stjorthotic Chapter 12 Testing
Chapter 12 Testing
The wheels rolled over the path through the forest, which was covered with decaying leaves, and finally came to a stop in front of a magnificent tower standing in the heart of the silent forest.
The obsidian-like tower silently pierces the sky, which is obscured by the massive canopy of trees and only allows dappled light to filter through, exuding a cold, ancient, and heavy aura.
"Get off the bus! Get off the bus! Hurry up!"
Belon's voice rang out in the open space in front of the tower, driving away the group of new apprentices who were somewhat trembling under the tower's imposing presence.
The new apprentices filed out, filled with awe, curiosity, and barely concealed trepidation, gazing up at the behemoth that would soon determine their future.
Scattered around the base of the tower were some figures dressed in gray robes, some hurrying along, others leaning against the cold stone walls talking in hushed tones. The occasional glances they cast carried scrutiny, indifference, and even a hint of barely perceptible contempt, causing the fledglings who had just arrived to instinctively shrink back.
"Stay close to me. First, go to the mission hall to register, and then someone will take you to the temporary dormitory."
Peron glanced at the line, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Remember, here, observe more, listen more, speak less, and definitely don't cause trouble. Otherwise... you'll bear the consequences."
He emphasized the last four words, his gaze sweeping across the crowd like a cold awl, lingering for a moment on Clara's undisguised arrogance.
Led by Belon, the group passed through a heavy stone gate covered with intricate runes and entered the interior of the wizard's tower.
The light suddenly dimmed, and the air was filled with the dry smell of herbs, as well as a faint "humming" sensation unique to energy particles.
The cold stone walls blocked out the forest's moisture, leaving only a chill that penetrated to the bone.
The mission lobby is located on the first floor of the tower and is an exceptionally spacious area.
Beneath the high dome, massive stone pillars support the structure, and these pillars are also covered with runes of unknown meaning.
Several large crystals emitting a soft white light were embedded in the walls and pillars, providing the main light source.
The hall was filled with figures, mostly apprentices in gray robes, but a few figures with significantly stronger auras and wearing different styles of robes hurried by.
The background noise consisted of conversations, the clinking of objects being handed over, and the low hum of some instrument.
Belon gestured for the new apprentices to wait at the edge of the hall, while he led a few of his accompanying apprentices to a huge circular counter in the center of the hall, made of some kind of dark metal and crystal—the task handover point.
"Professor Prius, I didn't expect to find you here for the handover."
Beron looked at Professor Prius sitting there and spoke respectfully.
Dressed in a dark gray wizard's robe, the elderly-looking Instructor Prius glanced at the new apprentice before speaking to Belon:
"There are seventeen people in total, and not a single one is missing. It seems that everything went smoothly this time. This time, we will increase the number by 20% on the original basis."
At this point, a hint of admiration appeared in Professor Prius's eyes.
Belon and his apprentices behind him beamed with joy and quickly said, "Thank you, Instructor Prius."
Meanwhile, the group of new apprentices were led to a room next to the hall by an older apprentice with a slightly weathered face.
The room was small and simply furnished, with only a gray-white stone pillar about half a person's height in the center standing out.
The surface of the stone pillar is also engraved with runes, emanating a calm and subtle energy fluctuation.
Looking at the curiosity, anticipation, and a hint of unease on these young faces, the old apprentice couldn't help but feel a touch of nostalgia in his eyes.
However, when his gaze fell upon that familiar testing stone pillar, and he recalled that he had wasted more than a decade and was still stuck at the level of a second-level apprentice, the longing in his heart instantly turned into a silent sigh.
"You all saw it?" He pointed to the stone pillar, his voice returning to its usual calm. "In a moment, follow instructions and line up for testing. Understand?"
"clear!!!"
A dozen voices rose in disarray, filled with tension and anticipation, echoing in the somewhat empty room.
The old apprentice nodded expressionlessly, walked to an inconspicuous groove next to the stone pillar, and placed his hand on it.
The runes carved on the surface of the stone pillar seemed to be infused with life. Starting from the point where his palm touched it, a layer of extremely faint, almost imperceptible light rapidly spread upwards until it reached a circular indentation at the top.
"Let's begin. First one, step forward, put your hand into the groove at the top, concentrate, don't think about anything, and don't resist anything."
The old apprentice's voice was flat and emotionless, pointing towards the top of the stone pillar.
A thin boy at the front of the line took a deep breath and stepped forward amidst the encouraging or sympathetic gazes of his companions.
He trembled as he reached out his right hand and carefully pressed it into the cold stone groove.
hum...
The stone pillar emitted a very faint tremor. Several tiny crystals embedded around the grooves suddenly lit up, emitting…
The faint, almost grayish-white fluorescence lasted only two or three seconds before quickly fading and returning to its original state.
The old apprentice glanced at the few extremely small rune markings that had appeared on the side of the stone pillar, his tone completely indifferent:
"Elemental Affinity: Level 2, no significant bias. Mental Strength: Level 1. Overall Rating: Level 1. Go sign your name over there, next."
The thin boy's face turned deathly pale instantly, his lips trembled, and the light that had just ignited in his eyes quickly went out. He retreated to the side, utterly dejected.
Judging from the old apprentice's tone, he wouldn't be so arrogant as to think that this was some kind of great talent.
The atmosphere in the room instantly became more tense.
The harsh reality was laid bare before these young men and women for the first time.
Testing continues.
Several in a row were rated as first or second class. The air in the room seemed to freeze, with only the occasional slight buzzing from the stone pillars during the testing and the old apprentice's cold pronouncements remaining.
The anticipation on the faces of the new apprentices was replaced by unease and fear, and many of them began to unconsciously twist the hem of their clothes.
A girl with a ponytail and bright eyes.
Although she looked nervous, the confidence in her eyes was still very evident.
She took a deep breath and slowly placed her hand on the stone pillar.
The moment her hand touched it, the stone pillar emitted a light different from before!
"Elemental Affinity: Level 5, Wind Element. Mental Strength: Level 4. Overall Rating: Level 4. Not bad, little girl."
Clearly, this girl's qualifications are the best among the 17 people tested so far.
Seeing the results of the test, the girl finally calmed down. Although she had known for a long time that her aptitude was not bad, seeing it fully revealed now still put her at ease.
Looking back at the envious eyes of the apprentices, the young woman gave a beautiful smile and made a thumbs-up gesture.
But seeing Clara's indifferent gaze and arrogant demeanor, he didn't say anything, only revealing a mocking smile after turning away.
"Klar, you just wait. Once we get to the Wizard's Tower, your secrets won't be yours anymore."
Looking at Kurt chatting with several apprentices, the girl exclaimed with delight:
"elder brother!"