《The Master of Knowledge & Magic》 Prologue: Life story & Death My name is Thad Hatcher and I am a studious person. I like to study about everything. I study plants, animals, and even the stars. I started studying from the young age of 4. But being a studious person means being a ''genius''. Which may sound nice but will only bring...grief. Elementary School When I finished first grade, I could already read and write on the level of a middle schooler and was able to do simple multiplication. My parents lovingly wanted me to succeed in life so they thrusted me into my worst night mare........ 3rd grade! It was the worst! I was constantly bullied and insulted. I didn''t tell my parents since I was scared of what they would do to me. Think about it, a person twice your size backed up my similar kids. They were giants to me an impenetrable wall that I could not defeat. Thinking it was hopeless I didn''t fight back against them or defend myself at all. I let them hit me and insult. Feeling helpless and lonely I threw myself into books. I constantly read any where I went. Even in school. I felt like I could escape into my little world, I especially like reading fantasy books. When I got bored with regular books I started to read about subjects that were way to advanced for me like biology and physics. But I didn''t care, I just tried my best and eventually I understood them. I started to mature after a while thinking how if I fought back they would stop. But a year of bullying makes you lose your courage instead I just acted passive. When fourth grade came rolling around, the classes were switched and the bullying stopped. But I didn''t even notice. I always read and read...... and read. Eventually my parents noticed my addiction and told me to get some friends. For the first time, I took a break from reading and tried to interact with the other kids in my class. It.....was difficult at first. But after a while I could talk with them easily and I even made some friends. In a flash a year went by and school finished. I enjoyed spending time with my friend and even had some sleep overs with them. During my fifth year....I was allowed to skip a grade again since my score exceeded the national average for all elementary schools. My parents urged me to skip a grade by insisting it was better for my future and I would succeed in life blah blah. I refused them with a straight up "NO!" The grade skip to third grade caused me a big mental trauma so there was no way I was gonna make the same mistake again. Seeing me refuse so insistently they didn''t pursue the matter anymore. After my fifth year was over my friends were all planning to go to the same middle school. I planned to do the same. But when I told my parents my plan. They refused automatically and didn''t even let me reason with them. I kept pleading with them but they just responded with that my future was to bright to be wasted by going to a public middle school and...... that I was gonna be homeschooled. I was gonna reason against them for the benefits of going to a public middle school. Until, I realised there were none. Homeschooling can give me one on one tutoring and help me with subjects that I''m weak in. Not that there is a subject that I''m weak in. But going to a middle school on the other hand, won''t really improve my studies since I''m way past the level of education. Instead it would hold me back, I only knew this from my constant study of reading which made me mature beyond my years. Shutting my mouth I replied with a meek nod. Homeschool After the discussion with my parents. I called my friends and told them what happened. They tried to consol me by saying that we would still be friends and hang out. But I knew that was a lie. There was a two year age difference and they would probably make other friends leaving me behind. On the verge of crying I held it in, and told them what they wanted to hear. We hanged out for a bit and then I solemnly returned home....late. When I came in through the door my parents were waiting for me. They looked angry...Becoming nervous and angry at the same time for my parents separating me from my friends. I opened my mouth to tell them what I felt only to be met with a hard slap from my dad. Sending me to the ground. "We are very disappointed in you!" Yelled my dad. I tried to say sorry only to notice my parent''s emotionless faces and realised ''they don''t care''. If they did care they would know about the constant bullying at school. The bruises that were always under my clothes. The loneliness I felt when I wasn''t with my friends. If they cared.....they..would notice! But I held it inside and silently picked myself up and went to my room. The next three years of my life went by quickly. I woke up ate, studied, studied, studied,ate, and slept. I never really talked to my friends after that and they never bothered too either. I went back to being a bookworm and read everywhere. I also started growing a little bit too. I used to be a scrawny, fair haired young boy with brown eyes and glasses standing at a little over 50 inches tall. Now I look pretty much the same but my hair is longer and I''m a little around 61 inches tall. I also turned 12 this month. My parents didn''t hold a birthday party saying theres no point since no one would come. It was pretty hurtful but I just held it inside and accepted it. I also got a new baby sister she so cute not that my parents trust her with me. Even though I am perfectly capable. They also started to ignore me which was better for me. They also decided that I should begin high school. Which freaked me out, I barely talk to anyone my age forget about that I barely talk to anyone other than my parents which I keep to a bare minimum. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Highschool Highschool sucks.....The first day I was mistaken for a middle schooler by the other kids it was really embarrassing. After that it began.....the bullying. The jokes came first the insults came second, the physical part came last. After another year of this I decided to skip my sophomore year and go directly to my junior year. Now there was a four year difference. I was expecting the same treatment but they didn''t bother instead they ignored me or talked to me if we were partnered up. They were really mature, I thought . During my junior year and I became a loner. I started to grow and became really tall not tall enough to fit in with juniors but enough to barely pass off as a sophmore. When my junior year ended. The next year was entirely different, I got a lot college letter. Inviting me to come to their school. The kids in my class knew I was smart but didn''t really talk to me much but when I got a letter from the prestigious school Harvard everything change. People came to me for help and some even asked me to ask the colleges the requirements for passing. During my senior graduation I was ''famous'' I was inducted into the school hall of fame for being able to keep up a the highest GPA in the country which was 14.03. After all he was taking all AP classes due to his advance education from childhood. I was also voted Valedictorian but I let someone else make the speech. After I finished highschool, I directly went to Harvard and worked hard to get a degree. Which took me a while. After that I decided to delve deeper into applied sciences and finished getting my Ph.D. I graduated from high school when I was 15 and it took me 6 1/2 years to get my Ph.D. in Metallurgy. Which included a lot of subjects that I liked. Like chemistry, engineering and physics. Now being only 21 I finished school. I then became really famous. Being..only 21 and having a Ph. D. Could only be described as ''genius''. I thought it was through my hard work and the eidetic memory I developed from the countless hours of studying. But the media digressed thinking I was just born with it . They kept following me around and invited me to many talk shows. I was never one to be a public speaker so I refuse but they didn''t budge and followed me everywhere. Going to the Research program I joined, they came rushing in. It was an open program so anyone could join. But it was obvious they were there under false pretences. I finally got sick of it and moved to my previous roommate from college. But....they found me. I finally went to my last resort and asked my parents for advice. Surprisingly they gave me enough money to move to Europe and find a job there. Even though I was famous in the U.S didn''t mean I would be in Europe. Death Taking their advice. I charted a plane that was gonna leave tomorrow night. I prepared my clothing and sneak away from the paparazzi near my apartment. I took a taxi to the airport and waited until my plane arrived. When it did, I joyfully for the first time stepped onto the plane. Eagerly awaiting the adventures that would await me. The plane was pretty uneventful. Until....we flew into a storm. The lightning struck down our plane and we crashed into the atlantic ocean at 4:35 PM. While we crashed....I thought about my life and how little I accomplished. I never had a best friend or a girl friend. My parents hated me, my peers hated me. Everyone hated me! I suddenly let it all out! All the tension, all the hate, all the anger. I hated myself. I truly did, I was a coward never took chances and ran away to book. I solemnly promised myself....If I had a second chance.....I would live life to the fullest. I will surround myself with friends and get married and maybe....even have a kid..The water pressure crushed the ceiling and my lungs filled up with water. In a couple of seconds my mind fell into darkness...... Chapter 1 - World A light kept blinking rapidly in my face. After a couple of seconds it died down. To be replaced by another bright light which was a mix of brown & blue. I tried opening my eyes only to be met with light, again.....light. Not the alien like light in my mind....But actual light! I quickly looked around and saw others in the same dazed situation. Looking closely I remember some of them from the plane.....Getting back to the present. I once again observed my surroundings more closely. I seemed to be in a grassy plain surrounded on three sides by a forest that seems to get thicker with every step. In the background I also see some mountains. Interestingly enough the air seemed clearer too, I thought. After feeding my inner curiousness, I decided to observe myself. I seemed to be in the same condition I was on the plane. I was wearing slim jeans with a shirt I got from a research program. It read "Knowledge is Power." For my physical appearance, I couldn''t really see my face. Making a mental note to myself to find a mirror but my physical body was still as lean as before. If people say seekers of knowledge have to be weak, I would partly disagree. I''m weak at heart not body. After all to study longer you need longer life. Since a healthier body means a healthier life. I went to a local gym once a weak. I wasn''t particularly buff but I liked to run so I had a pretty lean body type. Looking back at the people who were also looking around. I could hear whispers continuously spreading around the plains. Until some idiots decided to shout out "Is this the after LIFE!" while the other said "Are we in heaven?" I almost laughed.....almost. ??? - "NO." said a ominous voice. That clearly rang out through the plains. Everyone startled looked around to find the origin of the voice only to be met with..... nothing. Even I felt a jab of fear, the voice could not be unidentified which meant it was in a higher place. Since the surroundings were covered in forest. I looked up only to be met with three suns. I gasped we aren''t in heaven or in the after life. We''re on a different planet! ??? - "You might me wondering, where you are right now." said the omni potent voice again. The people suddenly starting asking questions rapidly, some looking to the sky and praying while others touched their heads to the floor. Some dangerous looking guys were mixed in. ??? - "Silence. Don''t interrupt me a second time." Said the voice, without a hint of emotion. Unsurprisingly everyone shut up. While the voice continued. ??? - You weren''t meant to die. Those with otherworldly powers killed you." said the voice. Ignoring or I guess he couldn''t see the dumbfounded expressions on everyone''s faces. ??? - Due to the mistake of my servants. You died a unfortunate death. In exchange, I will give you a second chance at life. You are now reborn into a new world. I won''t be giving you any further information other than....." people - WHAT! You killed us! What is this world! Can''t we go back! Voice erupted everywhere. Suddenly a heavy pressure settled on our shoulders. Everyone then calmed down. ??? - Didn''t I say not to interrupt me. In exchange....I will be giving you one power that you can be born with in this world as well as your memories. All you have to do is say the name of it. By the way its better to have some form of knowledge of the power otherwise its useless. Since if you have the ability to use fire but don''t know how its useless. Also how do you say it, you won''t be able to receive godly powers. Such as time travel, creation, and invulnerability. Everyone was freaking out. They couldn''t believe what this voice said. Some started to pinch or hit themselfs. Thinking this was some kind a dream. Then a handsome blond haired man yelled out "Super Strength" After a while nothing seemed to happen. Confused the young man tried testing it by punching the ground. Suddenly a small crater appeared where his fist met the ground. "Holy shit!'' People shouted. Suddenly people decided copying the man and yelling out super strength or super speed. A few separated themselves from the pack by yelling out telekinesis, fire breath, and etc. I on the other hand blended in with the crowd and just stared at the dumb asses. They didn''t have too yell out the name, just say it. Sighing.. I began to wonder what kind of power I should choose. Choosing super strength or speed was simple to use and powerful but at the same tim had weaknesses. All the other powers seemed to be attack based except for the rare few that kept to themselves. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. After a couple of minutes, I had a epiphany. I finally thought of a power that suited me. I was a scientist who had studied Metallurgy in Harvard. Still I that was my major, the subject that I studied extensively was "Biology." The study of living organisms. I couldn''t cover everything but I knew the anatomy of over a hundred animals as well as their physiology. Therefore a power that I knew most about is < Transformation >. Barely whispering it under my breath. I felt no change until a clear ringing echoed in my head. < Blessed with ''Transformation'' > Thinking how odd this was another ringing echoed in my head followed by a message. < Transformation - able to change ones form into living or non living organisms. Only able to use 20% of transformed animal. > Thinking this information was useful, I tried using my power. I first started off with a simple transformation of trying to change my muscles. It was difficult at first but after a couple of tries, I got the hang of it. Taking a deep breath, I concentrated deeply into my brain and reconnected a portion of the visual part of my brain to my eyes. I also indented the central portion of my eyes so that I could have Hawk like vision. Taking off my glasses, I looked around and it was beautiful everything was crystal clear. I could adjust my sight too. Suddenly a ringing could be heard. < Permanent Transformation attribute added > Like before it was followed by another ringing in my head. < Permanent Transformation - can change a body part permanently, can be reverse if knowledge is known. > Internally excited with this power, I let a smile slip onto my face only to hear a voice to my right. ?? - Hey, whats your power? Wanna join up? Turning to look at the voice, I see a group of people probably in their mid twenties. Leading them was a brown hair girl with sharp feature and curves. Cursing my luck, turn back and keep quiet. ?? - Oh? That''s mean. Not much of a talker huh? Anyway my name is Jane nice to meet you. Turning back again, I gather up my courage. Thad - "Umm...I don''t want to join. Sorry." hating my meek voice, I heard a reply. Jane - "Come on, don''t be like that it''s not safe by yourself." pouted the girl slightly. Before I could reply with a "No." Again. One of the other members next to Jane, who was the handsome young man from before replied first. Young man - "Lets go Jane. We don''t need him anyways we already have strong people." Hating his attitude, I put a smile on my face and answered quickly. Thad - "Sorry..I actually wanna join, my names Thad by the way." Jane - "Great! Whats your power?" Thinking about how disadvantageous it was to tell my ability. Thad "...Do I have too." Butting in the young man from before said arrogantly. Young man - "You probably picked a dumb power and regret it now right." Thad - "....." Jane - "Don''t mind Tank. He''s just joking ha ha ...ha. Anyways everyone told each other our abilities and we''ll tell you so it''s fair if you told us. It''s okay if it bad. She said sweetly. Regretting what I was about to say I replied. Thad - "Transformation." Jane - "Umm, specifically what can you transform into." Thad - "...mostly animals, I think." Suddenly a chuckle emerged from the guy Tank. Followed by full blown laughter by the members behind them. Jane then seemed to become angry, noticeable an actual fire was slowly surrounding her. The guy seemed to become nervous and replied. Tank - "We were joking again...Jane. You know us ha ha, right THAD!" He suddenly sent a murderous glare my way. Suddenly my inner coward returned. Thad - "Yeah...." I replied hesitantly. In a flash the fire seemed to be gone and the smiling Jane returned. jane - "Great! Everyone gets along. Now lets go explore....." Before she could finish. The voice returned. ??? - "You can now, explore the land. In this world there are a few like you. Who are all referred to "Destines ones" Don''t worry this forest is free from danger. Well....Other than yourselves. Chapter 2 - Exploration Silenced enveloped the group when the voice uttered the sentence. In the tense atmosphere no one moved but just nervously stared at each other. After a minute in this mood, the voice appeared again. ??? - "....Oh. I almost forgot, you can select a talent, that you want. In this new world, a talent is ability thats common. You can select a talent for magic in this world or any type of talent. Remember it makes learning it easier and better than people without talent in that area. Just do the same thing, you did when you wanted a ability. Good luck." The ominous voice creeped out a lot of people with it''s neutral tone. Until they realise that this world has magic. They all started getting excited at the possibility of learning it. Some even went as far as picking "magic" as their talent even though they had no concept of it. While thinking of a talent to choose. A annoying voice reached my ears. Tank -"So, did you pick a talent lets go. We got to explore this place." Jane - "Don''t rush him! You''re so impatient Tank. Let him think." Thad - "Thanks..." Ignoring the distractions, I consider the pros and cons of talents. If I chose a talent for strength it would obviously be weaker than Tank''s ability for strength and strength doesn''t suit me. While if I chose a talent for Magic, which I have no concept off. It would be useless. Plus its too vague. Continuously pondering. I hear someone calling for me, coming back at earth. I''m staring into green eyes speckled with gold. Thad - "Beautiful...." I softly whisper. Jane - "What!...Huh...Umm. Sorry! Blushing deeply, she replies. Thad - "Uh, sorry. So what did you want," I asked a little embarrassed myself. Jane - "I...was wondering if you got a talent yet. Sorry for rushing you, even...." Thad - "It''s okay, its my fault for taking so long. I''m just kind of stuck. " Jane - "Well. Do you need some advice. Since I already picked" Thad - "Thanks!" Jane - "I picked ''Fire Magic'' talent. Since I picked the ability to control fire first. I thought it might help. " excited she continued. Jane - "It worked too! My fire got stronger too. The only bad thing is that I don''t know any fire spells. But, I could probably learn them." Smiling widely, she demonstrated by letting a small fire form in the palm of her hand and increasing its size quickly. Backing away, I thought more about magic until I realised the perfect talent. Softly whispering I said "Magic Essence" A message could be pretty much heard in my head. < Talent void. Talent similar to Mana Manipulation. > Thinking, about the versatility it would bring if I could use Magic Essence. I hesitantly whisper the talent and hear a ring in my head again. < Mana Manipulation. Learned. > < Mana Manipulation - Mana is the essence of Magic. Mana Manipulation allows the user to freely manipulate the mana inside ones body. {Rare} Feeling like I solved a Einstein level problem, I let a smile appear in my face. Jane and Tank standing a few feet away, I quickly approached them. Thad - "I chose my talent, we can go." Jane - "Really! What?" Tank - "Yeah, what is your talent? He said with a sneer. Thinking about hiding my talent especially with the talent being rare in all. I decided to lie. Thad - "I just chose magic, since I don''t really know much about anything else. Sorry, for wasting time. " I replied meekly. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Jane - "Oh...Well its okay. Let''s go, everyone else left, but us 3." Tank - "Well me and Jane are not so sure about you. But I guess you can.. become a mouse and run away. If we get into danger."He said mockingly. Jane - "Tank Stop! Leave Thad alone, he''s probably more useful than you. Since all you have is strength and a talent for the sword. Which isn''t remotely useful at all." Thad - "It''s okay, really I''m sure Tank is just joking again." I say sending a heartwarming or close to it at Tank. Who responds with a disturbed look." Jane - "Anyways, let leave. We''re like the last ones." We then enter south of the forest, away from the distant mountains. Upon entering we looked around cautiously for a half hour as we moved.. Before stopping for a break. We also noticed most of the people, heading in the same direction. After the sun settled or suns in the matter. We made camp, it was pretty easy since I already knew how to set it up and Jane had fire magic while Tanks could get some wood to burn for a hearth. They were pretty surprised at my knowledge of setting up camp. Even Jane was surprised too when, I helped her make a make shift hut. I already studied ancient history so I knew most simple constructions that they built without using technological help. Under the fire, we slept a restless night. I dreamed of my life of being a hated, and a loner with one or two friends and how I died, just like that. The other too constantly kept tussling in their sleep as well. I guess, I wasn''t the only one with problems I thought solemnly. The next morning I woke up earlier than them. Enjoying the rising of the suns, but that wasn''t the only reason. I also woke up to secretly test my power. What could I say. I was cautious and paranoid. I didn''t want to die by betrayal no matter what. I sat cross legged on the hard forest floor. I entered a meditative trance that was used for enlightenment in India. It was actually a good way of honing your mind. So some people meditated in their spare time, including me. I tried to sense a change in my body, a disturbance caused by being transported into this world. After a while, in the meditative trance, I sensed a distinct presence above my navel. I continued in my meditative trance trying to figure out this alien like presence. I then tried to let mind enter the presence which seemed to be full of a haze of blue mist like particles. After throughly examining the inside of the presence. I thought of my ability and made a connection maybe this was where magic came from. Contemplating this, my face grunted into despair. Shaking my head...I have too little information I thought. I didn''t know what this presence. Neither did I know how my < Mana Manipulation > worked. For starters I studied deeply into any subject before doing experimentation with it. Since information is invaluable. Grunting I was met with my last choice. Carpe diem I thought. I tried controlling the mist in the presence. Surprisingly I was able too. If I tried to move it any direction it would. After getting a feel for it I tried pulling it out, it was extremely difficult and I felt like I ran for a hour straight. Breathing heavily, I got out of my meditative trance and reentered my sleep with a blissful smile. Author''s Note ** Thanks for reading. It would help if people gave me some advice to make this story a little better. You know grammar, plot, character, length, etc. Anything will help, thanks. Chapter 3 - Hunger I was abruptly shaken awake by an outside force. Opening my eyes, I look up to a face full of contempt. It''s Tank. Tank - "Took you long enough." Thad - "Sorry couldn''t sleep." I said deceivingly Tank - "What ever, I''m hungry so go ''transform into something and find us food." He said a little tired. Thad - "I''ll try." I say while rubbing my eyes and looking for Jane. Thad - "Wheres Jane?" Tank - "She went out to gather herbs. Anyways get a move on the transformation." Thad - "Fine.. fine" I say. I close my eyes and enter my mind. I concentrate on reconstructing my body. I shrink my body mass and exchange my hands for wings. I make my face optimal for high altitude so I grow out feathers. In less than 15 seconds, I finish my transformation into a eagle. Opening my eyes I see, a wide eyed Tank. Tank - "Holy shit! I...thought you could only transform into a small animal." He said amazed at my transformation. Thad - "Didn''t I?" Looking down, I see that I''m a little more than half of Tanks size. But my wings when extended were twice my body height. I also have darker feathers than a normal eagle, as well as no baldness. I look more like a overgrown crow, I thought. Thad - "Well I''m gonna get going, don''t get scared." I say a little mockingly, flapping my wings and taking to the sky before he can respond. Leaving Tank with a daze expression, I glide through the air. The physics aren''t that much difference from what i studied so, I quickly get used to it. After being a couple of hundred of meter from the ground. Enjoying the freedom of the air, I remember my goal and take a look at the forest. Using my sharp eagle eyesight and aerial view I find Jane a few meters away from the camp. When I take a closer look I see her practicing her fire magic. I guess I wasn''t the only one that wasn''t trusting. Turning my gaze away from her. I search the perimeter for anything that is edible. After a couple minutes of searching, I notice a a rabbit hopping on a plain. Preparing for my dive, I tilt my head forward and let gravity take its course. I start racing towards the ground at an astonishing rate. When I''m only a few meter away from the rabbit, I change my trajectory into a curve and take out my claws. Taking the rabbit by surprise I clench its body with my talons and squeeze the life out of it. I didn''t feel any remorse at all, when I was doing this deed. Normal people would feel a little regret at killing something so cute and innocent. But I didn''t feel a hint of sadness, since I was just naturally cold hearted. I maybe weak at expressing myself but after years of hate I developed a sort of cold heartedness. Taking the rabbit with my claws, I take flight again. Flying back in the direction of the camp, I notice a gate in the distance. I would have gone and investigated but I had to return. Jane was probably starving. Tank could go starve to death, I thought internally. Finally returning, I saw the pair munching on some odd looking berries. I descended and dropped the rabbit near them. Transforming back. Jane - "Wow! That so cool! You''re ability way better than this ''fool''." She said a little dazed at my appearance. Tank - "What! My ability is twice as good..." Thad - "Oh. So you can catch the food next time." I say smirking. Tank - "Okay..Yours is better, for now." He replied dejected. Thad - "I''m joking, lets eat." I say, I start off by transforming my finger into a talon and use it as a knife to skin the rabbit. I then tear away any of the unnecessary parts for further use. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Thad - "Can, you start a fire Jane." Jane - "Uh...Sure!" She saids surprised at my skill of preparing the food. Extending her palm she produces a flame and kindles the firewood that was there. In a blink of an eye it spread rapidly and became a above-normal fire. Using the fire, I sharpen the bones and take pieces of rabbit meat. Then I attach the rabbit meat to the end of the bone and put it over the fire to cook. Handing one to Tank and Jane for them to cook. Finishing the last of preparation, we wait for the fire to finish the job. After its perfectly cooked I take it out and take a bite surprisingly it tastes like chicken. But with no seasoning a little fruity, sort of like orange chicken. Pleased at its natural flavour, I savour the meat. Finishing my piece, I look at the other two tearing into the rabbit meat. Tank - "This is so good, who would''ve thought you were useful." Jane - "Knock it off Tank and thanks Thad. Its really good!" She says with a smile. Feeling a little embarrassed by being complimented, I meekly reply. Thad - "Thanks. There''s more if you want." Jane & Tank - "Thanks!" While the other two finished the last of the rabbit meat, I thought of our current predicament. Even though we acquired food we still need water. Second, we need to find some form of civilisation so we can gain some form of information about this world. Thinking back to the gate, that might be a clue I thought. Thad - "Umm guys, I''m gonna go look for people." Jane - "Okay." Tank - "Fine." Smiling at their savage faces, I transform back into a eagle and take flight. After flying south for a while, I catch sight of the gate, flying towards it, I see other people from the plain there. They all seemed to be gathered around a couple of people. Landing behind some bushes, I decrease my size and transform into a medium size mouse. I scurry towards the gate and hide behind the patches of grass. Trying to listen into the conversation. The Plain People - "Where are we? Can you help us? Help!" There were a mixture of people asking for help, pleading for help, or damn right demanding for help. Scurrying through the legs of people, I try to find out who they''re talking too. After I get to the front of the group, I see two guards as well as a white robed man. The guards were dressed in what seemed like medieval chain-mail and armour. With one holding a longsword and the other a spear. The man in the middle was bald, and had a icy glare. The man with the glare started to speak. ?? - "Destined Ones. Please calm down. We will provide you with help but don''t demand anything of us." He said with a determined tone. Continuing.. ?? - "My name is Hain and I''m the leader of this city of ''Kin''. Destined ones you will be trained and accommodated in this city. Wait, until I can call more guards to escort you." He said with an unwavering glance. Leaving to tell my group about the new information, I scurry out of the area. Author Note ** - This is more of a filler chapter. Next Chapter is where the stuff begins. I would write more but my computer is on the fritz. Hope you read the next chapter and this one. Thanks. Chapter 4 - Entrance Flying through the air, I felt a tug of unease in my heart. Even though I plan to go to that city, there was something off about it. Especially the white robed man. Burying my feelings into my heart, I found Jane and Tank. Descending I already began reversing my transformation and became human a meter before landing. Jane - "So did you find anyone?" Thad - "Well...Yeah." Tank - "I had my doubts, but you are more useful than you seem." Jane - "Tank....Sighs...Anyways, lead the way Thad." Thad - "Okay, lets go." I say a little light hearted. We start moving in the direction of gate, that I found before. After moving for an hour or so, we notice it in the distance. Unlike before, the gate has way more guards covering it, as well as more people from the plains. We were slowly approaching, when ''Tank'' stepped on a twig and SNAP! Guards - "Who''s there! Come out now!" They yelled in unison. Coming out of the forest we all raised our hands in surrender. After the guards saw our clothing their attitudes, seemed to have done a one eighty. Jane - "Umm, we are the ''Destined Ones''.." Guards - "Of course! Let me personally welcome you into this find city." He says with a little anxiety in his voice. Three guards stood in front of us, one in front. The others on the sides. The one in front was the guard who was so friendly before. He started to engage Jane in idle talk. Guard - "My name is Trent, I''m the Guard Captain of the City of ''kin''. Welcome!" He says opening the door with a flourish. I wasn''t really expecting anything but it was breath taking. The place was overcrowded, with people on the cobble stone pavements. Some were dressed in long robes, while others in medieval armour. There were huge buildings as well, some were at least 10 stories high. Even though they were medieval style buildings, they had a sort of allure to them. While walking all of us had a daze expressions on our faces. I was the first to snap out of it and notice the condescending looks being sent our way. Changing my hearing to make it sharper, I reconstruct the internal shape of my ear drum, so it can receive sounds more clearly. I would change the form of my ear but I didn''t want to be notice. Suddenly some softly spoken words reached my ears. Crowd - "People from the other world huh. Weak. That girl..looks cute, we should get her for ourselves." A realisation hit me, these people weren''t the ones from the plane. But knew our origins meaning they were people from the same world. But came before us, still thinking about the new information, I gained. I was lightly tapped on the shoulder. Jane - "Thad, come back to earth. We arrived.....somewhere." Trent - "This is called the training academy for ''Destined Ones''. They tell you more, once you enter. Tank - "Does that mean your not entering?" still a little amazed at the earlier scene. Trent - "Yeah, only high ranking official or nobles of the sort can enter." He said with a forced smile. Trent walked up to the building with a huge wooden door, with weird rune symbols and knocked on it. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ?? - "Who is it?" asked a squeaky voice. Trent - "I brought the destined ones." He said apprehensively. ?? - "Leave. The destined ones can come in." said the voice with a little arrogance in its voice. Trent bid us fare well and left, once he was quite a distance away. The squeaky voice spoke again. ?? - "Come in." suddenly the runes on the wooden door glowed and the door creaked open. Hesitantly looking at each other we stepped in through the door. Another exquisite sight stood before us that we were once again dumbfounded. So much, that we didn''t hear the door shut behind us. It was a tall castle like building that glowed all seven colours of the rainbow randomly. There stood another gate in front of it. It wasn''t wooded but made of stone and had the same kind of runes on it. Walking up to it, we noticed a person standing near the gate. She was the most beautiful girl that I ever saw. She had long platinum hair that went down to her waist, bright green eyes. As well as curves in all the right places. But the most distinct thing about her was her ears. They were longer than any normal ear should be. When I looked to my left, I saw Tank looking at her lustfully. While Jane glanced at him in disgust. As we walked up to her, to ask her about this place..... Beautiful Girl - "Hello ''destined ones''. My name is Layla and I''m an elf if your wondering. Since most of you have no knowledge about my race. This place is called the ''Truman Institute''. It''s a combination of a magus and warrior academy. You will train here, but you can leave anytime. Now follow me. " Turning on her heels she passed through the gate, in a elegant fashion Feeling a little lost we followed the minute we tried to pass through the gate. The runes flashed briefly and we managed to get on the other side. Layla - "So you really are ''destined one''. Every year we get some spies trying pass off as ''destined ones'' and enter the institute. So excuse me from my earlier attitude." She said with a mischievous smile. Entering the ''Truman Institute''. The only thing on my mind was races, there were different kind of races in this world. Does that mean there are perhaps ''dwarves'' from fairy tales or dragons. This discovery made adrenaline rush through my body and my heart pump for adventure. Suddenly, the long hall way we were following Layla on came to a stop. Looking up there was a normal door with runes again. Layla looked towards us with some expectation and we knew what we had to do. Walking through the door, we entered a room surrounded in runes and people. Most of the people were the ones from the ''plain''. Suddenly a young woman, with much experience in her eyes walked up to the stage. She was a beauty as well she had blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She then began to speak. ?? - "Welcome ''Destined ones'' to the ''Truman Institute.........''" Authors Note ** - I was planning on going into more detail, but my computer is still messed up. I had to rewrite some of this twice since, I didn''t save. So sorry, and Thanks. Chapter 5 - Truman Institute ?? - "My name is Alesha, I am an Magus as well as a second year student for the ''Truman Institute.''" She said with a unique look of arrogance, and embarrassment. Odd, I thought. Alesha - "You all must have a lot of questions. I will give you a general outline." Everyone from the plane started to inch closer to listen. They all had many personal questions but the one thing they learned was to not interrupt. Even I was interested, after all there was a limit to the information, I found out. If you could even call it information. Alesha - "First of all, this world is called Alvernon. Currently you are all in the Rune Kingdom. You can find out more by yourselves. This world is different from your previous world. We don''t have what you call '' modern technology'' or ''internet. This is a magical based civilization. " Looking around she continues. Alesha - "There are many races and in the ''Rune Kingdom'' being discriminatory against some of them, will get you capital punishment. The reason why your called ''Destined Ones'' is still a mystery unfortunately. " She says, taking a deep breath before continuing. Alesha - "But don''t become arrogant due to gaining a ability. A ''Destined One'' has more talent than a regular citizen . But ''Destined Ones'' are as common as flies." She finishes with a glint of anger in her eyes. Hypothesising that she might have been looked down upon, due to her not being a destined one. I hear her voice again. Alesha - "Anyways, the ''Truman Institute'' was specifically made for ''Destined Ones'' to train before leaving for the world. Of course there are other students but most are ''Destined Ones''. You can leave and not train but training is advised. The Institute is safe but the City is not. This world has criminals that take advantage of new ''Destined Ones." She says with a grave tone. Alesha - "If you want to leave, the door is that way." She points to a normal looking wooden door. She waits for a moment to see if anyone wants to leave. Alesha - Sighing, "If you want to stay please stand in line over there." She points to a door surrounded on all sides by runes. Watching, I see her descend the steps and walked directly through a door, by flashing what seemed like a silver card. I was about to follow her until I noticed other trying to do the same thing but fail. Tank - "Lets go line up, we don''t wanna be last do we." Following Tank, Jane and I line up behind twenty people or so. Waiting, I just observed other people in line. Some looked scared, while others were practically jumping up and down from excitement. Including Tank I might add. When people got to the door, once they walked in they didn''t walk out. People also had to wait before entering right after someone. When it was my turn, I waited at least a couple of minutes before entering. My stomach seemed to flip over, making me nauseas. Getting to the other side, I saw the girl ''Layla'' from before. Layla - "Hello. Welcome officially to the ''Truman Institute." She says handing me a copper card. Hesitantly taking it, she continues. Layla - "Lets see....You will be sharing a dorm with a boy named Tank. But will also be shared with a girl Jane. Is that alright? Boy and girl dorms are not allowed unless both parties agree." Thad - "Yeah." I say. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Layla - "Great! Tomorrow will be the power testing. For now go explore the campus and find out anything you like." She finishes. Still a bit dazed at the quick explanation, I walk randomly in the halls. Until everything starts to sink in, thinking it would be better to go gather information than just randomly explore. I decide the best place to gather information is the ''Library'' but I have no idea where it is. I guess I have to ask for directions, I thought. Thinking deeply at the past events my head starts to hurt. I glimpse Jane walking out of the wall. I call out to her. Thad - "Hey Jane!" Jane - "Thad! Where''s Tank." Thad - "I don''t know, he might be at our dorm." Jane - "Uh...Yeah." She said her face turning slightly red. We walk in the halls looking for our dorm. Luckily there were signs pointing in the general direction. Walking through the halls we noticed many people weren''t wearing modern clothing but the medieval ones. After walking for a while we stopped at dorm ''205''. We entered, only to see Tank butt naked, changing his clothing in the middle of what seemed like a one floor apartment. Jane - "Tank! Will you put on some clothes." She shouted her face only a shade of red, was full blown across her face. Tank - "...Sorry, damn...didn''t think you guys would be here so quickly." After Jane calmed down, and Tank put on some clothing. We gathered around a table in the dining room. The room fortunately was sparsely furnished. Jane - Clearing her throat she said "So....first of all, we need to set some rules." Tank - "Really? Rules...." Thad - "I...think that is a good idea." I say stealing a glance at Tank. Making him pissed off. Tank - "Shut up Thad...It was one mistake...one." Jane - "Well that mistake was on the first day...first. " After arguing and talking for what seemed like decades we came to a decision. 1. Jane gets to use the bathroom first. 2. Jane is the boss. 3. No nudity. Even though, Tank grumbled a lot about the last one. Most of the rules were fair considering Jane''s personality. Getting up I feel a little parched going into the kitchen, I see what looks like a sink. But theres no faucet, looking around for the faucet. Water starts to come out of a hole in the side of the sink. Thinking how it was possible, I realize its the fruit of magic. Thinking back to Alesha''s short one line explanation on magical based civilization. Finding some cups in the drawers, I take three fill them up with water and share them with the other two. Jane - "Thanks, Thad Tank - "...." Jane - "Don''t know how to be appreciative huh. Tank!" Tank - "Well....its just water." Getting into another heated argument, the suns begin to fade. Looking through a window, I decide to visit the library. Thad - "Guys, I''m gonna go out." I say. Seeing them not notice, I stand up and leave.... Authors note ** - I''m thinking the story might be taking too long, to get to the good parts. But it''s build up. Next chapter is where I go more into detail of the world and mana. Thanks for reading. Chapter 6 - Scholar Walking towards the library, I feel so excited. This is a new world to discover and study, some gets their heart to race through adventure or risks. But for me books and knowledge are the way to make my heart pound. Following the eerily specific directions to the ''Library''. I pass a mirror in the middle of the hall noticing my reflection. My eyes widen, looking closely at the mirror I find out it is me. My fair hair turned completely black and my previous near black eyes became light brown. My features were sharp and I had a youthful appearance. Shaking my head, I just blame my appearance at the ''voice'' and continue walking. I arrive at a wooden door without a handle. Contemplating how to open it, I remember how that girl Alesha flashed a silver card to go through a door. Taking out my copper card, I flash it and runes start to glow as I step through. What awaited me, was none the less more spectacular than everything I''ve ever seen. That ranged from snakes in the amazon, I studied for a project in college. To the seven colour spectacle, of the ''Truman Institute''. It was a spiral of a library. There seemed to be at least 5 floors with them getting smaller the way to the top. Books were overcrowding the shelves. It was like a dream come true. For the first time in my life I truly felt ''Ecstasy''. Taking a deep breath, I held in my excitement. I looked around for a registrar or something of the sort. Until my eyes landed on a oaken dest, piled high with books. I walked towards the desk and rang a bell that seemed out of place on it. ?? - "Hello....Just wait a moment until, I get out of this mess." Hearing some shuffling and movement of some of the books a old thin man with black hair and long blue robes stood before me. Thad - "Umm..I just wanna ask some questions, sir." ?? - "Oh, what a courteous man, you can call me Thebes." Thebes - "I''m the head librarian for the ''Truman Institute." Thad - "I''m a new student at ''Truman, Thebes." I say respectively. Thebes - "Oh....Well anyways there are some rules for the library." Thad - "Rules?...I won''t damage any books." Thebes - "Not that, for new students they''re restricted to the first floor of the library. Anything above that is forbidden. And by the way, no magic practice in the library. You can use the courtyard for that. Thad - "Okay, I say." Feeling a little irked about how knowledge could be forbidden. In all my excitement to read took over my, anger and I turned to look for some books. I decided to study the history and layout about this world. Then I would move on too magic. Maybe even delve into some specifics. Finding a book titled - Alvernon History - as well as many other corresponding books. I sit down to read. It turns out that Alvernon is separated into three major powers that all reside on one continent. There are still some parts of this world undiscovered. But the three major powers are the "Rune Kingdom", "Ein Empire", and the "Union." They were all relatively powerful but didn''t dare attack each other, in fear of being attacked themselves. So they''ve been in a state of a fragile peace for 347 years. Going into more detail, It turns out that their are many different animals and races due to mana. Mana is a nigh inexhaustible force and in mana dense areas it causes mutations. Putting a mental note on the back of mind to study it later I move on to specific races. There are at least four main races as well as hybrids, including humans. There are elves which have different races within themselves. Then their are the dwarves, they''re mostly separated into two main races. One is wild dwarves, which are types of adventurers and then they are regular dwarves, which you guessed it. Dig for gold. They''re disliked due to their insatiable greed. Then they''re are hybrids, which are a mix of one or two species. I would study them but I opted to study the mechanics of the other races. I found out ''Elves'' have the same body type as humans but more refined. Their legs have mana strengthened muscles than a human would increasing their agility, and reflexes greatly. The ears where elongated by mana to survive in the forest. It allows for sharper hearing. All in all their features are angular and sharp due to having keen senses. Elves are separated into other races as well, including high elves, and dark elves. High elves have a greater affinity to magic. While dark elves, have darker skin, and are suited for combat. More specifically night combat, since they also have night vision. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Flipping through books, I don''t bother to look at a page too long. It''s not that I''m skimming the book but I just don''t need to look more than a couple of seconds. Since I have a eidetic memory aka photographic memory. I can remember anything with a couple of glances. I kept studying ''Elf'' and ''Dwarf'' biology so I can use my transformation power later on to transform into one. Then I moved on to the subject I want to study the most ''Magic''. Starting off I chose the book - Basic Magic - after reading it and many other until I got to intermediate books. I got the gist of it. Every living creature or living organism has magic. But some have more than others, like the high elves. Magic is separated into many elements, some even incorporate other magic into their own. The basic elements include Fire Magic, Earth Magic, Wind Magic, Lightning Magic, Ice & Water magic, as well as Light an Dark Magic. Unlike basic belief in my old world. Dark Magic wasn''t exactly evil. It was just regular magic that kills with time. It''s more use full in a long term fight. Summoning skeletons and the stuff was considered forbidden Magic. Fire Magic had the most power of all the elements, while Ice-Water Magic was the most versatile. Lightning Magic was the least predictable magic. Wind Magic on the other hand relied on speed to attack and was the fastest magic with short incantations. Last but not least, Earth Magic was the magic with the strongest defence out of all the elements. When I was about to go into the specifics of how magic was formed and used, I heard an irritated voice near me. Thebes - "So young man, did you come here to read or fool around." He said with a voice full of contempt. Thad - "What do you mean...." Thebes - "I''ve had high hopes for you but you seemed to show no consideration towards the books." Thad - "Huh." I said confused. Thebes - "I''ve never once saw you finish reading a book completely, you seem to just skim through." Thad - "Well, I did finish all the books I read." I said irked that I was falsely accused." Thebes - "Oh. Lets see, to prove that you did. You don''t mind answering some questions do you?" Thad - "No, not at all." I said confidently, I remembered exactly what was on every page, I could even tell you the page number and recite everything from memory. Thebes - "Confident, hmm. Okay....Lets see, what kind of magic becomes of combining light and fire attribute magic?" Thad - "Destructive Fire Magic, pg. 254 on the - Intermediate Fusion Magic-." Thebes - "Oh..." He said with a tinge of excitement appearing on his face. Thad - "Feel free to ask more." I said smirking. Thebes. - "Let''s see, Magic is separated into two parts, what are they?." Thad - "Rather basic question, but the answer is external and internal mana manipulation." Thebes - "Be more specific." Thad - "Internal Mana Manipulation is the process of taking mana out of your mana well, and channeling it into a medium, External Mana Manipulation is using your will and incantations to construct the magic and put it into effect. Thebes - "Wow." He said raising his eyebrows. Thebes - "So how do you know everything from a book, by just skimming through it. Is it your ability." He asked a little interested. Thad - "Uh...no, I can just remember anything by just looking at it once." After I replied his eye lit up and he seemed to be internally struggling with something. Thebes - "I''ve decided, You shall be my disciple. Consider yourself lucky to become apprenticed to an arch-magus of Ice-Water Magic!" He said mischievously.... Chapter 7 - Rivalry Thebes - "I''ve decided, You shall be my disciple. Consider yourself lucky to become apprenticed to an arch-magus of Ice-Water Magic!" He said mischievously.... Thad - "Wait, your an arch-magus?" I yelled a bit shocked. The surrounding students looked at me in dismay before they noticed Thebes. Not willing to tell me off they returned to what they were doing. Thebes - "Of course." He replied his eyes twinkling. Thad - "Then why would you pick me? I''m just a newly arrived student. I can''t possibly be that special." Thebes - "You could call it my gut instinct. I''ve lived a long time and I cant tell you how many times it saved me." Thad - "Gut instinct...With all due respect isn''t that way to intangible for an arch-magus such as yourself to trust in." I said still a bit freaked out on how I was already the disciple of an arch-magus. Thebes - "Oho, you really need to experience it yourself before you judge. Its sort of like faith, many people judge it to be nothing but a lie. While not knowing, what it really feels like. " He said a bit of utter contempt in his eyes. Not knowing what to do I just sat there, while his figure loomed over me. Finally mustering up a bit of courage in front of this hidden fury. Thad - "So are you...uh...religious?" I ask. Calming down from his little outburst. A mischievous grin appeared on his face. Thebes - "I guess you could call me that. Although I don''t worship a god or the like." Thad - "Then what do you worship?" Thebes - "I don''t know how to explain it but to me theres this formless presence that''s always looking over us. It''s really hard to explain. Anyways, Thad do you want to be my apprentice or not. I''d rather discuss your future then my faith." he replied rubbing the space between his eyebrows. It wasn''t even a question. Anyone with half a brain would realize how much of an honor it is to be apprenticed to a arch-magus. Thad - "Of course master Thebes. It would be an honor to become your apprentice." I answered respectively. Thebes - "Thats more like it lad. It''s getting late and new students have the power testing tomorrow. So you go and get some rest." he said glancing at a complicate looking clock on his desk. Thad - "Alright, I''ll see you after the power testing tomorrow master." I said giving a short look over the page I was on before closing it. Getting up from the table, I gave master Thebes a firm handshake and left the library. Looking around at the wooden halls as I walked, I notice lines running down them sporadically. I wouldn''t give much notice to this but due to my enhanced vision. I noticed some of the line brightening in repeated intervals. I wanted to investigate it but I was really tired physically and mentally. Dying and then being transported into another world would do that to you. I dragged my exhausted body to my room. Following the numbers, I noticed that each floor had a set of numbers. The first floor of the institute consisted of room numbers in the hundreds. While the second floor which I was on had the library, and rooms in the two hundreds. After a couple minutes of walking, I finally arrived at my room or would ''our'' room be more fitting. Ruffling my hair I put the unnecessary thought in the back of my mind. I knocked once, waited, and entered. I came to see Tank and Jane playing cards in the living room table. Tank - "Where''d you wander off too?" he asked laying a card down on the table. Before I could reply Jane interjected. Jane - "If you ever listened you would realize he went to the library." she replied. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Tank- "If you weren''t yelling at me, maybe I would''ve heard him. Jeez." The couple yes I said couple, or future couple. Due to their arguments over the most pointless of things. I''ve officially labeled them as couples. Went into a tirade of insults and finger pointing. Sagging my shoulders I take a seat on the couch. Thad - "Calm down guys. It''s not that big of a deal." I spoke trying to deflate the situation. Jane - "Shut up Thad stay out of this! Your too nice sometimes you have to stand up for yourself. Otherwise dolts like this one will take advantage of you!" she yelled back. Tank - "Oh and please tell me how in the world I would do that!" Another bout of insults continued this time ''me'' with the main subject. Then again I''m always the main subject. Thad - "Guys I don''t mind you arguing but can you tell me which rooms you took. I want to go to sleep I''m really tired. Tank - "See what you did Jane. You held the poor guy from sleeping." he replied adding fuel to the fire. Considering Jane''s fire manipulation maybe he was literally doing that. Speaking of the devil the room temperature spiked after Tank opened his mouth. Jane - "Oh you! You don''t know what I''m capable of!" she responded about to respond with her own jab. Thad - Can you please tell me which rooms you picked! I yelled sick of their arguing. Jane - "You can go ahead and choose. We didn''t have time to pick since this dolt kept wasting my time trying find ways of proving how men are better than women." she replied literally seething with anger. Tank - "II don''t remember ever saying that. You just took my words and changed them to suit your own agenda of gender inequality." he replied before a thought came into his head. Tank - "Wait a minute y-your''re a feminist." he replied opening his mouth and laughing his heart out. The temperature in the room just became unbearable. Judging by Jane''s face something unsavory would happen and I wanted no part in it. I got up from the couch and left the unlikely couple. Making my way around the one floor dorm. I noticed there was more than one room, there were actually five. There were four in one corridor of the room. Two of them rooms facing each other and an extra room on the other side of the room in the corner. I decided for my personal health to choose the one in the corner. Opening the door, I locked it behind me. I slowly let out a sigh and fell on the bed exhausted. It was a long day and I needed a long rest. I fell asleep in a daze not bothering to remove my clothes. ** Jane - "You know what Tank you can go...erghhhh!" she yelled exasperated by this idiot. All he did was annoy her, any comments she made he had to find a problem with. Thad - "Well....what if we replace ''yourself'' in that sentence with ''me''." he replied with a small smile proud of his sexual joke. Jane - "I''m too tired to argue with you anymore. I''m going to sleep." she replied heading to the room in the corner only to find it locked. Jane - "Oh no." I said. Looking behind me I see Tank laughing as he headed to the bedrooms in the corridor of our dorm room. Tank - "I guess we will be rooming neighbors." he said mischievously before entering his room. Great she thought sarcastically. Author''s note - Miss me? Been a while since I updated this, but have no fear. I will pick it up again and hopefully as my new year resolution to at least update every other day. I know its not new years but oh well, Happy holidays. Chapter 8 - Power I woke up the next day drenched in sweat. Sleeping in the same clothes as yesterday was most definitely a bad idea. I got up from my bed and quickly removed the sweat stained clothes. Heading to the bathroom I took a quick shower and brushed my teeth. Unfortunately I don''t know what they use to brush their teeth but I did find a weird viscous liquid which seemed like mouthwash. Unlike most people I didn''t automatically use it, or use it in general. I just gurgled some water and hoped that would do the trick. Returning to my room I looked out the window at the rising sun''s. Apparently this world has two suns. The logic on earth that most star systems consist of binaries was right. Binary star systems are solar systems in which more than one sun is present. Assuming the voice took us to another world, is there someway to go back to my own. Not that I miss what I left behind and I doubt they miss me as well. Letting out a sigh, I open the window and step out on the ledge. I activate my transformative powers decreasing my body size. I maintain a clear image of a hawk as an unnoticeable white mist expels from my body. I decrease my body until I''m at least sixty centimeters in length. My wingspan on the other hand is at least four feet. The coloration of hawks are extremely varied but I base it off the red-tailed hawk. Making my body white but my wings a dark red with some brown a black feathers. Elongating my neck I flap my wings in preparations. Once you get a taste of flying it''s really hard to not want to do it again. Although it''s not that I just woke up early just to satisfy my childish dreams. We have a power test today and I have no clue where it is. I''m also hoping to sneak into the library, but first I should take a look at campus in its entirely. Flapping my wings I take off to the sky flying. The wind brushes my wings and gives me a exhilarating feeling of being on top of the world. After reaching a height of a thousand meters I took a look below me at the campus. The seven colored castle seems to be used as a gate while the campus is built as a square with an open courtyard. Where I saw some of the people from the plane, they all wore blue robes that had Truman inscribed onto them in the left most corner. I wonder how they got those robes I thought. Looking beyond the dorm and the courtyard I notice a huge clearing of a forest. Flying towards it I see many people in purple robes standing around. Their robes also had ''Truman'' inscribed in the left most corner but on the arm of the robe the word ''grand was written. Interesting I thought as I looked at them make weird finger motions which I could recall perfectly. The purpled robed people moved in a circle as they made gestures. After a second or so they decided in unison to start chanting. I couldn''t really understand what they were saying but theirs words seem have shaked the whole forest below. The trees creaked and wavered while some of the weaker branches fell to the ground but the minute the shaking started it stopped. A ripple occurred in the air and light descended from the sky striking the circle made by the robed people. At this point I think it''s fair to assume they''re magicians. I decide to fly away from the robed guys not wanting to stay near them any longer. As I fly back I notice that this whole city and academy reeks of suspicion. The people here must already know a bit about us and our other world. I''m surprised they don''t condemn us and kill us for being different. Since they still seemed to be in their medieval age. Then again why kill people who could be used for their own ambitions. Due to our ignorance and potential we could easily be manipulated. Shaking my head I return to my room with a heavy heart. I''m done with being manipulated I thought. I''m done with being used. I''ll decide my destiny and I''ll decide it alone. I proclaimed loudly in my heart. I fly back to the window not wanting to sneak in to the library anymore. These magicians are powerful and it wouldn''t be smart to get on their bad size. After returning to my human form I go to the closet to look for something to wear. Something odd I''ve noticed about my transformation is that my clothes are completely unaffected and transform with me. I''ll chock it up to something I should investigate later. Finding the same robes I saw people wearing at the courtyard I put them on. Along with black silk pants, and a white shirt. Looking around for some shoes I find some skin tight black leather boots. I put them on and glance at my reflection on the mirror. I was taller than I was on earth, reaching a height of six feet one. The biggest difference would probably be my skin and eyes. My skin for one didn''t change in color its still a medium chocolatey brown but all the acne scars I suffered through disappeared. As for my eyes they turned green which looked really weird and unnerving. I hurriedly increased the melanin to my eyes to return them to their normal brown. Shaking my head, I turn to get something to eat. BOOM! BOOM! A loud voice boomed from the very air. ??? - "Hello newcomers! It''s my pleasure to announce the annual power testing. This will be held in the forest clearing out. This time it will be presided over by Master Sinclair, a grand magician. Many guests from the empire will be here to watch your capabilities so try your hardest. Second year and older students are free to come spectate. As for newcomers you will be able to find some robes in your closet. Which you are obligated to wear to the power test. Well that all for my speech! Have a good day and good luck at the power test! Truman!'' The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. I was jolted by the voice and payed attention to every word it said. As she said the last word my face turned cold. It was obvious to me they wanted to find out who they could use the most. I have to leave this place I thought. I couldn''t leave now I was weak and would just end up dead. After I master my transformative power and some magic. Heading to to the kitchen, I ran into Jane and Tank who were sitting at the table eating some eggs. Jane - "Good morning Thad! Did you hear the announcement?" she said with a smile. Tank - "It would kinda be hard not to?" Tank interjected with a sarcastic comment. Before things could escalate I stepped in. Thad - "Yeah I heard it Jane, and good morning to you too Tank." I said sitting down at the table which had an extra plate for me. Tank - "W-well yeah I guess." he said giving me a weird look before he returned to his food. Taking a bite I see Jane poking her food with a fork. Trying to liven up the mood I say something. Thad - "Well who made this? It''s really good!" Tank - "Someone delivered it, and this is not the time for praising.." he said with sigh. Thad - "Why are you guys so worried." I asked. Tank - "The real question is why you aren''t. A few minutes ago we went to the courtyard and overheard that people die during this." he responded solemnly. Hearing this I quieted down. Jane - "W-well even though it''s scary dying. I''m more afraid of accidentally killing someone." she spoke out hesitating on each word.. Taking a deep breath I stood up and slammed my fist on the table. Thad - "Guys what I''m about say might sound cold and in human but it''s the truth you have to face. It''s better to kill than to be killed." I said in a cold voice my face expressionless. Jane stood up in a flurry and Tank broke the table. Tank - "What the f*ck man. You think killing is alright?!." Jane - "I don''t agree with Tank a lot but he''s right. Killing is horrible and immoral. Looking at their angry expressions I let a cold smile appear on my face. Thad - "I''m not surprised you guys would respond like this. Jane you were always weak at heart but whats surprising is that Tank doesn''t agree with me. Who''s the big, strong noble knight now?" I said with a small chuckle. I could see the small twitches of his muscles as his fists clenched. Thad - "Are you going to hit me now, thats not gonna solve any of your problems you know." I said continuing with my cold words. Which seem to penetrate deep into their hearts. I have nothing against these two and this is probably the only thing I can do to help them. As cliche as it sounds, sometimes you have to play the villain. Tank - "Shut the f*ck up you heartless b*st*rd!" he yelled throwing a punch at my face. Even with his super strength I could see the punch coming at me with my hawklike vision. Quickly activating my transformative powers I increase the iron in my bones. I enlarge my heart and my lungs. So my heart would pump more blood through out my body and take in more oxygen. The last thing I could do before he hit me was put calcium carbonate in my skin, its the white insoluble solid that creates the hard shells of insects. My skin hardened and a weird black coating covered it. Taking the super powered punch of Tank straight on I don''t move an inch. Surprise appears on his face, when he sees my transformation. In a panic he starts pounding my body with his punches. Which to my predication were harming me. Putting up a hand I catch one of his punches and return the favor. He sails through the air and crashes into the kitchen. At this point Jane interferes with two bright fires in each of her hands. She stands between me and the path to Tank. Fear and anxiety could be seen all over her face. Jane - "Guys please stop! Thad calm down! I thought you were better than this!." she said in a timid and submissive voice. Even though I could see the fear on her face I didn''t back down. It just became more thrilling. Having power over someone else was really exhilarating, a feeling I''ve never experienced before. Staring at Jane I give her a small smile. Thad - "You really are naive can''t you see that this world is different. It''s not like our civilized earth, there are places still unexplored here and the government is run through monarchy. Now do you understand how undeveloped this place is?" I said as I reversed my transformation. I gave her one last look before leaving the room with her in a daze and Tank fallen in the kitchen giving me an angry expression. I rubbed the bruises on my body as I left. Even though I managed to beat Tank. It was only due to him holding back. Judging from the crater he made at the plains he was capable of much more, I''m pretty sure I showed him that holding back would end badly for him. With a last uncomfortable rub, I increased the production of white blood cells in my body so my natural healing could increase. < Permanent Regeneration added. > The voice from the plains rang in my head again. Shaking my head I looked ahead at the hall way with a determine expression. I''ll become strong, and I''ll never be able to be manipulated. Not even by god himself.