The flawlessly cut slice of pie had the perfect amount of whip cream on it, making it inviting and aroma-full.

It was an exquisite dessert! Dare I say it was the best that I’ve ever had?!

Enthusiastically pushing my fork through the pie, I took a bite. "Allura, you were right." I licked the frosting off my lips, looking up at Allura. "This is delicious!"

With a mouthful of pie, she began nodding. "It's the best!"

Rubbing my belly as I allowed a smile to tug upwards, I peered around, discerning that everyone else was essentially finished. The adults began small talk, leaving Allura and me in silence.

Breaking the silence, Allura narrowed her eyes. "What will you do when you grow up?"

I never pondered about my future; what would I do...? I closed my eyes, letting out a deep breath. "I don't really know, so what will you do?"

Alura straightened her mouth. "Unlike you, I know." She smiled, crossing her arms. "I want to join the army, just like my dad."

Tilting my head in confusion, I batted an eye at her reply. A child, barely even a teenager, wanted to join the army...

I sarcastically remarked. "Very nice."

Allura slightly puffed out her chest, flaunting by smirking and resting her arms on her waist. "Also, I'll soon be attending the famous Fech Academy."

I raised an eyebrow with a tad bit of confusion on my face. 'Why was she telling me this?' To be honest, I couldn’t care less, but I thought of Allura as the type of person to be reserved and humble. Was she getting too comfortable with me?

It then hit me as my face slowly turned into one of utter cringe. I was living a true nightmare since I practically quintupled Allura's age. I would rather not get too comfortable with her.

Wincing at the thought of Allura being anything more than a friend, I whispered. "That's cool..."

The conversation got interrupted by the elven boy. The elven boy, who brought our desserts, cleaned up after us. He nervously looked away from Mr. Dray. "Thank you for eating our food!"

"No problem, youngling," Mr. Dray shot up a smile.

The elven boy grew a flustered face, dashing away.

We all stood up, walking out of the food center when Mr. Dray suddenly expressed. "I'll be right back." He created eye contact with his wife. "I'm going to talk to Morthil."

Mrs. Rayna nodded in agreement, pointing outside. "Meet us at Ryo's clothing store; we will be heading there."

Mr. Dray glanced at his wife, not giving any sort of response, ignoring us. He quickly headed towards the booths, and before I could where he went, my group had already started walking, moving towards the clothing store.

We made our way outside, but Allura stopped, placing her hand behind her neck. "I think I forgot my necklace at the table."

"We're going back right now," Mrs. Rayna's eyes twitched as she looked down at Allura.

Allura stared at the ground, sighing. "You guys go ahead." She turned around, getting ready to walk. "Once I get the necklace, I'll come back with father."

My father smiled, shaking his head. "It's fine children always forget stuff. I'll go with her."

"No, no, it's fine," Allura said, quickly adding. "I'll go by myself. I rather not bother you."

My father tried talking but was interrupted by Mrs. Rayna.

Mrs. Rayna twitched her eyes, turning her body around. "Fine." She kept walking, forcing the rest to follow.

Allura went back into the shop while the rest of us kept moving forward towards the clothing store.

After a few minutes, we were still walking, shoving through the crowd to get there faster. Everyone seemed annoyed because of how busy the area was, but unlike the others, I was excited.

But maybe from that excitement, I ignored my surroundings. I obtained another knee-like hit that pierced my abdomen, causing a wave of colors to flash, red, blue, white, yellow, orange... As if the whole rainbow was etched into my eyes, I couldn't see anything but colors.

"MOTHER, I-I-I don't feel so-" I tried speaking, but I couldn't as I grew dizzy. Limping to the right, I collapsed into an alleyway that separated two stores.

My mother immediately dashed towards me while thrusting through the many crazed shoppers. Kneeling on the floor, she laid her hand across my forehead. "You're burning!"

Mrs. Rayna and my father caught up with us, kneeling on the floor. Mrs. Rayna's eyes were wide open, looking at me. "Aria, what's happening!"

My mother cried, taking her hand off me. "He's getting hot." She tried placing her hand back on my head, causing her hand to get burnt. "Please help my baby!"

Laying against a wall, I gasped for air, staring at my mother's burnt hand. "H-h-h-help."

Mrs. Rayna left us, running to the crowd. "Someone help! Call the guards!"

My father lowered his lips, gulping. "I'll go find some help with Rayna." He placed his hand on my mother's shoulder. "It will be fine. Just stay with Wryn." Mrs. Rayna and my father disappeared into the crowd, leaving me with my mother.

The once crazed crowd of shoppers now garnered their attention at the spectacle. My stomach once again felt a knee slam into it. No, it was different! I felt a sharp thrust inside my abdomen, causing my insides to become aflame. The pain earlier was exterior, but now it felt like my intestines were being rearranged and boiled.

Gritting my teeth, I tried to keep the discomfort at bay, but I couldn't stop sprawling in pain. "AHHHHHHHHHH!"

Suddenly, the pain flowed through my body towards my hand. I grasped my hand into a fist, extending it towards the air and accelerating it towards the floor. I rapidly banged my hand onto the ground, not stopping despite the bleeding.

"Calm down!" My mother said face to face with me, but she was mostly blurry.

My mother stood up, turning her head towards the crowd. "Someone help!"

"Wryn, please." My mother tried holding me back, but I kept slamming my hand onto the ground.

"WRYN!"

"Damn," I whispered, gasping for air. I extended my eyes, gaping at my fist, slamming it even harder.

I slammed my fist even harder, ignoring my mother's cries. I hit my fist against the floor using all my power, causing the vibrant colors to turn black. The once vibrant flashing colors turned pitch black, leaving me with nothing but peace.

*POV: ALLURA GOODE*

Taking out the necklace from my pocket, I put it back on, hiding behind a wall. It was okay to lie since I needed to know why my father was so sad. My father seemed agonized, bringing up the name, Morthil. I knew something was wrong, and I needed to know, so I could maybe fix it.

Closing my eyes, I peeked behind the wall, noticing my father and an overweight elf. I held my breath, positioning my ear towards my father while also seeing him. Magic wasn't allowed in public spaces, but if I used a minute amount, there was a chance that I could get away with it. Hopefully, the guards think I'm a cook or something using magic.

Visualizing my surroundings through hearing, I let my wind magic vibrate towards the two men talking. I continued vibrating the air until I could hear the two men, but I had to constantly make sure to now overflow my magic reserves.

I clenched my eyes and gritted my teeth, concentrating on the two men.

My father let out an agony-full sigh, looking at the man in front of him. "Morthil Erren, join the army-"

Morthil closed his mouth, causing his teeth to create a crunching sound. "Why would I go back to that shithole. Was it not enough having our dear friend die afront of us!" He stopped talking, slamming his fist onto the wall. "Do you also want to see me die, you damned fool!"

My father shook his head, denying. "You know no one expected Alasse to-"

Morthil interjected. "Don't you dare make an excuse for what happened! I won't have that! I won't!" I heard droplets of some type of liquid, but I couldn't see them. "You're the reason my beloved Alasse died! Since that tragedy, I am finally living a peaceful life. You want to kill the only joy that I have left?! Is that what you want?"

"You know Alasse sacrificed her life for our team! She did what was right!" My father shouted.

Morthil showed his teeth, scowling towards my father. "Then how come I feel so pathetic. You may still have your beloved, but what about me?! You have everything: a family, many friends, and happiness." He panted, resting his body against the wall. "You may live fine every day, but I can't do that! She was a friend to you. But to me, she was much more. She was my everything! Are you happy that you gained your role as a Commander!" He laughed, patting his leg. "WAS IT WORTH HER LIFE?!!"

My father neared Morthil. "I'm sorry, but-"

Morthil stood up and waved off my father. "Leave now!"

My father turned around, gripping his fist, coming towards my direction.

Quickly running forward, outside, I plowed my way through the crowd. After what seemed like five minutes, I halted because of a crowd of people surrounding something.

I forced my way through, sensing a peculiar ambiance of magic. Pushing through, I sensed an aura so familiar yet so unfamiliar. Making my way to the front, I got pushed into an alleyway.

Dumbstruck, my eyes were wide open as I neared the peculiar magic. "Mrs. Radcliffe?" I called for her name, but she was crying, staring at her son.

'Did Wryn use magic?' My expression became worried. "How?" I wanted an answer, but now wasn't the time to ask.

"HALT!" A voice yelled, coming from my left.

I turned to my left, noticing two guards declaring. "Under the rule of the mighty King Arthur, who dares break the laws in a sanction where magic is prohibited!"

The guards marched towards Wryn, kneeling down to pick him up.

Mrs. Radcliffe shrieked. "Don't you dare!"

One of the soldiers grumbled. "Under the jurisdiction of the peaceful country which this boy dares tarnish, we shall be exerting him under custody!"

The other soldier grabbed Mrs. Radcliffe, pushing her off of Wryn.

'I needed to do something, but what would my father do?' I gritted my teeth, gripping my fist.

"Stop," I shouted, nearing the soldiers and getting ready to conjure my magic. "Sham-" But before I could finish, I fell to the floor, turning my head towards a heinous feeling.

"And who decides that?! What authority do mere foot soldiers have to utter such pretentious words towards a Commander?" The dreadful voice interposed.

The soldiers kneeled on the ground, glancing towards the direction of the voice, as did I.

One of the soldiers fainted while the other shivered. "Commander Goode?"

*ONE DAY LATER*

Yesterday was distasteful, and now I had to take my tests for the academy. It wasn't optimal at all, and at any moment, a representative could arrive to perform the exam. We had two butlers waiting outside for the representative, so I wasn't too worried about it, but still. I couldn't stop thinking about yesterday.

Sitting down on my bed, I gripped my wrist. 'How is Wryn?' After we left the shopping center, Wryn was taken to a healer. Though, I didn’t even know the specifics of where. I knew that I saw Wryn use magic, but how? How could a non-mage perform magic? It was simply impossible!

Ayda barged into my room. "Allura, hurry."

Ayda was around ten years older than me, and personally, she was my favorite maid, and she basically came wherever we traveled. I thought of her more as a friend than a maid.

"Alright, I'm going!" I tip-toed down the stairs, viewing my dad greeting an individual.

"Allura, hurry, Professor Sylvar Vafaren has arrived," my dad turned his head as he gaped at me.

Why was he here!? There was no way! Was he seriously going to take my exams?! The Headmaster himself?!

"Greetings, Headmaster Vafaren. I humbly appreciate your visit for the likes of myself," I said, trying to avoid eye contact.

The Headmaster chuckled. "You may call me Professor." He added, smiling. "You are quite the lady-like figure! I can't wait to witness the faces of those who encounter you on the battlefield. A cute lady being a killing machine is quite ironic."

I didn't know how to respond, but thankfully, my mom intervened. "Why did you decide to take the tests today? You folk at the academy allowed us a break for a week, yet you take the test barely half the week in at our house?"

My dad turned his head, growing an angered face. It became as transparent as glass, but he endured and remained quiet.

The Professor nodded. "The blame is on me, and I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that may have occurred from my actions, but I found it necessary for Allura's future." He neared me almost like he was observing me. "I must take her tests personally. I happened to be near the area, so I decided to take the tests myself."

My mother shook her head, yelling. "You mages and your excuses are pitiful."

My father cleared his throat. "We appreciate your courtesy, Professor." He stared outside, affirming. "We should head towards the backyard."

We all went towards the magnificent backyard: the open space was accommodating. For training, and more importantly, the tests I was about to take.

A majority of the maids were located at the entrance of the backyard. My father stood somewhat near where I was, but he made sure to keep his distance. My mother resided near the maids, and clearly, she still hadn't accepted the Professor's apology.

I stood next to the Professor on the plentiful land of the backyard. The Professor interviewed. "The reason for my attendance is because you can use healing magic. It's unprecedented for mages to use healing and another type of magic. Allura, you are quite the rarity: wind magic and healing magic. Not only will you be an asset on the field for your combat skills, but also your healing skills." He examined me. "How well can you use your healing?"

I sighed, emitting a partial amount of healing magic. "As you can see, It's far from perfect."

The Professor glanced at me and then affirmed. "Allura, you have been admitted to the Academy of Fech."

I grew a confused face, tilting my head. "What?! Shouldn't I at least show you my wind magic?!"

The Professor waved his hand in the air. "No need. The academy doesn't even take these tests seriously. Do you really think the academy conducts serious tests for the hundreds of mages admitted? No, but the ones with talent... Well, they do pique my interest, so let it be known that I will be looking forward to seeing your skills advance."

My dad neared us, questioning. "Professor, would you like any refreshments?"

The Professor refused, nearing my father. "Unfortunately, I am quite preoccupied with other obligations. You may actually help with one of my obligations." He created eye contact with my father. "Do you have any real information about Wryn Radcliffe? I am aware that you were present with him yesterday."

"I was not present when the event occurred," my father stared at the floor, looking back up. "All of this is an anomaly."

The Professor sighed. "I must depart, but thank you for the hospitality." He neared the entrance. "I will take my leave now."

My dad smiled. "No, all the thanks belong to you."

My mom was still visibly angry as she stared down at the Professor as he left. I hoped she could forgive and forget, but the Professor admitting that the exam was useless wasn’t that helpful.

The Professor had left my old residence, allowing my family to get ready for lunch. I quickly dashed towards the kitchen. 'Hmm, what will we be eating for lunch?'

*POV: SYLVAR VAFAREN*

I clenched my communication device, closing my eyes and thinking. 'Wryn Radcliffe, a case so unique, I was scared of the implications it would forthcome. How long would I be able to hide such an event?'

I flew towards the direction of the Radcliffe residence, using wind magic.

Luckily, I had a healer studying the specimen in question. It worked out for me since I wouldn’t need to expend much time examining.

The healer I sent came dashing forward towards me, rubbing his eyes.

Landing on the floor, I placed the communication device away. Teasing my colleague, I smiled. "You have a good sense of magic, Alren."

He exclaimed, closing his eyes. "First, why am I here? Then I will answer your questions."

I nodded my head, walking with him towards the house. "The Goode family notified the academy that they would not be able to perform their daughter's exam because of an incident. After learning about the incident, I promptly had a healer attend to the specimen in question. You see, this is where you fit the equation."

Alren gulped, staring at me. "How long do you think you can hide a non-mage becoming a mage?"

"Long enough, I mean, I'm a former Commander. Things like this are easy..." I reassured, stopping. "Hiding the existence of a non-mage becoming a mage isn't the true problem. How we utilize this individual, however, is a different story."

Alren opened the door as we both went in.

"W-w-welcome Headmaster Vafaren, we are honored to have you visit us," a weak man spoke, shaking. Next to the man, a woman bowed her head in respect, trying to control her fear.

Ignoring the insignificant two, I declared. "Where is the boy!"