4 Chapter 4 (1/2)

The room they provided us was quite s.p.a.cious. Staff was on call day and night to a.s.sist us and the quality of the furniture was amazing. Henry was scared to touch anything, as the cost to replace one of these would likely bankrupt the whole family. We ate a sumptuous meal and went out the balcony to enjoy the sights.

It was getting darker, slowly, and the view was fabulous. From up here, one could see across most of the city and the way the setting sun illuminated everything was truly gorgeous. The architectural design reminded Wilfred about older european construction but here, everything was in pristine condition. When he thought about it, he also could have likely done quite well for himself simply by using his knowledge, although rudimentary, of modern technology and applying it here.

A loud knock came from the door, succeeded by many more swift ones. Henry went and opened the door to a small gathering of seemingly furious fellows in long robes.

”He's finally lost it I'm telling you!” Shouted one from the back.

”It's time we think about a replacement.” Added another.

”C-can I help you?” Henry meekly added, trying to get a word in whilst everyone was busy arguing.

A lady of quite some years but still possessing much grace and elegance, interjected on behalf of the party.

”Yes! You can get out of that doorway and show us that child so that we can lay this ridiculous claim to rest!”

Wilfred slowly made his way from the balcony to see what the commotion was about. As soon as he was within sight, the figures stormed him, pus.h.i.+ng Henry aside and peered down at him. Simultaneously, half a dozen [a.n.a.lyze] went off.

The resulting silence and Wilfred's now smug grin spoke volumes.

If there was one thing he loathed, it was self-righteous p.r.i.c.ks who thought they knew everything.

A loud booming laughter interrupted everyone in the room and all turned their heads to the back where an older mage was having a laughing fit.

”Well well, looks like old Primus hasn't lost it yet hahahaha. What's your name young lad?”

”It's Wilfred, Sir.”

”My my, polite too. Well Wilfred, seems like you've caused a ruckus here. You're quite the anomaly. Half my colleagues seem to think you're a prank from old Primus while the other half deny it's even possible. Tell me, why do you want to join the academy?”

Wilfred thought about it for some time. Not just in that moment, but during the walk here and his talk with his parents. Why did he want to become a mage and join the academy? Well for one, it was the closest thing resembling his old life. He loved the structure of the military, the feeling of importance he got from fulfilling his orders. He also wanted to make a difference, make his ideals become reality. After serving, a path towards leaders.h.i.+p would be likely and he could get into a powerful position where he would influence change. The mage likely did not want to hear about how his academy is great and renowned but a more personal connection.

”My father and mother are commoners, we don't have a bad life but I want something more. I want to matter. There is so much more this country could become if we did not lie in the shadow of Nansen and Moburi. I feel that becoming mage and serving Leganon would allow me to accomplish something great.”

The crowd pondered long and hard on these words that came from an 8 year old. They had no choice but to admit that he was indeed an anomaly, a genius level boy who could not only use magic but possessed a real intellect as well.

”Truly, it appears his stats are not misleading. We do have a real prodigy on our hands. Now, fellow Councillors, shall we spurn away this talent for the sake of our fragile egos or admit that perhaps, talent is not born n.o.ble?”

Many mages felt vexed by these remarks and some shouting erupted. It was quickly reigned in though when Primus entered the room. His mere presence quieted even the most fervent of dissenter.

'Had to see for yourselves heh! Well I'm not senile yet, you opportunistic leeches! So, can we amend the age rule?”

The Councillors conferred with each other, mumbling about a variety of topics and perceived problems until they reached a referendum. The older but beautiful lady from before spoke on behalf of the group.

”Very well, we'll remove the age requirement but he still must pa.s.s the testing to be admissible.”

”I agree, tomorrow morning then.” Replied Primus.

All the mages exited, leaving only the older mage and Primus with Henry and Wilfred in the room.

'Terribly sorry about all that, they had to see for themselves. It's like they were being told all they knew was a lie. It doesn't help that you're not part of the royal family. I am fairly confident you'll have no issues with the tests tomorrow. The question will remain; what do we do with you? The youngest are 14 and already in cla.s.ses with 15 year olds. If you were to start tomorrow, you'd be in cla.s.ses with students twice your age and more.”

”I should be fine. I always felt I was a bit more mature for my age.” Like 30 years old mature almost, I chuckled to myself.

”At dawn then.” Both did a small bow and left the room, closing the door on the way out.

Henry let out a long sigh and sat down on the floor.

”My poor heart, I don't think I can take much more of this stress.”

Wilfred went behind him, patting him on the head.

”It's almost over. I should be able to start tomorrow and then you can go back home.”

”Are your stats really that high? They seem so impressed. Did you lie to us previously?”

”No... well, I didn't say everything, like that my Int and Will are in the 40's.”

His eyes bulged, trying to understand what was just said.