“Conjurer, fire affinity, excellent sized mana pool, above average control,” Aldric said. Codrin looked like he didn’t know whether to be pleased or disappointed. “For your age group, that’s an excellent result. Keep it up.”

Satisfied that he was exceptional, Codrin grinned and passed the stone on to Alek, who was nearby. The young man looked at the Glycite with a put-upon expression, just before the stone went from crystal clear to an opaque brown. It filled the stone about halfway, but was consistently dark and impossible to see through.

“Enforcer, average mana pool, and well above average control,” Aldric said, rather surprised at the result. Enforcers usually had less control in general compared to conjurers. Alek threw a smirk towards Codrin, who just snorted in dismissal.

Lilianna was next. It took her barely any time at all before the Glycite burst with two toned lights. Blue and silver swirled around the center of the stone so brightly that it was hard for Aldric to get a good measurement. It was nearly filled to the brim, something Aldric hadn’t seen since Zasia’s assessment.

“Conjurer, water and wind affinities, exceptional mana pool, and exceptional mana control,” Aldric said, surprised yet not. Lilianna had already showed excellent magic skill, and he knew she came from a prestigious family that was particular about its good breeding.

Lilianna handed the Glycite off to a mesmerized Nadrina before anyone could comment. “Your turn,” she told her friend. She wore an oddly neutral smile.

She doesn’t want them to treat her any differently, Aldric realized. He imagined she got a lot of attention because of her abilities. Perhaps unwanted attention as well.

Nadrina looked surprised to suddenly be in the hot seat. She looked around at the expectant gazes and then at the stone, her nervousness obvious. Holding it the way one might a venomous snake, she closed her eyes and imbued it with her mana.

It seemed as if nothing had happened at first until tiny black specs started appearing throughout the Glycite. They coalesced into a single orb at the center that rapidly grew larger, until it took up the entire center of the stone with a roiling, undulating blackness.

“Sorcerer, above average mana pool, and excellent mana control,” Aldric said, smiling encouragingly at the girl. She looked shocked, but also rather pleased. She smiled at Lilianna, who returned her expression genuinely.

“Keep these in mind in the future. We’re going to measure your progress weekly this way.” Aldric said to all four of them.

“What about you, Professor?” Nadrina abruptly asked. The entire group turned to look at her in confusion. She seemed startled that she’d said anything at all.

“Sorry! I was just, um, curious I guess,” she said, embarrassed.

“Good point, Flemming,” Codrin added, looking to Aldric. “It’s only fair. There must be a reason they hired you to teach at such a prestigious academy. Show us what we can look forward to!”