CHAPTER 100: FIRST CIRCLE CEREMONY (1)

When they finally called Renard’s name, he walked up to the crystal. His heart was beating fast, but he tried to look calm. The crystal seemed to glow brighter as he got closer, like it could sense something about him.

Renard put his hands on the warm crystal surface. It felt smooth and warm under his palms. He let a small amount of his inner energy flow out, being very careful not to let too much escape.

The crystal started reacting right away. It glowed brighter and he could feel it poking around inside his energy, trying to figure out what kind of magic he had. The feeling was strange—like someone was looking through his thoughts and feelings.

Different parts of the crystal started lighting up as it found different types of magic in him. The red part pulsed when it found his angry energy that could work with fire magic. The green section flickered when it sensed his connection to animals. Even the purple part lit up briefly when it detected the power from his blood crests.

Renard knew he had to be careful. He couldn’t let the crystal see everything. So he guided his energy, making the fire part stronger while hiding the other parts. He wanted to seem good at magic, but not so good that people would ask too many questions.

The crystal kept checking him for almost a full minute. That was longer than most other students. Renard started to worry that something was wrong. Finally, the red section blazed with bright light while the other colors faded away.

"Fire magic, very strong," Elder Miriam said, writing notes. "You’ll train with Teacher Blaze."

Renard nodded and walked back to his seat. He felt relieved. Fire magic was perfect—it was common enough that people wouldn’t stare at him, but strong enough to get him good training. It also made sense for a farm boy to have fire magic.

As he sat down, Renard thought about what just happened. The crystal had almost found his other powers. He would have to be more careful in the future. If anyone discovered what he really was, his mission would be over before it started.

But for now, he had passed the test. He was officially a fire magic student, and that would give him the cover he needed to move around the monastery and search for Hobbren’s daughter.

****

One Week Later

Renard settled into the routine of the monastery. He attended fire magic classes with Teacher Blaze learning theories about magic.

He also spent time exploring the monastery during his free hours. He memorized the layout of corridors, noted which areas were restricted, and observed the daily routines of the staff. Every detail could be important for his mission.

During this time, Boa stayed hidden in his room, only coming out when Renard was alone. The little snake was getting restless, but Renard couldn’t risk anyone discovering his beast companion. By the end of the week, Renard felt more confident about his cover.

Then came the day that would change everything.

It was still early in the morning, students gathered in the Archive of Flowing Knowledge. Something felt different this time. Everyone was tense and nervous, speaking in quiet whispers. Even the moving words on the walls seemed to flow faster, like they could sense everyone’s worry.

Elder Darius stood in the center of the room. He didn’t look scary, but somehow that made him more frightening. Behind him, several other senior teachers stood in a half-circle, all looking very serious.

Renard sat with his fire magic group. He noticed how the other students kept looking at each other nervously. For the past week, rumors had been going around about something called the First Circle ceremony.

The students had now spent enough time to socialize with the kids who had entered the Silent Monastery before them. And from those older students, the new ones had learned about this special ceremony. It was more scary stories about those who tried it and failed than actual details about the ceremony itself.

"Students of the Outer Hall," Darius began. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried clearly through the big room. "You have spent the past week learning basic magic theory and finding out what type of magic you’re good at. Today, we tell you about the next step."

He stopped talking and let the silence stretch out. Renard could hear his own heartbeat. He could feel that all twenty students were holding their breath.

"The First Circle ceremony will start in ten days," Darius announced. "Those who succeed will move to better magic training and get access to restricted areas. Those who fail..."

He paused again, making everyone imagine the worst things that could happen.

"Those who fail will be sent to other educational paths that fit their abilities."

The fancy words didn’t fool anyone. Other educational paths meant being sent away or thrown out from the protection of the Silent monastery, which would mean only death for weak kids like them.

By now, everyone had heard stories about students who didn’t make it through the ceremony—heart attacks, magic going wrong, permanent damage to their inner energy, etc There were more tales about failure than success.

And the effect of those failure stories could be seen on the student’s faces.

Elder Miriam stepped forward with a wooden box that seemed to glow faintly with magic. "The ceremony needs careful preparation to give you the best chance of success. Each student will get a preparation kit with special herbs, meditation crystals, and instruction materials for practice exercises."

She started giving out small cloth bags to each student, working through the group one by one. When she reached Renard, he took his bag politely while his mind raced with thoughts.

Inside the bag, he could feel several items wrapped in soft cloth. The herbs had a sharp, medicine-like smell that made his nose tingle. The crystal felt warm in his hand and pulsed gently with stored magic energy. The instruction scroll was written in the monastery’s neat handwriting, covering breathing techniques and mental preparation exercises.

"The next ten days will be only for preparation," Darius continued. "Regular classes are stopped. You will focus only on the exercises in your preparation kits. Meditation, energy control, physical training, and mental strengthening."

A student raised her hand nervously. "Elder Darius, what exactly happens during the circle formation?"

---***---