Mage Adam

stal.”

“Crystal! How fitting.
Stand behind me and wait for the second round of testing.
Don't worry, it isn't difficult.”

The Black Mage was surprisingly friendly.
Not even Adam and Ophelia experienced this friendliness, and they were much stronger than Crystal.
Adam could tell there was an underlying reason.

Crystal's success in lighting up the crystal ball had cast doubt on the remaining people.
They assured themselves that, at least they had a representative among the commoners.

The sky soon turned dark, and only three more people had basic qualifications.
They failed to light the crystal ball up, however they were satisfied.

Soon everyone left and the Black Mage continued to the second test.
He drew the rune that he had drawn previously.

He chose this rune as it was the foundation of spells.
They may be fast or slow learners, but they could surely conjure this rune.

Adam remained silent, focusing on optimising this rune,

“When can I learn magic?”

“Can I go home to see my parents after becoming a mage?”

“Where is the academy?”

The teenagers were obviously excited, and blurted out these questions.

Crystal wanted to ask a question too, but the Black Mage reminded, “In the wizarding world, the privilege of asking unlimited questions like this doesn't exist.
Save your silly questions for important ones.”

The four teenagers immediately hid their faces.
They felt like they had lost a great opportunity.

Crystal was grateful though.
She knew that not every mage would be as forgiving as the Black Mage.

“Black Mage, when I removed my hand from the crystal ball, it lit up.
Why?”

Adam blinked.
The reason for the Black Mage's friendliness must be sourced from the crystal ball lighting up.

The Black Mage smiled, “This crystal ball is the masterpiece of an alchemist, its called the Talent Tester.
It identifies the inherent talent within a person, and shows the potential growth of their mental strength.
The light showed me your traits, and it told me you were kind.”

He continued, “Adam's light was explosive.
I am unable to interpret it.
There are too many ways to become a mage.”

Adam knew he was raining on Crystal's parade.

He continued, “You are different from Adam though.
Adam's natural talent is the strongest I have ever seen.
With some effort, it isn't difficult for him to become a full-fledged mage in no time.
However, take this as a lesson — there isn't a fixed way to become a mage.
Choose your own path.”

Crystal bowed, “Thank you esteemed Black Mage.”

Ophelia was anxious.
She wanted to know what her light meant.

The Earl entered the main hall — perhaps he wanted to make amends with his daughter, so he asked the Black Mage, “Dear Black Mage, can you tell me what my daughter's light means? I'd be willing to pay for a small energy vein for the news.”

However, in the wizarding world there are strict definitions for 'small', 'medium', and 'large'.
Mages do not like to be taken advantage of, “I am happy to serve but…”