Mark of Mastery exam
- "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 Mark of Mastery exam (マスター承認試験 Masutā Shōnin Shiken, lit. "Master Qualification Exam") 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.
- 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.
Story
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
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 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.
