3 Chapter 3

Aaron, when on earth, was a decent student. He finished his post graduation in applied mathematics in the better half of his class. Learning came naturally to him. Watching him learn so easily made a gleeful expression appear on Mr. Anderson's face and left him in utter amazement.

"Good kid. Are you sure your mom didnt teach you basic knowledge before? You seem to pick up new stuff easily."

"Its teacher's hard work which made me learn." Aaron replied. It was never a bad idea to make sure your teachers looked favourably upon you.

He knew he was let off on many occasions during his school and college days in his previous life because of his favourable impression on his teachers.

He already knew how to read and write. Although a different language, but he had a solid foundation. Mathematics and science came naturally to him.

What he was interested in was to see whether or not science had the same principles as in his previous life. But his teacher at the moment taught him the very basic stuff. What else to expect from someone teaching a 3 year old. But at least they knew earth was round and it circled the sun. So that was a good start to things.

Time really flies by. Soon Aaron turned 7 years old.

"The world around you, its made up of tiny particles. No matter what an object is a table, a chair, a tree or a person, every one is made up of tiny particles. They only differ in how they are arranged. But this all is too advanced for someone your age. I just started talking about it with you because I have already taught you all that I was supposed to teach you and much more."

"Its teacher's ability that made it possible." Aaron said in a innocent tone praising his teacher.

"No, need to butter me up any more. I already have more than favourble impression towards you. Any more and I would have to leave my will to you." Mr Anderson laughed and said.

"Today I will answer all your questions which are outside of what I was supposed to be teach you. Ask whatever you want."

Aaron thought for a moment. He had learned a lot from his teacher in these past few years. He knew he lived in a town called Willows den. Which was in the state of Hillridge. According to his teacher there were several such states surrounding their own. He could learn more about the geography as he went for his higher studies.

He had one question which seemed to be nagging him from a long time which his teacher never seemed to talk about. So he finally voiced it aloud.

"Teacher, can you tell me about magic"

"Hahahaha." Booming laughter came from Anderson.

"Finally you asked something which people your age are curious to know about. I was beginning to think you are an old soul inhabiting a younger body." He didn't realise how close he was to the truth.

Aaron had a sheepish smile on his face. He realised how he acted which didn't really seem to be appropriate to his age in this world. Mr Anderson didnt mind it much but he had to be careful in the future.

Its not like people would figure out his secret unless he told them himself, just that people might percieve him as a weirdo. He didnt really want that to happen.

"You remember what I was talking about the world being made up of tiny particles? Magic is more or less the ability to influence those particles."

This indeed made sense to him. He knew the tiny particles his teacher talked about were the atoms and moleclues which made up everything. And an ability to directly effect them was indeed magical in nature.

"People who practice magic are called mages. They are reknowned throughout the world and can do lot of things which normal people cant do." Anderson further explained.

"Talking with your father, he told me he hired mage to check on you when you were borned. You have no idea how much it would have cost him to be able to call for the services of a mage. Having rich parents is indeed luxurious."

Aaron thought that it made sense. Someone valuable means his service would be indeed expensive.

But he still couldn't see his parents being overly rich. How could they afford a mage then?

"Can I be a mage?" Aaron finally asked his teacher.

"So young and already want to be a lord mage" Anderson smiled.

"When you grow older, I will take you to Rivertown to test your aptitude. Only then you can know whether you can be a mage or not."

"Lets go now!" Aaron exclaimed.

"Slow down. You need to be 8 years old to be tested. Its a rule laid down by the Mage Association."

Hearing that dissappointed Aaron. But he was looking forward to being 8 years old now.

"Whats this? I hear my son wants to be a mage?" Exclaimed Mike as he entered the room Aaron was in.

"Father." Aaron greeted his father.

"Mike, I was explaining your son about magic. And I took it upon myself to lead him for his aptitude testing. I hope you will agree to this request."

"Haha. No worries Anderson. You have taught him whole heartedly, and if you want to do this, you can."

Turning towards his son, he said "Alright Aaron, go to your mother now, I need to talk to Anderson for a bit."

"Alright father. Have a good day Mr Anderson"

As his father watched him leave, he turned towards Anderson "You know how difficult it is for someone to be a mage. You shouldnt get his hopes high."

"I know. " replied Anderson.

"I wanted to be a mage myself. But I failed my tests. You know mages are very intelligent. Its one a the basic requirements to be a mage. Your son, has intelligence which surpasses all his peers. He can already do calculations in his head. You know how rare that is at his age. There is hope for him to be a mage."

"I have no problems with him testing , I just hope that failure doesnt leave too much of a shadow in his heart." Mike said.

"Dont worry. He is young. Even if he fails, he will grow out of it. And you might have noticed, he is much more matured than your average child."

They finalised that Anderson would leave now since his duty as a teacher was done. He will be back a year later and take Aaron for his testing.

Later that night when Aaron was trying to sleep, he wondered about a lot of thjngs. Since he had finished his elementary education, what is he going to do now? He still had a year left for the magical testing.