Testing, testing.

The pressure would weigh on anybody, and it might even weigh more on the mind of Zion with the events he had faced as of late. Regardless of his mental state, the roaring crowd would be heard, and everyone watching would see whether or not If Zion would be able to pass and make it to the next Kodor.

The people were hyped today and the crowd wouldn't quiet down, something had gotten them excited to watch the exams. The people before Zion had given them a reason too, there was a fight between to aspiring 1st kodor magicians and then one student had attempted to show off his unique magic to mixed results.

There was no one of importance to Zion at the examine, no enemies and no friends, the only person who could be considered of importance was his examiner. Anat, a teacher who often spent her time alone, studying or working on her own magical pursuits. An event which lead to no student really remembering or gaining an impression of her, and even though she won't admit it this makes her sad. However, she stood there waiting in the testing area, strangely enough. Rubbing her headdress a tad she had looked around as if she was wondering what she was doing here.

Suddenly she snapped her attention forward and an eerie smirk began to creep upon her lips. "That's right, let's see what he can do."

Anat:

Fear and paranoia still held a strong grip over Zion's heart as he heard someone call his name and direct him out onto the testing area. The young magician in a dolls body clung to his his staff still shaken by the fact that someone had sealed his room in ice. Wary of more attacks Zion wasn't sure if he was truly safe yet even though nobody seemed to chase him once he broke free. Nodding in acknowledgement of the senior who directed him on stage, Zion took a deep breath and walked forward confidently. Even if his enemies had a last ditch scheme he could only push on and face the Iktiyar. Casvallion had ensured Zion of his genuine talent as a magician and that he could meet the bare standards for a 2nd Kodor at the very least. Thinking of those words Zion fought back his worries and put on a nervous smile as he emerged into the light.

The roaring of the crowd was oddly nostalgic for Zion as well as overwhelming. Three months ago he arrived in Magnostadt and witnessed the revelry from afar, but now he was at the center of it all as he stepped into position before greeting the examiner in a respectful bow. "Zion Koval, Class E." Unsure of what to do the white haired youth felt embarrassed and pulled the wide rim of his academy uniform hat down to hid his nervous grin.

As Zion finally made his way onto the stage everyone's sight would finally rest on him. Some of the kids who had recently just finished testing themselves were just now sitting down to spectate. Some of them were even the kids from his class who disliked him, and joining them as of this moment was Zion's teacher. From his spot near the students, he smirked to himself before looking away without a care.

The boy's name runs in Anat's mind for a moment before she had realized who the Koval boy was. Honestly, his heritage meant nothing to the teacher. In the end, her goal was to see if he was worthy enough of making it to the next kodor. However, upon taking note of his identity she would make sure to see what comes of the boy. Making she sure herself was ready for this she would cough quietly before staring him down from where she stood.

In the blink of an eye, clicking could be heard in Zion's vicinity as she approached him a bit to address him. "You may call me Anat, but please show me how you compare to your father."

The words came from her mouth like a taunt, a challenge, and a tease all at once. The mystery about her made it unsure what her intentions or sway towards the boy might be. Turning around she would move to the side before raising her beautiful hand into the air and waving it as if to command the boy to start. She just wanted to see what kind of things he could do, and what he had been working on. She would judge him from the work that he has made through his own struggles.

The sound of the footsteps elicited Zion to gulp down a knot in his throat as he tried not to feel intimidated by the weight of so many eyes upon him. His hands formed a white knuckled grip on his staff as he focused on every word the woman said. Being compared to his father stirred some surprise in Zion but it reminded him of why he was standing there in the first place. There was good reason to take pride in what Mikael and Casvallion had taught him. Reminded that there was no need to fear as long as he trusted their judgement in his potential. A single breath passed but Zion seemed to visibly calm down and relax a lot more before nodding to Anat. "Understood. I won't disappoint you!" The young magician said resolutely.

In his moment of clarity Zion closed his eyes and internally inspected his condition. An incident had occurred on his way here which had drained his magoi considerably. Even so, he had plenty left to show off the fruits of his three months labor. With a swipe of his staff, Zion commanded the rukh in a calm tone as he felt a slight tingle in his body as it resonated with the orange rukh around them ever so slightly. "False Stage~"  Light magic spread out into the air in front of Zion where it moved to surround the nearby Anat with its edge forming a barrier between himself and the examiner.

Zion dove into his memories and pulled forth the image of his father Mikael standing in front of him. The same image would appear before Anat projected on the dome of orange rukh surrounding her. Zion then had the false Mikael split into two only to split again and again until it looked as though several old men were circling her with calm smiles on their faces. Though the spell was not overly impressive it was difficult enough to match the capabilities of a weaker 2nd Kodor student. It also allowed Zion to feel a deeper connection to the rukh as his spell was used to bring his father's memory forth into the world.

Sadly, no one outside the dome could see what the spell was showing the examiner within but all including Zion would surely get to see her reaction as the dome of light faded away after just a moment.


Magoi: 50/260

Ability:

Anat's eyes never faltered from the spell as it had begun, she watched how he cast it and it even began forming. A magician who was truly in love with the world and rukh, that's why she was his examiner.

Soon enough she saw herself surrounded by the orange rukh that would begin projecting its image. While she could tell something must be off with Zion she began to smile as the true nature of the spell began to take root. She had, in fact, met his father once or twice, but never long enough to form any feelings one way or another, but she had seen him cast magic and as she remembered how charming it had been she agreed, it may not be an insanely powerful spell, but there was work done on this and it showed skill with the magoi it used.

Eventually, the dome had faded away and the examiner just sat there, a small smile on her face as she began to nod her head playfully as she was coming to a final judgment in her head. He was ready, but she did think that he was going to have to work a lot harder from this point on because she knew if he was in a similar situation today the next time around he may not pass.

"Zion Koval, you have passed your exam, welcome to the second Kodor!" She exclaimed, even giving the student a wink, what could she be hinting at? Regardless, she might have to pay attention to the Koval boy this time around.

As the orange rukh scattered and the spell dissolved around the instructor, Zion gasped for a breath and leaned on his staff feeling rather exhausted. He didn't have much magoi left to spare and it showed as he seemed to be struggling just to stand. Even so, Zion kept his wits about him and watched in anticipation for the instructor's response. Once the congratulation on passing reached the youthful magician's ears he couldn't help but punch the air to celebrate his victory. "I did it!" Although the shout was only mental, Zion still immediately felt embarrassed acting so freely on the stage. He quickly composed himself and gave a deep bow to the woman, "Thank you, Anat! I'll work hard to live up to it!"

The instructors subtle hint had gone over Zion's head and he didn't really understand the nuance of her wink, but it was refreshing for someone of importance in the academy to be treating him impartially for once. Zion felt far more comfortable around her than his previous teacher which let his act less cold and reserved for a change. She had definitely given Zion a good impression that he would remember the next time they met. But at the moment it was time for Zion to take his leave so this quarters Iktiyar could progress. After giving his respects to Anat, Zion turned and dragged his exhausted body away. To most in the crowd it seemed like he had barely managed to pass by using up all his strength on a fairly simple spell.