"Erasmus Sebastian Rodgort, please step forward." The booming voice of Grand Master Feltus filled the open space.
A wiry young man separated himself from the group of students and made his way to the middle of the field. He stared up at the professors who lounged at a long table, raised above the field.
"You're here to demonstrate mastery of the second-year spellforms of the Elemental path?"
"Yes, sir." His voice barely carried the great distance to the professor's platform.
"You may begin."
Erasmus closed eyes, breathing deeply. His stomach fluttered as he began the incantations. He grasped at the magic surrounding him, pulling it in. He grimaced as it swept into him, almost out of control, setting his body tingling with a storm of power.
As his words died down, he reached outward with his mind. Erasmus grappled with the energy inside him, shaping the spell.
His body trembled, and sweat began to drip down his forehead. His hands drifted upward, focusing the spell in front of him. The power surged forward, and Erasmus urged it onward.
Time seemed to creep by as the magic moved down his arms. Erasmus shivered at the feeling of energy coursing through his limbs. When it finally reached his hands, he released it, cringing at the expected burst of light and power.
Nothing happened. The tension in his body released, and he gasped for air.
Erasmus could hear snickering from the other students. Above him, the Grand Mage scowled. "Not a very good start, Mr. Rodgort. Would you like to try again?"
"Please, sir."
Grand Master Feltus nodded, motioning the young mage to start again.
Erasmus took a deep breath and began his incantations again. Again, he drew magic into himself. Again, he focused the power in front of him. And again, nothing happened.
Another round of giggling erupted behind him. Grand Master Feltus cleared his throat, calling for silence from the students. "Mr. Rodgort, I notice this is your third failed attempt to complete your second-year spellforms."
Erasmus's cheeks flushed. He gave a quick nod.
"While there is no rule stating that you can't attempt this test again next year, it might be prudent for you to consider a new path. Perhaps, you are unsuited to the Elemental arts."
Erasmus squeezed his eyes shut, taking a deep breath to steady his voice. "Of course, sir. Thank you, sir."
He turned to leave, fighting the urge to sprint from the practice field.
"Mr. Rodgort?" A new voice spoke from the professors' stage.
Erasmus turned to see Professor Shara standing at the end of the table, staring at him. He felt unexpectedly small under her focused gaze.
"Please stop by my office later today."
His voice caught in his throat, and he responded with a nod. Her gaze lingered a moment longer before she waved a hand dismissing him.