<div style="text-align: center"><i><span style="font-family: 'Didact Gothic', 'sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 18px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">Ian, The Teacher</span></span></span></i>​</div><br/>Ian looked to Asterrio in concern. Confused as to why he told the young goblin no. The young man shook his head as way of response, and at the occupying expression, Ian reluctantly backed off. There's too much to say on it now apparently. It's better a talk for later. Interesting. After a small pause between teacher and student, Ian decided to ask about the local nobility, and received a fair bit of information. The three families apparently were trying to claw their way back into the pecking order of the country. Desperate to achieve such a goal.<br/><br/>That in of itself made him nervous, a desperate man will do a lot to achieve their goal. He'll have to be careful, tending an audience with them tonight. As per decorum dictates there really is no getting around an audience. These specific circumstances would see nothing less than a dinner with the Baroness, and perhaps more. Being a Noble himself such practices are standard in the higher echelon of nobility. Expected even, and breaking such a custom unthinkable. She'd offer a room for him to stay the night, and of course as a gracious host he'll accept. The night will most likely have no substance mindless talk of mindless things. Perhaps an advance or two sexually. He'll have to decline of course, but with luck he'll not offend her. And be on his way by tomorrow afternoon.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Especially considering his unique position in the hierarchy of nobility. The less time he spends here the better. Tomorrow afternoon at the latest he'll need to be gone. <br/>
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Broken out of his reverie and brief conversation, Ian noticed Dayyan was almost done with evaluating the students present. He'd regained focus just in time to watch the young goblin woman flee the building in tears. Looking to Asterrio, he saw the young man shake his head again, grimace on his face. There's more to this story than meet the eye.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Asterrio..." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">His annoyance mounting.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)">"Please teach, later." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Asterrio asked.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Later then." </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Ian said in a moment of uncharacteristic seriousness. Turning away from one student to the other he caught the start of Valentine's test.</span><br/><br/>Dayyan passed the rod over to Valentine and it was then Ian saw something truly impressive. The Core Gauge, while not overflowing with energy was displaying a strong green color. In fact the amount of Mana inside was a bit below average, but the vibrancy. Good lord. It was amazing. Valentine wasn't boasting when he said he had skill in Memory Magic. Ian didn't think the young man was lying earlier, but young men often claim skill above their station. Exaggerating a bit. This. This was if anything an understatement of ability. This was the most solid shade of color anyone in the room had displayed thus far. By a large margin.<br/><br/>Ian found himself approaching unconsciously. As enraptured as everyone else. The room silent. Stepping up to the pair, Ian watched as the color faded slowly. Flickering as a flame under duress. A delicate and beautiful piece of art, before petering out completely. After a pregnant second of silence, now standing directly next to Valentine and Dayyan. Ian grinned down at the young man, a laugh almost bubbling out of his chest. He began to clap a powerful tempo with his hands, loud and furious.<br/><br/>Quickly the intent was picked up by everyone else in the room, and a brief but powerful applause filled the air for the young man. Valentine's brow was laden in sweat, and his face flushed a bright cherry red,. The young man looked the picture of glowing success, and the room acknowledged it. Ian reached down and clasped him on the shoulder then, saying amidst the applause.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Congratulations Valentine. You've passed the test of potential. You have the talent needed to attend White Castle."</span><br/><br/>Taking the Core Gauge from the young man, Ian then turned to Annie right next to him. The last person to be tested. "Ready?" He asked with excited grin. The electricity hung in the air after the last test, and everyone was paying attention for this one. If she performed less than well, it would be embarrassing.<br/><br/>Handing the item over, he waited patiently for her to concentrate and channel herself. And with a surprised gasp he watched as the Core Gauge, no, the entire room flare a brilliant azure light. Just as potent as Valentine's emerald, but the volume was a sight to behold. The entire sphere of glass was glowing in blue energy. It was astounding. Actually improbable for someone with little to no training.<br/><br/>That two students with this level of potential could be here. Side by side, like twin stars in a night sky. It made the entire situation even more crazy.<br/><br/>The light held for a long time too, so much so, the dumbfounded room slowly crashed into murmurs of awe and jealousy. It's still going, they said. Is she cheating? The device must be defective. Why isn't it turning off. She must be doing some type of trick. But Ian knew better, he could feel it in the air now that it was exposed. This was no farce, but true Magic.<br/><br/>Not seeing an end in sight, as the Core Gauge actually uses minimal levels of Mana. Ian told Annie he'd seen more than enough. And that she could stop.<br/><br/>Smiling down at the young wo<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">man he said. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Congratulations Annie. You've passed the test of potential. You have the talent needed to attend White Castle."</span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center">X.X.X<br/>​</div>Minutes later and the room was still a buze. Ian gave the room time to mill and converse about what had just happened. Moments like these come rarely, and he wouldn't be able to stem the rabble if he wanted. With a gesture, he drew Dayyan and Asterrio to the back of the room to speak in private. Core Gauge in hand, Ian addressed his old students.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Of these 13 students, two have shown great potential in themselves. More than enough raw talent to go far in White Castle. But whether they have the correct mindset for being a Mage in this world is left to be seen. We'll conduct the interviews now for these two, and then after, Asterrio you'll speak for what happened earlier." </span><br/><br/>The room was swiftly emptied, leaving five people. Ian, Dayyan, Asterrio, Annie, and Valentine sitting around a table.