Rowan had always dreamed of being a mage. But, to be honest, he didn't know much about magic at all.
The only thing he was sure of was that mana was important. It floated in the air and was what mages used to perform their magic. That's pretty much all he understood, and even that felt basic.
He couldn't really blame himself for not knowing more. After all, he had never been close to a mage. He had only seen magic used a handful of times in his life.
When he remembered his mother's words, "This isn't for people like us, and you know it," he wondered if she was right.
Maybe deep down, there was some truth in what she said. Who would jump into something without knowing anything about it?
Most of the magic he had ever witnessed felt like nothing but flashy tricks at parties.
Real mages probably didn't just make things happen with a snap. It seemed unlikely that he would meet someone who could call storms or make it snow just by wishing for it.
Rowan felt very aware of how little he knew. Moving to Vauli City was supposed to help. But even there, he still felt like he was missing out. He had seen a few more hints of magic, but nothing close to what he wanted to learn.
Still, he believed he could change things. There was one special place he thought could help him grow. A place where he could learn and get better. A magic academy!
Finally, after passing a test that confirmed he had an aptitude for magic, Rowan felt a surge of hope. Passing was the first good news he had received in a long time.
With the next step set for the week ahead, Rowan stood up. He began straightening his clothes and packing his bag. He realized this was probably his last day in this familiar place.
As he sorted through his things, an annoying thought crept into his mind.
"Hey, System, aren't you supposed to help me?" he asked.
"Help, huh? So, does that mean there are no special skills or cool powers coming my way?"
With a sigh, Rowan's attention drifted.
He looked at his small, worn-out bag. It held everything he owned. His shirts were old and faded, his shoes barely held together, and he had a few keepsakes that meant a lot to him.
"So, I'm stuck with this?" he said quietly.
"No cool powers, no fancy perks, nothing to make this easier?"
Rowan fell back onto the couch, feeling heavy. He stared at the ceiling, noticing the peeling paint. It reminded him how far he was from the life he envisioned.
"What's with all these big terms? Tikva? Krist? You toss around these fancy names, but they don't explain why I'm in this situation."
But as usual, the System didn't reply.
"Of course," Rowan said under his breath. "I'm left to figure it all out on my own, as always."
As much as he felt frustrated, keeping his feelings to himself wouldn't change a thing. With a deep breath, he straightened up.
Today would be his last day at home.
Indeed they had spent a lot trying to help Aunty Verci, doing everything they could to at least, extend her life yet, all their efforts fell futile.
Of course, as one would expect, they didn't get any refund on her demise despite spending most of all her life savings on her health.
Still, he had a small stash of coins left, which he had been living on for months. He had to stretch that money to get by.
He even made plans. If magic didn't work out, he would find a good job. Anything to make a living while waiting for his life to pass by.
But, a lot has happened to change where he was heading in life.
The confirmation of his magical affinity was a real game changer to say the least. Therefore, this time, he had other plans.
He had around three thousand Hinar Coins. It wasn't a lot, but it was enough to keep him going for a couple of months. He could buy cheap food, dried meat, and some basic supplies.
Now, with hope for a better future ahead, Rowan felt it was time to treat himself a little.
It was high time he celebrated this monumental win. For once, he wanted to mark a step forward in his life. Not like he hasn't had reasons to celebrate all through the course of his life though, but this was going to be the first time I'd be doing it alone.
Since the academy was calling him back soon, he decided to book a small room at an inn near the school. A cozy spot to stay while getting ready for the future and new reality he's faced with.
In just a few minutes, he arranged his clothes. A heavy sigh left his lips as he glanced at his worn belongings.
His clothes were mostly thin and old. His shoes were practically falling apart but somehow managed to stay together. Still, he found five pieces of clothing that looked decent enough.
He noted to himself that he would buy some new clothes and make one last trip to the market before heading back to the academy in order to restock and get other essentials.
Though not officially a student yet, passing the required threshold set by the academy sees him three toes being considered a student.
While packing, his mind drifted to what the future might hold. What if he awakened a special element?
What type of magical element would he awaken?
Would it be the shocking power of thunder, the calming flow of water, the strength of earth, or the touch of wind? Maybe he would wield fire, or even something rare like ice or light.
The options were endless. Just thinking about it filled him with hope, even with all the uncertainty ahead.