The Awakening Ceremony (2)

After Avery's awakening, the room buzzed with excitement as the next nine awakeners were revealed to possess the coveted orange-grade affinity. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of anticipation as the tenth successful awakening marked a significant moment in the ceremony.

A representative, Simon Bachs, confidently stepped forward to address the gathered Primeans. Clearing his throat, he began, "Hello Primeans! I am Simon Bachs, a representative of the magical engineering school of the province of Numeria. Our institution's main focus is on artefact manufacturing, and we take pride in being one of the premier schools of magic engineering in the kingdom. Our graduates have gone on to achieve great success as members of craftsmanship associations, and we also boast a substantial number of successful business owners among our esteemed alumni."

As Simon's words resonated throughout the room, capturing the attention and stirring the aspirations of those present, a wave of anticipation washed over them. The majority of awakened individuals thus far had displayed red affinities, with only a few showcasing the highly sought-after orange grade. However, the crowd's attention shifted as Gordon Santos, a popular and muscular young man, was announced as the yellow awakened. His element, revealed through earth runes, carried a surprising twist.

With each tenth awakening, representatives from various magical institutions took turns addressing the crowd. While some represented well-known establishments, others hailed from lesser-known or even reclusive institutions. An example of the latter was Valery Osborn, representing the Evergreen School, a reclusive institution specializing in magical plants and species. It held the unique distinction of being an all-female institution, adding an air of mystery to its presence.

The combination of Simon's impassioned introduction, the revelation of Gordon Santos as the yellow awakened, and the diverse representation of magical institutions created an electric atmosphere. The Primeans were now even more eager to discover the destinies that awaited them and the paths they would forge within the realm of magic.

Soon, it was Luc's turn to step onto the centre stage. The crowd watched with redoubled attention, their expectations heightened by Luc's status as a child of destiny. Luc felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement coursing through him. Today would mark the beginning or end of his journey. With steady steps, he approached the awakening stone, feeling the weight of the moment.

As Luc placed his hand on the stone and closed his eyes, a hushed silence fell over the room. He focused on his surroundings, allowing himself to be consumed by the ethereal realm. The stone beneath his touch began to change, growing darker before suddenly flashing a brilliant blue and then transforming into a vibrant green. The audience gasped in astonishment as something unexpected unfolded before them.

Within the realm of Luc's spiritual palace, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred. Instead of the usual two runes appearing above him, three runes flickered into existence. The first two were familiar and commonly seen—representing the elements of water and spirit, also known as the null type. But the third rune, brighter than the others, was unfamiliar to Luc and everyone present. It bore the name "Mathematical Nexus."

Luc stood in his palace, stupefied by the sight before him. The significance of this mysterious third rune was unknown, leaving him with more questions than answers. The audience, captivated by the unexpected turn of events, murmured with intrigue and curiosity. What could this mathematical nexus signify for Luc's future? Only time would reveal the true nature of his rare and enigmatic affinity.

As Luc opened his eyes and withdrew his hand from the awakening stone, a mixture of emotions washed over him. Excitement, confusion and a tinge of apprehension intertwined within him. He had taken the first step on a path that promised both challenges and incredible opportunities. Luc's destiny had been set in motion, and the world of magic awaited his exploration, with the enigmatic mathematical nexus as his guiding star.

As Luc's awakening unfolded, one person in the audience seemed to be acting strangely—Sir Langlangs. The seasoned figure who had addressed the Primeans with authority earlier now wore a perplexed expression. His eyes widened, and a mix of surprise and recognition flashed across his face. This was not his first encounter with the mathematical nexus rune.

Unbeknownst to the crowd, Sir Langlangs harboured a hidden secret, one that he abhorred being revealed. He was, in fact, a Mathemancer—a rare individual who dedicated a significant portion of their life to the study of mathematics and its magical applications. The mathematical nexus rune was a symbol reserved for the most prolific Mathemancers, appearing solely within the palaces of those who had made significant achievements.

Sir Langlangs's shock was twofold. Not only had he seen this rune before, but it had also only recently manifested within his palace. The discovery that Luc possessed the mathematical nexus as one of his affinities added another layer of astonishment and complexity to the situation. It hinted at a profound connection between the young awakener and the clandestine world of Mathemancers.

As Sir Langlangs grappled with his thoughts and emotions, he couldn't help but wonder about the significance of Luc's awakening. The appearance of the mathematical nexus rune held profound implications, both for Luc's future and for the secrets Sir Langlangs had fought so hard to keep hidden. A whirlwind of possibilities and uncertainties swirled in his mind, setting the stage for a collision between destiny, secrecy, and the power of mathematics.

The awakening ceremony ended, leaving a trail of anticipation and discovery in its wake. Among the hundreds of awakened individuals, the majority, numbering around 200, possessed the red-grade affinity. Approximately 65 individuals awakened with the coveted orange-grade affinity.

As the grading scale progressed, the numbers dwindled. Twenty-eight individuals exhibited yellow-grade affinity. Five individuals awakened with the green-grade affinity, while only two displayed the rare blue-grade affinity. And amidst the sea of awakenings, three individuals stood out as multi-affinity users, their destinies intertwined with the mastery of multiple elements. Among them were Avery and Luc, both harbouring remarkable and mysterious combinations of affinities.

With the awakening ceremony concluded, the atmosphere brimmed with eager anticipation. The time had come for the representatives to select their chosen awakened. Each representative, representing popular magic institutions or lesser-known yet specialized schools, now had the opportunity to extend their invitation to a talented individual whose destiny would be shaped within the walls of their respective institutions.