chapter 03 the beginning of everything

It was beginning to dawn. I woke up to the icy breeze seeping through the cracks in the window. I sat up slowly, still drowsy, and opened the curtains. Outside, the usual landscape: the houses still half asleep, the quiet square and, in the distance, the road that leads to the university.

He watched him for a moment in silence.

"I suppose my life will become very difficult from today on...

Before going downstairs, with a long cloak that covered my entire body.

I went downstairs still a little sleepy, my parents were already awake. My mother was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast as usual, and my father... Well, he just read a book like he was an important man. It must have cost a lot, since there are no books that have not been handmade.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," my mother said without looking at me, but with a smile on her face. "Good morning, son. Your day begins today," my father said with that arrogant smile so typical of him.

"Thank you for your encouragement, old man," I replied, rolling my eyes as I sat down at the table. My mother served me breakfast, as always delicious. I ate quietly as my mind filled with thoughts.

"University... why do I feel so restless? Maybe because I know that they are going to look at me as if I were worthless. A magician... everyone is going to make fun of it."

Take a deep breath. I was already used to that kind of thought, but today they hurt more than before. Maybe because of the pressure... or by fear.

I got up after breakfast and quickly said goodbye to my parents. I didn't want to make a scene or for you to notice how my hands trembled slightly.

I left the house, the sky still had that blue and gold color of dawn. The cold wind touched me head-on.

And there was the way... The long road to university.

My steps were firm, but my mind was in chaos.

"What if they are right? What if I'm just playing strong?"

I hated myself a little for thinking like that... And for feeling that maybe, just maybe, others weren't so wrong.

Meanwhile, at home, my father still held the book in his hands, but he didn't read it. He was looking at the door where I had left minutes before, his brow furrowed and his lips pursed.

"Honey... I wish I was a better father to Darius," he said quietly, as if he had a hard time admitting it.

My mother turned around when she heard him, putting aside the dishes, and approached him with a soft smile. She hugged him from behind, tenderly. "You're already the best father she can have," she replied. Darius divides himself with you, he admires you. Although he hides it with those jokes of his... I know he loves you very much.

My father was suspicious, finally putting down the newspaper. "I just want him to be happy... But sometimes I feel like I carry more than I should. He's strong, but he's still a child.

My mother was moving slowly, looking out the window where the rising sunlight was coming in. "It is... but he is also our son. And he trusted that he will know how to find his way.

Arriving at the university, I found several young people gathered at the entrance. I guess they're all about my age. I estimate that there are about eighty applicants... Of those, probably only fifty will be accepted among the three specialties: wizards, swordsmen, and fruit users. It'll be fun... I guess

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

"Wow, so you came," someone next to me said mockingly.

I turned my head and there he was: Cris, with his confident smile and that carefree air that he seems to never leave. He was wearing the same fancy uniform, but his cloak fluttered more stylishly than mine. How does it do it? Even in that he seems sure of himself.

"And you're here too, I thought you had fled the country or something," I replied with a slight smile.

"I thought about it, but I remembered that I had to take care of a certain weird wizard who does spells without conjuring," he said as he tapped me gently on the shoulder.

"You don't need to take care of me," I laughed. But I appreciate the gesture, I guess.

We stood there for a few seconds, watching the others. Some were talking in groups, others were just as nervous as I was.

"Do you think they separate us by branches?" Cris asked suddenly.

"Surely. Wizards on the one hand, swordsmen on the other, and fruit users over there," I said, pointing to the distance, where some boys were already showing off their skills with shiny swords or small magical demonstrations.

Cris crossed her arms and looked up at the sky.

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

"Yes, but didn't you say you were one too?" He gave him a sideways look, amused.

"Touched," he replied, laughing. At that moment, a teacher approached with a firm step. "I'm Professor Filip, in charge of the distribution of powers. He looked at everyone seriously before speaking again: "Identify yourself and tell me your skills.

Cris was the first. "My name is Cris. I am the bearer of a fruit... In my case, that of the God of the Moon.

The professor opened his eyes in surprise. "God of the Moon...?" Incredible. Very few are fortunate with that gift.

Then, he recomposed himself and was promoted. "Very well, Cris. You are entitled to the special student room: Fructus Magna.

Afterwards, he looked at me with obvious displeasure. "And you?"

"Darius, right?" I nodded. You are from the group of magicians, classroom three. There are only seven students in that group. Your classroom is at the back of the east building, the door with the carved star symbol.

I nodded politely and walked to the right place. As I passed through the halls, I noticed how some students were looking at me. Not with admiration, but with pity, or contained mockery. They whispered things that I already knew by heart:

"Is that one of the magicians?" Poor people... "They say they only serve as support, but they never win a real duel." "Ha, they can't even break a stone without concentration.

I clenched my fists without saying anything. I just kept walking.

When I got to the classroom, I was surprised at how small it was. It had old desks, a half-empty bookshelf and just a few magical utensils. It looked more like a storage room than a classroom.

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

"Hey, you! One of the boys called me, short, thin, with a big smile and short brown hair. Are you also an outcast like us?

I was silent for a second, surprised by his carefree attitude. Then I smiled slightly. —Yes, although I prefer the term 'future misunderstood prodigy'. "Hahaha!" I like you, my friend. I am Adam. And welcome to the forgotten corner of magic," he said, patting me on the back.

We sit together. As we talked, the rest of us were still watching, but I didn't care so much anymore. Maybe, just maybe, not everything would be so bad.

But a part of me still felt that weight in my chest. That constant whisper of doubt... Am I really enough? Or am I just escaping from the truth...?

At that moment the others introduced themselves:

A tall girl with long, dark hair raised her hand with a calm smile: "I'm Selene. I am 15 years old and my range is intermediate. I like peace, but when I get angry... Better not to be around," he said with a slight laugh, showing a hint of humor.

A boy in the back, wearing glasses and a somewhat reserved attitude, raised his hand as well: "I'm Liam, 15 years old. I am of holy rank. Y… well, I'm not that good at socializing, but I'm a good mate, I hope," he said somewhat awkwardly, preventing him from looking directly at me.

Another girl, with blonde hair and blue eyes, stepped forward confidently: "I'm Helena, I'm 14 years old. I'm middle rank. I'm not much of a talker, but if you need me, you'll be here," he said in a firm but kind tone, making his presence felt.

Finally, a boy with a serious appearance and an upright posture introduced himself in a deep voice: "My name is Kael. I am 14 years old, intermediate range. I hope we can get along," he said without much embellishment, but his gaze was intense, full of determination.

And the last of the boys, with a robust complexion and a friendly smile, introduced himself: "I'm Tarek. 15 years old, advanced range although it doesn't seem like it, I'm very calm, I love nature," he said with a wide smile, making it clear that he was not one to be intimidated.

The seven of us were silent for a moment. Each with their own unique style, but all in the same boat, at least for now. No one seemed to be a threat, but the tensions between us were noticeable.

"It seems that we got a good group," Adán commented in his cheerful tone, trying to break the ice.

However, what I was really worried about wasn't the group... but everything that would come.

"Excuse me," I said, attracting everyone's attention, "but I realize that each of you only handles one element. Don't they drive anymore?

"Excuse me, but I realize that each of you barely got past the intermediate range. I asked, curiously, observing the reactions of the others.

The room was silent for a moment. They all looked at each other, some a little uncomfortable with my comment.

"Well, what did you expect?" Adam said, with a mocking smile. Most magicians stopped being a key player since the appearance of magic fruits, not all of us can do things as crazy as you imagine.

I shrugged, not giving it much thought.

"I was just curious," I replied, trying to look indifferent.

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

"Magic is not as easy as it seems.

Liam, who seemed more reserved than the others, moved slightly closer.

"Besides, you have to master a single element well before trying to handle several... it's not something that's easily accomplished," he said, with a small shy smile.

Kael, the serious guy, didn't seem very interested in the conversation, but his intense gaze signaled to me that he was paying attention.

"There's no need to talk about what we don't know," he said, in a deep voice. The important thing is that we are here and do the best with what we have.

Tarek stepped forward.

"But that doesn't stop me from enjoying the journey," he said, showing his relaxed attitude.

The atmosphere became calmer after those words.

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 make 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 himself with his eyes.

—The evaluation will be in groups. They will have to work together to complete a series of tests. The 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. Got it?

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.