As the sun set, the government mages gathered the young participants back to where they had the preliminary exam.
The little, divided arenas had been removed and replaced with a podium where the mage clerks stood.
“With no further delays, let us announce the rules for the Magic Hunt. As you should all know by now, directly attacking or harming your fellow mage hopefuls is strictly prohibited,” said a mustached clerk.
“Each team will be provided with a list of items to collect, which have been placed across a specially designated examination zone. A passing grade of at least 100 points will be required to make it to the next stage.”
Odd. If this additional test was designed to trim excessive applicants, why have a minimum point requirement instead of making the scoring competitive and failing the lowest-scoring teams? That way, you would control the number of applicants who pass.
“While we do not strictly prohibit taking examination objectives from other teams, please be reminded that if you harm other teams while taking their objectives, you will be disqualified. This is not a border region. We expect civilized behavior from our nation’s future cohorts of mages.”
Well, this just got a whole lot more interesting. Any mages specializing in incapacitating spells just got a whole lot more valuable.
Kal wasn't about to stoop to thievery, but his Swift Step and Mana Whip should prove useful under the described ruleset.
“However, we expect more than just the bare minimum from those who would see themselves become mages of Lyssia. Scoring higher and securing a spot within a top academy should be motivation enough. That being said, we are providing an additional reward to encourage you to go above and beyond. The top three scoring groups in the Magic Hunt will be rewarded with valuable magical items to help you develop the foundations of your magical futures.”
The mage clerk cleared his throat before continuing.
“Each team will be provided a number, which will be allocated a starting location. When you register your team, you will be Mana Bound to this starting location via a Glyph enchanted bracelet we will hand out. I do recommend not trying to cheat. We will know about it if you do. These bracelets won’t just provide us with the location of every team in case we need to intervene but will be bound to a spell, allowing you to scan other teams to find out who they are. It will also provide you with a map of the arena and a list of objectives to find.”
“Now, please, in an orderly fashion, line up for group registration. During this time, you will receive the bracelet and an Astral Pouch. Furthermore, the Astral Pouches have powerful tracking spells bound to them. We will catch any attempted thieves, and you will be charged with grand larceny against the Kingdom of Lyssia. So please, don't even think about sneaking away with the Astral Pouch.”
“And lastly. Please be reminded that passing doesn't guarantee entry into your chosen academy. If you have a preference, I recommend going above and beyond. There is so much talent this year; do not think that you are guaranteed the same because a relative or friend earned a spot in an academy with an equal or lower proficiency in magic than yourself. Good luck, hopefuls. May the Endless Planes grant you power.”
“Between you and me, I believe we should have a reasonable chance of relieving some of the other groups of their examination objectives,” Vae said thoughtfully beside Kal.
Is he considering thievery already? He really has no shame, huh? Well, I suppose he is from a house of assassination experts.
“I'd rather avoid thievery if we can,” Kal said.
“The diplomatic approach, huh? My fascination with you grows, Kal Jakari. But you're right. There’s no need to make enemies among other potential mages if we can pass this exam honestly. Who knows when you might need a valuable contact.”
“How does a scavenger hunt even prepare us for becoming mages?” Ellie huffed.
“I guess we'll need to use magic to find some of the exam objectives,” Arix mused.
“Likely,” Vae nodded. “In fact, House Draken’s academy requires something similar. It is requested upon application to specialty courses as an additional entry exam.”
“House Draken, like your family’s house?” Kal said. “Why are you here if your family has an academy?”
“Despite being owned by the House Draken, I still need to be government-sanctioned to be admitted into an academy. Besides, I have no intention of becoming an assassin. This boy is destined for the capital.”
“Then why hide your mana core?”
“Precisely what I'd like to know about you, Kal Jakari.”
“Point taken,” Kal said, hoping Vae wouldn't push the subject.
“We should probably go line up. Once we get those bracelets, we can come up with a plan,” Ellie said.
“Excellent idea, young lady,” Vae said.
“Don't try and butter me up, Mister. I haven't changed my mind about you,” Ellie glared back.
***
After a short wait in line, the group reached the sign-up counter. Unbeknownst to them, sign-up required a group name, albeit not codenames.
Caught on the spot, they signed on as Team Ebenshire. Arix shouted the option while rambling, and since everyone except Vae was from the town, they agreed to it. Despite being from there, Vae was happy with the name since he was happy for his House Draken association to go unnoticed.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Each was given a bracelet. To activate it, all it required was a tiny trickle of mana, and a list containing dozens of items appeared before the user. The same was true for the map, which projected a detailed holographic of the examination area, including the barriers they had to remain within.
The Astral Pouch was named as such because Astral magic was used to write the glyphs onto a pouch made of suitably magical materials—in this case, nightmare leather from wild brumbies hunted in the Ruby Waste.
The pouches created pocket dimensions, the size of which was dependent on the quality of the materials used. They were extremely expensive magic items, and there was no doubt the government clerks were serious about chasing down anybody who attempted to steal one.
“No wonder they gave us an Astral Pouch,” Ellie said, reading from the list. “Is a zeppelin what I think it is?”
“Let me see that,” Kal said, projecting his own list.
It does say Zeppelin. How in the world do you collect a freaking airship? Just how much space does this Astral Pouch hold?
Kal had read a little about magical items like Astral Pouches, but he wasn't aware they could hold items as big as an airship. No wonder a good one was so valuable.
Demon core, Kal read, sighing internally. He wasn't sure what mechanisms were in place to stop people from bringing things from outside the exam, but it stung knowing he gave the core up for likely nothing, especially when they were handing out 60 points for finding one within the examination area.
Ah, don’t be silly. You’d probably just get yourself failed for cheating.
“You know what? On my way into town, I heard assertions about a zeppelin flying over the forests to the north of here. It must be one and the same,” Vae said.
“A, Zepplin?” Kal probed. The Zeppelin was the most valuable item on the list at 150 points, but it was still concerning to learn there was only one of them. Were all the listed items limited in supply?
“Correct,” Vae nodded. “I doubt they’ll make this exam easy. It would be wise to assume all objectives are limited in number.”
“So, what do we go for first?” Arix said.
“Excellent question,” Vae turned to Arix, who had about an inch on him. “But not one we can answer until we acquire our starting position.”
To ensure a fair exam, the teams were handed magical notes containing their starting location number, but these notes only revealed themselves once equipment collection was completed.
“Argh,” Ellie grunted. “So we basically can’t make any useful decisions for another hour?”
“Not entirely,” Kal said. “We could consider how exactly we want to pass this exam. We’ve all agreed that we should honorably pass the exam without stealing from other groups, if possible. But what other parameters should we consider?”
“Err, getting the objectives?” Ellie said as if the answer was obvious.
“Kal has a point. Personally, I would like to focus on keeping low-profile objectives. If we move with haste and focus our efforts on easy objectives, it should be easier than trying to contend with other teams over the opulent goals.”
“Boring. Aim big, buddy,” Ellie said, pretending to yawn.
“I'm okay with any, as long as we all agree,” Arix said.
“Hmm. My entire purpose for joining an academy is to challenge myself. The same goes for this exam,” Kal said. “It might be safe to collect low-value objectives, but what point is there to seeking out a top-tier academy if I’m trying to avoid the very challenges I seek?”
“Oh, well. It appears you have outvoted me two to one,” Vae scratched at the back of his neck.
“You don't have to just cave in to what we want,” Kal countered.
“It's fine, Kal. I am the group newcomer. It wouldn't be fair if I dictated how we operate.”
“That's not entirely true,” Arix interjected. “My vote was for us to agree. If we don't, then I'm siding with Vae.”
“Arix!” Ellie shouted. “Why do you have to make things difficult?”
“How about this?” Kal said. We scope out any high-value objectives before trying to take them. We make educated decisions, and if things look too risky, we focus on safer bets.”
“Yes, that seems like a fair compromise,” Vae said.
“Awesome,” Arix grinned. “So, we’ve agreed then?”
“You’re so lucky this didn’t turn into a massive thing, Arix,” Ellie glared at him.
“Well, that didn’t take long,” Kal said. “We should head to a general store to get some supplies. They said this Magic Hunt will last seven days, and we’re not near prepared for that.”
“Agreed,” Vae nodded.
***
The general store was a cute little shopfront with lattice windows tucked away in a corner just off one of the main roads. There were many like it, but this one was known for its variety of goods, making it the perfect one-stop shop.
The Astral Pouch had near limitless space, or at least it seemed that way to the group of teens. Either way, it undoubtedly had enough space for whatever supplies they wished to buy.
The only problem was their lack of coins. Besides Vae, they were all relatively poor kids from a small town. Arix and Ellie were only given 5 coppers Ilians each, and even that was a considerable decent sum for kids from common families. Kal was given 20 coppers. His family was far from rich itself, but with Daedrik earning a Lorranian salary—one from a mage academy, no less—he could spar considerably more.
“Don’t worry, I can get the bill,” Vae said. “My father gave me 5 golden Ilians for the trip.”
“F-f-five gold coins?” Ellie swallowed.
“Correct. To think, he gave my older brother 10 when he traveled for his exam. But there can only be one favored child in the family.”
“That’s more than my house is worth,” Arix said in amazement.
“Must be a tiny house,” Vae said.
“It is,” Arix nodded.
“Are you sure, Vae?” Kal asked.
“I am, very much so. I’ve never been one for luxury anyway. And I refuse to use magical items until I’ve proven myself.”
Note to self: ask Vae about that later.
Ellie stood frozen, her gaze drifting to the cured meats section.
“It’s fine. Take what you want. Like I said, I’ve got the bill,” Vae reassured Ellie with a flash of a smile.
“I can pay for my own–” Ellie’s voice caught as she looked down at the tag hanging from a portion of bacon. “Five copper for this tiny portion of bacon? That’s highway robbery!”
“That’s city prices, and like I said, it’s fine. I’m paying,” Vae reiterated.
“Just take it, Ellie,” Kal said.
“Fine,” Ellie grumbled, but her soured expression quickly changed when she spotted the salami section. “Wh-why do they have so much?”
“Have you never left that little town of yours?” Vae questioned.
“Never,” Ellie shook. “Never needed to.”
“Why am I surprised?”
The group filled the Astral Pouch with various food and camping gear, gathered it, and paid. It came to two silvers, a substantial sum for most and eye-watering for Arix and Ellie, but Vae didn’t flinch.
“Look,” Kal said as they stepped out of the store, holding up the starting note as its color began to change.
“It’s time,” Vae said. “Our starting location is about to be revealed.”
What kind of magic academy do you think Kal should attend?
