The Test

Narrated by John

As Klaysher announced the test, a different kind of energy filled the air. The Academy grounds were abuzz with anticipation. I took a moment to look around, noticing the mix of excitement and uncertainty on the faces of the other benders.

There was a shared feeling of stepping into the unknown. Some looked confident, while others, like me, were still figuring things out.

Alex strolled up to me, a mix of excitement and curiosity in his eyes. "So, any idea what this test is gonna be? I mean, we're kinda new to this whole energy thing."

I shrugged, pondering. "Not sure. Maybe something to check how we connect with our energy? Like, trying to move stuff or create something with it?"

He nodded, thinking it over. "Yeah, sounds plausible. Let's just hope it's not too complicated. We're just starting to figure out this whole bender thing."

The excitement hung thick in the air as Alex and I stood among the benders on the Academy grounds. The anticipation built, and the unknown test loomed ahead, a challenge waiting to unfold. We, like the others, wondered about the nature of the test and the hurdles it might present.

With a simple nod from Klaysher, signaling the commencement of the testing procedure, benders filed into the main building. The specifics of the test remained concealed in mystery, adding to the intrigue and uncertainty. I observed the expressions on the faces of the first few individuals, a mix of confidence and apprehension evident. The air crackled with a blend of tension and excitement as we prepared to step into the unknown and confront whatever test awaited us inside.

The time had come for my test, and I crossed the threshold into the main building, greeted by an atmosphere of uncertainty. The interior blended tradition with modernity, with dim lights casting a subtle glow on the symbols of energy mastery that adorned the spacious room. It felt like I was entering the inner sanctum of the Academy.

As I stepped further into the hall, my eyes met with a supervisor—a seasoned bender with a calm demeanor. The atmosphere inside was distinct, radiating focus and purpose. The supervisor acknowledged my presence with a nod.

"Welcome, John. I'll be overseeing your test. The challenges are designed to help us understand your affinity with energy manipulation. Take a deep breath and let's begin."

The supervisor, with a keen gaze, initiated a series of questions to gauge my understanding of energy manipulation.

"How do you sense the energy around you, John? Can you feel its flow or any disturbances?"

I considered the inquiry, attempting to articulate the subtle sensations I had started to discern. "It's like a gentle hum, and when I focus, I can sense variations, like ripples in a pond."

The supervisor nodded, encouraging me to continue. "And when it comes to manipulating energy, do you find yourself more inclined towards precision or power?"

I reflected on my limited experiences. "I think I lean towards precision. Controlling the details feels more natural to me."

"Interesting," he remarked, "Well, it's time for the first test."

The first challenge awaited—an energy sphere suspended in mid-air, poised for my command. It hung there like a small, radiant orb, casting a gentle glow across the room.

"Give it a shot. Connect with its energy, sync up with it."

Taking a steady breath, I reached out toward the sphere. The energy within me responded, a gentle current aligning with my intent. As my fingertips approached the sphere, I sensed a subtle resistance, a dance between my energy and the hovering orb.

With a deliberate motion, I guided the energy, attempting to connect with the sphere. It responded with a momentary hesitation, a delicate waver in its position, before finding stability under my influence. Success!

"Swift progress," the supervisor remarked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Now, onto the next challenge. Your task is to conjure a barrier, utilizing your energy to form a protective shield."

Embracing the task, I engaged with the dance of my crimson energy. A controlled exhale set the process in motion as I extended my hands, guiding the red tendrils to intertwine and manifest into a defensive barrier.

The room transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues as the crimson energy radiated, shaping the protective veil. The barrier held, casting a warm glow that lingered in the air.

In the pursuit of the intricate dance, I found myself grappling with its nuances. Despite my efforts to extend the crimson glow, the barrier's vibrancy faltered, reminiscent of autumn leaves caught in a gentle breeze. Gradually, the radiant shield dissipated, leaving the room tinged with the fleeting memory of the red energy's brilliance. The supervisor's nod conveyed a simple truth—practice was key to mastering the art of maintaining the crimson veil.

The next challenge loomed—moving a bottle using my energy.

With a measured breath, I focused on the bottle, envisioning its movement guided by the energy within me. The energy responded, generating a subtle force. A sense of anticipation filled the room as I exerted my will to make the bottle shift.

The glass vessel, initially resistant, yielded to the unseen force, moving ever so slightly. However, my control faltered, and the bottle slipped from my influence, crashing to the ground and shattering into pieces.

"Alright," the supervisor remarked, "Your test is complete. You'll find your group and teacher listed on the notice board in the afternoon."

I nodded, stepping outside to discover Alex's whereabouts. He was nowhere in sight, likely immersed in his own test.

As the afternoon settled in, the test results were out. I headed to the notice board to see....

Unit 92 :

Mentor : Oliver Benji

Trainees :

John Will

Alex Bridges

Anne Easton

Gordon Grimm