Chapter 2

The door opened onto a forest that was, to say the least,... Enigmatic. The trees were of various sizes and species, there was no natural harmony in their arrangement. The air carried an artificial humus smell and the sunlight that managed to filter through to us between the branches was far too pink. They must have had fun shaping this place... An examiner suddenly appeared before us like a devil out of a box.

- Young people, welcome to your final test. This year it will consist of fights to get these crystals which represent the equivalent of one point each. This makes a total of ten points since there are ten of you. You have 72 hours to collect as many crystals as possible and go to a cave in the south of the forest, where your points will be counted. To conclude, you should know that these 72 hours of challenge are under surveillance and that the masters of the four largest clans as well as all the clans will be watching you. You may leave at my signal once you have a crystal in hand.

Everyone was given a map and an emerald crystal. It wasn't very bulky, but its soft glow was not the most discreet to hide.

- It will show you the topography of the terrain, of course, but more importantly, the names of the remaining participants and the number of points they have. With that, I wish you good luck!

Once everyone was ready, the examiner stepped back:

- 3...2...1... Go!

It was then a race to find the best hiding place while some were already wildly hitting each other. The best thing for me would be to wait in a corner, wisely, until everyone killed each other and then get out.I took refuge behind a huge rock and waited. The list of names on the map was changing every ten seconds, which was not very practical to establish a strategy. Suddenly I saw a shadow in front of me and slowly turned around.

- Found it!" said Solchy with a big satisfied smile. I knew you would go into hiding from the start, but I didn't think it would be this easy to find you. Now give me your crystal!- No!" I protested, backing away.- Look, I don't want to get tired so just do it. Come on!- It is out of question that I give it to you. If you want it so much, come and get it.- You really want to fight? All right, I'll make your wish come true!

She came down from her perch and faced me. She walked towards me without any caution, she didn't take me seriously in the least.

- I ask you one last time Ewlia. Give me that crystal.- I refuse.- Then don't come crying.

She raised her arms in the air and roots sprang up from the ground to throw themselves at me. I tried to dodge them.

- Not bad for someone who doesn't know how to fight but you won't be able to escape the next wave. I remind you that as long as there is land, I will have the advantage!- In that case, let's go where there is none.

I had a brilliant idea. I started to run through the forest while trying to avoid the roots. Unfortunately, I caught my feet in a stump and rolled in the dirt and leaves, scratching myself in the process. I got up and continued my race as best I could, I finally reached the middle of the river. The water was up to my knees, I waited for Solchy to join me.

- Ha ha! I understand better what you were getting at now. Don't you think you made a mistake?- What do you mean?- You know... There are plants even in water!

I felt something wrap around my ankles, a root or seaweed that I didn't have time to identify and that suspended me in the air, binding my fists at the same time.

- You will never learn... Thank you for that!" she said, taking the crystal.She made a gesture of her hand and the plants twisted more beautifully around me.

I tried to struggle but in vain. I shouted her name but it was already too late, she was gone. And I was definitely stuck upside down. The night was beginning to fall and I still hadn't freed myself from my bonds. The blood was going to my head, if I stayed too long in the same position I was not going to get out of it unharmed, I came to envy slightly the bats. I had been fidgeting steadily trying to free myself from my bonds for hours, I was exhausted and had quite a headache, and so hot... So hot... Why was it so hot? Aaaaah!!! It was getting on my nerves! I was sick of it! I inflated my lungs and while shouting, a huge flame came out of my mouth. I took advantage of this blessing to burn the plants of Solchy and to free myself. The only drawback was that I had forgotten that I was perched in the air and fell like an anvil into the water.I didn't know why I was spitting fire or how it happened, but for the moment I was going to take advantage of it to get revenge on Solchy. This new fact completely changed the plan I had in mind and I didn't even try to hide anymore. It was time for revenge!My first opponent was someone even more fearful than me.

- Let's try something...- What do you want?

So I inflated my lungs and blew with all my strength. A huge fireball came out and hit a tree which collapsed on the young man.

- This is so cool!!! I cried out in delight.

I took the crystal from my unconscious opponent and ran back to the race. I was sure that luck was on my side, but deep down I was still afraid of falling to Solchy or Cale. I moved cautiously through the forest. I could hardly see anything because of the darkness, but I could hear many things: screams, explosions... The night did not calm the ardor of the fighters and it was not because it was dark that the battle did not continue for some.Suddenly I heard footsteps in the bushes a few meters away from me, too close. Who was it? Solchy again? I didn't dare to move and my heart started to race. I discovered Yael to my great surprise.

- Yael? But...- Ewlia? Is that you? I can't see anything!- Yes, yes it's me! What are you doing here ? - I ran into Cale, I thought I'd better be safe than sorry and then I ran into you. How are you doing?- Not too bad, I ran into Solchy and you must have some idea of what happened. But the most important thing is that I believe that luck turned in my favor, I say proud of myself.- Why do you say that? What happened?- Other than the fact that I've been spitting fire for about two hours, not much else.- Seriously?" he exclaimed, suppressing a hiccup of surprise. You're finally using your magic? But how come? Well...- I don't really understand myself what happened and I'd have a hard time explaining it to you, but it's nice to know that I'm not totally screwed up for this test. I still have a chance to pass!

There was a heavy silence between us. Yael was my best friend, but we were still in the middle of an exam. We were still each other's targets. We looked at each other, thinking that one of us would attack the other.

- Between us... I don't really want to fight you, Yael," I said with a smile.- Even though I really like you Ewlia. We have to face the exam, we're being watched, remember.- You are my friend, I cannot resign myself to hurting you and you know it very well. Attack me or take my crystal, but I can't.He then took me in his arms. I was surprised, to say the least, by his gesture, it was the first time he had done it.- Yael?- Don't say anything... Please don't say anything. Suddenly he threw me to the ground and threw himself on top of me. I didn't really understand what was happening to him.- Yael?! I...- Shh! Cale is around here. - Huh? You sure about that?- Pretty sure, you trust me, right?- Or... yes!

How was he able to detect the presence of other people like that? Maybe because of the experience I didn't have yet. Suddenly Cale stood up in front of us:

- There's no need to hide! I know you're here! Yael, Ewlia! Come out of your hiding place!I was paralyzed.- You stay there and at the first opportunity, you run as fast and as far as you can, okay?- And what about you? What are you going to do?- I'm going to keep him here to keep him busy and try my luck as they say! Come on Ewlia, I'm counting on you.

Yael stood up and faced Cale, while I remained flat on the ground. I waited for the two opponents to start fighting so I could throw myself as far as I could. When the time was right, I got up and ran.- Hurry up Ewlia!!! shouted Yael.- I knew you were hiding her! You won't escape me! Ewlia come here!I ran, ran, ran, then as fast and as far as my legs would let me. When I arrived in the middle of nowhere, I took a breath and thought about the last five minutes I had just lived. I definitely couldn't leave Yael alone with Cale. I couldn't be a coward again or I would blame myself for the rest of my life and never move on. I backed away.- Cale!" I shouted as I threw a spray of fire in his face.He dodged easily, dropping Yael half-consciously. I rushed to his side, making sure he hadn't killed him.- Yael! Yael! Get up!- I... I told you to leave.- I came back for you. Doesn't that count?- It's suicide... Get away!- No! I'd face him! I stood in front of Cale, who had the same smile on his face as Solchy had earlier in the day. He was certainly sure of himself and what he was going to do. Unlike me, who was shaking like a leaf. I had to admit, I was afraid to fight him but I wasn't going to leave Yael in this state alone while he was trying to protect me. This time it was my turn. - Are you sure you want to fight me Ewlia? After all, even if you use magic against me, you know that you don't stand a chance against me, right?- Aren't you tired of bragging all the time? It's true, I certainly suck and I may very well take a big beating from you, but at least I took a chance. Deep down I think I have one against you.- Do you really think so? You've got to be kidding me! If Solchy got you, it wasn't for nothing. Be realistic and give up the fight before you regret it.- No, not until I've managed to hit you at least once!- Okay, if you want to take it that way we'll make a deal, you and me. If you succeed in touching me once, I'll go back and leave you and Yael alone, but if you don't succeed before you're exhausted, then I'll wait until you're tired and then I'll take away the only chance you had of getting through this ordeal. Does that suit you?" he said as confidently as ever.- Perfectly. There was then a light breeze that passed between us and the fight began. I didn't know much about Cale's magic and habits, but I knew he was the strongest in our school and he owed that title to something. No one had seen him fight seriously until now, maybe I could see it. But why had I gone into this? Why had I come back?! What a fool I was! Suddenly the rain joined us, coming down harder and harder.- So that's it, huh? I asked.- What are you talking about?- Your magic, it certainly allows you to control the weather phenomena, isn't it?- Not bad! You found it quickly for a beginner. I hated the rain, especially knowing that now my magic could create fire. Therefore, I was going to have to compete with ingenuity. But what did I expect when I took on Cale? I was just hoping to get out alive...After only a few minutes I was already starting to feel exhausted and I hadn't even managed to get him to move from his position. He was happily enjoying his superiority over me.- So Ewlia? Are you tired already? We've only just started! It was true, he was strong, much stronger than me. I looked back at Yael who was unconscious to give me courage, to show me what I had to protect.- I will succeed!!! I shouted.

Suddenly my hair began to twirl in all directions, which surprised Cale. It couldn't have been a result of one of his attacks so...was it coming from me? My body felt hot and I had that same feeling as before. That surge of heat inside when I wasn't doing anything. Why was it coming now?I breathed in deeply and blew with all my strength towards the sky. The ball went straight to the clouds and got lost among them.

- I don't know what you were trying to do, but this is not the way to touch me. Don't forget that I'm in front of you!- I know..." I said breathlessly.

The sky rumbled. The clouds were ominously black, electrified, threatening to explode at any moment. I gave a small, satisfied smile as I lowered myself down. The storm was so violent that a bolt of lightning split the air and hit Cale, frying him on the spot.

- You may be wearing an insulating suit, but you're soaked from your rain and above all ... You're the tallest, a person standing in an open area is a prime target for lightning, you attract it like a magnet. If I were you, I'd be careful next time," I explained, giving him a sly grin.- How did you... How did you do it?- I may have sucked at magic, but I took all the classes at school and I can tell you that I learned a lot.He stood up and walked over to me, his hand outstretched, still shaking from the electric shock.- Congratulations, this is the first time I've been fooled by my own magic," he said.- So does that mean you'll leave me alone? You'll keep our deal?" I asked in surprise.- Of course I will! I have only one word. Good luck with the rest and take care of good old Yael, he's going to need it. Cale went back into the darkness and I joined Yael, still on the ground. I tried to get him up, but nothing helped. He was really in a bad way, poor guy.- Yael! Come on, get up! Wake up! Nothing to do... I watched over him until the early morning of the second day of the test. Compared to that night or the night before, he was much calmer. I wanted to take a look at my card, but as I searched through my things, I realized that it was torn in several places, making it unusable. I couldn't tell how the event was going or who was left, there had certainly been wins and losses but nothing was decided yet.Yael finally stood up, completely out of it, not understanding what had happened to her.- You beat Cale?! he said surprised.- Well, not really... In fact we made a deal and at the end of our fight, he respected it so he left us alone.- You did manage to hit him though, didn't you?- It was a big chance, nothing more. But tell me how you feel?- Much better, thanks to you. If you hadn't arrived in time I wouldn't have given a damn. Thank you very much.A gentle warmth came over my body, but this time it wasn't the same, or at least I felt something different from the last time. It was simply the joy of having been able to help him for the first time, I had succeeded in helping him. The rest of the day we stayed hidden to rest and make sure no one found us. My goal, Solchy, was completely forgotten, at least I didn't have the time to devote to looking for him, or the energy for that matter. I was exhausted; sleep took me for a while.When I woke up, I was still confused by the events. I had made up my mind, it was over. I quickly asked my companion if the cave was far from here.- Not really, a few measly kilometers, why? What do you want to do there?- I want to go there! I give up this ordeal! I can't take it anymore and now that I've been able to rest my head for a while, I'm anxious, I really don't know what's happening to my magic.- Ewlia! You can't give up! You were doing well until now.- I feel completely drained Yael. I can barely stand up. I'm overwhelmed, put yourself in my shoes. He looked at me and smiled. He must have understood me deep down and it's true that I was tired of this ordeal! I couldn't take it anymore!- Well in this case I accompany you, direction the cave! he said while getting up.- But... And you then?- I am not going to abandon you whereas you saved my life. I owe you one.- You are not afraid for the continuation if...- If I don't get caught? No, not really. In fact, you're much more important to me than just a clan. So get up! I'll be your bodyguard.He helped me up and we both headed for the cave with one crystal each in our pockets. Once there, an examiner was surprised to see us arrive together but let us in.- Are you sure about this?" he asked one last time.- I'm sure! Anyway, I've gone even further than last year, so if I don't pass this year, I'll pass next year without a worry this time. Once inside, we were surprised to find Cale and Solchy. What were they doing here again?- You're late!" shouted Solchy.- What? How come you two are already here?- Well, the test is over, Ewlia. The 72 hours are almost up.- What?! I looked at Yael in a panic. How could it be over already? It couldn't be!- You actually slept for a whole day, Ewlia," Yael said, a little embarrassed to admit it to me now.- What?! That's not possible! I swore I would only sleep for five minutes.

Oh no! It wasn't true, tell me I'm dreaming!

- Well, now we will announce the results! Please join the others in the next room.We set off while I was depressed about my poor judgment of the weather.- Don't worry, Yael said, I'm sure you passed this year!- You have faith! Personally I don't have it and I don't feel it! And above all, I have something else in mind...Once inside, we saw the seven other participants and we waited patiently for someone to announce the results.

- Well, here are the results that will determine your future! First with a total of five points: Cale! Second with a total of three points: Solchy and finally... tied for third: Yael and Ewlia! Congratulations to all four of you...

Was I dreaming?! I had succeeded?! No, it wasn't possible! They had to be wrong! I couldn't believe it. With my mouth agape I turned to Yael, I couldn't believe my ears.

- You see? I told you so. You did it! Congratulations Ewlia.

We left the room to celebrate our victory when suddenly I felt something inside me that wasn't right. I was suddenly very cold, like in the middle of winter, while everything seemed normal for the others. What was going on with my body since the beginning of the race? I felt a void, as if everything had disappeared. I was losing my footing and had no control over anything. My head was buzzing. I could only hear a diffuse hubbub.

- Ewlia?" said Yael, looking at me worriedly.

I looked back at him, everything was blurred. And suddenly, I fell to the ground, unconscious.