that was his .
To be more specific—he and the others with him yesterday were given the rank of an apprentice or a 1-circle mage. The ceremonial bronze pin on his robes caught the morning light as he moved through the corridors, its simple design marking him as one of the newly inducted. Around him, other fresh initiates wore similar pins with varying degrees of pride or nervousness.
His performance in the trial had even earned him small nods from instructors, some of his peers were also glancing at him as he moved. The way Elder Thorne had lingered after announcing his results, the slight upturn at the corner of Instructor Vale's mouth when their eyes met—these were the subtle acknowledgments that marked him as someone to watch. Not exceptional enough to draw unwanted scrutiny, but competent enough to earn respect.
As usual there were whispers in the hallways.
"Did you see how cleanly he formed that essence spiral?"
