The morning sun spilled golden light across the Royal Magic Academy's training grounds. Today was the day of the academy's first official trial—a test of magical ability and control that every student dreaded and anticipated.
Kertia stood among the gathered students, his body weak but his mind sharp. The trial was designed to push novices beyond their limits: conjure a magical construct, control it, and defend against an assault. Success meant advancement in tier ranking.
Alric stood nearby, smirking confidently. "Don't strain yourself, sick boy," he sneered. "This is where dreams break."
The Principal's voice rang out, "Begin!"
Kertia closed his eyes, focusing on the earth beneath his feet. Drawing on the faint energy that flickered inside, he called forth a cluster of bones from the ground—long forgotten remains buried under the training yard.
They floated upward, assembling into a skeletal warrior wielding a rusted sword. The creature was small but sturdy, its empty eye sockets glowing with Kertia's power.
Alric scoffed as he summoned a fireball, launching it toward Kertia's guardian. The skeletal warrior raised its sword, deflecting the attack just in time.
Kertia's heart pounded. He snapped his fingers, and the skeleton vanished instantly.
The crowd gasped.
Arielle and Tomas watched with wide eyes. Even some of the nobles, long dismissive of Kertia, nodded in surprise.
But Alric's face twisted with rage. "Lucky trick," he spat. "Necromancy is a cheat, not real magic."
Kertia shook his head. "It's a power born of respect for life and death, not cruelty."
The trial ended with Kertia's guardian proving its worth, and despite his fragile frame, Kertia passed with honors, advancing to Tier 2: Apprentice.
That night, in his modest dormitory, Kertia poured over ancient texts. The power to summon and control undead was only the beginning. He needed to learn how to command them in battle, how to bind more powerful spirits, and most importantly, how to resist the darkness threatening to consume him.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. Arielle entered, holding a small bundle of scrolls.
"I found these in the restricted section," she whispered. "Careful, though. Some knowledge comes with a price."
Kertia smiled faintly. "Thank you. Together, we'll uncover the truth."
Outside, shadows lengthened as unseen eyes watched the academy. The awakening of the Guardian God had stirred ancient forces.
And not all of them wished him well.
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