instructors’ evaluation and his rejection from the advanced programme, so he applied to retake the practical exams, which had previously proved problematic for him. There was no reason to refuse. The day before yesterday, during the test, he was unable to summon a creature of the required strength, so he was to lose his chance to continue his education.’ Von Konlah sighed deeply, leaning against his desk. ‘Personally, I think the boy has extensive theoretical knowledge, is intelligent and ambitious, but lacks practical talent. He received a military patent and could easily have enlisted in the army or private units. It seems to me that by conscientiously fulfilling his duties and continuing to train for another three years, he would have become a pretty good officer. However, he was stubborn and, for some reason, almost obsessed with an advanced military profile.’ Another long sigh. 'In any case, when he was about to fail, he asked for one more chance. The instructors agreed. Further reports differ in detail, but their overall tone is similar.' The rector reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small, simple box cast uniformly from dark metal. ‘Mr. Vechs pulled something out from behind his back. Everyone present agreed that it was a powerful catalyst that would cause him to lose points, but he would still have a chance to pass. It was too late to realise that something was wrong and that the incantation was incorrect. Instructor Hartmann was the first to understand what was really happening. However, it was too late, and the spell, or rather the artefact, quickly absorbed Mr Vechs' mana and life force.
Darius closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He tried to focus his thoughts on all the information, not on his own memories. The description was not disturbing, it was terrifying. It wasn't uncommon for artefacts or catalysts to slip out of the control of inexperienced magicians and wreak havoc, exhausting the wizard, but the moment he lost the last of his mana along with his consciousness, the chaos died down. Extreme exhaustion was, of course,
