I Suck at Magic, but Sometimes I Don't - Chapter 3

After finishing the paperwork, I returned it to the admissions office and was told to wait for further instructions. I took a seat in the waiting area and watched as other prospective students came and went. Some were accompanied by their families, while others were alone like me.

As I waited, I couldn’t help but think about the man who had approached me earlier. Who was he, and what did he mean when he said that we would “see about” my magical abilities? It was all very strange.

After what felt like hours, my name was finally called. I followed the person who had called my name down a long hallway and into a large room filled with other students. In the center of the room was a large table, behind which sat several stern-looking professors.

“Welcome to Roth’s School of Wizards,” one of the professors said, his voice echoing through the room. “You are here because you have shown potential in the field of magic. However, not all of you will be accepted into our school. You will undergo a series of tests, and those who do not meet our standards will be asked to leave.”

My heart sank at the thought of being asked to leave. I had worked so hard to get here, and the idea of being rejected was terrifying.

The first test was a written exam, which tested our knowledge of magic theory and history. It was challenging, but I had studied extensively for it and felt confident in my answers.

The second test was a practical exam, which tested our ability to perform basic spells. I was nervous about this one, as I had never been able to perform any spells before. When my turn came, I stood in front of the professors and attempted to cast a simple levitation spell. To my surprise, it worked perfectly. I felt a rush of excitement as the object I had lifted floated effortlessly into the air.

The third test was a physical exam, which tested our agility and reflexes. We were asked to navigate a series of obstacles, including climbing walls and dodging obstacles. I struggled with this one, as I had never been particularly athletic. I stumbled and fell several times, but I refused to give up.

Finally, the tests were over, and we were asked to wait outside while the professors deliberated. I stood nervously with the other students, my heart pounding in my chest.

After what felt like an eternity, the professors emerged from the room. They called out the names of those who had been accepted, and my heart sank when my name wasn’t called.

I was devastated. All of my hard work had been for nothing. As I turned to leave, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see the man who had approached me earlier.

“Come with me,” he said, leading me down a different hallway.

“Who are you?” I asked, feeling both curious and suspicious.

“My name is Kaiser,” he said with a smile. “I’m a professor here at the school.”

“Why are you taking me somewhere else?” I asked, feeling nervous.

“Because I believe that you have a gift,” he said cryptically.

“What gift?” I asked, feeling even more confused.

“You have the gift of manifestation,” he said, his eyes shining with excitement.

“Manifestation?” I repeated, still feeling lost.

“Yes,” he said. “It’s a rare form of magic that allows you to create physical objects out of thin air. And I believe that you have the potential to be one of the greatest manifestors this school has ever seen.”

I stared at him in disbelief. Me, a manifestor? It seemed impossible.

“How do you know?” I asked, feeling both skeptical and intrigued.

“I saw it in your practical exam,” he said. “The object you lifted with your levitation

spell was not actually there. You manifested it into existence.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Had I really created that object out of thin air? It seemed impossible.

Kaiser led me to a small room at the end of the hallway. Inside, there was a small stage, and several puppets scattered around the room.

“Show me what you can do,” he said, gesturing to the puppets.

I hesitated, feeling nervous. I had never tried to manifest anything before. But something inside me urged me to try.

I focused my mind on the puppets, imagining them coming to life. To my surprise, one of them began to move. Its limbs twisted and turned as if it were alive.

Kaiser’s eyes widened in amazement. “That’s incredible,” he said. “You’re a natural.”

Over the next few weeks, Kaiser worked with me to hone my abilities. He showed me how to control the puppets, how to make them move and fight. I spent hours each day practicing, honing my skills.

As I improved, Kaiser introduced me to some of the other professors at the school. They were impressed by my abilities, and some even offered to take me on as an apprentice.

I was thrilled to have finally found my place at the school. I had always felt like an outsider, but now I had a purpose. I was a manifestor, and I was determined to become one of the best.

Despite my newfound confidence, however, I still struggled with some aspects of the school. I was still an outsider, a girl from a poor family who had no connections in the magical world. I felt like I had to work twice as hard as everyone else just to prove myself.

But with Kaiser’s help, I began to climb through the ranks. I made friends with some of the other students, and even started to develop a rivalry with some of the more gifted wizards. I worked hard, practicing my skills day and night, determined to become the best manifestor the school had ever seen.

And as I worked, I couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden within me. If I could manifest puppets, what else was I capable of? The thought both excited and terrified me, and I knew that the road ahead would be full of challenges and surprises. But I was ready for whatever lay ahead. I was Celeste, a manifestor, and I was ready to take on the world.