All Chapters of Jade: The Hybrid Mage: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Kema ignored my question, his tone sharpening as he turned back to me. “Listen carefully, Jade. No one—no one—can see this symbol on you.”“But Lydia and the boss,” I pleaded. “We need to save them. I don’t believe the machine let them go.”“I don’t know who these people are, Jade. But you need to forget about that place.” His commanding tone left no room for argument. “Forget about those people and that cave.”“But Commander, does this mean the rebels are tied to Gyrange’s Cave?” Lasha interjected cautiously. “Should we investigate further?”Kema’s gaze snapped to her, the air between them thick with tension. “Not another word.”The lieutenant stiffened, then gave a sharp nod. “Understood, Commander.” Without another glance, she turned on her heel and left.“You don’t understand,” I said, my voice breaking. “We have to save them.”“I’ll handle it,” Kema said firmly, his eyes softening just enough to make me believe him. “But you need to focus on what’s coming. The selection exams beg

The first corridor was dark, the air thick and oppressive. Symbols etched into the walls glowed faintly, their light just enough to guide me forward. At the end of the corridor, two paths opened before me.One was marked with the inscription: To sacrifice is to serve.The other read: To conquer is to protect.I hesitated, the story of the Jagganighs fresh in my mind. The girl had sacrificed herself, hadn’t she? It seemed like the obvious choice. But something about the phrasing felt off.‘Think, Jade,’ Naila urged. ‘What did the mage say about truth?’I closed my eyes, replaying the story in my mind. The girl’s sacrifice wasn’t what won the war—it was the power she channeled. Her act wasn’t about giving up but about empowering others.I stepped toward the second path.As I crossed the threshold, the symbols on the walls flared, and a new challenge emerged—a glowing riddle scrawled across the corridor ahead:“What flows without form, yet shapes mountains with time? Choose its vessel wi

The moment I stepped out of the final chamber, a chorus of gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. The other participants had been watching my trial, their faces etched with varying degrees of awe, resentment, and disbelief."Did she really finish it that fast again?" someone whispered."Impossible," another said, shaking their head.I walked forward, trying to ignore the sea of eyes boring into me. My heart raced, not from the trials but from the overwhelming attention.‘You’ve made quite an impression,’ Naila said, her tone amused.‘I didn’t ask for it,’ I replied, feeling heat creep up my neck.The senior mage who had overseen the test approached, his eyes sharp and assessing.“Jade Ishola,” he said, his voice carrying over the murmurs. “You’ve not only passed the trial—you’ve shattered the previous record.”A stunned silence followed his announcement.“Congratulations,” he added, inclining his head slightly before stepping back.I nodded, unsure of what to say. The weight of

“Lieutenant Lasha!” I said, excitement spilling into my voice as I walked toward her and saluted with my fist pressed to my forehead.“You’re not an official cadet yet, Jade,” Lasha chuckled. Her smile faded as she added in a hushed tone, “Weren’t you warned not to carelessly reveal the symbol on your palm?”I froze, immediately tucking my hand behind me, making a tight fist. “I . . . I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful.”“Good,” she said firmly. “Now leave. He’s in an important meeting.”“I just need Blooby, please,” I pleaded.“We don’t do that here, Jade,” Lasha snapped, her eyes narrowing. “When given an instruction, you obey. Got it?”“I understand,” I mumbled, my voice heavy with defeat. “I’ll just take—”The heavy doors behind her creaked open, interrupting me mid-sentence. Lasha quickly straightened, moving to stand beside the guards, her posture rigid. She nodded toward me, and I scrambled to mimic her, saluting toward the figure emerging from the chamber. I could’ve sworn I hear

The dining hall reminded me of the cathedral where I had my magic awakened—except here, long wooden tables stretched across the space, their surfaces scarred from years of use but enchanted to remain unbroken. Enchanted chandeliers floated high above, their crystal orbs casting a warm, golden glow. Even the Sky Border’s dining hall didn’t disappoint.The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and freshly baked bread, mingling with the noise of laughter and conversation. Cadets and aspirants clustered in groups—some laughing loudly, others whispering conspiratorially, while a few sat alone, lost in their own thoughts.I sat at the end of a long table, absently poking at my food. Despite the room’s vibrance, I couldn’t shake the unease that had clung to me since the ritual with Bainer.“Jade!” A familiar voice called, pulling me from my thoughts.I looked up to see Nyomei approaching, her shy smile a welcome sight. Lotanni followed close behind, her familiar C