Supreme Sorcerer: Phoenix's Reborn

"Number 17, Zack Moss, peak-phase dull purity, and a 3rd-grade nature element! Failed!"

"Number 23, Georgie Silverwind, peak-phase light purity, and a 5th-grade wind element! Passed!"

"Number 24, Dumble Stonedge, mid-phase light purity, and a 5th-grade earth element! Passed!"

"Number 28, Lily Wiglett, novice-phase dull purity, and a 2nd-grade water element! Failed!"

"Number 32, Steph Spark, mid-phase dull purity, and 2nd-grade lightning element! Failed!"

"Number 36, Trix Ruffles, novice phase light purity, and a 3rd-grade wind element! Failed!"

"Number 41, Max Freewill, novice phase light purity, and a 4th-grade nature element! Failed!"

Metchzel sighed deeply.

He feared that only three participants would be able to enter the academy. Suddenly, he realized that he is not certain yet because there's another trial. He hoped that all of them would be able to pass it.

"Number 45, please step forward!"

A young girl slowly walked towards Metchzel. She showed a cold expression, just like Lystia. As she walked, her white hair shone as the sun's light touched it. Metchzel also noticed the white hair of the young girl. He thought that maybe it's caused by a sickness or the technique she is mastering.

The young girl gently put her palms on the seofon elementi stone. After that, the stone shined brightly.

The stone emitted a dazzling white light and blew a cold breeze. The onlookers eyes widened after they saw that the seofon elementi stone was freezing. However, Metchzel instantly prevented it by using the aura of his power. The freezing stopped, and the frozen part melted and evaporated.

Metchzel's attention was caught after he noticed that some onlookers were also freezing due to the cold breeze emitted earlier. They weren't able to protect themselves from the cold aura the young girl's power emitted.

Metchzel realized that the power of young girl holds is a pure ice element. A possible reason why her hair's as white as snow. Metchzel, then, released his fire aura. A thin layer of fire aura that will dispel the cold aura enveloping the onlookers without harming them.

He breathe deeply, then, sighed happily after knowing that this year's recruitment is not bad at all.

"Number 45, Zyph Frost, peak-phase dark purity, and a 7th-grade element!" Metchzel happily announced.

Metchzel was relieved. He found another treasure—a girl with an excellent aptitude, plus a pure ice element. He thought that even some descendants from the noble families cannot be compared to the aptitude she has. He also described the girl in his mind as a good seedling—a 15-year-old girl at the 7th stage of Energy Condensing will be one of the pillars in the future.

"Hmm, okay, that's enough," Metchzel said to the crowd when they started to make an uproar.

Aside from that reason, Metchzel is excited to finish the trials and go back to the academy to report such exciting news to the grandmaster.

"Last participant, number 49, please step forward to start your trial!" Metchzel called.

"How did I forget?" Metchzel said to himself.

He saw a familiar boy walking towards him. He suddenly recalled the young boy earlier who was the last one to register, the young boy at the 9th stage of Energy Condensing, Red. Metchzel's heart was filled with excitement again, eager to know the aptitude of Red.

Red put his hands on top of the seofon elementi stone. A few seconds later, and the stone is still not reacting. It's unusual compared to previous participants. They all began to wonder and concluded that Red doesn't have an element. However, Metchzel is thinking of two possible reasons.

*Boom!!!*

The seofon elementi stone exploded into pieces. Everyone was confused and curious about what happened. They thought, this never happened before. Metchzel was overwhelmed with excitement yet the people were left in confusion.

Metchzel saw and felt something that others didn't. Dark red light gushed out in a blink before the stone exploded. The reason for his excitement is because it was a pure fire element that even their direct descendants of the Pyro family can rarely possess. However, he can't identify the grade and purity of Red's element, mainly because the stone exploded, which has a limit of 7th-grade element.

Connecting the truths made him realize that Red's elemental grade is way higher than the seofon elementi stone's limit. He thought that if it is really the truth, then he will surely shake the whole country. That Red will mark his destiny and will write his own history.

"If... then he's a godly seedling," Metchzel repeatedly think.

However, Metchzel is doubting a little bit. Another possible reason he could think of, is the combination of pure ice and pure fire, which resulted to the explosion of the stone. In order for Metchzel's doubt to fade, he needs to test the foundation of Red. That is by proceeding to the next and last trial.

"Okay, that's enough! Let us all calm down!" He said to the onlookers after he saw them exchanging nonsensical opinions with each other that might affect the next trial.

"Number 49, Red, passed!"

"How come he passed 5th Elder?" one of the onlookers asked.

"Right? The stone exploded. What does it mean?"

Metchzel sighed deeply, for he, too, didn't know yet the certain reason of the occurrence. He knew that his explanation would only make things worse, for their comprehension was only limited to what they could comprehend.

"Due to special reasons, I, as the Fifth Elder, announced again that number 49, Red, passed the first trial!" Metchzel said with authority.

In addition, he did not say anything to protect something precious—someone that could change the world. He believed that even the wind is listening—there are eyes and ears everywhere.

"Let's move on to the last trial. This trial is very simple. I'll release my aura to those who passed the first trial, so please step forward."

Metchzel looked at the five participants who passed and lined up horizontally. Zyph is on the left side of Red, expressionless, and on Red's right side is Larnge, and so on. The four friends, Red, Larnge, Dumble, and Georgie, held the hands of each other. Excitement filled their hearts, for this last trial will determine the beginning of their dreams.

"The only thing the five of you will do is to stay standing and never touch the ground while I release my aura for five minutes. After that, you'll pass the trial if you manage to remain standing. Is that clear?"

"Yes, 5th Elder!" they answered at the same time.

"That's good. Let's begin."

In simple terms, releasing Metchzel's aura is just like exerting a force of gravity. A strong pressure that will push anything and anyone to the ground.

For Metchzel, this trial will test their foundation. Although he knew that elixirs and pills can be rarely seen in villages because they are costly. It's value is beyond comparable to all of their possessions. However, to truly determine if their foundation is well built, then this trial must be performed.

The trial truly examines the physical strength of the participants. If they truly worked hard to attain their current level of cultivation. Metchzel reminisced about old times, where some children of the noble families during examination day failed due to poor foundation. Although they have a high cultivation, their body is weak, one disadvantage of the reliance on the pills and elixirs.

Supposedly, this trial should be part of the examination. However, Metchzel could not understand the intention of the grandmaster.

Metchzel released 10% pressure, an ordinary 15 years old would find hard to stand still in a few seconds with this level of pressure.

Two minutes passed, and the two, Dumble Stonedge and Georgie Silverwind, started to flinch. However, the three, Larnge Necron, Zyph Frost, and Red are composed and calm. As if there's no pressure surrounding them.

After four minutes, Georgie and Dumble struggled. Any second now, and their legs will give up. Due to the pressure constantly suppressing them, their strength is also deteriorating. It drained their strength every second passing, yet they were still determined to continue. Metchzel concluded that they won't be able to pass the second trial. However, he's proud, for the two of them are strong-willed.

Then, Metchzel's attention was caught by the other three. Larnge's knees started to shake, and Zyph frowned. They are now starting to feel the heaviness of the pressure. However, Red is still standing calmly as if there's nothing to worry about. Metchzel was impressed by his well-built foundation. He still held to his principle that talent and skill do not relate to the status of an individual. He believed that Red is the best example of it.

Metchzel was again filled with excitement. Proud and excited to report to the grandmaster about these students that will bring glory to their academy and to the country.

A few seconds left until five minutes, Metchzel felt a chill down his spine. He felt a powerful energy pass through them. A familiar energy, yet he can't track where it came from. Metchzel looked to his surroundings, surveying the area with his divine sense to see if he could see someone. Metchzel could not find anything unusual. He thought that maybe it's just his imagination, or maybe that person is just too powerful for him.

The onlookers made an uproar that snapped Metchzel's attention.

Metchzel lost track of time—five minutes had already passed. He was surprised that the two young boys whom he were expecting to fail were able to pass the trial. He saw them barely standing, then both Georgie and Dumble fell on the ground. They both smiled at each other as they caught theirs breaths after realizing they passed the last trial.

Larnge, who is assisted by Red due to an ankle sprain, walked towards the two of them. They hugged each other with joy drawn on their faces, for all of them passed the trial.

Zyph, on the other hand, remained standing as she composed herself. Still with a cold expression, looking to the onlookers cheering them on.

Metchzel looked at them with mesmerization. He thought that all of them were determined with different reasons that molded them to be who they are right now. A group of friends driven by dreams for their loved ones and to mark their own names for the world to see a different view about status, and a cold princess forced to mature by unknown reasons.

He then gazed at Red and at Zyph, who possess the pure fire and ice elements. Both of their elements are peak-phase dark purity. Metchzel acknowledged that these two will bring glory to the academy and will make their own name in the world of cultivation.

"So now, the trial ends here. I congratulate all participants who passed." Metchzel caught the attention of everyone.

"Fourth place, Dumble Stonedge and Georgie Silverwind! Third place, Larnge Necron! Second place, Zyph Frost! And first place, Red!" Metchzel announced proudly.

Everyone cheered and clapped their hands for the success of the five children who will bring new hope to the village of Motowo. The citizens were proud and filled with hope. The village chief congratulated them proudly and smiled with pure happiness.

"HAHAHA, what a disappointment."

Metchzel's smile faded instantly, shifting to a serious one. Everyone stopped cheering and celebrating, then looked at the newcomers.

"Oh, hello, 4th Elder," Metchzel greeted bitterly.

He didn't expect to meet someone who's not on good terms with him. Metchzel thought that the 4th Elder already planned this to happen. Since the two villages where they are assigned are close to each other.

The 4th Elder is dressed with a robe in a bluish shade and a silver pauldron on his shoulders across his neck where his fluffy cape is pinned. He is shining brightly as sun rays touched it.

The 4th Elder looked at everyone while his eyebrows met. Suddenly he raised one of his eyebrows, and the villagers felt fear due to the intimidating aura of the 4th Elder. His direct disciple, who is a young boy, grinned at the villagers.

"G-greetings 4th E-elder." they said in fear.

"Hmm."

The 4th Elder gazed at the children who just passed.

"HAHAHAHA, is this all you have?HAHAHAHA, only five participants passed?!" he insulted.

It made Metchzel look at the children behind him. Ten children who are now clueless of what's happening. Metchzel checked the children's cultivation and found out that the highest among them is at the 6th stage of Energy Condensing. Metchzel smiled softly after realizing that his recruits were more powerful—quality over quantity.

"Ohh, 9th stage of energy condensing. What's your name boy?" The 4th Elder suddenly asked as soon as he realized Red's cultivation.

Metchzel's eyes widened, for he knew the outcome of this. He will surely snatch Red from him.

"Ah-h, my name's Red," Red answered surprisedly.

"Red, would you like to be my disciple?" the 4th Elder asked directly.

Metchzel bit his lips and made a fist. He knew that the 4th elder will be violating the rules of the academy. Then, this will not end well.

"Wow, he's so lucky!"

"Is that Shen's grandson?"

"The 4th Elder asked him to be his disciple! Amazing!"

"Too bad, it's the 4th Elder."

"Yeah, it's way better if it was the 5th Elder."

The onlookers began to exchange opinions.

"SILENCE!!!" the 4th Elder shouted loudly.

Immediately, the onlookers stopped talking as the loud voice nearly made their eardrums explode. Then, they are trembling in fear again.

"Now Red, tell me, do you want to be my disciple?" he asked again as he put emphasis on every word he uttered.

"What do you think you're doing, 4th Elder? It is against the rules to steal recruits from other elders!" Metchzel reprimanded.

"Ohh, 5th Elder, do you think I'm stealing him? Every recruit has the right to choose, besides I'm not forcing him. Am I right, Red?" The 4th Elder shamelessly said.

"I'm sorry, 4th Elder, but I have to decline your request." Red answered softy, for he already had a reason.

The crowd was surprised. Some were left dumbfounded, and others sighed with relief.

"Oh, I see?" the 4th Elder said bitterly.

"I'm very sorry." Red bowed respectfully.

Metchzel felt relieved but at the same time worried about the outcome of the rejection of Red. The 4th Elder is known to be short-tempered, strict, and prideful. He is feared by the students in the academy. Metchzel already made his decision to protect Red at all costs.

"But rejecting me has a cost, if I can't have you, then no one will!" the 4th Elder said seriously as his aura increased madly.

"Fourth Elder, you should stop!" Metchzel said as he was about to unleash his power.

Metchzel was worried for the villagers and the children's safety if they were to fight head-on. Now, he's gauging the situation.

The 4th Elder released his aura, which enveloped the surroundings, and it resulted in the increase of the gravity around. He concentrated his energy to cast a spell, aiming towards Red.

"I'll punish you!" The 4th Elder shouted as the water element condensed on his palm.

"Stop, 4th Elder!" Metchzel yelled and released his power, about to cast a protective barrier.

"You dare cause trouble here!!!" a deep, mysterious voice roared in every direction.

The 4th and 5th Elders of the Divine Owl Academy stopped, and their hearts trembled in fear.