the challenge.

Tenzi nodded, his determination unwavering despite the warning.

The air in the room crackled with anticipation, each observer acutely aware of the significance of this moment.

Tenzi placed his palm on the mirror, his face contorting in pain as the energy coursed through him. It was as if he was channeling the essence of mountains and oceans, his body a vessel for incredible power.

The room seemed to vibrate with the intensity of his struggle. Beads of sweat formed on Tenzi's brow, his determination shining through despite the pain.

Beside me, the older student whispered, "Twin Jorin Cultivators are a force to be reckoned with. The balance they achieve between Spiritual and Physical Ascension is unparalleled. It's no wonder they're feared."

Kazi sneered, his eyes alight with venom. "A challenge worth looking forward to, indeed."

I clenched my fists, feeling the weight of the path I had chosen. Twin Jorin Cultivators were rare, their abilities vast and diverse. Facing Tenzi in the future was not just a possibility; it was a destiny I would have to confront.

As Tenzi's body trembled with the strain, the mirror emitted a blinding light. The room fell into a hushed silence, everyone waiting with bated breath for the results. The Dean's eyes glowed with pride, recognizing the potential unfolding before him.

Finally, the light subsided, and Tenzi withdrew his hand from the mirror. He looked exhausted but triumphant, a newfound strength emanating from him.

"Congratulations, Tenzi Ruvagi," The Dean said, his voice carrying a mixture of approval and respect. "You have successfully harnessed your Special Physique have become a Twin Jorin Cultivator, Mortal Body Realm 1st Layer"

The room erupted into applause, acknowledging Tenzi's achievement. As I joined in the applause, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. The challenges ahead were formidable, but I was ready to face them, even if it meant confronting a Twin Jorin Cultivator.

"Now for the final and last Test"