Chapter 34 – The Trial of Talent
The sky over Caerlin dawned gray and heavy. The morning light barely pierced the thick layer of clouds that blanketed the city like an oppressive shroud. There was a desolate air to the day, but the weather was perfect for a trial—neither warm nor cold, just a constant, indifferent breeze. A climate that offered no comfort nor discomfort. Neutral. Like the eyes of an executioner.
That day, the commoners knew something was different. No physical training, no classroom lessons. It was the day of the test. That's how it was called—vaguely, without explanation. No one really knew what awaited them.
They were assembled in front of the old hall of the western tower, a time-worn stone building. It carried the aura of a place forgotten by the years, and even the instructors kept their distance, as if afraid of disturbing something best left asleep. The air thickened the closer they came. No laughter, no whispers. Just footsteps dragging over damp stone.
They were called in groups of ten. They went in—but no one came out. The line grew shorter in complete silence. The tension was unbearable.
"What the hell is this?" Thom whispered, glancing at Cedric, who swallowed hard and didn't answer.
William stood at the entrance, beside Aurus. It was his first day as an assistant. A role that, for anyone else, might have felt like an opportunity. But for him, it was a burden—sharp as a blade against the neck. He handed out the exams, organized the groups, but he knew that wasn't the real test. The true trial began afterward.
Inside, each group was led to a windowless chamber. An arcane circle carved into the stone floor glowed faintly. Ten chairs arranged in a ring awaited them. As they sat, they were handed a written test.
"No talking. Read and answer. Time is limited," William instructed before stepping back.
After ten minutes of tense silence, Aurus would begin murmuring an incantation in an unknown tongue. His voice was soft, like wind slipping into one's ears and soul. And then... it happened.