Smoldering Embers...

Knowing that the holidays were coming was like a curse for Joshua. His parents always took him to expensive resorts, where he had to act like a noble. He hated it, he hated being rude to people who inconvenienced him, he hated having to always act right when he knew he was wrong, he hated it all.

Being part of the Blaze family was not easy for Joshua. Others were intimidated by his stature and power in society, they would never treat him like an equal. They would treat him like royalty, someone who needed to be pampered.

Today he finally had enough. Today he was going to invite people to his estate for a party. He didn't care what his parents would think, he was a teenager and he needed to act like one.

Getting up from his desk, the people around him all quieted down. They believed that if they annoyed him, they would be incinerated using his families famous fire magic.

"Please everyone, I don't want to be treated like this. I just got up to make an announcement." Walking to the front of his class, he realised something. Maybe these people didn't want to be his friends.

Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, Joshua opened his mouth and began to speak his mind.

"Everyone, I would like to invite you to my estate for an end of school celebration. I have a pool, hot tub, entertainment systems and there will be plenty of food. There is no obligation to come as this is a very last minute arrangement, but if you are able to, feel free to drop by."

"That was a great speech, Blaze. Unfortunately, there will be no going back to your estate tonight." Walking into the classroom, Mr. Tide confused all of the students in the classroom. "I would like you all to take a seat."

returning to their seats as instructed, they asked around if anyone knew what was going on. It was almost time for them to leave school and go on break. What could be so important that it couldn't be sent in a letter to their parents?

"First, I want to say congratulations for making it to the age of 16. As you all know next year you will be attending different magic academies, in order to enhance your magic and prepare you for life." Pausing to let this information really sink in, Mr. Tide looked around the room still seeing confused faces. "I suppose I should tell you. You all will be taking a test and those scores will decide what magic academy you will go to."

An uproar sounded throughout the room, people complaining that they were never told about this and that it was unfair.

With one glare from Mr. Tide, the entire class quieted down. They all knew that Mr. Tide was the strongest teacher in the school, and he didn't hesitate to demonstrate that to the students. He had used his water magic on them on multiple occasions.

"If you could all refrain from making my job any harder today, I would like to continue with my explanation." Pausing once again, he waited to see if there were anymore objections. "Thank you, now this will be a practical test, not a theory test. You will not be given the date and you will collected when the day arrives. After this test, the academy that finds you suitable will recruit you and make you their student for the next 2 years. You will live at that academy with other students, train with other students and eventually you will join a faction."

The factions were organizations that ran the world. The military was the strongest faction as it had the most men, followed by a group known as the powerhouses. These were a collection of the strongest individuals gathered together to go and explore the worlds they inhabited.

"I will not allow any questions, and you are not to tell anyone about the test. If you do then you will be executed as soon as news spread that it was you who spread the news." Noticing that everyone was sweating bullets after hearing those words, Mr. Tide gave a wry smile. "Now sit still and take deep breaths."

Sitting at his desk and putting on a gas mask, multiple students were concerned that something bad was about to happen. With a push of a button, the exits were sealed and the windows were blocked.

Still having no clue what was going on, the students started to panic. They were ready to run to the door and try to escape what was happening, but a voice stopped them before any of them could move.

"I said sit still and take deep breaths. Anyone who moves from their seat will be forcefully knocked unconscious, by yours truly."

With fear so deep, the students had no choice but to sit still and allow what was about to happen, happen. Another *CLICK* was heard and a vent descended from the ceiling. A gas began billowing from the vent, covering the floor in a mist. The students unlucky enough to be directly under the vent was knocked out instantly.

As the other students saw one of their classmates collapse, their survival instincts took over. They all leapt up out of their desks and began heading for the door. All of a sudden, a wave of water collided with the students, knocking their heads against the wall, hard enough to knock them unconscious but not hard enough to cause any permanent damage.

"If any of them are injured they can be healed with recovery magic."

Giving the room a glance over, Mr. Tide noticed something that surprised him. Joshua Blaze was still in his seat. He was shaking so hard his desk was scraping against the ground, but he was still seated at his desk.

"Well, this is unexpected, usually you all need to be knocked out forcefully. Since you are from a noble family, I will give you the choice. Gas or magic?" Mr. Tide, looking with admiration at the young man in front of him, gave him his options.

"Will the gas hurt?" Shaky voiced, Joshua asked the only thing he could utter out.

"No it will not. Just lay down on the ground and breath." Explaining a way to come out unscathed, he motioned for him to lay on the floor.

Moving his tense muscles and using every bit of his strength, Joshua laid on the ground and took a deep breath. His vision faded to darkness and his mind went cloudy.