The next morning, Rygic opened his bleary eyes, yawning as he stretched out his arms. A thin ray of light poured in from the shutters on the window. He looked over to Quart’s bed and was surprised to find he had already left the room. He felt a slight panic beginning to build as he wondered if perhaps Quart forgot his promise to guide him to his affinity test. Thankfully at that moment, his sharp Elven ears could faintly hear Quart merrily laughing downstairs. Sighing with relief, he laid back down. Staring up at the ceiling, Rygic thought about the last couple of days. He recounted the skirmish with the orcs, traveling to Rinkon, and then his enjoyable meal the night before. Amid his wandering thoughts, Rygic's mind suddenly realized he had no idea what time the tests would start. He quickly scrambled out of bed and threw on his clothes, then rushed downstairs to find Quart.

“Morning,” Quart cheerily called out to Rygic from a nearby table as he walked down the stairs. The dining hall was fairly empty compared to the previous night.

“Morning,” replied Rygic. He sat down across from Quart who seemed to be enjoying a hardy breakfast. “Where is everyone?” Rygic asked as he looked around. Only a few of the other tables were occupied.

“It is usually like this in the mornings. Most of those who stayed last night have already left for affinity testing,” answered Quart in between bites.

With a hint of alarm in his voice, Rygic spoke up, "Shouldn't we be heading out as well?”

“We could, but we have plenty of time. Magic affinity testing is usually done throughout the day so surrounding villages have plenty of time to send those who wish to take part,” stated Quart. He then picked up a steaming mug and took a long savoring sip.

Hearing that they wouldn’t be late, Rygic leaned back in this chair. He casually looked around for signs of Skoshi. “Have you seen Skoshi this morning?” he inquired.

“Yeah, he left about an hour ago. He wanted you to rest and said he’d find you after our affinity tests,” answered Quart.

Rygic peered at Quart's mug curiously. "What are you drinking?" he asked.

“Never had earthroot tea? Here, try some,” offered Quart.

Quart picked up a nearby pitcher and poured an aromatic dark liquid into a mug. Steam rose from the cup as he handed it to Rygic. He took a tentative sip, noting a slight bitterness but also a deliciously earthy and buttery flavor.

“So, how do you like it?” questioned Quart.

“I quite like it,” answered Rygic as he took another sip. “I can see why people drink it in the mornings. I feel as if the tea is helping me wake up.” Rygic wrapped his hands around the warm mug and savored the flavors.

“Quite right, that is one of its many benefits!” Quart stated. He noticed Yaz coming out from the kitchen and waved to grab her attention. Following Quart's gesture, Rygic turned to see Yaz making her way toward them.

Approaching the table, Yaz exaggerated a frown and then shook her head with a grin. “Quart, as if I wouldn’t have noticed Rygic. It's not exactly bustling in here this morning.” She then turned to Rygic and beamed, “Morning! I trust you slept well? Would you like some breakfast?”

“Yes, please. Can I have what Quart is having?” requested Rygic. Having watched Quart eat with a satisfied expression on his face, Rygic reasoned that having the same breakfast would be a safe bet.

“Bacon and eggs, gnome-style, it is! I’ll be right back,” answered Yaz.

She went over to check on a few other tables before heading back into the kitchen to fetch Rygic’s breakfast. Rygic leaned forward and quietly asked, "What exactly makes that gnome-style?”

Quart began to sift through his plateful, happy to explain what made it a traditional gnomish dish. “Don’t worry. You can bet that if it’s coming from Yaz’s kitchen, it’s going to be delicious,” he added before continuing to devour his meal.

While he waited, Rygic helped himself to more earthroot tea. Pouring more into his cup, he couldn’t help but notice steam rising from the brew, just as much as when Quart had first offered him some. He brought the pitcher closer to his eyes and caught sight of runes glowing faintly in an almost invisible blue hue. Remembering the runes from Skoshi’s sword, Rygic assumed they had to be magical in nature. “Quart, this pitcher, is it magical or something? How is the tea still piping hot?”

Looking up, he found Quart had been watching him study the pitcher. “Notice those runes, did you? Yes, the pitcher is enchanted to keep its contents hot or cold,” answered Quart.

Yaz soon returned with a plate loaded with bacon and eggs. Rygic thanked her and eagerly savored each bite of his meal. He relished the contrast between the soft, fluffy egg and the toasted muffin it sat on, with the sauce adding a pleasant tang to the dish that complemented the crispy bacon. Whoever Yaz had working for her in the kitchens was an excellent cook. Before long, Rygic and Quart finished their meals. Quart had pushed his plate off to the side while Rygic focused on his own. He held the plate closer to his eyes to see if it was enchanted as well.

Seeing Rygic continually flipping the plate to try to find traces of a rune, Quart explained, “The plates are not enchanted. Rune-etched objects can be expensive. The fact that Yaz has runes on the pitchers speaks to her tavern’s success.”

“If runes are that expensive, isn’t she worried about someone breaking the pitchers or stealing them?” Rygic wondered out loud.

Yaz, who was nearby, overheard Rygic and walked over. “You don’t think I’d leave the pitchers on the tables if I were worried about either, do you? And don’t get any ideas!”

“The thought never crossed my mind!” said Rygic who was completely flabbergasted by the accusation.

Yaz chuckled and a grin formed on her face. “Relax, I am just joking with you. To answer your question, the runes etched on the pitchers not only provide heat or cooling but also protect against shattering. Dropping them on the floor won’t break them, but I wouldn’t try to throw them at a wall. As for stealing them, let's just say I have ways to ensure the pitchers are brought back.” Yaz smiled mischievously.

Rygic wondered what she meant by that. Thinking he probably wouldn’t like the answer, he merely remarked, "Makes sense.” With a nod of agreement, Yaz walked over to a few tables that needed cleaning and began to tidy them up.

After savoring the last of their earthroot tea, Quart made his way over to Yaz, bidding her farewell. She wished them luck on their magic affinity test. "Don't forget to come back and let me know how things went!" she called out as they waved and made their way out of the inn.

Quart led the way toward the academy, pointing out a few notable landmarks along the way. As they drew closer to their destination, Rygic noted the change in the surrounding architecture. The buildings began to look markedly more impressive with the level of intricate details, and the quality of the items in the display windows in various shops, more luxurious. Rygic commented on his observations to Quart, who then told him that Rinkon was extremely lucky to house both the Adventurers Guild and Mage Academy, as normally a city would only have one or the other. He explained that the area surrounding both buildings tended to bring in a lot of wealth. This was due to the fact that adventurers would need lodging, food, and equipment, and the students would need uniforms, equipment, and supplies. Any local business that catered to both could only grow and thrive.

Before long, they came across a grey stone wall with a metal gate. Two imposing guards stood on each side of the gate vigilantly watching visitors pass through. Each guard wore a black tabard with golden trim that had a symbol of a golden compass set in the middle. They were clad in protective plate mail armor and equipped with long swords. As Rygic and Quart passed through the gate, they were greeted by the sight of a towering wall that formed a perfect circle around two impressive buildings at the center. A lush park, dotted with trees and featuring a tranquil pond, separated the two structures. Everywhere they looked, there were guards stationed at various intervals, their alert eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. Rygic couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder as they strolled through the park, taking in the serene surroundings and the grand architecture of the academy buildings.

Quart pointed to the building to the left, “That is the Adventurers Guild.”

The Adventurers Guild Hall looked very much like a small castle. Its grey stone walls matched those that surrounded the area. Four turrets stood on each of the building’s corners. Archers could be seen stationed on each, with a watchman patrolling back and forth between them. Rygic wondered if the number of guards was due to the influx of people who came for the magic affinity testing or if this was standard procedure.

Quart glanced over at the Academy’s entrance and noticed the sparse amount of people waiting in line. “Come on, let's get in line before it gets crowded!”

As Rygic and Quart approached the entrance to the Academy, Rygic couldn't help but compare the building to the Adventurers Guild Hall. The Academy had a more subdued appearance, resembling a massive boarding school with wooden walls and an abundance of windows. They had only just joined the queue when another wave of hopeful applicants arrived, joining them at the back of the line.

“Good call on hurrying to get in line,” remarked Rygic. He craned his neck to see how many people were in front of them. He counted twenty waiting inside. “Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long.”

Quart too, was looking inside the Academy. He had tried to visit the night before, but the main doors were closed, and he was unable to peer in. “Yeah, looks like we were lucky.” Turning, he stood on his tippy toes and glanced back. He was surprised to see the line now stretched all the way back to the gates at the wall. “Really lucky...”

Rygic peered in the direction Quart was looking and saw the line had grown significantly longer since they arrived. Above the others’ heads, Rygic could faintly see the Matuska floating onward to its next destination. He wondered if he’d ever get a chance to arrange passage on it. He then turned and thanked Quart profusely for having the foresight to suggest they join the line when they did. Waiting in lines was something he did not enjoy.

Much to Rygic’s relief, it didn’t take too long before they were able to walk inside. A bored-looking guard just inside the doors barked out, “You there in the front, the gnome, keep moving till you get to the sign that reads ‘wait here’. Stay within the roped-off areas!” Quart hurried over to the plain white sign with those behind him quickly following suit.

Rygic thought whoever was running the tests seemed to know what they were doing as the line was moving quite fast. A sudden irrational fear of failing to gain a noteworthy affinity gripped his heart as he realized his turn was soon upon him. He anxiously looked around. A stern-looking woman with dark brown and grey hair dressed in green velvet robes walked directly towards them. In her hands, she held a worn leather-bound book.

“Greetings. You are all here for the affinity test, yes?” she called out loud. Many nodded with a few replying that was correct. “And everyone here is of proper age; all twenty years or older?” Again, she was met with nods and confirmations that she was correct. A few rolled their eyes as if she was foolish to even ask. Rygic wondered what would happen if someone wasn’t of age.

Her gaze lingered briefly over Rygic, making him feel a bit uncomfortable. It was as if she was studying him. Thankfully she turned to the next one in line and then quickly passed over the next, as if she was counting. “Everyone from the start of the line to the one in the back with the red and gold scarf, follow me.” She then turned without waiting to see if they would follow her. Quart, not wanting to incur her wrath, quickly followed.

They walked a short distance away, stopping at a pair of large and imposing wooden doors. The stern woman pushed open one of the doors and turned to address the group. “Quickly find a seat, please.” Her tone dared anyone to dally. She then turned and strode into the room.

Inside, Rygic was taken aback by the sparseness of the room. The walls were devoid of any decorations or adornments, and the only source of light came from a modest chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The chairs, while sturdy, were plain and unremarkable, arranged in a circle around a small crate placed in the center of the room. As the group settled into their seats, Rygic noticed that one person was left standing, unable to find an empty chair to occupy.

Looking directly at Rygic, the unlucky person, who had straight, short blonde hair, sneered and said, “You there, peasant, out of your seat.”

“I don’t think so,” Rygic calmly replied. Compared to orcs, he found the person ordering him to be less threatening than a Wondaeri Squirrell.

A look of pure surprise flashed on the young man’s face. “Do you know who I am?” he stammered.

Quart, quick to his new friend’s defense, blurted, “Do YOU know who HE is?”

Before Rygic could answer, the stern woman responded, “Nolrey Drakes, I see nobles are just as excited about testing for magic affinity as the rest. So much so that it has affected your hearing. Please go back to the front of the line.”

“But...” whined Nolrey.

“Back to the line, now” ordered the stern woman who refused to placate the noble.

With a look towards Rygic that said he’d pay for embarrassing him, Nolrey angrily stormed out of the room. Closing the door, the woman turned to address the group. “I am Sage Taina Endo. Without further interruption, we’ll proceed with the test.” The room of future students seemed to tense up as everyone wondered what the next steps would involve.

She strode to the center of the circle, stopping at the crate. Her eyes suddenly flashed blue as she waved her hands over the lid. Muttering words Rygic couldn’t quite catch, the crate’s lid opened on its own. Those seated all leaned forward, trying to get a glimpse of what was inside. She reached down and picked up a small blue crystal which was about the size of a fingernail. Its color was the same shade of blue as her glowing eyes.

“This is called a mana crystal. It's normally used as a focus to channel your mana through to enhance a spell. Today, however, we’ll be using it to commune with the Seirandal,” explained Sage Endo as she held the crystal up for all to see. “I’ll begin to pass them out now. Hold out your right hand as I walk by, please. Do NOT drop them,” she warned.

It didn’t take long for Sage Endo to pass out the mana crystals. Most of the testers were holding them reverently. Everyone heeded her warning; they dared not drop them. Satisfied the testers could be trusted to follow instructions, she continued, “Close your hand around the crystal so that you don’t accidentally drop them. I am going to cast a spell now, do not be alarmed.” Then as an afterthought she added, “You may feel a slight warming sensation.”