The Meyer's family had gathered for one reason.Today, Fred Meyer would know once and for all if he belonged among them.The examination hall was quiet for a moment, as seven children stood before the long stone table with their parents behind them, and one transparent crystal ball called the Path Crystal, in the middle.Every person on this world was born with a magical Path, defining the type of magic they would use, based on the mana they could control.Seven types of magic existed in total. The Meyer's were known for the Red Path, as for generations their family produced highly skilled Red Path Mages, capable of controlling fire.The examination only confirmed it, as from the crystal ball came a small flame hovering above the twelve-years old girl's hand."Red Path," the examiner said, retreating his hand from the crystal ball, and a proud smile appeared on Sarah's face."Well done, Narissa," she said.The girl nodded and stepped aside, letting the next child, Nalia, go.The nine-

Three days after going into the market, Fred stood in the Meyer estate's courtyard with his new sword resting at his hip.It did not take long for Fred to become aware that today's meeting was not about training.It had not been unusual for his father to call upon him to train in the past.If anything, the fact that Axel and Alvin were waiting on the other side of the room only made it more likely for him to come."Father!" Fred greeted, not expecting his father to be waiting for him. "You wanted to see me?""Recently, you spend a lot of time training with that sword," came Alvin's reply just after he gave a single, grave nod towards his son.Fred turned to look at the sword he bought with his own money."Yes," came his blunt response."Why?" asked his father."Because I want to become stronger," answered his son.Alvin studied his son for a moment longer."And what will you do for your path?"Fred did not need to answer.They both understood that he had not found anything in sixteen

The beast was sent tumbling backward, crashing into a bush and sending leaves and twigs flying everywhere.Fred blinked, still reeling from the shock of the fight.He was still reeling when a figure came into view in front of him, blocking the path of the recovering wolf.Fred's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the new arrival.She was probably around his own age, with long golden hair that fanned out behind her as she turned to face him.She wore a white cape over simple traveling clothes that allowed for freedom of movement, and a strange pale yellow aura seemed to swirl around her body, crackling with occasional bits of lightning.Fred's heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the strange girl, realizing for the first time that he wasn't facing an ordinary wolf.The girl's eyes scanned over him briefly before she looked back at the recovering wolf."Are you injured?"Fred was about to protest, but the pain in his side and the ringing in his ears reminded him that he was f

Fred opened the door and was greeted by the sight of his father. Alvin was seated behind his desk, several papers spread before him, but his attention was on his son the moment he saw him. He took in the torn clothes before looking at the sword at Fred's hip. "You returned.""Yes, Father."Alvin leaned back. "How was the forest?"Fred paused to consider the question."Difficult." A small smile appeared on Alvin's face. "Good." Fred raised an eyebrow. "Good?" "If you had told me it was easy, I would have assumed you learned nothing." Fred stepped farther into the room. "I learned a lot." "Then tell me." Fred related the events of the first day and the lesser fights he had been forced into. He explained the difficulties of real combat and the struggle to react in time when the monsters grew aggressive.He related the events of the Horned Bear. His father's expression grew serious. "You fought a Horned Bear?" "Yes." "With that sword?" Fred nodded. Alvin said nothing for several seconds.

Fred turned toward Alvin. His father had been quiet as he listened to the official speak."Can I enter?"Alvin studied him for several seconds."You've only just recovered.""I know""Your body is not completely healed.""I can still fight."Alvin looked over at Fred's sword before asking, "Why do you want to enter?"Fred thought over the question. He could have just said that he wanted to become stronger; it would have been the truth, but it was not the complete truth. "I want to know how I compare to people who actually know how to fight." Alvin's expression softened."The forest has taught you how dangerous monsters can be. This will teach you something different."Fred nodded. "Then let me try."After a moment, Alvin gave his permission.Fred walked toward the registration table.Several young people noticed him as he approached, though most moved on after a few seconds. One, however, remained watching him.The boy looked about Fred's age and wore the clothing of a minor noble. A