Before Irene could fuss over Theo, Mrs. Magismach interjected, “Madame, do not worry, this often happens to people with a lot of potential. The information overload can stress the brain out, which is what causes the fainting.”
“Oh, thank heavens. I was really worried about Theo there for a second.”
“Well, given that we do not have the time to be fussing over minor trivialities, let us get with it.” Turning towards Theo, Mrs. Magismach said,” In order to successfully ascertain the Exam’s success, I’m going to ask you to bring your profile up before we can look into potential classes and schools. Begin by focusing your intent on seeing your system profile.”
“Alright,” Theo said as he began focusing on his desire to see his profile and soon heard the annoying pings that came with system notifications.
PROFILE INITIALISING…
SUCCESS!
USER: Theobold Calderwood
Race: Human
Occupation: N/A
Class: N/A
Ideals: N/A
Skills: N/A
[USER can now operate Mana devices.]
“Well, this isn’t quite as exciting as I thought it would be unless I want to drive the wagon home,” thought Theo as he browsed his profile.
“I’m assuming there are no problems, and if so, then we should continue with the rest of the Exam,” said Mrs. Magismach as she interrupted Theo’s thoughts
“Yeah, I just got my profile.”
“Great, then let us continue. This might take a while, given the earlier incident.”
She then made a series of taps on the Exam stone, and dozens of glowing screens popped out above it. Even though she used a shocking degree of efficiency, it still took a while for Mrs. Magismach to scroll through the lists and compile the information.
“First and foremost, from the information the Exam gave me, you will do very well as a mage. Librarian is surprisingly another option that you have a higher aptitude for. Although most librarians tend to be mages, so that they can protect their books.”
“That said,” she continued, “your aptitude spread is… quite interesting.
Theo swallowed. “Is it bad?”
“Heavens no child,” she replied, which was quite reassuring. “The only bad thing depends on how you decide to spend this potential.”
Irene leaned forward with her hands clasped. “What does that mean for his schooling?”
Mrs. Magismach finally looked up from the screens. “It means the system has already decided that he will not, under any circumstance, be allowed to go to a minor school.”
Theo felt a quiet sinking in his chest.
“This is expected in people of high talent,” Mrs. Magismach went on, “the system has deemed your local institutions to not be capable of properly developing or containing your growth. Attempting to attend these would likely result in stagnation, misalignment of ideals, or a soul-collapse by the time you reach adulthood. I can’t tell you the number of times a mage made a wrong decision and it affected the rest of their life.”
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“That sounds unpleasant,” Theo said.
“It is,” she agreed. “Now.” She tapped the stone again. Three school crests expanded into view, hovering side by side on one of the screens. Two were slightly dimmer, while only one was brightly illuminated. Theo recognized one of them instantly from his brother Alex’s books on dungeons.
Cognition Keep.
“As you can see, the system’s primary recommendation,” Mrs. Magismach said, “is Cognition Keep. The other two are Irvengard and The Soniccum.”
“But I don’t want to fight monsters,” Theo said before he could stop himself.
Mrs. Magismach’s eyebrow twitched. “Sir, no matter what you choose, that’s inevitably going to come up. The system makes it a required curriculum for every path. Even chefs have to fight monsters in their schools.
“That’s true, Theo, I had to fight a lot of mutant plants in botany school. But, I don’t want to force you into anything that you don’t want to do,” and looking back at Mrs. Magismach,” but if he does end up wanting to go, how would we afford it? I’ve heard it costs 1000 gold for tuition alone,” Irene said worryingly.
“Luckily for you,” Mrs. Magismach replied. “Cognition Keep and the other two schools both offer good scholarships for talented individuals. Though I will admit it has a long time since they have given one out.”
Theo shifted in his chair. “Do most students just pay it?”
“The school is in the center of the capital, so 99% of people who attend are nobles,” she said. “ But do not let that be an inhibiting factor, though. In my experience, most nobles are worthy of their station. If you do decide to attend Cognition Keep,” she continued, “you will be placed on a theoretical track with mandatory dungeon exposure limited to controlled sectors. Your first year would focus on learning how to control mana, and working on finding the right ideal.”
“That sounds,” Theo searched for the word, “more peaceful than I had anticipated.”
Mrs. Magismach smiled thinly. “As quiet as a living dungeon permits.”
Irene looked at Theo. Really looked at him. “You don’t have to decide right now,” she said softly.
“I’m sorry, but that is incorrect,” Mrs. Magismach replied. “He does.”
Theo blinked. “I do?”
“The system has already allocated a provisional slot,” Mrs. Magismach said. “Acceptance requires conscious assent within the next six hours. The school does not have many seats, so getting in is extremely competitive. Honestly, you are lucky you made it here this early.”
Six hours.
Theo thought of the forest. The mornings. His mother’s garden. The library in his mind that had felt like home before he ever knew it existed. But he also thought of the book in it, ever since he had read it, the spells at the back seemed to be burned into his mind. Maybe going to the school was worth it in the long run.
“Would I have to worry about materials if I accepted?” he said slowly.
Mrs. Magismach tilted her head. “The first two schools only provide monetary scholarships, but Cognition Keep offers you a full ride, complete with class materials.” And straightening her glasses,” It would seem that they also offered a small stipend while you go to class.
Theo exhaled. This was it.
“I accept,” he said.
The system then chimed softly, for the first time.
[INSTITUTION LOCKED: COGNITION KEEP]
[CLASS CHANGED TO NOVICE MAGE]
[IDEAL SELECTION PENDING]
“So what do I do now?”
“Someone from the school will be here shortly to pick you up and bring you there. I would recommend saying goodbye to your mother.”
“What about my stuff at home?” Theo asked.
“You can have it sent to you at school. Cognition Keep will cover postage the first time. But now that that is settled, I am obligated to warn you not to choose your Main Ideal yet. Doing so would not only have detrimental effects if you chose wrong, but would result in having your scholarship revoked. Cognition Keep wants you to know what you are doing before you make the decision.”
Theo nodded to show his understanding. This, he believed, was a smart course of action. He hardly knew what would help his path in the long run and didn’t want to end up like The Pawnmaster.
Now that the Exam was over, Theo and his mother walked outside. They didn’t stray too far from the town hall, though, as they had to wait for the school personnel to pick him up.
Unwilling to waste another moment, Irene hugged Theo tightly and said to him,” I know you’ll do great. If you ever miss home, send me a letter and I’ll mail some cinnamon rolls to you. The cost is negligible now that we don’t have to pay for your tuition for the school in town.”
Theo, though inordinately nervous for the future, responded,” Of course I’ll write. You don’t have to bribe me.”
Before either Mother or Son could get another word in, a person dressed in a royal blue robe with meticulous golden embroidery materialized in front of them and asked,” Are you Theobold Calderwood?”