translated by A013
Clark was satisfied with the child's reaction. He took a look at the crystal ball and said, "Come, let me see if you have talent. I agreed to teach you but you must have talent. Otherwise..."
"What should I do?"
"Put your hand on the crystal ball and hold it tight. Then think of something, whether it be happiness or anger. Something that can stir up your emotions. Now let me see your talent."
Duwei took two steps forward and put his hands on the crystal ball. His hands felt the cold and smoothness.
"Concentrate, now, think. Try your best to think of your most profound memory." Clark's voice sounded next to Duwei.
Duwei closed his eyes and began searching through his memory. Clark saw the crystal ball began to glow. It began with a faint glow but slowly brighten up. The magician looked astounded. He moved his eyes to Duwei and, "Hmm?"
Duwei wasn't feeling well at the moment. He's feeling agitated thinking of his past. He somehow ended up in another world. All the efforts that he made, his dream, his life, his goals, everything was gone. As he spent more time here, and as he adapted to this world, those memories were slowly fading away. A human's memory will fade, this is a normal phenomenon, yet Duwei still felt a sense of sadness.
Duwei's started to breathe rapidly. The crystal ball has a mysterious power to amplify his emotions. He could feel his heart pounding, as if it is being pressured.
Finally, a hand touched his head. A cooling sensation came from the hand and calmed his head.
"That's ok, my child." Clark's voice was indifferent, but he addressed Duwei as my child instead of kid. Which means he's satisfied with Duwei's talent.
"Not bad.. You are not even six years old, but you have the talent of a magic student. Your mana is almost twice as a normal person. And considering your age, I am quite satisfied."
Clark put away the crystal ball then pointed Duwei to sit down. "Now we are measuring your second talent. I will teach you the simplest magic. I want you to meditate and feel the power of nature. Then tell me what do you feel."
Duwei memorised the chant Clark taught him. It had a simple but strange pronunciation.
"Meditate with your heart and concentrate. This is a crucial step. Many people more talented than you did not pass this step."
"What should I do?"
"You don't have to do anything. Just chant the spell silently, then feel your surrounding. Feel the heat, the cold, or sound, anything will do."
Clark took out an hourglass and waited.
After a while, Duwei opened his eyes and said. "Mr. magician"
"Oh, What did you feel?"
"I...I am feeling hungry."
"..."
Clark was disappointed with this answer. This child has excellent mana talent, but not a delicate heart to observe the world.
Mana is of course important but not the only standard. You can also improve mana by meditating. Those born with a more mana only started the path at a higher level. But being able to feel the magical elements in nature was the crucial part.
Clark taught a few students. Some of their mana talent were not as strong as Duwei. Yet, one of them could hear the sound of wind within half the hourglass's time. He later became a magician focused on wind magic.
Those with real talent will be able to produce something in this step. In other words, Duwei was not suited to become a magician. It was such a pity.
When the Earl see Clark's face as he came out, he knew the result.
"Earl Raymond, I am sorry your son doesn't have the talent to become a magician. It seems like God didn't choose him. You should find him another path." He paused for a moment then said, "During my thirty six years of research, I have never seen someone like your son."
Clark gave out a sigh then began to leave. After a few steps, he added, "Oh, and if he really wants to become a magician, this is only my suggestion, you can let him choose alchemy. Alchemy is at least considered a branch of magic."
Clark waved his hand then sprinkled some golden powder. His body disappeared in a ball of fire.
The Earl's face was filled with disappointment when Duwei came out of the room. Never seen someone like him in thirty six years, how untalented is his son for the magician to say this.
He was identified as having no warrior talent, then made a scholar leave, and now a magician. The result is Duwei once again became the topic of conversation in the city.
Where does his future lie? This question troubled everyone of the Roland family... aside from Duwei himself.