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-Begin Chapter 3-
Nico stood on his spot. The crowd parted to let way for him but Nico didn’t dare move. This had to be a mistake. Shane was meant to be the fourth, not some parentless orphan with mediocre skills. Looking around, Nico saw others with shocked faces, they couldn’t believe it either.
“Do I need to repeat myself?” Master Septum broke the silence. “Nico Ruedep, please come to the stage.”
With numb limbs, Nico ascended the stage, color draining from his face. He was waiting for the Master to say “Just kidding!” and send him away as part of some cruel joke. The young man took his place next to Martin, heart beating so fast he could hardly breathe.
“I present to you all, the candidates for the Grand Apprenticeship. Leera Ajik, Mora Mersad, Martin Berueh, and Nico Ruedep,” announced Septum. “The next order of business is their test.”
The crowd listened intently, wondering what test would be administered this time. The tests in the past were legendary. The test was always different, from capturing a rare, magical animal to an all out battle-royal between the wizards. No one was ever sure what was planned.
“The decision was made last night at council that our four wizards will be sent to the Crater of Mephestis, in order to retrieve a spirit stone from its center.”
The audience collectively gasped. The four young wizards were far more surprised. Martin’s face lost all color. Mora’s eyes widened with fear and disbelief. Leera, who normally walked about with an air of composer, dropped her jaw in surprise and her eyes began to well up. Nico stayed as he was. He had forced himself not to gasp or drop his jaw. Nico knew if he opened his mouth, he would vomit on the spot.
“As we understand the severity of this assignment, we will give each of these four a powerful, charm for them to use on the mission,” said Septum. The gleam in his eye hadn’t even faltered at the crowd’s reaction. “The charms have been predetermined by myself and will help ensure these young wizards’ survival.”
“As if they’ll actually survive this crazy mission!” yelled a student. “No one has ever returned from the Crater of Mephestis without their mind completely destroyed!”
“You make a valid point,” was the Master’s reply. “But I assure you; no permanent harm will come to these young ones. The charms I have mentioned are from the Ancient Times.”
This surprised the onlookers once more. The charms that had survived since the Ancient civilization on the Orndae were said to be more powerful than any modern charm. They were constructed from metal that the Orndae had summoned from the depths of the earth, before the horrible Destruction of the Orndae race.
“Now if you will excuse us, the candidates and I have much to discuss before they venture on to attempt their test,” Were the last words Septum said towards the crowd. He headed towards the tower and the four young wizards followed. He headed up the spiral staircase that jutted far above their heads, without a word. The four teenagers faithfully followed the Grand Wizard up the stairs, not saying a word as they climbed slowly up to the 50th floor and into their teacher’s rooms.
“Sit down, sit down. Make your selves comfortable,” Master Septum insisted. “You have no need to be so stiff. I have will give you everything you need to arrive back safely.”
Leera daintily sat down on the edge of Septum’s bed. Martin took a seat at Septum’s desk while Mora placed herself on the floor, careful not to ruffle her dress. Nico remained standing, still stiff from the surprises of this still young morning. He had a feeling today was going to be an extremely eventful one.
“I know you are all worried about your task,” Septum began. “It may seem dangerous but-“
“Seem?” Martin interrupted. He was livid. “That place is evil. We all know the stories,” he looked at his peers for support they all nodded. None of them had heard a good thing said about the Crater of Mephestis. “That was the spot where the Dark Warlock Mephestis caused the annihilation of the Orndae. His evil still lingers there. Anyone who passes the edge of the crater is either lost forever in its dark depths, or is found wandering near it, completely insane.”
“Martin, I understand your feelings towards the crater.” Septum said. He was uncannily calm for an adult who had just been chewed out by a teenager. “I know what happened to your brother. Think of it this way; when you complete this quest alive, you will have surpassed him.”
That struck a chord with Martin. Nico knew that Martin’s life-long goal had always been to outshine his older brother and surpass him.
“As I was saying, the crater may seem dangerous, but I am confident that you will all be able to accomplish this task.”
“If that’s so, how do we decide the Apprentice?” Mora inquired.
“The apprenticeship will go to whichever one returns to the Tower first.” Septum responded. “You must return from the crater with a spirit stone that can only be found in the very center of the crater.”
The mere thought of this sent shivers down Nico’s spine. The others felt the same way. After all they had heard of the Crater of Mephestis, going in was terrifying. Going to the crater’s center seemed nothing short of insane.
Seeing their haggard expressions, Septum decided to leave the rest for later. All four of them had been on an emotional trip and they would all need time to rest.
“This is all very difficult to take in, and I doubt continuing this conversation will help. I’ll tell you all the details tomorrow. Go back to your dorms for now and try to digest the events.”
As Nico headed towards the door, Septum placed a hand on his shoulder, signaling for him to stay behind.
When the others had gone, Septum looked into Nico’s eyes with his piercing gray stare.
“You should know, Nico. I didn’t choose you by accident. You have a great future ahead of you. I have confidence in you. You should too.”

-End Chapter 3-