This article is six of seven (yes.) in Phase I of a sort of novel, the “Pentagon of Pandemonium”, which outlines the history behind an entire universe of lore that I’ve been creating since seventh grade. (Back in 2022, way before this blog started!) I’ve only posted one article about the complex world of Magicae since I founded Inside A Wandering Mind, when I was a freshman in high school. At the time, I was given an assignment to write a short story in High School English, and I chose to write about something that was part of the lore. Since then, it’s just been something I’ve spent my free time doing— finally, after years of working, my friend Tristan and I have decided to work together to create a novel on the newest additions to our world lore that we’ve been obsessing over for years. We hope you enjoy!
CONTENT WARNING – Some of the scenes in this novel may feature violence, profanity, or references to other mature topics that may cause discomfort for certain readers.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors’ imagination or used in a fictitious manner to serve the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Chapter 3 (1985) – The Family Superstar
Greenian Successor (1985-1986) Trials Application
Please fill out this form as thoroughly as possible. If you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent or guardian to fill out the Underaged Competitors section.
Name: Leif Ethan Allen
Age: 19 Years Old
Residence: 18th Street, Unit 11, District 9 of Greenia City
TMIMS Score (Will be verified with scholars, so be honest): 931/1,000
Siblings: Roman Ethan Allen (Male, Age 17) & Caspian Ethan Allen (Male, Age 15)
Parents/Guardians: Simon Ethan Allen (Father) & Aurelia Ethan Allen (Mother)
School, if Applicable: Currently in 2nd year at Archiver University.
List out any major accomplishments you have, if applicable:
- Class Rank (1/500) @ Greenian Imperial Academy for Gifted Adolescents, which is the most academically rigorous Secondary School in all of Magicae.
- 3-time Consecutive Winner of the Annual District 9 Sword-Fighting Tournament
- Finalist in Imperial Combat Olympiad (ICO) for 2 years
- Team Captain for Greenian Imperial Academy’s Team of 12 at the International Academic Competition. Our team got 8th place out of around 200 teams.
By signing my name below, I hereby waive all rights and accept full accountability for any damages that may be caused to me in the Trials. I acknowledge that certain parts of the Trials may feature dangerous activities that can result in injury or, in certain cases, death. I also understand that once I submit this waiver to my Local Imperial Center, I will be required by law to attend every exam and test in the Trials. The Greenian Zelena Administration will rearrange any schedule conflicts that may arise. I understand that I will be disqualified if I fail to comply with all standards set by the Zelena Administration or attempt to withdraw from the competition.
Leif Ethan Allen Sign Here
By signing my name under this paragraph, I hereby state in my honor that I will not attempt to cheat or use dishonest means to gain an advantage over other students. If I am caught attempting to do so, I will be subject to punishment and disqualification, the severity of which will vary depending on the level of offense I have committed.
Leif Ethan Allen Sign Here
“Done!” Leif set his quill down, and his little brother Caspian let out a loud noise that sounded something like a cheer. “We’re in, boys! Your big brother will be competing in the Imperial Trials of 1986.”
A round of applause from Leif’s friend group; eight sweaty, excited boys crammed into one small bedroom jumping up and down, shaking the entire room.
“Let’s get it, boys!”
“Proud of ya, Leif.”
“You gotta win now, alright?”
They all took turns slapping him on the back, hugging him, and shouting words of encouragement as he stood up and faced his group proudly. “I won’t let you guys down,” Leif promised over and over again. The party lasted for an hour — and it’d have lasted for another day and a half had Leif’s parents, Simon and Aurelia, not kicked everyone out minutes after. After the last drunk partygoer had left the house, Leif, who had just finished his glass of Lime Wine for the night, was asked by his father to sit down for a quick conversation.
“Can we hear, too?” Caspian asked eagerly, grabbing Roman’s arm and practically dragging him towards the doorway of Leif’s room. “Please, Dad?”
“No,” Their father said, pushing Caspian gently by the shoulder. “Please go back to your room.”
The two were pretty clearly disappointed, but Caspian and Roman both tiptoed slowly back to their rooms. Father then took the door and slowly shut it, leaving him in a private room with his wife and their son, Leif Ethan Allen. “What’s up, Dad?”
Father sighed. “I just want you to think about what could happen if you go and turn in that waiver to the Imperial Center tomorrow morning. What that really means.” He paused for a moment, giving Leif time to think.
“I’ll be part of a competition that could literally make us the Ruling Family of all of Magicae,” Leif answered in a confused voice, trying to figure out what his dad was hinting at. “Look, the chances are low, even for me— I get that. But it’s possible.”
That wasn’t what Father wanted him to say. “I don’t doubt your skill,” He said. “But did you actually read what the advertisement for the Trials says?”
“Yeah,” Leif said impatiently. “Don’t you think I read, Dad? It says that it tests my physical abilities and decision-making. I’m pretty good with that. I’ve been in some stressful situations before, and I can handle this. And—” Leif grinned. “You’ll be able to say your son is the next Chief of Greenia if I win. Think about how you could brag that my son is the Chief! Of Greenia!”
“It’s not just that,” Father insisted. “Do you realize what you signed up for? The stakes that are attached to this? The form has a waiver accepting that the government has no responsibility for possible injury and death. We don’t know what this trial’s going to be about. I’m worried it’s going to be a lot worse than just a few tests.” Leif’s Dad’s face was stricken with worry, even if he knew how smart his son was. “I’ve heard stories of what people went through fighting in wars for Zelena, and it isn’t pretty. One of my co-workers’ sons went through it, and his son came back without a leg or an arm. I don’t want that happening to you.”
“Dad,” Leif’s chest swelled up with pride, and he was suddenly angry. “I can handle this. Don’t forget, I’m the valedictorian at the Greenian Imperial Academy. It’s the most rigorous school in all of Magicae. And I’m the best sword fighter in the district. No one’s beaten me in an official tournament in over six years, technically eight because I’m counting that one time I lost. And why do you think it’s going to be dangerous? It’s a test to see who will lead Greenia. What do you think— the Chief is going to put us into a cage and make us fight to the death for fun? Please. I don’t give a fuck what those trials have in store for me. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“Leif!” Dad shouted suddenly, and he hesitated for a moment. “Think of the rumors! Word on the street is that Zelena summoned a demon army to fight the Miners during the war. He committed war crimes against their people. Your friend Memehd— don’t you remember what happened to his father? He volunteered to fight the Miner Society at war and we haven’t heard anything about him in years. I’m not saying that I know what Zelena has in store for you, but that’s dangerous, don’t you think? We don’t know what’s coming.”
“You have nothing to worry about!” Leif snapped, slamming one hand into a wall. “Look— it’s not dangerous. We’re taking tests, not fighting wars. Zelena doesn’t have any reason to kill us or make us fight. That’s not what he’s going to test us on, okay? It isn’t dangerous. I already signed up anyway, and I’m not changing my mind on this. What’s everyone going to think if I don’t follow through, especially after that whole signing party? What’s it going to say about our family? That we’re quitters. That the Allens run away like timid little puppies when things get difficult.” He set his fist down— hard – at the table, the way he looked when he was real serious about something, and there was no point debating him. “We worked hard to become one of Greenia’s richest clans. You and Grandpa worked eighteen-hour shifts in the vile slums just to feed yourselves with some rotten clam soup. I’m not going to sit here and laze around knowing you went through this in the past. You can’t stop me. I’m above eighteen. I’m an adult.”
Leif’s father let out an exasperated sigh, knowing the argument was lost. Leif couldn’t tell if tears were about to drop from his father’s eyes. He knew nothing would change his son’s mind; Leif had put his mind to something, and he wanted to build something for himself the way his family did. He was proud, but he was also swelling with terror. “I understand I can’t change your mind on this.” He said, sounding defeated. “Just promise me—promise me that you’ll come back intact. Don’t be too cocky, be careful there, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Just… survive.”
“I will, Dad,” Leif promised sadly. “I will.” He bent forward and hugged his dad. “It’s just a few tests,” He said quietly. “I’ll come back, alive and well. I’ll make our family proud here. And when I come back, I’ll be
