chapter 03 the beginning of everything

The sun was beginning to rise.

I was awakened by the icy breeze that filtered through the cracks in the window. I sat up slowly, still dazed, and drew back the curtains. Outside, the same view as always: the half-dormant houses, the quiet square and, in the distance, the road that led to the university.

He watched him silently for a moment.

"I guess my life is going to get a lot harder from today on..."

Before going downstairs, I put on my uniform: a stylish outfit with a long cape that covered me completely. The university may not hold magicians in high regard... but they do know how to design a uniform.

I went downstairs, still half asleep. My parents were already awake. My mother was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, as always. And my father... Well, I was reading a book like an important man. It must have been expensive; Books were not mass-produced in this world.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," my mother said without turning around, with a smile on her face.

"Good morning, son. Today is the big day," my father added with his characteristic smug smile.

"Thanks for the enthusiasm, old man," I murmured, rolling my eyes as I sat down.

My mother served me breakfast, delicious as always. I ate quietly as my mind filled with thoughts.

College... Why Do I Feel So Uncomfortable? Maybe because I know that they will look at me as if I were worthless. A magician... everyone will make fun of me.

I took a deep breath. I was used to thoughts like these, but today they hurt more than usual. Maybe it was the pressure... or fear.

When I finished, I got up and quickly said goodbye to my parents. I didn't want to make a fuss or notice how my hands were shaking.

Left. The sky was still between blue and gold tones. The cold wind hit me squarely in the face.

And there it was: the road.

The long road to university.

My steps were firm, but my mind was chaos.

"What if they are right? What if I just pretend to be strong?"

I hated myself for thinking that... and for feeling that maybe, just maybe, they weren't entirely wrong.

At home, my father still held the book in his hands, but he didn't read it. He stared at the door through which he had left moments before, his brow furrowed and his lips pursed.

—… I wish I was a better father to Darius," he murmured, as if it pained him to admit it.

My mother turned, leaving the dishes behind, and approached him with a gentle smile. She hugged him from behind tenderly.

"You're already the best father I could have," he said. "Darius admires you, although he hides it with his jokes... I know he loves you."

My father sighed and finally put the book down.

"I just want him to be happy... But sometimes I feel like he's carrying more weight than he should. He's strong, but he's still just a kid."

My mother walked slowly to the window, looking outside as the first light of dawn filtered through.

"It is... but he is also our son. And I think it will find its way."

When I arrived at the university, there was a group of young people gathered at the entrance. Most of them looked my age.

I estimated about eighty applicants... Of those, perhaps only fifty would be accepted among the three specializations: mages, swordsmen, and fruit users.

Fun times ahead... Guess.

As I looked at the unfamiliar faces, a familiar voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Well, look who really showed up," someone next to me said jokingly.

I turned and saw him: Cris, with that always confident smile and his usual carefree air. He wore the same fancy uniform, but his cape, for some reason, fluttered more stylishly than mine. How does he achieve this? He is confident even in the wind.

"And you're here too. I thought you had gone to another country or something," I replied with a mocking smile.

"I thought about it. But then I remembered that I had to take care of a weird wizard who casts spells without spells," he said, patting me on the shoulder.

"I don't need a babysitter," I said, laughing. But... Thank you, I guess.

We stood there for a while, watching the others. Some were chatting in groups, while others seemed as nervous as I was.

"Do you think they will divide us into branches?" asked Cris.

"Probably. Wizards on one side, swordsmen on the other, and fruit bowls over there," I said, pointing to a group of students who were already showing shiny swords and small magic tricks.

Cris crossed her arms and looked at the sky.

"I hope not. I like you. It would be boring to be surrounded only by egos."

"Ah, but didn't you say you were one of them?" I gave him an amused look.

"Touched," he said laughing.

At that moment, a teacher approached with a firm step.

"I'm Professor Filip, in charge of power distribution."

He looked at us with a serious look before continuing.

"Say your name and your skills."

Cris was the first.

My name is Cris. I'm a fruit eater... the Moon God Fruit, in my case.

The professor's eyes widened in surprise.

God of the Moon...? Incredible. Only a few have that power. It is said that there are only about a hundred in the world... and only thirty are young.

He quickly pulled himself together.

Very well, Cris. You have been assigned to the special student residence: Fructus Magna.

Then his eyes fell on me with obvious disapproval.

"And you?"

"Darius, right?" I nodded.

You're in the wizard group, classroom three. There are only seven students in that group. Your room is at the back of the east wing, at the door with the carved star symbol.

I nodded politely and headed there. As I walked through the halls, I could feel the stares. Not admiration, but rather pity... or a barely contained mockery. I heard whispers that I already knew all too well:

"Is he one of the magicians? Poor thing..."

"They're good supporters, but they never win a real duel."

"Pfft, they can't even break a rock without concentrating."

I clenched my fists, but I didn't say anything. I kept walking.

When I arrived at the classroom, I was surprised at how small it was. Old desks, a half-empty bookshelf and only a few magic tools. It looked more like a warehouse than a classroom.

There were already some students inside. Four boys and two girls. Everyone looked at me when I entered: some with curiosity, others with disdain.

"Hey, you!" one of the boys shouted. He was short, thin, with a big smile and short brown hair. Are you also one of the outcasts?

I paused, surprised by his carefree attitude, then gave him a slight smile.

"Yes, though I prefer the term 'future misunderstood prodigy.'

Ha! I like you, my friend. I am Adam. Welcome to the forgotten corner of magic," he said, patting me on the back.

We sit together. While we were chatting, the others watched me, but I didn't care so much anymore. Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't be so bad.

But deep down, the weight on my chest persisted. That whisper of doubt...

Am I really enough? Or am I just running away from the truth...?

At that moment, the others began to introduce themselves and show off their skills:

A tall girl with long dark hair raised her hand with a serene smile.

"I'm Selene. Fifteen years, wind magic. I like peace... but when I'm angry, you better walk away," she said with a slight laugh, hinting at her sense of humor.

A boy with glasses and a reserved attitude followed them in the background.

"I'm Liam, I'm fifteen years old. My magic is water. I'm not... very good at socializing, but I'll try to be a good partner," he said awkwardly, barely looking me in the eye.

A blonde girl with blue eyes stepped forward for sure.

"I'm Helena, I'm fourteen years old. My magic is light. I don't talk much, but if you need me, I'll be there," he said firmly; His presence was felt instantly.

Then a serious boy appeared, with an upright posture and a deep voice.

"My name is Kael. Thirteen. My magic is the earth. I hope we can get along," he said simply, but his intense gaze was full of determination.

Finally, a boy with broad shoulders and a gentle smile approached.

"I'm Tarek, I'm fifteen years old. I use lightning magic. It may not seem like it, but I'm pretty easygoing; I love nature," he said fondly, clearly not one to be easily intimidated.

The seven of us were silent for a moment. Everyone had their own vibe, but for now, we were in the same situation. No one seemed to be a threat, but the tension was present.

"We seem to have a decent group," Adam said cheerfully, trying to break the ice.

Still, what I was really worried about wasn't the group... but everything that awaited me.

Then, an idea struck me. I realized that each of them could only control one element.

But I... I had three.

Should I say it?

To hell with that, I will.

"Excuse me," I said, catching his attention, "but I realized that everyone controls only one element. Is it normal? Do none of them use more than one?

The room fell silent. They looked at each other, some looking a little awkward.

"Well, what did you expect?" Adam said with a mocking smile. Most magicians are only good at one type of magic. Not everyone can do crazy things like the ones you imagine.

I shrugged nonchalantly.

"Just curiosity," I replied, trying to look indifferent.

Selene raised an eyebrow, looking at the others and then at me.

"Magic isn't as easy as it sounds, Darius. Some specialize in one type and still manage to shine," he said calmly, but firmly.

Liam, still a little shy, added:

"In addition... You should master an element before you try to handle more. It is not something that can be done without further ado".

Kael didn't seem interested in the conversation, but his intense gaze said he was listening.

"There's no need to talk about things we don't understand," he said...

onspicuously and stepped forward.

"I only handle lightning, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the road," he said, showing his relaxed attitude.

The atmosphere became calmer after those words, and I realized that it didn't matter how many items each one could handle. What really mattered was how we used those skills and how we dealt with what was coming.

But something told me that, at some point, those differences between us were going to make things interesting.

After that conversation, a professor entered the room. As soon as he entered, we all took a seat and paid attention. The man had an imposing presence, his top magician's cloak brushing the floor, and his serene but steady gaze swept across the room.

The teacher will observe everyone before speaking, his grave tone and piercing gaze making the atmosphere tense.

"Good afternoon, magicians," he said in a clear, deep voice. I introduce myself, I'm the top magician Gesse. And today, it will be straight to the point. I know that they have studied and are here to show what they are worth, not to give others pity.

The air in the room was charged with a sense of pressure. Some of my classmates tensed up, while others, like Adán, still maintained a nervous smile. I knew that for some, these kinds of words were a challenge, while for others, an opportunity.

"Today, we'll start with a basic assessment of your skills," he continued. I want to see what they can do with the powers they wield. I don't want to see superficial tricks or magic. No "making a little water disappear" or "making a spark shine for a second". I want to see something real, something that shows that they are ready for what lies ahead.

My hands clenched into fists, knowing that the ordeal ahead would not be easy. My magic was different, something more complex than any of those magicians could imagine. Should I show everything I can do? Or just a part of it? It was complicated, but I had no intention of hiding. Not after everything I had been through to get here.

The teacher will observe us for a moment, as if he were evaluating us with his eyes.

—The evaluation will be in groups. They will have to work together to complete a series of tests. Teams will be assigned in a moment, but I want them to be ready. No one here is exempt from failure. So, if you are afraid, you better leave it now. Understood?

We all respond in unison, some with more enthusiasm than others.

"Yes, professor.

The professor sounds somewhat sinister, as if he were enjoying the uncertainty that reigned in the air. Then he took a step back, and with one hand raised, began to assign the teams.

"Adam, Selene, Tarek... they will be with Liam. Helena, Kael and Darius... you will be together.

My stomach tightened at the sound of my name, along with Kael and Helena. I didn't know much about them, but that didn't matter. What really mattered was that this was the first step on a path I couldn't stop myself from traveling. I didn't think I would be left behind, or be a spectator.

I stood up, my heart pounding, and a smile flashed across my face. It was as if something inside me had ignited, a spark I couldn't ignore. He was ready, ready to show what he was made of.

This wasn't just another day at college. This was the first chapter of my story, the moment when I began to write my own destiny. Here, in this room, everything began. The beginning of everything.