1.23 Tests

Isha Baranas Vetras adjusted the folds of her deep prussian-blue robes as she paced back and forth in the waiting room. Waiting was always the worst part, she had experienced it so many times that she should have been an expert at it by now—she was not. It was all she could do not to bite her nails.

Today, the meeting with her new master marked the beginning of a new chapter of her life—one that would define the future as a [Mage].

Her father had arranged for her apprenticeship under a [Great-Mage]. Father had promised her Master to be a prodigy in what she did, even if she were of humble origin, born to a family of fletchers in an unnamed village. She had earned the respect of her father, that fact alone earned Isha's respect as well.

The door of the waiting room creaked open, Isha took in a deep breath. Her new master entered the room, following Adolf, her attendant. Her master's steps were that of a swan, she did not so much as walk but glided into the room. 

The older dark-skinned woman wore a rope of emerald green so dark that it was almost black. She tied her black hair in a bun, kept in place by her silver wand she used as a hairstick. 

Rings embraced every single one of her fingers, each one enchanted to perform a task Isha couldn't fathom. She could smell the magic exuding from those rings.

The [Great-Mage] bowed, her onyx eyes glinting in the daylight. "I am Castra, My lady. Soon to be your master. It is an honour to meet you."

"The honour is mine. My father has spoken highly of you," Isha said with a curtsy. "Please do not be so formal with me. A master should not bow to her apprentice."

Castra smiled a knowing smile. "I am a guest of House Vetras, and you are the lady of this house. I shall treat you as such while I am here. Once I have accepted you into my apprenticeship, I shall treat you as I would any student."

Thank Naiker. 

She had no intention of studying under someone who'd bow and scrape at her every whim. She would never progress in such an environment. "I am pleased to hear that."

After a small pause, Isha spoke again. "Might I interest you on a tour of our estate?"

"Alas, my lady. I must refuse your kind offer. I must test your capabilities before accepting you into my apprenticeship. If we delay any longer, we may not have sufficient time to depart today."

Isha raised an eyebrow. "Assess my capabilities? I was under the impression that my father had already convinced you to take me under your wing."

"You misunderstood, my lady," Castra said with the sake of her head. "While I agreed to this meeting out of respect for your father's wishes, I cannot forgo my standards for apprenticeship, nobility or not? Black Coral Academy is not for everyone. I apologise."

"Very well," Isha said. She was confident in her abilities. "What are these tests you speak of?"

"The tests are simple. I will evaluate your Mana capacity, your aptitude in manipulating Mana, your control over Mana flow, your natural orientation on the Schools of Magic, and your logical reasoning."

Isha nodded. "I understand. So? Where shall we begin?"

"By your leave, I will begin with testing your Mana reserves. I mean you no offence, and I'm certain, you will pass this test with flying colours. However, as a matter of protocol, I cannot afford to take any chances."

"No offence taken."

Isha gestured for Adolf to leave, and he retreated with a respectful bow. 

"Please, you may begin your test."

"Channel your mana into your body, but do not use it. It simply makes it easier for Mana Sense to gauge your reserve."

Isha nodded, pulling Mana into her veins, letting it move freely. 

[Mana Sense].

Castra's eyes widened for a second, but she quickly regained her calm demeanour.

"You have an acceptable Mana reserve, my lady," Castra said, her voice a tad squeaky.

Acceptable? Isha thought, trying not to laugh. I bet you have never seen someone with a Mana pool as large as mine.

Isha didn't voice her thoughts. "Thank you. What would you like to test next?"

Castra considered for a long moment before replying.

"Next, I will assess your dexterity over Mana usage, my lady. This involves channelling your Mana into these crystals." 

Castra got out a board with five crystals embedded on the two ends each and placed it on the table. "These crystals react to Mana. Follow my lead and do as I do. Work on the same corresponding crystal on your end and try to maintain the same intensity as mine."

Isha approached the table, her hands steady as she focused her attention on the task at hand. With a calm breath, she summoned her Mana, a subtle energy that flowed through her veins, demanding her to act. She extended her hand over the board, waiting for her master.

A soft light radiated from the crystal on Castra's end. Isha followed suit. The crystal on her side glowed brighter than the other crystal. Isha hurriedly diminished her Mana output to match Castra's light. Just as she did, the light on Castra's crystal winked out, and another crystal glowed in its stead. Isha copied her master. 

The test she had expected to be an easy one, turned into an arduous one that required all the focus she could muster. Copying her master's work on a single crystal was simple enough, but doing the same for three or four crystals at the same time with varying degrees of Mana input for each of them was anything but simple. And Castra switched the crystals so fast it was difficult to keep up. Sweat beaded on her forehead as her test continued.

How much longer did she have to do this? Her head was beginning to pound.

"You can stop now, my lady," Castra said, as if the other woman could read her mind.

Finally, Isha withdrew her hand, wiping the sweat on her forehead. The entire test made her feel like she had been running through a sandstorm for over a week. "How? … How did I … do?"

Castra smiled. "You erred here and there, but that is to be expected, my lady. You were far from the best, but your performance was above average. Rest assured, your performance was more than enough for me. You did well enough for your first time."

"So? … what's my … next … test?"

Castra let out an amused laugh. "You are that eager, are you—my lady?"

Castra shook her head. "No, you will rest an hour before continuing. That exercise is taxing for both mind and body."

With a grateful nod, Isha collapsed onto a couch and closed her eyes.