Chapter 11

Nate was watching the crowd with a look of admiration and awe. A few members of the crowd noticed the look on his face, amused at the display of emotions. But the majority of the crowd didn’t pay him any mind and went on about their business.

They were in a street called the central market. It was a wide street in Albacore city where people got around on their own two feet. No vehicles of any kind were allowed here.

After their group arrived at Albacore the mages all split up, everyone going their separate ways. The only ones who stayed behind were Nate, Aiden, Kiru, and Idris. Kiru informed him that Aiden was going straight to the academy where he was enrolled and would begin classes in two days.

As for him, he’d have to meet the Grandmaster first. It was then that Idris volunteered to take Nate to the Grandmaster, and so their group split into two. Kiru took Aiden to the Academy while Idris took Nate to see the Grandmaster.

“This market was placed here because of its proximity to the mage’s tower.” Idris explained from where he was standing behind Nate. He had his hands on Nate’s handlebars, pushing him along as he informed Nate about the city.

“Albacore city is hidden to the mundane, that’s what we call the humans that are oblivious to the real world. It’s the central hub of the mage’s organization. There are other smaller hubs all over the world, but this is the main one with over a million denizens calling Albacore city its home.”

Nate felt overwhelmed. Astonished at what his eyes were seeing. There weren’t just humans here in the market. He could see lithe and beautiful elves with pointed ears, the small and stocky dwarves and their loud voices, there were even orcs walking amongst the crowd. Their large frame and protruding tusks exposing them for what they were.

Or Nate guessed that was what they were. He was going by the fantasy descriptions he’d seen in movies and books. Whether or not that’s what they called themselves was unknown to him.

Idris droned on about the city’s history but his voice was drowned out by the racket of those haggling and chattering people. Could he call them people? Nevertheless, they filled the street with their comings and goings.

What interested him the most was that they weren’t dressed normally either. The non-human races were clad in armor or wearing leather vests or animal skin. Their unique looks contrasted against the humans who stuck out like sore thumbs in their clothing.

“Why are they dressed like that?” Nate wondered aloud.

“Most of these races come from the Netherealms. They feel more comfortable in the clothes worn there, and feel reluctant to change to human standards.” Idris explained.

Nate was surprised the man heard him considering the amount of noise pollution going on around them. Idris continued to guide him through the market.

At first, Nate was bewildered at the whole thing, but slowly he was growing accustomed to the environment. An hour later they were on the other side of the street and headed towards the tallest tower in the city- Mage tower.

…

The Academy had an extremely high status. There were other schools that taught magic, but they paled in comparison. The Academy was known for its prestigious graduates. Graduates who often became the most capable magicians in their field.

“I thought I was already enrolled?” Aiden interrupted Kiru.

“You are.” Kiru said annoyed at the interruption.

He was about to go back to explaining the history of the Academy but Aiden continued on. “Then why am I being tested?”

“Its just a formality. There are dozens of applicants who try and enroll everyday. Most are turned away, not anyone can get into the Academy. But you’re a special case, an Anima who’s already met its spirit. I have no doubt you’ll be accepted.”

Several people turned in their direction when they heard what Kiru had to say. They had dismissed Kiru and Aiden when they first arrived but now they stared at Aiden with looks of anger and contempt. Aiden was surprised.

“Don’t mind them.” Kiru chuckled. “Most of these people are nobles, or the children of nobles to be more specific. Any mage who graduates from a recognized magical institute is considered a noble. Their children enjoy certain privileges but they’re not guaranteed spots in the Academy. They must have the ability to get their own spots rather than being given one because of who their parents are.

It’s for that reason they’re looking at you the way they are. To them you’re just some nobody who’s taking a position they perceive was meant for them. But they’re just trash.” Kiru spoke calmly but made sure his voice carried so that the other applicants would hear.

The other applicants were incensed, several of them looked as if they would attack but the look on Kiru’s face stopped them. He wasn’t afraid of them one bit, even daring them to try something. Disgruntled, the applicants turned away from Kiru and his menacing grin.

Thirty minutes later the group of applicants were finally met by an administrator who took down their names and brought them inside the Academy towards the testing facilities. “Kiru? What’re you doing here?” The administrator asked as he led the applicants.

Kiru grinned. “Just here to sponsor my friend here.”

The administrator turned to Aiden, evaluating him. “Anything we should know?”

“Nope. Just test him like everyone else.” Kiru grinned wider.

The testing facility was a giant room paved with marble. Hanging on the ceiling was a crystal chandelier that shifted from white to blue and back to white. The room could fit hundreds of people, which made it feel so spacious as it were just their small group of a dozen.

“One by one each of you will stand below the chandelier placing your feet on the designated area. This area must be entered one at a time. You’re not allowed to enter this area unless you hear your name called. Do you all understand these instructions as I have explained them to you?” The administrator paused as he waited for the applicants reply but when no one said anything he moved on.

“First applicant, Jordan Greywall.”

A large youth departed from where the group of applicants were standing. He strolled confidently towards the marked area beneath the crystal chandelier. When he was in place, the chandelier began to glow.

It started at white then slowly turned blue. As time passed the blue became darker and more saturated until it became sapphire blue. The administrator nodded his head. “You pass. Walk through those doors and pay the entrance fee. Next...”

One by one the other applicants had their names called until it was finally Aiden’s turn. “Good luck, although you don’t really need it.” Kiru said as Aiden began walking towards the designated area.

As soon as he entered the area he felt the atmosphere shift. It felt heavier. The pressure invaded his spirit and began to push him down.

Aiden channeled his spirit to negate the pressure. For minutes he stood there slowly increasing the output of spirit energy to match the increasing pressure that was being placed on him. By the end of ten minutes he began breathing heavier and his mind felt hazy.

In his mind’s eye, Ubel appeared shackled by chains and restraints. The fierce wolf roared, breaking free of those chains. Aiden opened his eyes that were shining with a blue light. Behind him his animus appeared, showing the mighty Ubel in all his glory.

“Amazing!” The remaining applicants were astonished. Several of them reared back, afraid the incorporeal wolf might lunge at them.

The magical formation Aiden was standing in broke apart and the chandelier came raining down in shattered pieces. The spectators stepped back to avoid the falling pieces.

“Bastard!” The administrator shouted at Kiru who was bent over at the waist laughing. “You knew!”

Kiru straightened and tried to appease the admin but the enraged look on his face only made him laugh harder.

“Fuck!” The administrator cursed and turned away from Kiru setting his sights on Aiden. “Get your ass through those double doors.”

Aiden was slow to move, still shocked by the event that just took place. Before the admin could yell at him to move Kiru pushed him forward. “Go on. Show them this badge and they should waive your registration fees.”

…

Nate sat in his wheelchair in the middle of a courtroom. Or at least, it felt like a courtroom. Before him sat thirteen people who were sitting at a table shaped like a half-crescent. It was raised, so even seated they were looking down on him. They were all serious looking men and women with their ages ranging from mature to old.

He had no idea who they were. Idris had led him here to meet with the Grandmaster, yet he found himself placed here in this courtroom being silently judged by men and women who looked like they should be raiding a dungeon rather than sitting in swiveling chairs.

The man sitting in the center of the crescent motioned him forward. He was the oldest looking out of the bunch, Nate guessed this was the Grandmaster or the man in charge here. “Come here boy, let me take a good look at you. Good. Now, state your name for us.”

“Nathaniel Walker.” Nate didn’t feel obliged to speak but since the old man looked kindly he decided he should answer his question as long as it wasn’t too invasive.

Sitting to the Grandmaster’s right was a greasy-looking overweight man who made a disgusted noise when Nate spoke his name. “The demon who terrorized southern California ten years ago? Why have you brought this bastard before us Grandmaster? He should be executed for what he did.”

Nate smirked at the fat man. “You have no right to judge me for my actions. If you knew what was going on in that prison you would’ve done the same.”

“Don’t speak out of turn boy!” The man shouted, his nostrils flaring and the veins on his neck bulging.

Nate rolled his eyes. The man was quick to anger, and Nate didn’t feel like dealing with him. He turned to the Grandmaster who had remained silent as he watched the interaction between the two. “Why am I here?” Nate asked.

The fat man was about to shout again but the Grandmaster held up a hand. “Easy Master Andrea. The incident that took place ten years ago was mishandled by us. The boy is not at fault for what he did.”

Andrea was still angry but he leaned back in his chair and adjust his shirt. The Grandmaster continued. “We’re aware of everything that’s happened ten years ago. That’s not why you’re here. You’re here to meet the men and women who will judge whether or not you can remain in Albacore city.”

The hell does that mean? They bring me here just to throw me out? Nate thought to himself. He was annoyed at the way they were treating him.

“Throw me out then. See if I care.” Nate shrugged. “It wasn’t my choice to come here anyways.”

“You misunderstand.” The Grandmaster said while shaking his head. “The decision we will have to make is whether you can remain in the human realm or not.”

Nate grew uneasy as his heart began to beat un-controllably. “W-what do you mean?”

“You’re not fully human Nathan. You’re part demon, and that revelation comes with complications. Therefore, we have to decide whether we should let you remain here, or to banish you to the NetherRealm.”