Chapter 1

"Do you think there will be one this year? The kid looks at least a little hopeful"

"It's highly unlikely; there hasn't been one for over 99 years. She just isn't capable"

"Maybe 100 is the lucky one?"

"We'll see…"

You stir around your bed helplessly, unable to sleep. Giving up, you opened your eyes slowly and face the lightly snow-covered window near your bed. The slightest crack of pink could be seen through the snow and you sighed. It was almost time to get ready for your final examination.

You were training to become a magician just like your family had been for that past decades. Your great-grandfather was the legendary bishop, with extraordinary healing powers, who was once the savior of all the people in Ellinia; that was until he gave up his life to save the Empress. Ever since, there were no other holy magicians seen, and the people of Ellinia expected an heir from your family to return once again. Your parents were great magicians but they were not chosen as holy magicians.

On the day on the final examination, young magicians like you will line up to see which of the classes they would be put in: Wizard Ice/Lightning, Wizard Fire/Poison. Your parents had high hopes for you, expecting great power, but as you entered Magic school, all hopes faded as you did poorly in your studies of ice/lightning and fire/poison magic. You knew that you would never be the Cleric everyone had hoped for.

"Will I even be selected for anything?" You thought.

You shook off the thought and climbed out of your bed unwillingly. You get dressed and wore the special wizard's robes that your family had been wearing for all their examinations. You did your hair then went out to the kitchen to get something to eat.

"You're up early Reiha" Your mother greeted you as you entered.

"Couldn't sleep" You mumbled, sitting down and munching on a piece of toast your mother made.

"Reiha don't worry, I'm sure you'll do fine today" She said.

"No I won't… you're just saying that" you said slowly.

You got up and put your dishes in the sink then headed outside, putting on your cloak on the way.

"Don't go out too late. Be on time for your exam!"

You walked out the door ignoring her last comment and walked towards the little clearing beyond the forest where you used to play when you were little. The leafy greenness of the area surrounded you and for that moment you were at peace. The breeze gently touching the small ringlets of your hair. You stride through the snow covered meadow and sat down in the middle, where there was just a little bit of sunlight shining. Taking out your old Spell book you began to read.

You recited the spells over your head again and again, trying to memorize them.

"Magic Guard, Magic Claw, Magic Bolt"

You hear quiet footsteps coming from behind you and snapped your book shut.

"I know you're there" You said loudly and clearly, turning around to face the person.

In front of you stood, a tall teenage boy with slightly spiky black hair. He had a tough build and wore light armor, attached to his belt was a small pouch where he kept his trusty gun and bullets. His face showed that he was highly amused. Andrew had been your friend ever since the two of you started talking. But unlike you, he was a Pirate.

"You caught me, Rei. Doing a last minute study?"

You gently picked up your Spell book and with one swift hand movement, you threw the book right into his face. Andrew didn't waste a second and caught the book in his hand.

"I was NOT studying. I already know everything" You stated, not looking at him.

"You know, with that kind of hand movement, you might as well become a thief ahaha" He said as he chuckled.

You ignored him.

"I see you already had your job advancement?" you asked.

"Yup, now I'm a full-fledged gunslinger now. And you're going to stay a magician forever?"

You didn't answer and proceeded to glare at him. Soon after, the memories of the exams came back to you and you suddenly jumped up.

"Oh no! I'm going to be late!" you exclaimed, grabbing all your books and rushing out of the forest towards The Tree That Grew.

"Stay calm and don't run into a tree!" you hear Andrew's fading voice call after you.

"Hmph. Like I'll ever do that."

You arrive at the examination grounds puffing and out of breath. You looked around and saw many other students, like you, wearing their magician robes and holding their beginners' wands. Everyone had already arrived and you were the last person to arrive. The Opening ceremony had started with a speech, so soon will be the time where your exams take place. You joined the crowed where all the students waited and listened as the speech progressed…

Without you noticing, it all went quiet and an elderly wizard stepped onto the stage. His name was "Grendel the Really Old" and he was the head Wizard in Ellinia.

Grendel the really old!

He started his speech.

"This year, once again, it is the time where our young magicians' will be bestowed the path which they will follow!"