Chapter One : Awakening Test
The great hall buzzed with anticipation, a current of excitement and anxiety threading through the gathered students. One by one, the teenagers stepped forward, their hearts hammering against their ribs, waiting to be judged by the invisible hand that would reveal their affinities.
Long ago, the Eternals—beings from beyond the stars with powers humans could only dream of had descended upon the Earth. At first, humanity had resisted them, attempting to drive them away. They feared that such beings would easily take away the lives of humans and as such didn't want them. But their plans had been interrupted by a far graver threat.
Vampires, zombies, and creatures of nightmares had risen in unrelenting waves, their strength beyond anything humanity could withstand. Cities had fallen in days, and hope seemed a fragile, fleeting memory.
The humans tried to use the military power and technologies on these beings but they proved to be ineffective. Only then did the humans fall back on the Eternals. They pleaded with them promising them full accommodation on earth. The Eternals agreed to the deal.
When the Eternals finally intervened, their arrival had not erased the threat entirely, but they had pushed the monstrous tide back enough to give humanity breathing room.
In return for their protection, the humans had begged the Eternals to teach them the secrets of magic. The Eternals, inscrutable and patient, agreed.
Generations of students had since been trained in the arcane arts, and now, in this vast hall lined with glimmering glyphs and floating crystals, another wave of eager apprentices awaited their awakenings. The air was thick with the hum of potential, the promise of power that might one day tip the scales in some distant battle yet to come.
Kael stood near the back of the hall, his palms slick with sweat, his chest tight with nervous energy. Beside him, Ceres and Diel radiated their own tension. These three were best of friends. Ceres was Kael's girl friend and Diel was his best man.
With Kael being the bottom guy in class he couldn't hope for more. All ge could do was to silently await the worst and pray for a lessening embarrassment. Though Ceres offered him a small, reassuring smile.
"No matter what happens," she whispered, leaning close enough that her words brushed against his ear.
"I'll still care for you. Every step of the way." Kael's throat tightened. Her words were meant to soothe him, but they also reminded him of the gap between himself and the prodigies surrounding them. Although Ceres herself was good and better of than him. He just happened to be lucky to be loved by such a lady.
He watched in quiet awe as students ahead of him stepped forward, their auras flaring brilliantly as their affinities were revealed.
The first, a tall girl with silver hair, exhaled sharply, and dropped her hands on a repelling bulb and instantly it revealed her status.
[Student: Lyria Morn]
[Affinity: Fire Mage]
[Rank: B+]
[Description: Can conjure and manipulate flames with moderate precision. High offensive capability, low defensive endurance.]
Flames erupted from her palms, twisting into a small dragon that coiled around her arm before dissipating in a shower of sparks. A cheer rose from the audience, and she bowed gracefully. Kael could only wish himself such attribute.
Next came a wiry boy with eyes like polished jade. The bulb pulsed and displayed:
[Student: Arven Krol]
[Affinity: Earth Shaper]
[Rank: A+]
[Description: Can mold earth and stone into weapons or shields. High defense, moderate offense.]
Stone shards rose from the ground beneath him, forming a jagged wall that shimmered as he moved his hands. The hall applauded again, some students whispering in awe at his effortless control.
A petite girl with short black hair stepped forward, trembling as the system locked onto her presence.
[Student: Saira Vynn]
[Affinity: Lightning Adept]
[Rank: B]
[Description: Can generate and discharge electricity. Fast and agile, but requires precision and focus.]
Sparks danced across her fingertips, shooting into the air in arcs before striking a dummy target with lethal accuracy. The hall gasped at the display of control and finesse.
One by one, students stepped into the circle of awakening. Fire, water, wind, shadow, and hybrid affinities appeared, each announced by the system in glowing text accompanied by a brief description of strength, skill, and combat potential. Some students were greeted with thunderous cheers, while others received quiet applause or sympathetic nods.
Kael stood near the back, his hands sweating and stomach twisting with nerves.
Then Diel's name was called and Kael fell into anticipatory silence. Diel walked front with a certain level of pride. Up reaching the Mount he placed his palm and the bulb buzzed to reveal;
[Student: Diel Arden]
[Affinity: Swordsman Adept]
[Rank: A]
[Description: Exceptional skill in sword combat. Balanced offense and defense, excels in close-range encounters.]
The circle beneath him glowed gold, and a sword materialized in his hands, responding to his slightest movement. Diel walked back proud and fulfilled.
"Damn. You were really hot down there. I really wish mine would be something similar to yours." Kael wished and Diel patted him on the back and smiled lightly.
"We can only hope so." Diel blurted carelessly and Kael stared at him for a while.
"Don't worry Kael. You sure will get a really good attribute." Ceres said consoling him with her soothing words.
And just before Kael could respond to her statement, his name was called out loudly. Tension built up and he had to get some words of encouragement from Ceres before he was able to walk to the Mount.
He stepped into the glowing circle, eyes darting across the wooing faces. His eyes instantly switched on to lock om Ceres. Her eyes sparked with confidence.
[Student: Kael Veyar]
[Affinity: ???]
[Rank: ???]
[Description: ???]
The students whispered, glances flicking nervously between Kael and the empty display.
"He sure is screwed." Diel muttered to himself.