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Mark of Mastery exam: Difference between revisions

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[[File:TerravsAqua.jpg|thumb|The second stage of the Mark of Mastery, as shown in the opening of ''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''.]]
{{Q|Today you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery. Not one but two of the Keyblade's chosen stand here as candidates...but this is neither a competition nor a battle for supremacy—not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail, or neither.|Master Eraqus to Terra and Aqua.}}
{{Q|Today you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery. Not one but two of the Keyblade's chosen stand before me as candidates... but this is neither a competition or a battle for supremacy—not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail, or neither.|Master Eraqus}}
The {{nihongo|'''Mark of Mastery exam'''|マスター承認試験|Masutā Shōnin Shiken|lit. "Master Qualification Exam"}}<!--temporary source: http://blog.wazap.com/462705/?p=36; try to find on wikiwiki or screenshot--> is an event which serves as a test for those strong of heart that have been chosen by the [[Keyblade]] to become [[Keyblade Master]]s.  
The {{nihongo|'''Mark of Mastery'''|マスター承認試験|Masutā Shōnin Shiken|lit. "Master Qualification Exam"}}<!--temporary source: http://blog.wazap.com/462705/?p=36; try to find on wikiwiki or screenshot--> is an event that takes place in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', a test for those strong of heart that have been chosen by the [[Keyblade]] to become Keyblade Masters. The exam is taken by both [[Terra]] and [[Aqua]], but their friend [[Ventus]] is not allowed to participate. Apprentices of Keyblade Masters that pass the test have two choices:


#The Keyblade Master may take on their own apprentices, and reshape their world to one more of their liking as [[Master Eraqus]] did.
==Process==
#The Keyblade Master may go out on their own journey as [[Master Xehanort]] chose to do. Should one choose to embark on their own journey, many different paths open up to them.
The criteria for passing is up to the Keyblade Master serving as the examiner. The exam itself varies in its process, with some being simple duels, as seen with Terra and Aqua's exam, and others being entire journeys to resolve pressing issues, such as Sora and Riku's quest to awaken the Sleeping Worlds. If outside forces interfere with the exam, the examiner will determine if the applicant still meets the criteria for passing. Eraqus failed Terra for using darkness, due to his own aversion to it. Despite Sora also gaining the [[power of waking]] in the exam, Yen Sid did not pass him due to Xehanort making him lose most of his powers.
 
Apprentices of Keyblade Masters who pass the test have a few paths open to them. Traditionally, new Keyblade Master will eventually take on their own apprentices, passing down their beliefs and shaping a new generation of Keyblade wielders. Others may become teachers. In addition, one Master is given the title of "Successor", charged with keeping watch over the sacred [[Land of Departure]].<ref>'''[[Xehanort's Report VIII]]''': "I had already shown the Mark and become a Keyblade Master—but having been passed over as Successor, all that remained to me was the road of teacher. Ordinarily, Keyblade Masters take pupils under their wings, malleable minds in which to impress the precepts of the Keyblade wielder and keep our profession alive for generations to come."</ref> New Keyblade Masters may also choose to embark on their own journey, as Master Xehanort did.


==Story==
==Story==
==='''''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'''''===
===''Kingdom Hearts Dark Road''===
[[File:MQ_Exam_Pt._I.png|thumb|left|The first stage of the Mark of Mastery begins.]]
As part of their Mark of Mastery exam, Hoder, Helgi, Heimdall, Vala, Vali, Vidar and Sigrun travel to other worlds, but due to conflicting beliefs among them and the loss of Hoder, the remaining students were struck down by Baldr, who was possessed by Darkness. Years later, Eraqus and Xehanort took the exam themselves passing and earned the title of Keyblade Masters themselves.
After an intense evening of training, Terra and Aqua arrived before Master Eraqus, their friend Ventus eagerly looking on. Master Eraqus announcing that his old colleague Master Xehanort had come to judge their skills, he then warned Terra and Aqua of the strong heart and will required to pass the test, and that their fate was to be decided through the exam. As soon as his apprentices were ready, Master Eraqus proceeded to summon several [[Ball of Light|Balls of Light]] for them to battle, oblivious to the fact that Master Xehanort had manipulated the orbs with darkness to make the stationary orbs attack. Ventus joined Terra and Aqua, ignoring orders to return to his room due to danger, as he was looking forward to seeing his friends become Masters.


Once the orbs had been destroyed, the second stage of the Mark of Mastery began. Terra and Aqua engaged themselves in a fierce battle. Terra turned out victorious, as he had utilized his darkness to gain the upper hand. When the battle had ended, Master Eraqus acknowledged Terra's great strength, but chose only Aqua to become a Keyblade Master due to Terra's reliance on his darkness. Master Eraqus stating that he expected Terra to try harder the next time; he then told Aqua he would later inform her of her new duties as a Keyblade Master, leaving behind a confused Terra, who remained with his friends until deciding he needed to be alone.
===''Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep''===
[[File:Mark of Mastery 01 KHBBS.png|thumb|left|200px|The first stage of Terra and Aqua's Mark of Mastery exam consists of a battle against several Orbs of Light.]]
After an intense evening of training, [[Terra]] and [[Aqua]] arrive before Master Eraqus, with their friend [[Ventus]] eagerly watching. Master Eraqus announces that his old colleague Master Xehanort has come to help judge their skills, then warns Terra and Aqua of the strong heart and will required to pass the test, and that their fate will be decided through the exam. As soon as his apprentices are ready, Master Eraqus proceeds to summon several [[Orbs of Light]] for them to battle, but Master Xehanort covertly infuses the orbs with darkness, forcing Ventus to help defeat them as well. However, Eraqus allows the test to proceed.


==='''''[[Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded]]'''''===
[[File:Opening 05 KHBBS.png|thumb|200px|The second stage of Terra and Aqua's Mark of Mastery exam consists of a one-on-one duel.]]
In the game's final scene, Yen Sid orders Mickey to summon Sora and Riku to the Mysterious Tower to hold a Mark of Mastery Exam upon realising Master Xehanort has returned.
Once the orbs have been destroyed, the second stage of the Mark of Mastery exam begins. Terra and Aqua engage in a fierce battle, and as Terra begins to lose the battle, his inner darkness begins to emerge, but he quickly dismisses it. When the battle has ended, Master Eraqus acknowledges Terra's great strength, but chooses only Aqua to become a Keyblade Master due to Terra's reliance on his darkness. Master Eraqus states that he expects Terra to try harder the next time; he then tells Aqua he will later inform her of her new duties as a Keyblade Master, leaving behind a confused Terra, who soon leaves to get his head together.


In the meantime, [[Mickey Mouse]] takes his own Mark of Mastery exam under his master [[Yen Sid]] by journeying through different worlds via his Star Shard and aiding Ventus and Aqua in their battles against Master Xehanort, [[Vanitas]] and the [[Unversed]]. Not long after the disappearance of Terra, Ven, and Aqua and the appearance of [[Terra-Xehanort]], he returns [[Star Seeker|his Keyblade]] and Star Shard to Yen Sid, believing he has failed; however, Yen Sid hands the Keyblade back to Mickey to show that he has, in fact, passed.
{{-}}


===''Kingdom Hearts Re:coded''===
{{Main|Signs of What's Next}}
Yen Sid orders Mickey to bring [[Sora]] and [[Riku]] to him to undertake the Mark of Mastery in response to the coming return of Master Xehanort.
{{-}}
{{-}}
===''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance''===
[[File:Dream Eaters 01 KH3D.png|thumb|left|200x|For their Mark of Mastery exam, Yen Sid assigns Sora and Riku a journey through the World of Sleep.]]
{{Q|If we are ever to strike down Xehanort, we need the individuals King Mickey spoke of in his letter. We must lead them out of sorrow and slumber, and back to our world. To do so, seven Sleeping Keyholes must be found and unlocked, and a great power retrieved.|Yen Sid to Sora and Riku.}}
As their Mark of Mastery exam, Yen Sid assigns Sora and Riku to travel the World of Sleep and awaken seven worlds which remained submerged in sleep following [[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness|Ansem]]'s defeat, but a [[young Xehanort]] appears to hinder their progress. Initially, Sora and Riku hesitate to take the exam, Sora believing that he is unbeatable as he is, and Riku concerned about his past experiences with the darkness.
Despite the interference of Xehanort and his [[Real Organization XIII|new Organization XIII]], Yen Sid states that both Sora and Riku deserve to become Keyblade Masters, but since Riku went to the Realm of Sleep again to save Sora, who has lost most of his power because of his near possession, Yen Sid names only Riku as a Keyblade Master.
==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}
{{BBS}}
{{BBS}}
{{DDD}}
{{KHDR}}
[[de:Meisterprüfung]]
[[Category:Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]
[[Category:Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]
[[Category:Events]]
[[Category:Events]]

Latest revision as of 04:00, 1 January 2024

"Today you will be examined for the Mark of Mastery. Not one but two of the Keyblade's chosen stand here as candidates...but this is neither a competition nor a battle for supremacy—not a test of wills, but a test of heart. Both of you may prevail, or neither."
—Master Eraqus to Terra and Aqua.

The Mark of Mastery exam (マスター承認試験 Masutā Shōnin Shiken?, lit. "Master Qualification Exam") is an event which serves as a test for those strong of heart that have been chosen by the Keyblade to become Keyblade Masters.

Process[edit]

The criteria for passing is up to the Keyblade Master serving as the examiner. The exam itself varies in its process, with some being simple duels, as seen with Terra and Aqua's exam, and others being entire journeys to resolve pressing issues, such as Sora and Riku's quest to awaken the Sleeping Worlds. If outside forces interfere with the exam, the examiner will determine if the applicant still meets the criteria for passing. Eraqus failed Terra for using darkness, due to his own aversion to it. Despite Sora also gaining the power of waking in the exam, Yen Sid did not pass him due to Xehanort making him lose most of his powers.

Apprentices of Keyblade Masters who pass the test have a few paths open to them. Traditionally, new Keyblade Master will eventually take on their own apprentices, passing down their beliefs and shaping a new generation of Keyblade wielders. Others may become teachers. In addition, one Master is given the title of "Successor", charged with keeping watch over the sacred Land of Departure.[1] New Keyblade Masters may also choose to embark on their own journey, as Master Xehanort did.

Story[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Dark Road[edit]

As part of their Mark of Mastery exam, Hoder, Helgi, Heimdall, Vala, Vali, Vidar and Sigrun travel to other worlds, but due to conflicting beliefs among them and the loss of Hoder, the remaining students were struck down by Baldr, who was possessed by Darkness. Years later, Eraqus and Xehanort took the exam themselves passing and earned the title of Keyblade Masters themselves.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep[edit]

The first stage of Terra and Aqua's Mark of Mastery exam consists of a battle against several Orbs of Light.

After an intense evening of training, Terra and Aqua arrive before Master Eraqus, with their friend Ventus eagerly watching. Master Eraqus announces that his old colleague Master Xehanort has come to help judge their skills, then warns Terra and Aqua of the strong heart and will required to pass the test, and that their fate will be decided through the exam. As soon as his apprentices are ready, Master Eraqus proceeds to summon several Orbs of Light for them to battle, but Master Xehanort covertly infuses the orbs with darkness, forcing Ventus to help defeat them as well. However, Eraqus allows the test to proceed.

The second stage of Terra and Aqua's Mark of Mastery exam consists of a one-on-one duel.

Once the orbs have been destroyed, the second stage of the Mark of Mastery exam begins. Terra and Aqua engage in a fierce battle, and as Terra begins to lose the battle, his inner darkness begins to emerge, but he quickly dismisses it. When the battle has ended, Master Eraqus acknowledges Terra's great strength, but chooses only Aqua to become a Keyblade Master due to Terra's reliance on his darkness. Master Eraqus states that he expects Terra to try harder the next time; he then tells Aqua he will later inform her of her new duties as a Keyblade Master, leaving behind a confused Terra, who soon leaves to get his head together.

In the meantime, Mickey Mouse takes his own Mark of Mastery exam under his master Yen Sid by journeying through different worlds via his Star Shard and aiding Ventus and Aqua in their battles against Master Xehanort, Vanitas and the Unversed. Not long after the disappearance of Terra, Ven, and Aqua and the appearance of Terra-Xehanort, he returns his Keyblade and Star Shard to Yen Sid, believing he has failed; however, Yen Sid hands the Keyblade back to Mickey to show that he has, in fact, passed.

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded[edit]

Main article: Signs of What's Next

Yen Sid orders Mickey to bring Sora and Riku to him to undertake the Mark of Mastery in response to the coming return of Master Xehanort.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance[edit]

For their Mark of Mastery exam, Yen Sid assigns Sora and Riku a journey through the World of Sleep.
"If we are ever to strike down Xehanort, we need the individuals King Mickey spoke of in his letter. We must lead them out of sorrow and slumber, and back to our world. To do so, seven Sleeping Keyholes must be found and unlocked, and a great power retrieved."
—Yen Sid to Sora and Riku.

As their Mark of Mastery exam, Yen Sid assigns Sora and Riku to travel the World of Sleep and awaken seven worlds which remained submerged in sleep following Ansem's defeat, but a young Xehanort appears to hinder their progress. Initially, Sora and Riku hesitate to take the exam, Sora believing that he is unbeatable as he is, and Riku concerned about his past experiences with the darkness.

Despite the interference of Xehanort and his new Organization XIII, Yen Sid states that both Sora and Riku deserve to become Keyblade Masters, but since Riku went to the Realm of Sleep again to save Sora, who has lost most of his power because of his near possession, Yen Sid names only Riku as a Keyblade Master.

Notes and references[edit]

  1. ^ Xehanort's Report VIII: "I had already shown the Mark and become a Keyblade Master—but having been passed over as Successor, all that remained to me was the road of teacher. Ordinarily, Keyblade Masters take pupils under their wings, malleable minds in which to impress the precepts of the Keyblade wielder and keep our profession alive for generations to come."