Chapter 23

Call To Greatness

Adom's heart skipped a beat. The Olympiads – the very mention of the event conjured images of grandeur and prestige. It was an enormous world spectacle, a convergence of sorcerers from all races and realms. The event was not just a showcase of magical prowess but a festival of culture, innovation, and power. The amphitheaters would be filled with the world's most influential figures, eyes trained on the sorcerers who dared to dream and display their talents.

The Olympiads were more than a competition; they were a stage where legends were born and destinies rewritten. New spells would be unveiled, scientific breakthroughs announced, all under the scrutiny of emperors, kings, queens, and councilors. For schools like Xerkes, success in the Olympiads was a matter of pride, a testament to their supremacy in the magical world.

But the heart of the Olympiads lay in the challenges among the rankers – the elite sorcerers. It was here that titles were claimed and forsaken, where the hierarchy of the magical elite was reshaped in battles of wit, strength, and skill. The stakes were unimaginable – fame, fortune, and the chance to etch one's name in the annals of history.

Adom was acutely aware of the significance of Mohagan's offer. Being chosen to represent Xerkes was an honor and a testament to his abilities. Yet, as he stood there, a sense of conflict churned within him.

The grandeur of the Olympiads, with its promise of prestige and power, was alluring. Adom could envision the opulent opening ceremony, where the leaders of nations, esteemed scholars, and legendary sorcerers would gather. He could almost hear the roar of the crowds in the grand arenas, feel the electric atmosphere of competition, and sense the weight of history and expectation that permeated the event.

But amidst the allure, Adom's resolve remained firm. His priority was not personal glory or the pursuit of ranker status. His mission was one of protection, prevention, and preparation. The challenges he sought to overcome were not those of the Olympiads but the impending threats that loomed in the future he knew all too well. His plan, meticulously crafted to protect his loved ones and alter the course of future calamities, did not align with the path of glory and fame that the Olympiads represented.

Professor Mohagan, noting the hesitation in Adom's eyes, leaned forward slightly. "This is a chance for you to grow, to test your limits against the best in the world. It's an opportunity few are offered, Adom," he urged, his tone encouraging yet laced with the gravity of the choice before him.

Adom felt the weight of Master Mohagan's words, the expectation, and the opportunity they represented. Yet, his heart was heavy with the knowledge of what was at stake, the lives and futures that depended on his actions. He looked up, meeting Mohagan's gaze with a quiet determination.

A silence lingered in the grand hall after Professor Mohagan's invitation, thick with anticipation and the weight of decision. Adom, standing amidst the shadows of history and expectation, replied with a clarity that cut through the hush. "Thank you, Professor, but no."

Mohagan's eyebrows rose in surprise, as if he hadn't heard correctly. "I beg your pardon, Adom? Could you please repeat that?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Adom repeated his words, his tone polite yet resolute. "I have no intention of participating in the Olympiads, Professor. I've only recently recovered, and I wish to keep my life as calm and private as possible for now. Participating in the Olympiads, especially considering my current reputation, would make that impossible."

The Professor's expression shifted from surprise to understanding, his initial shock giving way to a thoughtful nod. He leaned back in his chair, regarding Adom with a newfound respect. "I see," he said slowly, his voice reflecting his acceptance of Adom's decision. "I did consider your recent recovery might make you hesitant, but I thought the allure of the Olympiads would at least make you ponder the offer."

Mohagan then smiled, his eyes studying Adom with a mix of curiosity and admiration. "You do not cease to surprise me, Mr. Sylla." His words were filled with a sense of acknowledgment, recognizing Adom's unwavering commitment to his own path, a path that defied expectations and conventions.

As Mohagan posed the question again, "Are you sure you want to let this opportunity go?" Adom's gaze met his with unwavering certainty. "Yes, I am sure," he replied, his voice steady and resolute.

Professor Mohagan chuckled lightly, a sound that seemed to acknowledge Adom's steadfastness. "Well, I tried," he said with a hint of amusement. "I understand, Mr. Sylla. In that case, this marks the end of our meeting. I will not detain you any longer."

As Adom stood up, ready to leave, his mind drifted to the encounter with Damus, escorted by guards. A flicker of curiosity and concern stirred within him. Turning back to Mohagan, he voiced his question, "Professor, may I ask you something?"

Mohagan nodded, a gesture of openness and patience.

Adom recounted his brief encounter with Damus, expressing his intrigue at the presence of guards. "I saw Damus being escorted by guards. May I know what's happening?"

Mohagan's expression turned solemn. "Ah, Mr. Rolland, along with a few students you recently had an altercation with, have been temporarily excluded from the school. They're under investigation for bullying their fellow classmates. They will be summoned to defend their case at the next disciplinary committee meeting, which is scheduled for next week."

Adom's heart skipped a beat. The news was unexpected, yet it resonated with a sense of delayed justice. The thought of Damus and his cronies facing consequences for their actions brought a complex mix of satisfaction and wariness.

Mohagan noticed the surprise on Adom's face and added, "Oh, did they not send you the notification for the date?"

Adom shook his head, his brows knitting together in confusion. "No, I haven't received any notification."

The professor's expression turned apologetic. "I'll ensure that you get the details. It's important that you're there, given your involvement in the matter."

As Adom nodded and stepped out of the office, the sound of his name called out caused him to turn. Mohagan stood there, an enigmatic expression on his face. With a swift motion, he tossed something towards Adom. Instinctively, Adom reached out, his hands closing around the object in mid-air. It was the 'invitation' to the Olympiads that Mohagan had shown him earlier.

"Take it," Mohagan said, his voice firm. "In case you change your mind."

Adom opened his mouth to protest, but Mohagan continued, "Mr. Sylla, the condition for a student to be invited to the Olympiads is to be given and decipher the puzzle in your hands. Now, upon doing that, you can still refuse to participate. But I would not dismiss the artifact if I were you. Solve it. It contains about a million Cauris just for deciphering it—a little advance and acknowledgment from the Olympiads, I suppose."

Adom's eyes widened in surprise. This unassuming object was worth a million Cauris? He looked at the invitation, a newfound curiosity and respect for its intricacies filling him. He glanced up at Mohagan and offered his thanks.

Mohagan nodded, adding, "Consider this my apology for letting the fight escalate that far. But make no mistake, solving the puzzle will be extremely difficult, so don't take it for granted."

Adom smiled, a spark of confidence lighting his eyes. "I understand," he replied, his mind already turning over the possibilities of the puzzle. Despite the challenge, he felt an inner assurance, a quiet confidence in his ability to unravel its secrets.

"Thank you again, Professor," Adom said, a sense of gratitude and anticipation in his voice.

As he walked away, the weight of the invitation in his hand felt like more than just a physical object. It was an opportunity, a challenge, and a potential resource. Justice was on its way, and now he had unexpectedly earned a million Cauris. This windfall was a lifesaver, particularly since he had been pondering over how to finance the necessary gear for his upcoming journey to the Duchy.