Hello everyone, Kamen Rider Duelist here for another chapter of Silent Magi's Apprentice. We last left with Kuromu seemingly being done with Doomstar Magician after judgment was handed down to the latter, and is well on his way to recovery. So now, it's back to him on the road to becoming a great mage! He will have to partake in the Trial of Spirit if he is to succeed! So without further ado, let's go!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! All creative rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.


The next day had come too early. After the dinner party, half of the people that attended left with food comas, mainly Mana and the Charmers, and the Masters had to carry them home with their magic. This day was finally, moving day. Kuromu and Shizuka were ready to move out of the old house and move into the new one that was in the Secret Village of Spellcasters.

"Are you ready?" Shizuka asked.

"Yes sensei." Kuromu nodded.

"So… how are we moving the whole interior?" Nia asked, while sitting on Kuromu's shoulder.

"We will transport it there using an item."

"Oh… So, we don't have to worry about it being raided." Nia guessed.

"Hmhm, no, we do not." Shizuka chuckled.

"Hello dears~!" Selene sang, approaching them. "Are you two excited for moving day?"

"Lady Selene." Kuromu acknowledged, with a bow. "Hehe… it is a bit nerve-wracking, but exciting at the same time." Kuromu chuckled.

"Well of course! It's a new place, and a new outlook!" Selene smiled, "And you'll have neighbors!"

"Friendly ones, I hope?" Kuromu smiled sheepishly.

"Oh, very friendly! Maybe you'll make more friends and maybe a girlfriend?" Selene teased with a giggle.

"Master…" Shizuka pouted disapprovingly. "Do not tease my apprentice like that."

"Oh but it's so much fun to tease you both!" The mistress of magic stated, with another giggle. "Otherwise, you'd be so stiff and serious. Such as that one time where you-"

"Master, I would appreciate it if you did not speak of that incident so freely…" Shizuka requested dryly.

"Ooooooh, you have to tell me sometime." Nia snickered mischievously.

"Do not get any strange ideas." Shizuka frowned.

"Awww, you party pooper…" Nia pouted.

"Hehehe." Selene giggled, "Now, shall we get going?" She said, before pulling out a crystal.

"What's that?" Kuromu asked curiously.

"This is a Pocket Dimension Crystal. It allows the user to absorb their surroundings and encase them in here."

"But… wouldn't that just leave a void in the fabric of space and time?" Kuromu asked nervously.

"Oh, of course not, dear. It will transmute the area into a mound or crater upon completion. Meaning it will never leave a trace of anything dangerous."

"Well that's convenient." Kuromu blinked.

"Indeed it is. Now then…" Selene said before closing her eyes and raising the Pocket Dimension Crystal in the air. Her body was enveloped in magical energy, which then transferred to the crystal.

Soon the house and the area glowed as energy surged around it before it shrank and compressed the area, before flying into the crystal. The only thing left was a small hill with flowers, showing it was completed.

"Whoa…" Nia said in awe.

"Eh?! Ehhh?! Ehhhhhhh?!" Kuromu looked around wildly in shock.

"Ah good, an outcome where it feels like a coherent move." Selene nodded with approval.

"That was… wow…" Kuromu said in awe, looking into the crystal that Selene held, seeing their home inside of it. "It's like I'm looking into a snowglobe!"

"Indeed! Just don't shake it, otherwise everything inside the house will be ruined." Selene pointed out with a giggle as she handed the crystal to him, "And when we arrive? You'll be the one to release it into your new home."

"R-Right…" Kuromu gulped nervously. "Um… actually…" He handed it back to Selene. "You hold onto it. I don't trust myself with carrying something so fragile."

"I want you to carry it, Kuromu." Selene stated, pushing it back into his hands. "What better way to learn about safety with something so fragile and precious than with this?"

"A-Are you sure?"

"I am."

Kuromu looked back at the Pocket Dimension Crystal then looked to Shizuka, who merely shrugged her shoulders, before nodding, "Alright. I'll keep it safe."

"Good! Now follow me, you three!" Selene smiled before turning around to walk, with Kuromu and Shizuka following.

"I'm starting to think that Lady Selene is the most excited out of all of us here." Nia commented.

"For once? I agree with you." Shizuka nodded.


Chapter 14: Trial of Spirit

Endymion sighed as he walked along a stone pathway that led towards a large set of stone doors.

The sound of the stone doors echoed, as it slowly opened inward. It was nothing but darkness, except for the small flames that lit up on both sides of a path. It led to a stone platform that one could barely make out, if only thanks to those small lights flickering in the darkness.

Endymion slowly entered the chamber. Once he was in the middle of the platform, the stone doors slowly closed in on him, leaving him in complete darkness. The flickering wisps that lighted his way, one by one went out.

It was at this moment that multiple colors of light erupted from the darkness below the stone platform. The walls and the ceiling were lined with tens if not hundreds of symbols that he could not decipher. Down below was nothing but as a chasm of light, but motes of different colors filled with magical energy floated to the top.

Moments later, multiple orbs of light floated upward from the chasm of light before shaping and molding themselves into humanoid forms. Yet these humanoids that embody an element had no face. They represent the elements of Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, Dark, Thunder, Ice, Metal, Stone, Time, Space, Void, and one unfamiliar one.

These were Elemental Primordials.

"Primordials… I have come here to make amends… One of our own has committed one of the greatest sins…" Endymion revealed as he kneeled to the ground and lifted Doomstar's Staff, "Thus, I return to thee, the staff you have gifted the one namednDoomstar Magician, back into thy hands as penance…"

The Primordial of Darkness, Time, Space, and Light all approached Endymion, examining the staff, as they were the ones who not only gave the former Doomstar Magician their element, but also created the staff.

"Truly a shame." The Primordial of Darkness noted with a shake of its head in disappointment.

"One with great potential has strayed from their intended path for power…" The Primordial of Time added.

"He has chosen… poorly." The Primordial of Space finished.

"We shall accept thy penance." The Primordial of Light said, as the staff raised into the air and simply broke said staff into motes of light.

"I thank thee, Ancient ones for thy mercy." Endymion said, before standing up. "With this blight cleansed, the Trial of Spirit can now proceed without delay and will be conducted with honor and dignity. Never, shall one such as Doomstar sully the very tradition established by my Master."

The Primordials nodded before vanishing into the void. However, one stayed behind, this unknown Primordial stared at Endymion, almost with curiosity.

"Is something the matter?" Endymion asked.

The unknown Primordial approached Endymion, staring into his eyes before saying, "He is here…"

"Hm?"

"He who has been foretold in the prophecy."

"…'He'?" Endymion questioned with confusion.

The unknown Primordial didn't say anything, before vanishing, leaving Endymion even more confused. Whatever is happening, means even the Primordials are aware of something that will change the world forever.


"And here we are!" Selene cheered as she, Kuromu, Shizuka, and Nia found themselves in front of the edge of a forest. They had walked for quite a while, as it was a nice change of pace to not use magic. After all, Selene has used this as a way of testing Kuromu to keep the Pocket Dimension Crystal safe and not get distracted.

"Um… we are? But it's just a forest, and a super small one at that…" Nia questioned.

"Oh ye of a simplistic little mind." Selene sighed.

"Little?!" Nia growled with her cheeks puffed out.

"I mean, she's not wrong…" Kuromu mumbled, still keeping his eye on the Pocket Dimension Crystal.

"But remember! This place is guarded with powerful magic. So to most people, unless they're masters like me and Shizuka? It'll appear like this." Selene pointed out as she giggled and motioned them to follow. The group went inside the small forest and upon entering, Selene waved her wand, and the illusion in their surroundings vanished, revealing the true form to them.

Humongous crepuscular rays of light pierce through the canopy of the large trees that reminded the boy of the trees that grow in a safari, only these trees were 10 times larger and were filled to the brim with mana. Motes of light floated around and littering the forest floor were huts made from nature, as if built from the ground up.

"It's like a jungle gym!" Nia gasped.

"I'm surprised you know what that is." Kuromu blinked.

"Calling me dumb?" Nia huffed.

"No… I would never…" Kuromu mumbled, "Still, this is an amazing place. The air feels different than the other forest."

"It's connected to one of the few Magic Primordial Pools, meaning this place is filled with pure magic. Thus to protect it from who knows what? This village was made to keep it safe. Even such dark or impure thoughts are purged from it." Selene informed him.

"I see."

"Oh, you've arrived. Welcome." A familiar voice said, as they looked to see Mahad and Mana approach them.

"Master Mahad? Mana?" Kuromu got out.

"Hiya!" Mana waved with a wink.

"What are you doing here?"

"Duh, we're here for the housewarming party." Mana giggled.

"You would've been here after the trial, but Selene, Mana, and the Charmers wanted to make it into a housewarming party instead." Mahad informed.

"Ah, I see."

"Come on, let's show you your new house!" Mana said, before pulling Kuromu along.

"Ah, wait, careful! I got the Pocket Dimension Crystal in my hand!" Kuromu panicked.

"Oh, it's already here. Master Selene just wanted to test you and make sure you understood what it meant to hold such a weight of responsibility in your hands." Mana winked.

"Huh?" Kuromu got out, before looking at his hand… and the Pocket Dimension Crystal was gone! "HUH?! Oh no, where is it?!" He looked around frantically, even checking his pockets. "I know I didn't drop it!"

"Like Mana said, it's already here. Technically, it was the moment it was put into the crystal. Sorry for having to put such a test on you." Selene apologized.

"Ah…" Kuromu moaned out.

"Now come on!" Mana urged, and once again dragged Kuromu along.

"Uwhaaaaaaaa, Mana, slow down~" Kuromu cried out.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Nia called out, flying after them.

"Seems your student is healing much more now." Selene smiled at Shizuka.

"Yes he is. I only hope that…"

"Not to worry. He still has plenty of time before the Trial of Spirit." Mahad assured her. "He will heal by then."

"I hope so too… but… lately he has been worried about Elesia… I just hope he does not run off to save her…" Shizuka noted with worry.

"Well, given how he is, he might as well. But only when he finds out where she is." Mahad pointed out, "It's his nature after all… Do you really think you could stop him from saving a friend?"

"Well, no, but… he does tend to be… reckless…" Shizuka frowned.

"So instead of being angry, show him a proper way to execute his wishes without being so reckless." Selene stated.

"Yes Master."


"An~d here we are!" Mana said, as she, Kuromu, and Mana finally arrived at the plot of their new home. Or rather… it's still the same house, it was only placed in the empty plot of land that blended in with the forest around them. The only differences are Doriado, the Charmers, and Minerva being there.

"Big brother, Kuro!" Lyna cheered, making a dash for him and-

*POW!*

"Oof!"

-pouncing him to the ground.

"Ugh… hey Lyna." Kuromu wheezed with a pained smile.

"Did you miss me? Huh? Did ya? Did ya?" She asked with a bright smile on her face.

"Hehe, I mean we did see each other yesterday." He chuckled sheepishly.

"Awww so you didn't?" Lyna pouted.

"Never said I didn't." Kuromu grinned.

"Then you did miss me!"

"Hehe, yup."

"I see everyone's gathered for the housewarming party." Mahad said, as he and the adult mages had appeared. "Now that everyone has gathered, let us-"

"MASTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"

Mahad felt the urge to facepalm, but instead had a very strained and irritated look on his face. "…and here I was hoping he wouldn't show up…"

"Hm? Who wouldn't show up?" Kuromu questioned.

Approaching the question at high speed was a rather young boy who was half their height with short sky blue hair and yellow eyes, wearing black armor similar to Mahad's but the difference is the black robe behind his back, the purple cloth in front and wearing white pants and black armored shoes. His staff was also different, being red with gold accents and having an orange orb on top.

"Master! I finished the tasks you gave me a week ago. As promised, if I finished, you'd teach me how to use Dark Magic Attack!" The young mage said with a huff of annoyance.

"Yes, I had promised you that." Mahad looked absolutely stiff just being in the boy's presence. "However, what you failed to realize is that you needed to complete those tasks the same day I assigned them to you. It has been a week since then and therefore-"

"You never said that! You told me that if I can complete them within a week, you'll teach me!"

"I have no recollection of the event in question." Mahad said dryly.

"Um… Master Mahad, who is this?" Kuromu questioned.

"Haaah… this is Athar, his title being Miracle Flipper… Or as he likes to refer to himself as… 'His true student'." Mahad sighed out.

"True student?" Kuromu blinked.

"If anyone's the true student, it's me." Mana huffed. "I'm the one that actually trained under him."

"Please! You're just a copycat!" Athar huffed, "A true student learns and becomes better than the master. I don't even see you as my equal, little girl."

"I'M A LOT OLDER THAN YOU, BRAT!"

"Oh, so that makes you an old hag."

*POP!*

"Why you little-!" Mana was ready to throw down. But Wynn held her back with both arms as Mana comically flailed angrily. "Lemme go! That brat needs a spanking!"

"Calm down, Mana, he's just a kid!" Wynn grunted.

"Haaaaa…" Eria sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "So childish…"

"And now you see why I was trying to make sure he didn't make it in time…" Mahad whispered to the young mage, knowing this is how it always turns out.

"No kidding…" Kuromu said dryly.

"So, who's this? Another brat trying to take the Master away?" Athar, looked at Kuromu, disappointingly.

"I'm… not Master Mahad's student."

"Hmph… yet you still call him 'Master' Thus makes you my enemy!"

"What kind of logic is that?" Kuromu sweat dropped.

"I challenge you to a duel! You lose and you become my subordinate!"

"…Huh?"

"You heard me. If you lose, you will become my subordinate. It's only natural that the true student of the Dark Magician has a lackey." The boy nodded at his logic.

*BONG!*

"Owww!" Athar cried out when someone hit on the head. "Who the- ahhhh!"

Standing before Athar was a little cute girl with green hair similar to Mana's with a purple hat similar to Mahad's wearing a pink and red dress with red shoes, while holding a small staff with a red orb on top.

"Stop being a meanie, Athar!" The girl cheeks, puffed out. "Big Sister is the true student!"

"Thank you!" Mana cried out.

"Uh…" Kuromu blinked.

The green-haired girl looked at Kuromu before bowing. "I'm so sorry for my big brother's attitude! You'll have to forgive his hotheadedness."

"Wait, you're his sister?"

"Yes." The short green-haired girl said, standing up straight. "My name's Adores, the Card Ejector. It's a pleasure to meet you. Mr…"

"Kuromu. I'm Silent Magician's Apprentice." He answered.

"Ah! You're the famous one that got one of the most talented mages to put you under her wing!?" Adores gasped, "I've read a lot about you! It's truly an honor!"

"Uh… I'm not sure about being famous, but uh… hehe…" Kuromu laughed sheepishly, but then realized the last part she had said, "Wait, read about me? Like… in a newspaper?"

"Mhm. The Daily Oracle." She said, taking out the paper as it talked about his trials.

"Huh?!" Kuromu looked surprised as he took the papers and skimmed through them. "Ehhhhh?!"

"Adores has become a big fan of you, Kuromu. Cherish it well." Mana giggled.

"Is it true that the Primordials made you a wand that can't be replicated?" Adores asked with excitement in her eyes.

"Uhhhh… I don't know about Primordals but I know Hiita upgraded my wand."

"And damn proud of it!" Hiita boasted.

"More like you needed to be humbled…" Aussa deadpanned, which ticked off Hiita.

"So cool…" The young girl said with utter delight.

"You have your first follower, my apprentice." Shizuka smiled softly.

"Pfffft please as if he's special." Athar waved off.

"You're no special snowflake either." Mana huffed.

"Hey~ how about we all go inside and have that housewarming party, eh?" Wynn suggested, hoping to de-escalate the fight.

"Not until Master Mahad teaches me!" Athar demanded.

"I need a drink…" Mahad groaned out.

"Leave Master Mahad alone, Athar!" Adores huffed.

"I'm not leaving until-"

"Atharrrrrrrrrrrrr~?!" Adores growled, looking very angry, which surprisingly scared the young boy. Then she reared back her wand… and swung?! "Go flying, you big dummyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!"

*SMAAAAASH!*

"UWHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…!"

Soon, his little sister sent the young boy flying up high into the air, so high that they couldn't see a spec of him. Kuromu swore he heard the wand make the sound of a baseball bat as it hit him.

*DING!*

"Ooooooooooooooooh." Lyna awed, clapping her hands.

"Hmph." Adores huffed.

"Wow, talk about a home run." Kuromu commented, a hand over his forehead while squinting his eyes.

"Now then, shall we get to showing you two where you'll place your home at?" Adores smiled.

"Uh… yeah. Let's… Is Athar gonna be okay when he falls back down?" Kuromu asked.

"Oh he'll be fine. This is normal. Come, come! I wanna show you my magic gem collection!" Adores beamed, taking Kuromu's hand to lead him further into the town with such excitement.

"...aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

*THUD!*

"Ow…" Athar muffled out in pain as his head was buried in the ground while the rest of his body was upwards.

"Hah! Serves ya right!" Mana laughed, before walking off.

"He's kinda lame." Lyna commented as she and the others walked away from him.

"For once, you and I agree." Dharc added.


"Whoa…" Kuromu said in awe as he and Adores walked through the Secret Village of Spellcasters.

Everywhere he went, there were small round huts, some bigger than others. The townspeople of this village from humans to plant creatures or stranger ones went about their day. It was like the bazaar in the Magical Citadel, only quieter than usual.

"For a quiet village, it's lively," he commented.

"It isn't much, but it's home." Adores smiled. "Everyone here is really friendly, so don't be shy to go up and chat with them."

"I'll keep that in mind." Kuromu chuckled. "So what's the deal with your brother trying to be Master Mahad's student? Isn't Mana already training under him?"

"It's a long story…" she admitted, scratching the back of her head nervously.

"Well we got all day." Kuromu shrugged.

"Well, it all started around several months ago." Adores said, recalling her and her brother's first encounter with the Dark Magician.


Flashback

"Adores, hurry up!" Athar called out. "We're gonna be late!"

There was an upcoming lecture from a yet-unknown guest speaker at their local magic academy. Athar, always the eager student, wanted to go and see who exactly it was that was going to give the lecture.

"Slow down, Athar! You know I'm not much of a runner!" Adores complained.

They soon arrived at the local village square plaza where many apprentices and students were taking their seats on the ground. The local villagers looked on from the edge of said plaza, as Master Endymion himself had finally arrived. Athar and Adores managed to arrive on time as they sat behind the group.

"Good morning, students and apprentices." Endymion greeted.

"Good morning, Master Endymion." The students and apprentices greeted him back.

"As you are well aware, we have a guest lecturer today. He and his apprentice will give you in depth, the deeper fundamentals of magic. Be on your best behavior, retain what he is teaching you, and apply it as best as you can to your studies." He instructed the two before stepping away, "Now then, allow me to introduce our guests."

It was at that moment that the students were left in shock.

Approaching the students and apprentices were none other than the legendary duo of Mahad and his student Mana. Adores and Athar were shocked, they didn't expect such prodigious mages appearing in their little corner of the world.

"Greetings everyone." Mahad introduced. "I am Master Mahad, the Dark Magician. And this is my apprentice, Mana, the Dark Magician Girl."

"Hi everyone!" Mana chirped, waving to the slack jawed audience.

"Wow, it's really him…" Athar said with sparkles in his eyes.

"Athar, stop being such a fanboy." Adores hissed. "You're gonna embarrass yourself."

"But it's Master Mahad! I've always wanted to train under him!"

"He already has an apprentice." Adores pointed out, motioning towards Mana.

"So?"

"Whaddya mean so? Unless it's certain circumstances, a Master can only have one apprentice!"

Adores sighed, "You're hoping for that, aren't you?"

Athar nodded, but Adores groaned.

"Ugh… of course you would." She grumbled, "It's not happening, so give up while you can."

"No way, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train under him personally! I'm gonna go ask him!" Athar said, before rushing towards Mahad, running into the crowd.

"Athar, you dummy!" Adores groaned, before grabbing him by the collar and sitting him back down, "Don't do anything stupid!" She scolded him.

"Hey!" Athar snapped. "What was that for?"

"Er-hem!" Mahad cleared his throat, catching the attention of the Miracle Flipper and Card Ejector, both flinching from his stern voice. "Is there an issue?" He asked the pair.

"N-No sir!" Adores stuttered.

"Please make me your apprentice!" Athar shouted, much to his sister's dismay and everyone else's shock and confusion.

*SLAP!*

The sound Adores' hand made as she smacked her own face with her own palm showed the immense disappointment and annoyance she was feeling. Even Mahad and Mana looked rather surprised at his declaration.

"Er-hem." Mahad cleared his throat. "I appreciate the gesture young one, but-"

"I apologize for my brother's interruption." Adores said before bowing. "He's just a big fanatic and-"

"Who are you calling a fanatic?! I'm-"

"Like I said, he's a big fan…" Adores said while holding her mouth over her brother's mouth, not wanting him to embarrass them further.

"So I see…" Mahad said dryly. "Very well, I will overlook this. Now then…"


"Wow, he was just as much of a handful back then as he is now." Kuromu looked surprised.

"You have no idea…" Adores sighed heavily and wearily. "Since then, he's been pestering Master Mahad to be his apprentice, to which Master Mahad denied every time. Then Athar starts going around starting rumors with his 'true apprentice' story. Of course, everyone didn't believe him."

"He's that desperate huh?" Kuromu muttered dryly, "I don't know whether to be impressed or feel sorry for him."

"You get used to it after a while." Adores sighed with a shrug. "Oh, we're here now. Welcome to your new home."

"Huh?" Kuromu looked forward and saw that indeed the house that was encased inside the Pocket Dimension Crystal from earlier was now in front of them. "Wow, it blends in well."

"Yup. And my house is up there." Adores pointed.

Kuromu looked up and saw a decent sized sphere-shaped hut with a thatched roof overtop, arranged in a cone-like shape… which was at the top of the tree where a wooden pathway spiraled upwards all the way to the top.

"Whoa, check it out." Nia said in awe, as she showed up along with the others who followed.

That included a very miffed Athar who was grumbling all the way. Most likely thinking of ways of getting back at Adores for sending him flying.

"It looks cozy." Kuromu commented.

"It will be, once we make it to the top. You can make yourselves at home then." Adores said, as she led them up the spiral wooden pathway.

"In the meantime, you kids have fun. All of us adults will set up the housewarming party." Selene giggled.

"We will let you know when it is ready." Shizuka said, before said adult mages left, leaving Mana, the Charmers, Athar, Adores, Nia and Kuromu to themselves.

The group followed Adores as they circled around the tree two times before finally entering the hut. They were met with the sight of a rather cozy looking home, with a small dining area and kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, and a couple of doors that lead to the small bathroom and the siblings' bedrooms.

But what stood out the most was the plethora of baskets on one side of the living room filled to the brim with all kinds of magic stones in different colors.

"Whoa, are these the magic gems you were talking about?" Kuromu asked, going over to one of the baskets and picking up a cluster.

"Yup!" Adores confirmed with a grin.

"They're so shiny~" Lyna said in awe, picking one of them up.

"I could get used to this." Hiita grinned, plopping on the couch in the living room lazily.

"Hiita, this isn't our house." Eria chided.

"So? Adores said to make ourselves home. So I'm making it home." Hiita shrugged. "Besides, you need to relax since you still have the kid in ya."

"Mmm…" Eria pouted, but knew she was right and decided to sit on the couch with her.

Meanwhile, Aussa was examining the magic gems herself, before finding herself examining an opened jewel box on display that contained seven specific jewels. Namely, Ruby, Amber, Topaz, Emerald, Sapphire, Cobalt, and an Amethyst. "Are these…" She began, reaching out to it.

"Ah! Don't touch those!" Athar said, suddenly snatching them from before Aussa could touch them. "These are from the Crystal Beasts themselves!"

"Crystal Beasts?" Kuromu parroted. 'Is he talking about the same Crystal Beasts that Lady Minerva planned on introducing me to?'

"They're powerful creatures that serve as servants to the Rainbow Dragon." Athar explained, before puffing his chest with pride. "I happen to get an audience with them and get their gems."

"We all know that's a lie, because that was me who got them." Adores huffed dryly, making him flinch. "You were just a tagalong and all you ever got was Amethyst Cat using you as a scratching post."

"Pffffffft, wait really?!" Wynn tried to hold in her laughter, "Did he scream like a girl?"

Adores nodded, making Wynn finally lose it and start laughing hard.

"S-Shut up! It's not like that!" Athar stammered, which made Wynn laugh even harder.

"My sides!" She giggled.

"Wow, you're even lamer than I thought." Dharc rolled his eyes.

"Oh come on!" Athar cried out in dismay.

"Heh…" Kuromu chuckled. "So then… since you met the Crystal Beasts. What are they like?" He asked Adores.

"Majestic beyond reason…" Adores sighed with a smile on her face. "It was like… swimming through a rainbow. So calm and peaceful, but still powerful. Though I have yet to meet with THE Rainbow Dragon yet… but I want to. Not just as my bucket list, but to be in the honor of just a divine dragon is something us mages dream of!"

"Hmhm, it must be really important then?" Kuromu chuckled.

"It is!" Adores smiled brightly, "Every true master mage, has the protection from one divine dragon. To keep them safe from any dark magic and curses, but also to keep their bloodline safe from any troubles too. Nobody has yet earned an honored visit from the Rainbow Dragon."

"Heh~ well whoever it is, I'm sure they'll be lucky." Kuromu said.

"Mhm!" Adores nodded happily, "But that's enough about my gushing… I wanna know more about you, Sir Kuromu!"

"Just Kuro is fine." Kuromu chuckled.

"But it would be a dishonor to be so casual with you! It is the respectable way for us still in training to give our predecessors and senior mages, their due." Adores stated, showing she was too excited but also honorable towards mages.

"Hmmmmmmmm…" Kuromu pondered. "Well, there is something of a honorific where I'm from, that's similar to Sir, though it's not exactly a noble title either."

"Really? What is it? What is it?!"

"Dono."

"Due… no?"

"Do-no." Kuromu corrected.

"Doo… noe…" She repeated, struggling a bit with the word.

"Repeat after me then. Kuromu-dono."

"Ku… romu… dono…" Adores repeated, getting closer.

"There you go. Just keep practicing that and you'll get it in no time." Kuromu smiled.

"Wai! So fancy…" Adores gawked in awe.

"Dinner's ready~!" Selene called out as she and Shizuka came into the house. "Oh, I see you're all getting to know each other real well."

"Yes, Lady Selene." Kuromu nodded. "Well, mostly everybody."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" Athar huffed indignantly.

"Given how you're so annoying, especially towards Master Mahad…" Adores jabbed at her brother.

"Because you know he'll accept me this time!" He cried out, flailing out his arms comically.

"And for the last time, you're not his apprentice! I am!" Mana exclaimed.

*WAPISH!*

"Ow!" Athar cried out, when Mana hit him with the harisen. "You wanna go, old hag?!"

"Bring it, you microsized mage midget!" Mana growled, the two butting heads with a line of electricity crackling between the bridges of their noses.

"I'm so sorry for my brother…" Adores bowed her head rapidly as an apology.

"No, no it's fine. It's… actually refreshing to see something like this. Especially, after what I've been through…" Kuromu smiled sadly.

"Hm? Did something happen?" Adores asked, confused with a head tilt.

"Uh… yeah. But it's already resolved, so let's leave it at that." Kuromu smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "A-Anyways, I'm starving! Let's go eat!"

"Yaaaaaaay! Dinner time with Big Brother Kuro!" Lyna cheered, hugging his arm.

"You're related to the Light Charmer?" Adores said, as it seemed she was fully book smart than world smart.

"Just a brother figure." Kuromu waved off nonchalantly, before everyone made their way to Shizuka's residence.


Master Endymion watched all of this from his crystal ball and smiled in relief. He was happy to know that Kuromu was going to make a full recovery from here on out.

"Seems it was the right call to have them move there." Endymion smiled softly, "Any word on the Elven Village? We need to make sure that Shizuka's elf friend hasn't reached there yet."

"None so far." One of his workers answered with a shake of his head.

"We have to hurry… If she arrives at her village and destroys it? Who knows what after effect that curses will do to her."

"Of course." The worker nodded. "Speaking of… we've received word from our spy network that Krona returned to our enemy's hideout."

"Hmm… this truly isn't boding well…" Endymion sighed, holding his head, "I don't want to have to beg further than I already have… But if anything gets worst? We truly will have to ask him for his assistance…"

"Perhaps, but as it stands now, we do not know everything. The only thing we can do is keep vigilant." The worker said.

"Maybe so… but it still worries me what that monster is planning? Just how much is he thinking ahead of all of this?"

"We can only speculate." The worker sighed, "Let's put that to the side for now. I've brought our list of candidates who have qualified for the Trial of Spirit." He waved his wand and a scroll appeared in front of Endymion, which then unfurled revealing the list of names and their scores next to them. "They've done exceptionally well. No doubt that the Primordials will not refuse their entry."

Peering onto the scroll, Endymion read the names from top to bottom and sure enough Kuromu's name was on there as well.

"Well, glad to see even they approved him too." Endymion muttered with a smile.

"After everything the young boy has been through, it's only natural." The worker noted.

"Indeed. But this will put more eyes on him should he pass… More nobles may try to do something to put him down or give up… We should be careful and wary on who could turn." Endymion informed.

"Yes, Master."


Days later…

The day had finally arrived.

It was time for the Trial of Spirit to commence. During the days in between, Kuromu had the chance to take care of himself during his recovery. But he didn't slack off in his lessons either. He continued working just as hard as he had been, before the incident. Of course, he didn't want to worry his sensei either, so he made sure to take it easy on the practical lessons he had learned from her. Nia definitely made sure to keep an eye on him so he didn't overwork himself. After all, Elesia wasn't there to do it, so she had to be a good guardian for Kuromu until then.

"You got this, Kuku! You'll pass it as well!" Nia cheered, trying to pump up the young mage and keep him focused on the Trial. As of now, everyone was gathered in the Citadel's main foyer, just like the previous Trials where they await the arrival of Master Endymion.

"Thanks, Nia. I appreciate it." Kuromu smiled softly.

"Remember Kuromu, the Trial of Spirit is one that should not be taken lightly." Shizuka reminded her apprentice. "The Primordials are all-powerful beings and they will look into your soul, what you harbor in your heart and mind."

"Many who failed at the Trial either lost all will to live or their mind turned into mush from the overwhelming power." Doriado revealed.

Kuromu gulped and paled, "You mean… they turn into mindless husks…?"

"That or actual mush. I've seen a few whose brains leaked out of their ears."

"Ewwww! Master!" Wynn blanched, shivering and hugging herself. "I don't need that image!"

"Doriado, don't scare the boy." Selene scolded.

"I'm only tempering his expectations. Anything he expects can happen,"

"Welcome one and all!"

All eyes and ears looked towards the throne of the Citadel as Master Endymion appeared in front of his throne, via teleportation.

"I welcome each and every one of you here to the Trial of Spirit portion of the Thaumaturge Trials. Here, your apprentices will be tested by the Primordials to determine whether or not they are worthy of becoming full-fledged Mages. I trust that all apprentices here have appendaged their signature on the consent forms that were sent out prior to this."

Kuromu grimaced at this. Indeed, the day before, he had signed a waiver stating that should he fail the Trial, Master Endymion and the Magic Council will not be responsible for whatever outcome may be and whatever repercussions the wronged party may face. Their lives were in their own hands.

As gruesome as it sounded, it was par for the course. The Pridmordials were so powerful, even if they tried to hold back on the punishment for those that failed? The mage's body couldn't handle the pure essence of their magic, causing serious problems and even death. Even if they don't mean to kill mages, they legitimately couldn't hold back every ounce of their power for the trial.

But those who passed showed to become fully-fledged mages of their own, along with many of the perks one receives.

"Now then, if we are all ready, Masters and apprentices, please step back." Endymion said, before tapping his staff. Suddenly, the ground underneath sank slightly, causing him and his group, as well as the others to back away as instructed. A portion of the floor beneath them opened and reconfigured itself, revealing a stone staircase that led underneath the Citadel.

"A secret staircase?" Kuromu muttered in shock.

"Within this is the Great Labyrinth. Apprentices must enter and go through to find one of many treasures that the Primordials have left. Once you've obtained that particular treasure, find the exit, and you will be given the opportunity to have an audience with the Primordials. But be warned, there will also be obstacles that will block your path. From traps, to Proctor Mages and even monsters. Do your best and make it through this maze in one piece." Endymion explained. "Masters, you will accompany me to the end of the maze where the exit lays. Should your student not make it out once the trial ends? You may go retrieve whatever remains… Alongside our condolences should the worse happen."

The apprentices then made their way downstairs in a single file line. Kuromu turned to Shizuka with nervousness.

"Sensei, I-" Whatever Kuromu was about to say next didn't escape his lips, as the Silent Magician embraced her apprentice.

"You will be fine. I have confidence you will make through the other side unharmed."

"Sensei…" Kuromu muttered, before hugging her back, before letting go. "I will return to you. I promise…"

Shizuka was taken back a bit from the hug, yet smiled as she returned it in kind.

"I believe in you… my apprentice."

With a nod, he turned back around to head downstairs.

"Master," Wynn said to Doriado.

"Show your might as one of my Charmers, Wynn." Doraido winked, believing in her student just as much as she did with the others.

"Right." Wynn smiled, before running off to meet with Kuromu.


The apprentices all followed Master Endymion down the stairs, torches lined up the walls and lit up, one by one, lighting the way. When they reached the bottom, they were met with the sight of the large stone Labyrinth Wall that engulfed the good portion of the chamber. The walls were at least ten feet wide, and they couldn't see what was on the other side. It was endless as they couldn't see where the ceiling started or where the next curve ended as torches with rainbow flames lining the walls for the only source of light.

"Whoa…" Wynn said in awe.

"This is…" Kuromu muttered.

"Now then." Endymion said, turning to the apprentices. "As said before, there are treasures left behind by the Primordials in this Labyrinth. You must find one of these treasures and bring them to the exit. Those with those treasures and exit the labyrinth will be granted an audience with the Primordials."

"And… those that don't have them when they exit?" One of the apprentices gulped.

"If they can survive the dangers within? They will fail the trial… but none have made it out without the treasures…"

"W-What, you mean like the Labyrinth collapses into the chasm below us?" Another apprentice stuttered.

"That, or you fall into a trap or a monster gets you." Endymion said. "But fear not, for you have your magic to defend yourselves. Your knowledge and skill are key to surviving."

"How long do we have before the trial ends?" A third apprentice asked.

"There is no time limit for this… you either exit or you don't."

"And what exactly are these treasures?" A fourth one asked.

"Whatever the Primordials have made. Even I do not know how it changes with each trial." Endymion said. "But you will know them when you see them. Now then, one last parting gift." He then waved his staff and multiple potion bottles, one for each apprentice appeared in their hand. "Should your life be truly in danger, drink these and it will give you not only your health, but temporary immunity to whatever may befall on you, but it will only last for ten minutes. So choose wisely when to use it."

"Thank you, Master." The apprentices all said in unison.

"Once all of you enter the Labyrinth Wall, the Trial of Spirit will officially start. May you come back alive, and… for those that don't, my sincere apologies and farewell to you. You will not be forgotten." Endymion bowed before teleporting to let the apprentices venture further into the trial. With this, all of the apprentices moved into the labyrinth and once the last one entered, the entrance to said labyrinth closed, shocking them at first, but remained composed.

The Trial of Spirit had begun.


Master Endymion teleported to the exit of the Labyrinth Wall where the Masters were all waiting.

"Master." Shizuka frowned slightly.

"Don't worry. I'm sure he and the others will do just fine." Endymion assured. "While some may not make it, those that do will ensure their sacrifices weren't in vain."

"I would rather hope that everyone makes it out in one piece this time…" Shizuka said with worry as she still remembers the looks of the Masters or other apprentices who lost dear friends from the trial.

"So do I, Shizuka… so do I…"


"TAKE THIS!" Wynn shouted as she sent a gust of wind at a rather large spider named Jirai Gumo. The body itself was brown, but its huge thorax was a huge orange bulb with eight terrifying large legs, three green eyes, and menacing pair of teeth. Needless to say, it was a huge abomination of an insect.

*SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!*

"Salamander!" Kuromu shouted, pointing his wand and unleashing a stream of flames in the shape of a dragon which engulfed the huge spider, burning it beyond recognition, which eventually turned into ashes and collapsed to the floor.

"Thanks, Kuro!" Wynn smiled.

"It's no problem, but… ugh, I hate bugs…" Kuromu blanched.

"I can tell." Wynn giggled, trying to lighten the mood despite them already seeing a few apprentices…. Not make it.

"Come on, we have to keep moving." Kuromu said, before running off.

"R-Right…" Wynn nodded before following after him. "So how exactly are we gonna know what these treasures are?"

"I don't know. Maybe some kind of sixth sense feeling?" Kuromu guessed.

"Maybe they blessed you with some good senses instead of bumping into another corner?" Wynn teased, as that was something that kept happening during this trial.

"I don't know about that." Kuromu said. "I just want to get out of here as soon as possi-"

*CRASH!*

Stones suddenly erupted from the ground and what came out from the hole was a large worm that was armed to the teeth.

"Ugh! A Dungeon Worm!" Wynn blanched. "Nuh-uh! Nope! No thank you! Wind Slash!" She waved her staff and sent a large wave of wind energy in the form of crescents which bisected the dungeon worm, killing it. "And stay dead!" She huffed.

"Wow, overreacting much?" Kuromu blinked.

"I hate worms…" Wynn grumbled. She then waved her staff to push the two halves of the Dungeon Worm to the side of the walls. "Come on, let's keep moving." She said, before running off.

"H-Hey, wait up!" Kuromu called out, going after her. But as he began to move, he noticed something from the corner of his eye. One of the shadows… was moving… straight towards Wynn. "WYNN, WATCH OUT!"

"Eh?" She turned around, just as the shadow reached her. Lunging out was none other than the green, shadowy monster that lives within mazes and labyrinths, Shadow Ghoul.

The creature gripped Wynn as it then dragged her into its shadow. Time felt… slow. As if a stasis went off as Kuromu could only watch in horror. Wynn's eyes widened with fear as she was dragged into the shadow… only for the shadow to fade too upon pulling the young wind mage into it.

"WYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYNN!" Kuromu shouted, as he reached towards the wall, and banging on it. "WYNN! WYNN!" He shouted, but to no avail. "No… nonononononno! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The sounds of scattering could be heard as more Jirai Gumo's soon began to reach to Kuromu's location. Hearing his cries made the spiders notice him as they were beginning to converge to devour the mage.

Kuromu growled in anger as he clenched his wand tight. "Unforgivable… UNFORGIVABLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" He roared as a surge of magical energy suddenly spiked out of his body.

"SALAMANDER!" He shouted, as he threw flames at the Jirai Gumo spiders, burning them with contempt. But as the flame lashed out, it turned from the usual fiery orange to a dark blue and black flame. It burned through the monsters with ease, and even destroyed some of the walls, showing other paths within the labyrinth… But no sign of the Shadow Ghoul or Wynn… meaning that it took her far… only into its shadow curtain to kill her.

A small gleam of light was seen on the floor… a little pendant that Wynn carried… That was all that remained of her.

"Wynn…" Kuromu whimpered as tears fell from his eyes, while picking up the pendant and held it in his hand as he hunched over.

As the young mage weeped, a soft purple glow appeared. As seems nearby within one of the broken walls was the one of the treasures of the Primordials… the Primordial of Darkness's treasure.

"W-Wha…?" Kuromu got out, suddenly walking towards it. He was about to reach for it, but hesitated and stopped. What if this treasure corrupts him?

"Hesitating? Even when my treasure is right there?" A chilling yet calming voice came from the treasure and the darkness around it.

"Who's there?" Kuromu asked, looking around.

"I am the Primordial of Darkness… And this is my trial for thee, young Kuromu."

"You… know who I am?"

"We of all of the Primordials, know of thee. We made thy wand after all."

"…"

"And now, thou standeth before my Trial. Tell me, young one… Upon seeing the loss of someone thou hast cherish, and the goal right in front of thee. Thou hesitates. Thou hast lashed out from it, and thy will shattered. Tell me, why does thou believe this was deserved?"

"I… I don't know. I…" Kuromu got out. "She was one of my closest friends in this world… if I lose more of those I care about… I'll be nothing. I don't want that…"

"Nothing, you say? Then tell me this young mage… What if that could happen? What if… 'I' decided to drag them into my darkness forever more."

"NO! I won't let you!" Kuromu shouted, pointing his wand at the treasure. "Don't you dare lay a fiber of your existence on them!"

"Oh? And why is that? Is it because thou sees 'Darkness' as nothing but evil?"

Soon the entire view of Kuromu was covered with nothing but darkness, the treasure only giving the only 'light' to the area.

"What have you done?!"

"Young child, I have done nothing. The treasure did." The Primordial answered, "Thou see darkness as nothing but evil, yes? Why else would it react?"

"What does that have to do with-"

"It is because of that, thou art weak. Thou was captured by the Archfiend, no? Tortured and witnessed someone die from it. That is why thou hast consider darkness as evil, no?"

"Gh…"

"Thus, the treasure reacts. Covering thee in darkness with barely any light or hope. It is why it took thy friend and killed her. Thou see it as nothing but evil… Correct?"

"I… I…"

"Thou hast doubts. Then I shall enlighten thee, dear young mage. Darkness… is part of a balance. Thou can't have one without the other. Because light cannot exist without darkness, darkness cannot exist without light. It is a balance… neither good nor evil. Yet thou only see it as evil, thus that makes the treasure see what thou hast believed."

"The treasure… sees what I see…?" Kuromu got out.

"Correct. Thou believed Darkness was evil. Thus it took thy friend, and brought thee to this place. Because thou believed it to be evil? It will act as evil."

"But it has taken so many lives! What good could ever come from darkness?!"

"Because darkness and light, we were the first of the Primordials. But we didn't fight, we discussed… We talked. We agreed to give life and turn it into what thou has witnessed before. Darkness is part of life itself… But thou see it as thus, thus thou despise life… No?"

"No… that's not true… I would never…" Kuromu shook his head in denial.

"The treasure responds to thy view. Thou sees Darkness as evil? Thus it will be evil. Taking thy friends, trapping thee into this abyss with no hope. Yet if thou sees it as balance with life… Thou will see the wonders and small life that exists in it…"

Soon a small portal formed as within it were creatures, ones that thrive in the darkness. But many weren't as hideous or vile as Kuromu sees. Kuromu witnessed many small animals, some cute thriving within it. Some had families too, others ate or survived within it. And some perished upon even touching the light.

"This is…"

"Balance. Everything must has a purpose, even those within Darkness itself. Some cannot thrive or even exist within the light, thus they must live in the shadows to survive. Tell me, young mage. Does thou think these innocent creatures as evil by living within the shadows? Does thou believe they should perish for existing within the night?"

*DRIP, DRIP*

Tears fell from his eyes, dropping his wand as he fell to his knees, before covering his face. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I never… I'm so sorry…" He whimpered over and over again.

"I ask again, Kuromu. Does thou believe Darkness to be evil?"

"…Not anymore."

As soon as he said that, light filled around him. Kuromu looking up to find himself… out of the maze with the treasure in hand.

"W-What…?" Kuromu looked stunned.

"Kuromu!" Wynn quickly hugged the boy, feeling relief upon seeing him.

"W-Wynn? You're alive…?" Kuromu looked shocked.

"Huh? 'Me'? I thought you were killed when that Shadow Ghoul dragged me away. I thought it separated us just so it could kill you!" Wynn revealed.

"H-Huh?" Kuromu looked absolutely confused.

"Ah! The treasure from the Dark Primordial? That was your test?" Wynn gasped as she sees the treasure in his hand, before she reached in her pocket and took out… The Light Treasure.

"T-That's…" Kuromu got out. "How did you-"

"My trial. When we were separated, I wandered around an endless fog. I was so worried… Especially when my magic wouldn't work." Wynn revealed, "I… felt so powerless… scared… that I was going to die."

"But then the Light Primordial appeared to you."

"Mhm." She nodded, "It was like looking at an angel… She looked so pretty… she told me that light and life are the same as Darkness and loneliness. Together it is balance. And one shouldn't fear the other. I realized that why I love to fly and use my wind magic was to be free. But if that freedom was taken away? I felt like nothing was to live for…" Wynn revealed before shaking her head, "But now? I know to enjoy life regardless what happens… Because that is what it means to be alive."

"Just as how I shouldn't always assume that darkness is always evil… because of what happened to me…" I muttered.

"That was your trial?" Wynn noted with surprise as she smiled and nodded, "Yeah… because after all. My brother uses Darkness and he understands that it has to exist with light to breath life. And both sides must accompany certain creatures to live in such places. But because they exist there, doesn't make them evil… It just makes them another piece of life. Seems that literal trap to separate us also was our trial so we can understand what we lack as people."

"I… guess so…"

Wynn smiled only to feel Kuromu's hug for her, surprising the girl as she felt his trembling body making her smile as she petted him, "I know… I missed you too, my friend."

"Kuromu/Wynn!"

The two of them broke the hug to see Shizuka and Doriado running up to them.

"Shizuka-sensei…" Kuromu got out, before he was suddenly tackled hug by the Silent Magician. "Oof!"

"Oooooh, Wynn, you silly girl! I thought you were dead!" Doriado said, hugging Wynn tightly.

"Master… I'm choking… can't breathe… I need air…!" Wynn wheezed.

"Kuromu. Thank goodness you were alright. When I saw the darkness take you on the Viewing Orb… I thought you were lost to me…" Shizuka said, as he hasn't seen her this distress since the incident with Krona.

"I'm… sorry Sensei, I… the Dark Primordial tested me…" Kuromu said, as he broke the hug.

"I see. So that is why the orb went black…"

"What of the other apprentices?" Kuromu asked, as he looked around.

"Some are still taking the tests… and others didn't make it." Endymion revealed as he walked up to the two, "You are the first two to pass the trial with the treasure's in hand."

"Master Endymion." Kuromu acknowledged, before all of them stood up.

"Now, place the treasure's on the proper pedestal." Endymion pointed to the Element Altars behind the masters. Kuromu and Wynn looked at each other, before approaching the pedestals and placed them in their respective tables before backing off.

The Element Altar's glowed as the Elemental Symbol representing the element light up, signaling that the treasures were placed.

"Now, while we wait for the others to come out or the rest of the treasure's obtained. Please, follow your masters to our break room to relax and recover. It may be a while before anyone else exits the trials."

"Yes, Master." Kuromu and Wynn nodded, before their Masters escorted them away. Shizuka especially, as she wrapped an arm around Kuromu's shoulders, making him blush slightly from how close he was to her.

"Come. I believe you deserve some proper treatment." Shizuka offered with a smile.

"Uh… yeah."


"Ku-ku!" Nia cried out, flying towards and hugging the cheek of the young mage, weeping and sniffling, "I-I-I thought tha-tha-that!"

"Nia… I'm fine, really I am." Kuromu sighed.

"Still, that story about the Dark Primordial… That was a much different experience when I took it." Mana said with some worry from hearing it.

"What did he do with you?" Kuromu couldn't help but wonder.

"Mine was that I needed to embrace that while I am Mahad's student-"

"I'm his student!" Athar declared.

*BONK!*

"OW!"

"Shut it, Athar!" Adores huffed.

"Anyways… while I am that, I'm still my own person and I needed to accept that instead of trying to be some copycat."

"I guess every Trial is different." Kuromu sighed again.

"If it was the same every time, then students could cheat by asking others or getting help from certain nobles." Dharc noted, "Besides, it would be a disservice to keep the trials the same for such powerful entities of existence."

"Well, whatever the case, you made it out alive!" Hiita grinned, smacking Kuromu's back rather hard, making him wince. "That takes a real man to go through that and overcome it!"

"Oho?" Aussa asked, with half-lidded eyes while fixing her glasses. "So when you did a Trial of Spirit, you weren't screaming like-"

"I-I wasn't scared! B-B-Besides, I cooked those bugs on my trial!" Hiita stopped Aussa from saying something… despite already hinting what her trial was… and her fear.

"You were screaming like a banshee, telling everyone and everything to dry up and die." Aussa further added.

"Shush, Miss 'Afraid of ghosts'!" Hiita snapped, revealing Aussa's fear.

"What did you say…?"

"You heard me!"

At this, Hiita and Aussa butted heads with a crackle of electricity between the bridge of their noses.

"There they go again…" Eria sighed.

"They always argue over something silly." Lyna agreed.

"Still… glad you finally saw the truth about Darkness." Dharc said, trying to give 'some' praise to Kuromu. "Hope next time you see the night, you realize how many small lives are out there, just wanting to live like us."

"Yeah, I guess it wouldn't hurt to sleep under the stars…" Kuromu trailed off.

"Heh, maybe some late night walking in the woods too?" Dharc teased with a snicker.

"Don't push your luck…" Kuromu deadpanned dryly.

"I said to relax, apprentice." Shizuka said, soon gripping Kuromu's head and placing it on her lap for a lap pillow. Her cheek puffed with annoyance from his movement as she wanted him to relax and rest up.

"H-Hai…"


Hours Later…

"The last of the Primordial Treasures have been found." Endymion said, as he was standing in front of the few surviving apprentices that somehow made it through the other side of the Labyrinth Wall. Those that didn't make it, well… it was shown. All the Masters that were present without their apprentices were saddened by the fate that was brought upon them.

When the last apprentice placed their treasure on the Element Altar, which then lit up, the entire ground shook, much to the surprise of the other apprentices. Then, in front of them, the rock wall beyond the Element Altars crumbled down before revealing a large stone doorway, with intricate shapes and designs, that looked very ancient.

"Is… that…" Kuromu got out.

"The Door of the Primordials. You all will be given an audience with them for the final leg of this trial." Endymion said. "Each of you will go in one at a time and meet with the Primordials, and depending on whether or not you pass or fail, your Trail of the Spirits will finish. Those Masters that are without their apprentices… you have my condolences. I will write letters to their families shortly after this. You are dismissed."

With a bow, the Masters who lost their apprentices teleport away along with the "found" bodies of their deceased apprentices, leaving those that have passed the maze remaining.

"Now, remember. Even though you survived the Labyrinth, there is still a chance that you may lose your life here when you enter the Primordials' Chambers. As they are the entities that created the universe and the elements, their powers are on the realm of Gods and they cannot hold back every ounce of their power with this. So please be careful and respectful for what may or may not happen."

All of the apprentices nodded at this.

"With that being said… who will be the first to enter?" Endymion offered.

"I will." Wynn stepped forward first, "I've come this far already and faced my weakness. I am ready for whatever happens."

"Very well. Godspeed to you." Endymion nodded, before Wynn stepped forward in front of the Door of the Primordials. With a silent breath

As she entered the Chambers, the door closed as everyone waited for the results. It was hard to say how silent it was as everyone waited. It felt like it was taking hours for this final test as Doriado and her Charmers clasped their hands and prayed that she'd make it out in one piece. Finally… after what seemed like an eternity…

*GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROWL!*

The sound of the stone doors opened slowly.

Kuromu, Doriado and the Charmers gulped down their fear, waiting with baited breath as odd fog exited from the chambers… but no Wynn.

"Did… she…?" Kuromu grimaced.

"BOO!" Wynn shouted behind Kuromu, giggling with delight from her little prank.

"GAHHHH!" Kuromu yelled, turning around. "Wynn, don't do- huh? WYNN?!"

"Gotcha!" Wynn giggled as they soon notice that odd fog around Wynn as it began to form more of her body until the fog disappeared. "I passed!"

"Geez, don't do that." Hiita groaned. "Also, what's with the growth spurt?!"

"I was given a special spell by the Primordials, 'Corporeal Fog'. I can literally turn into the wind itself! Plus seems they gave me a boost to my body. Jealous much?" She playfully winked as she made a pose showing off her new body. Indeed, Wynn was also looked a bit older and mature, physically wise.

"Ooooooh, I'll show you jealous!" Hiita growled, rolling her sleeves.

"Calm down, Hiita, it's just an alteration on how her body looks." Eria placated.

"Aw, you ruined the surprise." Wynn pouted.

"Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii…" Lyna stared at Wynn intently, or rather… her chest. "No fair…"

"Do I look nice or what? Huh, 'KuKu'?" Wynn winked, hugging the boy as she made sure he felt her chest.

"Don't bring me into this…" Kuromu sighed wearily.

"Well done, Wynn. You have passed your trial. We await your return in a few months for the final trial for you to take." Endymion congratulated. "Now, who will go next?"

Sure enough, one by one, each apprentice took their turn going into the Primordials Chambers. The results… were a mixed bag to say the least. Some passed, others failed, and others didn't return. Suffice to say, only half of those who finished the maze, passed to the next Trial while only a few failed but survived.

"Kuromu, you're the last one. Please, enter the Chambers." Endymion gestured the mage to the doors.

The sound of the stone doors echoed, as it slowly opened inward. It was nothing but darkness, except for the small flames that lit up on both sides of a path. It led to a stone platform that one could barely make out, if only thanks to those small lights flickering in the darkness.

Kuromu gulped slowly walking towards the Chamber. He looked back at the other candidates and Masters that were present, then looked at Shizuka.

The sorceress had a soft smile of pride on her, as she was very happy to see him in this moment so soon since she brought him into this change. She simply nodded to him, as if she didn't need a word to show her support and of how proud she was of him for making it this far. Shizuka believed in him.

With a nod back, Kuromu looked forward and slowly entered the chamber. Once he was in the middle of the platform, the stone doors slowly closed in on him, leaving him in complete darkness. The flickering wisps that lighted his way, one by one went out.

Kuromu sighed as he took a deep breath. There was nothing to fear. As long as he stands still and does not move, then all will be well.

It was at this moment that multiple colors of light erupted from the darkness below the stone platform. The walls and the ceiling were lined with tens if not hundreds of symbols that he could not decipher. Down below was nothing but as a chasm of light, but motes of different colors filled with magical energy floated to the top.

Kuromu looked around in awe and wonder. "This is…" He breathed out.

Welcome to the Trial of Spirit.

Kuromu was caught off guard by the booming voice, but nonetheless remained calm.

Thou art here to be tested on whether or not thou wilt advance towards the next step of thy journey. Be forewarned, that thy life is at risk. Should thou fail, thy soul will be lost like many before you.

"I understand." Kuromu nodded.

Then let thy trial begin.

Moments later, multiple orbs of light floated upward from the chasm of light before shaping and molding themselves into humanoid forms. Yet these humanoids that embody an element had no face. They represent the elements of Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, Dark, Thunder, Ice, Metal, Stone, Time, Space, Void, and one other that Kuromu was not familiar with.

But now wasn't the time for that, as the floor below him glowed, revealing a magic glyph, brightening the entire area before being blinded.


After what seemed like an eternity, Kuromu slowly opened his eyes and looked around. He was… back in the Apothecary Lab?

"I'm… back at the Apothecary Lab?"

These Chambers recreate what holds special in thy heart, thy own 'Inner Domain'. Here we the Primordials will judge your heart and soul and see what thy hold within. We will judge and decide if thou will pass or fail.

"But… what am I supposed to do?"

That is something we shall decide. Some stand around, some we put to another test… And others we fight.

'That explains how some die… either their own Inner Domain kills them… or those that fight the Primordials…' Kuromu grimaced from this reveal.

In the meantime, do whatever thou wishes until we come to a decision.

With this, he felt the voices no longer there.

"Well… I guess I could kill some time." Kuromu said, before walking over to the table, seeing all the alchemical tools that were laid there and the ingredients that were present. "Heh… it reminds me of when I first made the Potion of Healing." Kuromu chuckled with fondness, feeling nostalgic.

The memory of that emerged in his thoughts, how fun and relaxing it felt… As well as who it was used for… as nearby a small wooden statue of Elesia sat, a crack on the figure and what looked to be 'tears' on the face.

"Elesia…" Kuromu muttered. He remembered. That day when he was abducted by Elesia's dark half, the Dark Elf. He couldn't do anything to save her back then.

Kuromu began to wonder and worry for the elf. Where she is now, what is she doing… And how alone she must be. He still recalled what Shizuka told him and how she was shunned and exiled from her village, how it affected her and made her silent. As if she rid herself of her voice so that she wouldn't be exiled or abandoned again.

He then approached the wooden statue, touching the crack gently with a sad look. "You've been alone all this time… just like me, when I came to this world…"

Ple… ase…

"Huh?"

Som… one… plea… se…. Save… me…

That voice sounded so gentle, but so scared… Was this the voice of Elesia herself?

"Elesia?" Kuromu wondered, slightly backing up and looking around, but there was no one. "Right, this is what's in my heart. I… want to do what I can to save Elesia. No matter what. But I can't do it alone, and I can't always think that what she's doing is evil. There has to be a reason behind it and I will figure out what that is."

As his determination to save Elesia grew, the domain changed from the lab he once saw. He soon noticed a forest, hidden by magic. It then shifted to within the forest as many more elves walked about, one that had the same skin and hair as Elesia.

"Is that… Elesia's home?" He wondered, slowly walking towards the village, but then bumped into something invisible. "A barrier…" He muttered, but the elves that were inside didn't seem to notice.

Kuromu continued to walk about, seeing the interesting culture of the elves, as nearly any piece of evidence or information was only by word of mouth. Elves were secluded and secretive, always hiding from the rest of the world and its troubles. So upon seeing this, it truly sparked a curiosity to learn more.

The domain shifted once more as Kuromu was now in front of a hut, one far away from most of the village… but run down, covered with vegetation as if it was a burnt down tree stump, carved into a house within. Fruit, vegetables and meat were laid about, obviously thrown as it was rotting and smelled fowl.

"She must've lived here away from the elves for a long time…" Kuromu said, picking up one of the rotting vegetables, grimacing at it. "I'm so sorry Elesia. I never knew… if I only I were stronger… I would've saved you sooner."

As Kuromu entered the stump, he noticed it was trashed, filled with destroyed furniture and pottery. Cobwebs and dust filling the entire tree hut as it looked like nobody lived within it for many hundreds of years.

"They've treated you worse than I thought." Kuromu shook his head sadly.

As he continued to walk through the house, he came upon a room in the far back, upon opening it he grimaced at the sight. Laying there were two corpses… a male and a female… But they were practically bone and ash now, yet what was more shocking was the fact that the female… was human.

"No way… Elesia… was half-human…?" Kuromu said in surprise. That would probably explain one of the many reasons why Elesia was exiled.

Her tribe hated humans and falling in love with one, even more so having a child must of broke their taboo. So they attacked and made sure Elesia would be alone as punishment for being born. Whimpers then could be heard, the sounds of a child nearby…. could… it be…?

Kuromu looked towards another part of the house, where there was a hidden room. Gulping, he opened the door and to his surprise, he saw… Elesia… as a young girl.

The younger version of her whimpered and cried, holding a nearly ripped up stuffed phoenix in her arms. Burn marks, cuts and bruises lying about her body as she was crying from the sight.

"Mama… papa…. Why did you leave me?"

Kuromu could only look at her sadly, before kneeling on one knee. "Elesia…"

The girl flinched as she looked up, scared as she backed away, "S-Stay away!"

"It's okay… I won't hurt you…" Kuromu said softly.

"L-Lies… you're just another assassin…."

"No…" Kuromu shook his head. "I'm your friend." He said, before holding out his hand to her. "You won't be alone anymore… I won't leave you…"

"I… won't?"

"I promise." Kuromu nodded.

The girl slowly reached out to his hand, still scared of taking it as she was believing this to be another lie. But Kuromu only smiled softly for reassurance.

"It's okay… I'm not going anywhere."

The young elf then quickly rushed, only to hug him tightly, shivering in the embrace as tears raced down her face.

"It's okay… you're okay…" Kuromu said softly.

The domain changed once more, this time Elesia now as an adult as the girl was trapped within thorny vines that were her heart, her head lowered as it seemed her very essence was being drained to keep the Dark Elf side going.

"Elesia!"

The Mystical Elf groaned as she slowly opened her eyes. "Ku… ro… mu…" She said softly. "Please…. Save… me…"

"Elesia! Don't worry! I'm here!" Kuromu shouted, as he rushed over to her, but the thorns suddenly blocked his path from getting closer to her. "Gh… what do I do?"

The domain once again shifted, showing a scale of a dragon. One that was white as snow, but glowing like a rainbow. All around him were gems… the same ones that Adores showed before he then sees a ruined sight, one under a rainbow beneath a waterfall.

"No way… these are…?" Kuromu said, picking up the dragon scale.

Kuromu soon noticed his wand in the center before a starry night, underneath not just the moon, but the planets aligned before the image of a white dragon appeared before him, roaring proudly only to vanish as his wand was bathed in the said light of where the dragon was.

"What… is that…?" Kuromu got out, before his world became white.


Soon the domain vanished and he returned to that of the inner Chambers, one where all of the Primordials now stood at attention alongside Kuromu.

"I'm… back…"

"The Rainbow Dragon… so it does exist." The Light Primordial noted.

"What just happened? What were those visions?" Kuromu asked.

"A prophecy. One that will save thy friend." The Darkness Primordial spoke up. "To fulfill them, Thou wilt need the assistance of the Rainbow Dragon and his servants."

"Thou wilt be tasked to find the Crystal Beasts, return them to the Rainbow Ruins to bring forth the Rainbow Dragon. Only then, will thou gain the power to save the elf from such a vile curse of evil." The Time Primordial revealed.

"My magic won't be enough as it is." Kuromu said.

"Which is why thou must summon the Rainbow Dragon… It will bless thy wand with the power to dispel the curse of the Archfiend's magic, something that not even us can do." The Earth Primordial said.

"I see. Wait… this Trial is also supposed to determine my True Element." Kuromu realized. "What is-"

"Did thou not see it in thy visions? Thou saw the night and our galaxy, no?" The Space Primordial pointed out.

"I…" Kuromu said, before realizing it. "I saw day and night, split before my eyes."

"Correct. Thy true magic is Eclipse Magic. The power of the sun and moon at thy hands."

The Light, Space, and Stone Elementals then reached out together as their elements flew out of their bodies. Kuromu's wand suddenly flew off to merge with those elements, forming into what appeared to be… a staff. It was the same size as Shizuka's own staff. It was black and gold as it had extra red accents with a moon crest for the tip of the staff and a sun in the center of that, with an amethyst as the magic gem in the core of the sun.

This was Kuromu's staff, the Eclipse Staff.

"Before thou leaves. We believe thou would need a more… suitable appearance." The Fire Primordial said as all of them gathered their energy and shot it towards Kuromu who looked down, seeing that his clothes had changed. He wore a black shirt with a white cravat on his neck, while wearing a brown vest and a white tailcoat of a lab coat of sorts over it. He also wore black pants and black shoes to accompany it. He was also equipped with a leather tool belt that had a dagger, and a few simple alchemical tools.

"Whoa… this is…" Kuromu looked over at himself.

"From this day forward, now and forevermore," The Water Primordial began.

"Thou shalt be called throughout the land, the Eclipse Alchemist." The Wind Primordial said.

"Eclipse… Alchemist…" Kuromu repeated, with a chuckle. "It… does have a nice ring to it."

However, one of the Primordials, the one that Kuromu couldn't identify, floated over to him, silent as it stared deep within him.

"Huh?" Kuromu got out.

"You have a destiny… one that will alter the course of the future for our world… will you defeat it? Or become another thrall? That has yet to be seen… believe in yourself, young fawn."

"Um… I will."

"Thou have passed the trial, young mage. Now go… you have a prophecy to fulfill." The Ice Primordial said with finality.

With that, the Primordials vanished as the doors opened to let Kuromu free. Kuromu looked at the staff as he picked it up, examining it as he felt such a renewed vigor of magic and power. This was his true staff, and one that'll be used to save Elesia from Archfiend's curse.

With this, he walked out of the chambers with a smile, "I did it…"

Wynn took a whistle howl, "Looking snappy!"

Shizuka on the other hand was a bit taken back by the appearance change, staring in awe and with a soft tint to her cheeks.

"S-Shizuka-sensei, is… something wrong?" Kuromu asked.

"H-Hm? Oh, forgive me. I was… lost in thought… I am so proud that you passed this trial, my dear apprentice." Shizuka smiled, praising her student.

"Oho~?" Doriado had a bit of a cheshire smile on her face, "Looks like you're attracted to your apprentice, Shizuka."

*STOMP!*

Shizuka slammed her heel on Doriado's foot.

"I apologize. Did you say something?" Shizuka asked with a slightly strained smile and a slightly twitching eyebrow.

"N-No… nothing at all…" Doriado squealed.

"Well done to the apprentices that have passed. For those alive and failed? I wish you better next time. With that, the Trial of Spirits is completed. I shall see you all in a few months for the final trial and your Mastery rank." Endymion said with delight as he bowed to the students. "Now then, let us all return to the surface and celebrate the newly fully-fledged Mages!" And with a wave of his wand, everyone teleported out.


Tonight was a night of celebration.

When the apprentices, having now become full-fledged mages, returned with the Masters and Endymion, everyone cheered for their success. The Master of Magicians then announced to let the festivities begin, and began they did. Everyone in the town of the Magical Citadel celebrated with food and drink. The streets were crowded with its many citizens being merry and happy. Inside the Citadel itself, everyone in attendance convened into a banquet hall with tables and chairs on one of the upper floors. The main course was in a buffet line while everyone stood around, talking with many people, champagne glasses of drinks in hand as the servers moved around serving appetizers to the patrons.

"Omomomomomomom!" Hiita somewhat pigged out on the food at the buffet line.

"Hiita, save some food for the other guests." Wynn scolded the Fire Charmer while trying to grab a meal.

"Shut up, it's free food and I'm not passing up on it!" Hiita said, as she went back for seconds, making the Wind Charmer sigh in exasperation. Some things just never change.

"Eria, make sure not to eat too much." Aussa reminded the Water Charmer.

"But my child needs to grow." Eria pouted, her mood swing kicking in a bit, making Aussa roll her eyes but smiled nonetheless.

"Sure is lively!" Mana giggled. "How does it feel to finally be a real mage, Kuromu?"

"Honestly, I don't think it's really hit me yet." Kuromu admitted.

"Give it time, and it'll be like any other day." Doriado smiled.

"You should be proud of your efforts." Endymion said, approaching them. "All of your hard work and contributions thus far will serve as an inspiration for the next generation to follow. And as you advance further into your studies, you will more recognition for your worth. your achievements."

"He is right. You might even be lucky enough to earn a contract with a very powerful creature or even a species that you'll need to protect." Doriado added on.

"I see. I'll certainly do my best." He nodded, before noticing the balcony outside of the banquet hall, where a certain teacher of his, was by herself looking out onto the horizon, down at the Citadel's town below. "Please excuse me." He bowed to them, before making his way over to her.

"Hoho~ looks like he's making a move." Wynn smiled slyly.

"Ten gold coins says they're gonna confess." Hiita betted.

"Another ten if they kiss!" Nia added.

"You two are reading into this way too far…" Aussa sweat dropped.

Meanwhile, Kuromu walked over towards the glass door that led towards the balcony and stepped out into it. "Shizuka-sensei?"

Shizuka turned around to see Kuromu and smiled, "Ah, my dear apprentice. Or… I should say, my new mage friend." She giggled as he walked up to and stood beside her. "How are you faring?"

"I'm doing well." Kuromu smiled softly, before chuckling adding, "It still hasn't hit me that I'm actually a full-fledged mage."

"Hehe… It will take some time to get used to. But you will, eventually. For now? Just enjoy that you are an official mage, my dear apprentice."

"Hehe… yeah, I guess so." Kuromu chuckled again. "Still… I wouldn't have come this far without your help. You went out of your way to help me be accustomed to this world, when you didn't need to."

"I only did what I thought was needed when I saw you. Though… I am guessing you want something more than just my words of advice, right?"

"I wouldn't exactly say that. I just… thought you'd like some company." Kuromu said. "I guessed that you're not exactly one for social gatherings."

"Heh… you are correct. Then please, enjoy this night with me, my apprentice." Shizuka smiled sweetly at him.

"I fully intend to." Kuromu said, before hearing the sound of string instruments playing, giving him an idea. "Um… the minstrels are playing. Do you… want to dance with me?"

Shizuka turned to him as she gave another beaming smile, "I would love to…"

Holding out his hand, Shizuka took it, and the young mage led her back to the banquet hall where the space was cleared for the attendees to dance and the two made their way to the dance floor. The song of choice was soft and melodious with the strings, oboe, and piano playing. Kuromu and Shizuka danced to the melody as they looked into each other's eyes, as if lost in the moment.

"Ahhhh, young love…" Selene sighed wistfully, leaning on Endymion's shoulder. "It brings back memories of our first dance, doesn't it Endymion?"

"It does. Though, I still hated wearing that tuxedo…" He groaned.

"Ohoho, come now. Surely, you couldn't wear your magician robes all the time." Selene giggled.

"I sure can too…" He huffed.

Selene giggled again before looking back at Kuromu and Shizuka, who were now the only ones dancing, as the rest of the attendees cleared the dance floor to watch them. "Still… it's nights like these that make teaching magic worth it."

"Very true… Alongside the years to come."

For now, this night will go on uninterrupted, with hope and happiness in their hearts. At least for tonight, everything was right in the world.