The Awakening Ceremony (1)

The following day, the entire Primean community gathered at the Primean Infant Shelter to witness and participate in the long-awaited Awakening Ceremony. Parents anxiously accompanied their children, fully aware of the significance this event held for their futures. The outcome of the ceremony would determine the affinity of each individual—a pivotal factor in shaping their destinies. Affinities were classified into seven distinct grades: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Each grade was exponentially rarer than the previous, with violet affinity users appearing only sporadically throughout history. Red affinity users were destined for common roles, mastering only the most basic spells. Orange affinity users, on the other hand, represented the threshold for entry into many prestigious magical schools and institutions.

The only exceptions to this grading system were the multi-affinity users, who possessed the rare ability to harness multiple elements. They stood as a unique phenomenon, their rarity surpassing even those of two grades above their affinities.

Sir Langlangs stood before the gathered crowd and addressed them, his voice resonating with authority. "Welcome, Primeans!" he exclaimed. "The long-awaited awakening ceremony is about to commence. To ensure order and fairness, each awakener will draw a numbered plate from the urn placed at the centre. This number corresponds to the order in which you will awaken. Please note that once a number is chosen, it cannot be changed. When it is your turn, follow the instructions written on the side of your plate. This method has been deemed the safest way to awaken your affinities, and it has proven successful thus far."

Sir Langlangs paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "Given the importance of this day, silence is required during each awakening. We have the honour of hosting representatives from various magical institutions within the Kingdom of Victoria, as well as representatives from secular organizations. Throughout the ceremony, you will receive valuable information about these institutions and their offerings."

With his message delivered, Sir Langlangs nodded, and the anticipation in the air grew stronger. The awakening ceremony was about to begin, and the fate of each Primean hung in the balance.

Luc anxiously awaited his turn to grab a plate, observing as numerous children his age had already made their selections. The first plate had been chosen by one of his neighbours, a boy named Avery Doughbates. Luc took a deep breath and approached the urn, his hand trembling slightly as he reached inside. He let his hand linger within the urn for about five seconds, hoping for a favourable number. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he withdrew his hand and glanced at the plate clutched in his palm. It displayed the number 53.

Aware that there were approximately three hundred people in attendance, Luc reasoned that his turn would come up soon. He couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation as he contemplated what lay ahead in his own awakening.

Once everyone had secured their number plates, Sir Langlangs wasted no time and promptly called out the number 1. Avery, the fortunate recipient of that number, rose from his seat and made his way to the centre stage. The collective anticipation of the crowd hung heavy in the air, as the outcome of each awakening held the potential to shape the future of so many children.

Avery turned his plate over, his eyes intently scanning the instructions inscribed on its surface. The process seemed straightforward enough. He was to place his hand on the awakening stone, close his eyes, and enter a state of calm concentration. Within the confines of his spiritual palace, he would witness the emergence of a rune symbolizing his element. And as he did so, the stone would illuminate in correspondence with his affinity.

The audience watched with bated breath as Avery followed the prescribed steps, his hand resting upon the awakening stone. The room held an air of suspense, an unspoken hope that his awakening would be successful. And then, in a brief but significant moment, the stone emitted a series of two flashes, confirming Avery as a rare and gifted multi-affinity user.

Avery remained immersed in the ethereal realm, mesmerized by the sight of the two runes dancing before him. The first rune, representing fire, was the one he had eagerly anticipated. Its flickering flames embodied the passion and intensity he longed to harness. But the appearance of the second rune took him by surprise—it crackled with the electric energy of lightning. Avery's affinity grades were confirmed as green for fire and red for lightning, marking him as a rare and formidable talent.

Sir Langlangs, visibly taken aback, stepped forward to address the crowd once more. "Ladies and gentlemen, what we have just witnessed is a phenomenon that goes beyond our expectations," he declared, his voice carrying a mix of astonishment and excitement. "Avery Doughbates has awakened as a dual-affinity user, capable of harnessing both the powers of fire and lightning. This is an exceptional occurrence, and it opens up a world of possibilities for young Avery."

The news of Avery's extraordinary awakening spread like wildfire among the representatives in attendance. They observed with keen interest, eagerly noting his potential and positioning themselves as priority recruiters. Even Sir Langlangs, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, began making preparations to recruit this exceptional young talent.

The success of Avery's awakening infused the atmosphere with hope and excitement. Representatives from various magic institutions and secular organizations grew increasingly optimistic about the possibility of selecting a promising student to join their ranks. However, they were acutely aware of the limitations imposed by the ceremony—each representative could only poach a single student after the awakening.

As the ceremony continued, the room buzzed with a mix of anticipation, curiosity, and a touch of anxiety. The destiny of each child hung in the balance. Their future paths were dependent on the runes that would manifest and the opportunities that awaited them. Little did they know that Luc Walter, quietly waiting for his turn with plate number 53, held the potential to defy expectations and reshape the course of his own destiny.