"I will also recommend your daughter for the entrance test," the crimson wizard said in a solemn voice.
Ethan and Alice froze in unison, their eyes wide open in disbelief.
They knew their children were brilliant, but a double recognition from the Red Tower Commander... It was something beyond all expectations.
Ambra, on the other hand, couldn't completely hide the emotion. Her purple eyes lit up slightly, and a tiny curve escaped her lips. A faint smile, barely there, but which gave her face a softer, warmer hue.
"You also got a recommendation, eh, Ambry? What did he ask you?" said Adamas, with a smug expression and a brotherly smile.
Ambra replied with a tender look. "Yeah. Don't worry, Ady, we'll talk about it later."
"Thank you, Mr. Rubino," Ethan finally said, in a steadier voice than he had expected.
"They earned it, nothing to thank for!"
Alexander answered with a loud laugh, then added in a more serious tone: "Now let's move on to the less fascinating part: bureaucracy."
With a snap of his fingers, he made two small files appear, each with a red seal on its back. Above, engraved with golden ink, was written: Magic Academy - Proposals and Recommendations - Red Section.
Ethan and Alice turned their attention to the documents that Alexander placed on the coffee table.
"Unfortunately, I have to admit it, but I'm not particularly skilled with paperwork," he shrugged lightly.
"These two sheets are the recommendations for the respective sections, which will cover the registration fee and the mandatory fee for the first six months.
"I'm aware the registration fee is high and, unfortunately, that cannot be changed... But!"
Ambra and Adamas' parents looked up at the magician, almost suddenly.
"After this period, any economic benefits will depend on academic results: those who excel will be able to obtain significant reductions, in some cases even total exemption."
Ethan's lips curled into a grin before he quickly hid it with his hand.
Alice, on the other hand, remained composed.
During the silence, Alexander turned to the upper balcony where he could see the clothes of Ambra and Adamas. After a few seconds, he turned back to their parents and resumed.
"Your son, still too young to attend, will start classes in two years.The courses in the scientific section require a minimum age to ensure students' safety."
His tone left no room for doubt.
After another pause to make Ethan and Alice fully understand the speech, he continued.
"Your daughter, on the other hand, can start as early as next year. There is actually no standard age to start in the magic section, but given the rarity of us magicians, I could turn a blind eye..."
The couple looked confusedly at the magician. Immediately Alice asked: "An exception?"
"Exactly. I will propose to you a theoretical test based on the first-year subjects covered by the course already in place. If she passes it brilliantly, I can allow her to participate directly in the second year."
Hearing this, Ethan massaged his temples, resting on his knees, while Alice simply looked down, gently dropping her hair in front of her.
Immediately, Ethan spoke and leaned slightly: "Thank you for this immense opportunity, Mr. Rubino."
"Ohoh! No problem. After all, talent should not be wasted," Alexander smiled composedly.
"However, as far as the magic section is concerned, I can give you more information.
"The initial three years in the magic section are used to learn the basics, then they access the practical part with field missions, spell control and applied. After three years, she can choose a specialisation to complete the study."
He paused again, letting the words settle into the parents' thoughts.
"All information on the training course and future possibilities is available on the first floor of the Red Tower. Bring your kids and these two recommendations to the entrance and an employee will accompany you to guide you through the registration process.
"They will be happy to welcome you."
The crimson magician ended by spreading his arms slightly.
Alice nodded after a few moments, the lower lip invisibly trembling: "Thank you for the opportunity you are giving our children, Mr. Rubino."
"Ohoh, really, there's no need!" he answered with a genuine smile.
Then, as if struck by a sudden memory, he turned to Ethan. "I think I've heard from your daughter that you have a magic shop, right?"
Ethan nodded. "Exactly. 'The Wind' in the Northwest District is ours. Do you need anything?"
"Actually, yes. I need to restore my magic staff," said the commander in a respectful tone.
With a fluid movement of his arm, he summoned a long staff of about 1 meter and 70 centimeters in front of him. The surface was lined with scratches and cracks, marks of time and who knows how many battles.
However, the beauty of the object was still intact: the light color of the birch wood shone under the light of the room giving a sense of lightness, almost ethereal.
It was also decorated with wine-red bands and a black drawing of an owl carved at the top end. From the latter hung a crimson ribbon with hand-engraved runes.
Ethan watched the staff carefully, passing it gently through his hands. "No problem. Pass tomorrow, and by the end of the day it will be like new."
"Thank you very much. This item means a lot to me." Alexander's voice was quiet, but the feeling was tangible.
After a moment's pause, Alexander got up, stretching his legs slightly.
"Thank you for your time," he said with a slight bow.
Alice and Ethan answered with another bow, and then accompanied the magician to the front door.
"Don't worry about the sudden visit, it was a pleasure." said Alice with a friendly smile.
"It was my pleasure." said Alexander.
*Clack!*
Just outside the threshold, his body was engulfed in light flames, dancing without burning.
With a rustling sound and a trail of red sparks, he vanished into thin air.
******
100th floor of the Red Tower, Office of the Commander
The hall was immersed in a silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire in the fireplace. Then, a burst of brilliant flames materialized in the middle of the room, slowly taking the shape of the magician. Alexander Rubino returned to his leather chair, letting out a long sigh.
"Uff... you were right, but only partially, Kronum," he said, addressing the most shadowy corner of the office.
From there, a pair of black eyes opened. The sound of light feathers followed: a tawny owl moved silently on the back of the commander's chair.
"Explain, Alex. In what sense 'partly'?"
"The trace of magical power that you had heard did not come from the boy. It came from his sister." Alexander scratched his temple, thoughtfully.
"But the boy, Adamas... is brilliant. He can calculate probability and move cunningly. I'll place him in the science section, I can't miss that raw talent."
The owl's eyes narrowed, the plumage visibly spiked.
"What?"
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"What 'What'? Are you referring to the magical power or the boy?"
Kronum flapped his wings.
"Both. But above all, at the source of power. Did you tell her anything about what i saw?"
"It's too early, I can't go around and tell the whole world that my bond is afraid of a black and white crow. They don't even know if it was about her or who knows who. Also... I wanted to know if it was all fate or just suggestion on your part."
The silence fell for a moment. Then the magician continued.
"You know what the funny thing is? We can't perceive mana as clearly as you creatures can, so at first I wanted to reject it. She spoke to me directly. No hesitation... Almost rude."
"Alex... I didn't think you had that kind of taste..." said Kronum, in a tone that brought joke and sincerity.
Alexander took a few seconds to understand the situation, and then he snorted and said, "What the heck did you get form that?! Deficient."
Kronum tilted his head and snapped his beak twice, with that smug air that made him unbearable when he teased someone.
"Age is catching up with you, huh? You're no longer mentally flexible... But you're always a grouch."
"I'm sixty, maybe..."
Shaking his head, Alexander resumed the speech.
"But let's get back to us. Do you remember the question my mentor asked me when we met? It was simple and effective, direct but not too much..."
The owl tilted its head. "What question?"
"Uff... and then I'm the old one. The question was, "Why do you want to study magic?" Do you remember my answer?"
"Ah... Of course," said the owl.
"Because it's funny."
Alexander turned to stare at him with a look full of memory.
"She said the same thing."
The owl folded its wings, while the fire of the fireplace reflected in its dark eyes like the night. "Then keep an eye on her, old grouch. Because from what you said... we don'tknow what is going on."
******
Meanwhile, the Tural household
The smell of freshly prepared food spread throughout the house. Ethan, rolling up his sleeves, was completing the preparation of dinner.
"Honey! Can you set the table? It's almost ready!"
he called to his wife in the living room.
"Already done! But who did you take me for?" Alice answered, laughing.
The heat from the stove had spread throughout the house, so Alice asked Adamas to open the windows to circulate air on that hot early summer night.
"I'm coming!"
The boy answered from upstairs.
As Adamas ran into the kitchen, he opened the windows and the door leading to the garden.
The next moment, Silver darted into the room, nearly knocking into Alice as she carried the dishes to the table in the living room.
"Hey, Silver! You'll make her drop everything!"
Ethan said as he chewed on a piece of freshly seasoned meat.
Looking at each other, Alice and Adamas laughed at the man's expression.
Ambra came down behind Adamas and watched them from the entrance of the room, leaning against the doorframe. She didn't say anything, but her bright violet eyes spoke for her.
That day would remain in her memories for the rest of her life. Not because of the commander's visit or the recommendations, those were only a step.
"At the table! Today we celebrate!" Ethan finally said, taking the last trays for dinner to the living room.
Ambra took one of the trays from her father, and then sat down at the table.
Ambra gently squeezed her hand and bringing it to her chest, briefly closing her eyes.
Here we are...!