Extra's Ascent

Aldrich excelled in the marksmanship test, demonstrating a remarkable talent for the bow that would leave his peers in awe.

His precision was so uncanny that after three flawless shots, the target pole vanished, seemingly acknowledging his exceptional skill.

Then came the next challenge.

[The upcoming round will present five different scenarios. You are required to utilize each of the five primary elements to overcome these situations successfully.]

This final test for the third-stage assessment was crucial—it evaluated the number of elements each candidate could wield and their proficiency with them.

The five primary elements—water, fire, wind, earth, and lightning—formed the foundation of mystic abilities.

Most mystics are naturally born with one primary element, but exceptions exist.

Some are fortunate enough to be born with dual elements.

However, being born with an element doesn't mean mastery is restricted to it.

Mystics can learn additional primary elements through rigorous training, much like those born with the element.

The difference lies in compatibility.

Mystics naturally gravitate toward their innate element due to higher favorability and ease of use.

To distinguish between these two types, mystics are categorized as Owners (those born with the element) and Holders (those who learn primary elements they were not born with).

The disparity between an Owner and a Holder becomes apparent when discussing dual elemental synchronization—a unique ability exclusive to Owners with more than one primary element.

Synchronization allows for the fusion of two primary elements to create a new one, a secondary element, a feat Holders cannot achieve, no matter their mastery.

Eldora Institute values those who step out of their comfort zone, encouraging students to learn elements beyond their innate ones.

A Holder's chances of acceptance rise significantly with the number of primary elements they can wield.

As the test began, five intricate scenarios manifested, courtesy of advanced holographic technology.

The first challenge required the use of fire, pushing Aldrich to adapt and overcome.

Each subsequent scenario tested his grasp of the remaining elements—water, wind, earth, and lightning.

Thanks to his short but intense training with Saldrich, Aldrich navigated each challenge with confidence.

He demonstrated a basic understanding of the five elements, applying them to each situation.

His performance was taken into notice and will be revealed in his overall assessment result.

---

The third and final test marked the end of Aldrich's assessment.

He exited the building and took a seat on a nearby bench to wait for Trevor, who had yet to finish.

Since they had entered together to take the test, they had promised to wait for each other outside.

Sitting alone, Aldrich allowed his mind to drift, replaying the tests in his head.

The results were to be announced a week later—a week of suspense and second-guessing for most candidates.

For Aldrich, the first phase of the test—an enigmatic scanning process—was beyond his control.

He suspected it evaluated mana capacity and physical condition, but the full scope remained unclear.

The second phase, which required answering speculative questions, was less straightforward.

While he had done his best, the ambiguity made it difficult to gauge his performance.

The third phase, however, was different.

It relied entirely on practical application, and Aldrich felt he had performed admirably.

Yet, the final decision rested in the hands of the officials.

And with that thought, a subtle tension began to creep in.

His musings were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Brother!"

Aldrich turned to see Trevor bounding out of the building, his eyes alight with excitement.

He stood to meet him halfway.

"I take it the test went well?" Aldrich asked, noting the absence of any lingering anxiety that troubled him before.

"Well?" Trevor grinned. "It went more than well. I don't know how to say this, Aldrich, but I absolutely killed it!"

"Which part?"

"The second and third phases, mostly the second. I crushed those questions like a wrecking ball," Trevor boasted.

"I see..." Aldrich replied, his expression neutral.

In truth, the first and second phases were more difficult to gauge.

The first, which accounted for 20% of the overall score, involved body scanning with unclear parameters.

The second phase, worth 30%, relied on subtle questions with seemingly obvious answers.

Only the third phase, which required practical demonstrations, allowed candidates to confidently claim success.

"So now," Trevor said, "we can only hope we both get in."

"Right. And if one of us doesn't, let's agree to stay friends regardless."

"Of course," Aldrich agreed, though he knew it might be difficult.

Eldora Institute was a boarding school, and the chances of meeting outside of holiday breaks were slim.

Still, Aldrich was determined to keep his word.

"Where are you heading after this? Downstate? Midstate? Upstate?" Trevor asked casually.

"If you're trying to sound humble by mentioning Midstate and Upstate after leading with Downstate, you pass. For the record, I live in Midstate with a family of two. What about you?"

Trevor laughed. "Same here. Midstate, a family of three."

"Cool. We could head home together."

"No can do," Trevor said, shaking his head. "I've got something to take care of first. But hey, give me your contact info, and we can keep in touch."

Aldrich hesitated. "I don't have a mobile phone."

"Seriously? What about an online handle?"

"I don't have that either. I signed up for the test using my dad's social handle."

The application form for the test required jotting down a means of communication.

Aldrich had to compensate by using Eric's information to sign up for it. Since they were family, it was acceptable by rights and legality.

He was meaning to open a handle for himself but he has not gotten around that yet.

As far as everyday activities go, he has not had a desperate need for it, hence no reason to rush.

Trevor raised an eyebrow. "So… how do I reach you if we don't both get in?"

"My sister has an online handle I know by heart. You can reach me through him."

"Deal."

Aldrich provided Trevor with Saldrich's contact information, determined to maintain their budding friendship regardless of the test results.

With that, the two parted ways—Aldrich heading home, and Trevor to his business.