The Magic Ring

Far, far away, beyond the clouds and mist, there was a magical kingdom where every leaf and every stone shimmered with enchantment. The people who lived there were almost all wizards, divided into two groups: apprentice wizards and full-fledged wizards. 

Everyone began their journey as an apprentice wizards. When their skills became strong enough, they could take the entrance exam at the Magic Academy. Those who passed received a gleaming magical ring, marking them as full-fledged wizards. This ring was not only a symbol of their status but also enhanced their magical powers.

In a quiet corner of this kingdom stood a small wooden cottage. Vines crawled over its rooftop, and the windowsills were lined with all sorts of magical herbs. Inside lived a little girl named Sophie and her mother. Sophie's mother was a full-fledged wizard, and on her right hand, she wore a dazzling magic ring.

"Mom, let’s go to the forest to pick mushrooms today!" Sophie said excitedly, tugging at her mother's hand.

"Alright," her mother replied with a gentle smile. "But we must be careful. Sometimes, the forest can be home to dangerous creatures."

Hand in hand, they stepped into the forest. The woods were alive with wonderful sounds—birds chirped in the treetops, and small animals rustled through the underbrush.

As Sophie focused on picking mushrooms, a sudden rustling came from the bushes. She lifted her head, but before she could react, a huge wolf leaped out from the shadows! Its eyes glowed green, its sharp fangs gleamed like knives, and it charged straight at her.

"Sophie, look out!" her mother shouted. She quickly pushed Sophie aside and raised her right hand. The red gemstone on her magic ring blazed with dazzling light.

"Dragon’s Flame!" Her voice was steady and strong.

At her command, a massive fire dragon burst forth from the ring. The dragon roared and unleashed a scorching stream of fire, forcing the wolf to retreat. With a yelp, the beast turned and fled deep into the forest.

Sophie sat on the ground, her eyes wide with shock. She had never seen magic so powerful before! The fire dragon circled in the air, then vanished into a wisp of smoke.

"Mom, what kind of spell was that? That was incredible!" Sophie exclaimed, rushing to her mother's side.

Her mother smiled and gently patted her head. "That was Dragon’s Flame, an advanced spell. Only full-fledged wizards can cast it."

"I want to learn it too! I want to summon a fire dragon!" Sophie said eagerly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Her mother shook her head softly. "Dragon’s Flame requires the power of a magic ring. You're still young. Once you grow older, pass the Magic Academy’s exam, and earn your own magic ring, I’ll teach you. Alright?"

Sophie pouted, feeling a little frustrated. "Then I'll take the exam right now! I want my magic ring!"

Her mother chuckled at her determination. "The exam isn’t easy. You’ll need to study a lot of magic and build up your magical strength before you can pass. But I believe that one day, you’ll become an outstanding wizard."

Sophie clenched her small fists, her expression full of resolve. "I’ll work hard! I’ll be just as powerful as you!"

Her mother gazed at her warmly and nodded. "Alright then, let’s go home. We picked so many mushrooms today—how about I make mushroom soup for dinner?"

"Yay!" Sophie beamed, picking up the basket full of mushrooms. Hand in hand, she and her mother made their way back home.

Early the next morning, as the golden sunlight spilled into Sophie’s little bedroom, she quietly slipped out of bed. Her heart was pounding with excitement and nervousness because today, she had made a bold decision—she was going to sneak off to the Magic Academy and take the official wizard’s exam!

She dressed carefully, making sure not to make a sound, then tiptoed out of the house.

The Magic Academy stood at the very center of the kingdom, a towering spire that reached high into the sky, its peak shimmering with dazzling rainbow lights. Sophie stood at the grand entrance, took a deep breath, and gathered her courage before stepping inside.

The exam was divided into two parts: the first tested magical ability, and the second was a series of questions from the examiners. Sophie felt confident in her magic—after all, she had been learning from her mother since she was little. She entered the examination hall, where three serious-looking examiners awaited her.

"Please demonstrate your basic magic skills," one of the examiners instructed.

Sophie nodded, lifted her hands, and softly chanted, "Blooming Blossom!" Instantly, a small seed in her palm sprouted, growing rapidly until it bloomed into a beautiful red rose.

Next, she performed a transformation spell, turning the rose into a delicate paper crane.

Finally, she cast a levitation spell, making the paper crane dance gracefully in the air.

The examiners exchanged glances and nodded in approval. It was clear that they were pleased with Sophie’s performance. She had passed the first part of the exam with ease.

Now came the second part. The examiners would ask her questions to determine whether she was truly ready to become a full-fledged wizard.

The first examiner asked, "Near a village, there is a pitch-black forest where darkness swallows everything. A fire creature lives there—it can see perfectly in the dark and often attacks travelers. How would you handle this situation?"

Sophie thought for a moment, then confidently answered, "My mom knows Light Magic. I would ask her to use a Light Orb spell to illuminate the forest so we can see the fire creature. Then, I would use Water Magic to attack it, since fire creatures are weak against water."

The examiner furrowed his brows but said nothing. He simply gave a small nod and moved on.

The second examiner spoke next, "A floating city in the sky has been terrorized by a mischievous wind spirit. It’s causing destruction everywhere. What would you do?"

This time, Sophie took longer to think before answering, "My mom knows a Flying Spell, so she could take me up to the sky city. Once we’re there, I would use Fire Magic to attack the wind spirit because wind spirits are afraid of fire."

The examiner’s frown deepened. He shook his head and said in a serious tone, "I’m sorry, Sophie, but you have not passed the exam."

Sophie froze, her eyes widening in shock. "Why? Did I answer incorrectly?"

The examiner sighed and explained, "Your answers always rely on your mother’s magic. To become a full-fledged wizard, you must learn to solve problems independently. A true wizard cannot always depend on someone else."

Sophie lowered her head, disappointment and confusion weighing heavily in her heart. Without another word, she left the examination hall. As she walked home, the examiner’s words echoed over and over in her mind.

Sophie was determined to become independent. She no longer relied on her mother for everything but instead started taking charge of her own life, beginning with the little things.

Every morning, she made her own bed, prepared her own breakfast, and even started studying magic books her mother had never taught her.

One day, she gathered her courage and asked, "Mom, can you teach me more magic? I want to learn the Flying Spell and the Light Orb spell."

Her mother looked at her in surprise but soon smiled warmly. "Of course, Sophie. But these spells aren’t easy. They require a lot of practice and patience."

"I’m not afraid of hard work!" Sophie declared firmly.

From that day on, Sophie dedicated herself to mastering more advanced magic. She practiced the Flying Spell every morning, and though she often fell and got covered in mud, she never gave up. At night, she studied the Light Orb spell, determined to understand every part of its incantation.

Her mother watched her progress in silence, feeling both proud and touched. She noticed that Sophie was becoming more confident and independent, no longer relying on her the way she once had.

A year later, one morning, her mother gently patted her shoulder and said, "Sophie, you’ve learned to be independent and have mastered so many spells. I believe you’re ready to become an official wizard."

Sophie’s eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Can I take the exam again?"

Her mother nodded with a smile. "Of course. I know you’ll pass this time."

The next morning, Sophie arrived at the Magic Academy once again—this time, not nervous, but full of anticipation.

The first part of the exam began, and Sophie confidently demonstrated her magic.

She raised her hands and chanted, "Shimmering Hare, appear!" Instantly, a golden, glowing rabbit leaped from her palms.

Next, she cast the Flying Spell, gracefully soaring through the air.

Finally, she unleashed a Flame Arrow, sending a blazing arrow from her fingertips straight toward a distant target, hitting it with perfect accuracy.

The examiners nodded in approval, clearly impressed by her abilities.

Then came the second part—the questions.

One examiner asked, "If a wind spirit is wreaking havoc in the Sky City, how would you handle the situation?"

Without hesitation, Sophie replied, "I would use the Flying Spell to reach the Sky City. Then, I’d cast a Fire Net spell to trap the wind spirit and restrict its movements. After that, I’d use a Flame Arrow to disrupt its wind-based magic so it can no longer cause destruction."

The examiners exchanged glances before smiling in satisfaction. "Congratulations, Sophie. You’ve passed the exam and are now an official wizard!"

Sophie nearly jumped for joy. She accepted the gleaming wizard’s ring and slipped it onto her right hand. The gemstone embedded in the ring glowed warmly, as if celebrating her achievement.

Not long after, urgent news spread across the Magic Kingdom—a real wind spirit was causing chaos in the Sky City, tearing rooftops from buildings and terrifying the residents.

The moment Sophie heard the news, she made a decision—she was going to help.

She slipped on her wizard’s ring and whispered the Flying Spell. Her body lifted gracefully into the sky, and she soared toward the Sky City.

Upon arrival, she saw the wind spirit raging through the city, creating powerful gusts that sent debris flying everywhere.

Without fear, Sophie raised her right hand, and her ring shone with brilliant light. "Fire Net!" she commanded. A blazing net appeared in the air, swiftly closing in around the wind spirit, trapping it inside. The creature struggled, but the more it fought, the tighter the fiery threads became, preventing it from using its wind magic.

"Flame Arrow!" Sophie chanted again. A blazing arrow shot from her fingertips and struck the trapped wind spirit. With a piercing cry, the spirit dissolved into a wisp of smoke and vanished.

The Sky City was safe once more. Residents emerged from their homes, cheering for Sophie’s bravery.

From that day on, Sophie became one of the most respected wizards in the Magic Kingdom. She used her powers to help those in need—healing injured animals, repairing damaged villages, and standing up for those who needed protection.

Her mother watched her with pride, knowing that Sophie was no longer the little girl who had once relied on her. She had grown into a true wizard—strong, independent, and fearless.