Strongest Mage of the Forgotten Realm

Zeth emerged from the labyrinth's final corridor into an open meadow bathed in the light of a midday sun. The stark contrast to the dark, rune-filled dungeon left him momentarily disoriented. Ahead, a cobblestone road wound its way through the meadow, leading to towering spires in the distance.

The system flickered to life.

'Proceed to Arcanis Academy. Admission protocol in effect.'

Zeth glanced at the distant academy, its sheer size and imposing architecture filling him with equal parts awe and unease.

"I guess that's my next step,"

he murmured, adjusting his grip on the shard that now felt more like a part of him than a weapon.

He followed the road, each step bringing him closer to the towering gates of Arcanis Academy. The path was lined with tall trees whose leaves shimmered faintly, as if infused with magic. The air itself felt charged, and Zeth could sense the hum of energy coursing through the land. The closer he got, the more the shard in his pocket seemed to hum faintly, as though it recognized this place.

As he approached the gate, a guard stepped forward. Clad in ornate armor with glowing runes etched into the breastplate, the guard's eyes narrowed as he sized Zeth up.

"Name and invitation,"

the guard demanded, his tone firm.

Zeth hesitated.

"Invitation?"

The guard's expression hardened.

"No one enters the academy without an invitation. State your purpose."

Before Zeth could stammer out a response, the system intervened.

'Generating invitation. Stand by.'

A shimmering parchment materialized in Zeth's hand, glowing faintly with golden lettering. He held it out to the guard, suppressing his surprise.

The guard examined the parchment, his stern demeanor softening slightly.

"You're late,"

he said, stepping aside.

"Enter quickly. Preparations for the orientation trials are already underway."

Zeth nodded, stepping through the gates into the academy grounds. His breath caught at the sight before him. Towering spires loomed overhead, their surfaces covered in intricate runes that pulsed faintly with magic. Students moved in groups across the grounds, some practicing spells in open courtyards while others carried stacks of books nearly as tall as they were. The faint hum of enchantments lingered in the air, giving everything an otherworldly feel.

A bell tolled, its deep resonance cutting through the chatter of the students. Zeth followed the flow of people toward a large hall where new arrivals were gathering. An instructor with a sharp gaze and flowing robes stood at the front, his voice carrying over the murmur of the crowd.

"Welcome to Arcanis Academy. Each of you has been selected to attend based on your potential. But potential alone will not suffice here. Over the next week, you will undergo a series of tests to determine your aptitude and placement. Only those who meet the academy's standards will continue their training."

The crowd fell silent, the weight of the instructor's words settling over them. Zeth swallowed hard, his resolve solidifying. Around him, students exchanged glances, some looking nervous, others eager. The room buzzed with anticipation as they waited for further instructions.

The first trial took place in a vast chamber that was alive with light and magic. Rows of floating mana orbs hovered above pedestals, each glowing faintly. The chamber's walls were lined with shimmering crystal panels that reflected the flickering light, making the entire space feel like it was encased in a shifting kaleidoscope.

The instructor stood at the front, his robes billowing as he addressed the group.

"The first trial will assess your mana control and efficiency. Approach an orb, channel your mana into it, and maintain a steady flow for as long as possible. The orb will measure not only your raw magical power but also your precision and adaptability."

Zeth shifted nervously as students were called forward one by one. A tall girl with silver hair approached her orb with confidence, placing her hands on it. The orb flared briefly but wavered, its light flickering unevenly before dimming. She stepped back, her face betraying frustration.

Next was a boy with shaky hands. He approached the orb cautiously, managing only a faint flicker before the light went out entirely. Whispers of encouragement and criticism rippled through the group.

When Zeth's name was called, he stepped forward, his pulse quickening. The orb in front of him glowed faintly, as if anticipating his touch. Placing his hands on its cool surface, he closed his eyes and focused on drawing mana from within himself. He could feel the shard in his pocket hum faintly, aligning with his efforts.

At first, the orb pulsed weakly, but as Zeth concentrated, its light grew brighter. The room fell silent as the glow intensified, spreading golden rays across the chamber. He focused on keeping the mana flow steady, adjusting the pace and intensity whenever he sensed resistance. Sweat formed on his brow, but he pushed through, keeping his breathing even.

Minutes passed as Zeth maintained the flow, the light from the orb reaching its peak brilliance. Slowly, he withdrew his hands, and the light dimmed to a steady glow before fading completely.

"Good control,"

the instructor said, jotting down notes on his parchment.

"Next."

Zeth stepped back, his heart still racing. He ignored the whispers and glances directed his way, focusing instead on the fact that he had completed the first trial. He replayed the sensation of channeling mana through the shard, marveling at how naturally it seemed to respond.

The trial continued for hours as more students stepped forward. Zeth watched as a boy with fiery red hair ignited his orb with such intensity that it shattered. The room gasped, and the boy stepped back sheepishly as the instructors hurried to repair the damage. Another student, a girl with glowing tattoos on her arms, managed to sustain her orb's glow for an impressively long time before it began to flicker. Each attempt brought its own tension, as students revealed their strengths and weaknesses.

By the time the trial concluded, the room was buzzing with a mixture of relief and anticipation. The instructor dismissed them with a sharp gesture, leading them to the next area for a brief respite before the second trial began.

Zeth exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

"One down,"

he murmured, glancing at the others as they filed out of the chamber. His thoughts churned with a mix of nervousness and determination. The first trial had been a test of control and endurance. He could only imagine what lay ahead.

'Progress saved. Performance: Above average,'

the system chimed softly in his mind.

Zeth allowed himself a small smile. This was only the beginning.