Chapter 9: Beyond The Test
Florence’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at the scattered fragments of the orb on the table. She drew in a long breath, trying to steady her mind, but her thoughts kept racing.
’Just as I suspected... he truly carries something special. But why didn’t the orb detect it? Why did it shatter instead?’
Her brow furrowed, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. ’Was it just my imagination, and the orb simply malfunctioned? Or... could it be that what I sensed in him lies beyond even the word special?’
Meanwhile, Martha and Daisy couldn’t make sense of what had just happened either. Why had Florence suddenly shown such interest in testing Derek’s aptitude, and why had the orb shattered so abruptly?
For a moment, complete silence fell over the room.
Amidst the silence, Derek stared at his own fingers in a daze. ’Did I just...’
More time passed in heavy stillness before Martha finally broke the silence, her voice trembling. "Miss Elowen... what just happened? Why did the orb shatter like that? Even if Derek has magic aptitude, something like this shouldn’t occur."
Daisy, too, kept her eyes fixed on Florence. She also wanted answers. Worry gnawed at her chest for her little brother. ’I hope this isn’t something bad...’
Hearing Martha’s voice, Florence snapped out of her daze. She blinked, then shifted her gaze from the shattered fragments back to Martha.
"Well, um..." She hesitated, unsure of what to say. Because even she didn’t know for sure. "I think the orb simply malfunctioned. These things are old, and after being used for so many tests, perhaps its strength finally ran out, which is why it shattered. You don’t need to worry."
It was an answer she gave them for the moment, though inside she thought, ’I need to figure this out myself first. If I give them an uncertain explanation, the family will only grow more anxious.’
"Oh... okay," Martha replied, though her expression alone made it clear she wasn’t convinced.
While carrying Derek in her arms, she gently pulled Daisy close and spoke softly.
"Miss Elowen, we’ll take our leave then. You must still have many tasks to attend to. Please take care."
"Alright. You take care as well. And Daisy..." Florence’s eyes shifted toward her. "I’ll see you soon."
"Yes, Miss Elowen. Thank you very much." Daisy bowed respectfully.
Martha gave a slight bow of her own before turning with Daisy and Derek. Together they stepped out of the room, crossed the hall, and finally emerged outside the chamber.
Outside, parents waited with worried faces while children filled the air with a restless mix of bragging, nervous chatter, and trembling anticipation.
Martha and Daisy carried their own tension. However, their reasons were worlds apart from those of these parents and their kids.
And even the warm village breeze could not soothe any of them.
And Derek? His thoughts spun endlessly, his mind racing. ’That wasn’t any malfunction for sure. Her expression alone made that clear. Then this power inside me... is it magic after all? Oh, Captain! You could’ve at least given me some hints about the power you want me to use to save humanity. I am in a total mess right now.’
Martha led the way to a waiting wagon. After bargaining over the fare, she climbed up with Daisy and Derek and settled inside.
Soon, the wagon rattled into motion along the dirt road, wheels creaking in rhythm with the steady clop-clop of the horse’s hooves.
Derek sat in Martha’s lap, staring out at the passing scenery. One by one, the same charming sights of the morning drifted by again. Yet this time, he couldn’t enjoy them. His gaze was distant, unfocused, his mind clearly elsewhere.
Daisy sat quietly beside them. She was happy to have passed her test, but she couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at her for Derek. Martha kept her eyes fixed straight ahead, lost in thought. ’I hope everything is fine.’
And so time slipped by, until at last their home appeared on the horizon.
Within moments of their arrival, Arthur came rushing out from inside the house.
"Sister! How was it? Please tell me you passed!"
The excitement on his face and the eagerness in his voice made Daisy, who was getting down from the wagon, forget all her worries for a moment. Even Martha couldn’t help but smile softly. After all, it truly was a special day for them. Something unusual had happened, yes, but none of them knew what it meant, or whether it was dangerous. Perhaps it could even turn out to be a blessing if Derek were truly a mage.
With a wide grin, Daisy replied, "Well... what do you think?" She asked in a playful tone.
That alone was enough for Arthur to understand. He leapt up in joy.
"Mother, we need a special dinner tonight to celebrate!" he said, turning toward Martha with a pleading look.
Martha paid the coachman his fare, then turned back with a laugh. "Alright, alright. Will barbecue and bread be enough?"
"Enough? That’ll be perfect!" Arthur shouted, practically over the moon.
Watching their happiness, Derek’s own heart finally eased. His mind, too, began to calm. ’I should take it one step at a time. No use overthinking. Until my body grows stronger, I won’t be able to test this hidden power, let alone be sure of what it is. For now... I should just keep training and enjoy these moments of life.’
A small giggle escaped his lips.
_______
That evening, the house was filled with cheerful energy. Martha bustled around the kitchen, preparing a hearty meal. The scent of chicken barbecue and fresh bread drifted through the rooms. Daisy hummed softly as she set the table, and Arthur was busy playing with Derek.
When Rudeous returned, dust clinging to his boots and the weight of the day in his step, the children rushed to greet him. Daisy met him at the door, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Father! I passed! Miss Elowen said I have real talent!"
Rudeous’s face softened, pride shining in his eyes. He knelt, pulling Daisy into a firm embrace. "Well done, Daisy. I knew you would make us proud." He ruffled Arthur’s hair and gave Martha a grateful nod.
At dinner, laughter and conversation flowed easily. Arthur recounted Daisy’s success with exaggerated flourishes, Daisy blushed and protested, and even Derek gurgled with delight as Martha fed him small spoonfuls of porridge.
Between bites, Daisy gave a quick summary of her day. "There were so many kids waiting. I was nervous, but when I touched the orb, it glowed a medium orange color. You won’t believe how pretty that looked." Her eyes sparkled. "Miss Elowen looked really surprised. She said I could start training next week!"
Rudeous listened intently, nodding at each detail. "You’ve worked hard for this, Daisy. It’s only the beginning."
Arthur chimed in, "I can’t wait for my test, too. But it will take more than four years before I can take the hunter academy test."
Martha laughed, eyes shining with pride. She glanced at Derek, then set her spoon down, voice turning thoughtful. "Speaking of tests, something strange happened with Derek today."
The table quieted. Daisy’s eyes darted to her mother’s, and Arthur leaned forward, curiosity piqued. Rudeous raised an eyebrow, waiting for Martha to continue.
She told the story simply, how the orb had failed to react to Derek’s touch, then suddenly shattered. "Florence said it was probably a malfunction," Martha added, but her tone betrayed a lingering uncertainty.
For a moment, Rudeous’s eyes narrowed. However, they returned to normal before anyone could even notice. Not even Derek.
He leaned back, gaze settling on Derek, who blinked up at him with innocent eyes. "Well, it seems our family is full of surprises," he said, a smile tugging at his lips. "Let’s not worry about it for now. Derek will show us what he’s capable of when the time is right."
Laughter and warmth returned to the table, but beneath the easy conversation, a ripple of curiosity lingered.... about the future, about Derek, and about the mysterious paths that lay ahead.