Fire and Light

Early the next morning, Ranav, Camilla, and Vivita were ready for their awakening. Although this would be Ranav's second awakening, he felt nothing but calm, though he was slightly concerned about his sisters. Camilla and Vivita tried their best to appear nonchalant, but their expressions betrayed their underlying tension from time to time. Under Nanima's leadership, the group made their way to the Hunters Guild for the much-anticipated ceremony.

Arriving earlier than their appointment, they decided to have breakfast in the Guild's canteen. After finishing, Nanima approached the front desk with three followers to confirm their arrival. Thanks to her status as a countess and her prior arrangements, the front desk officer led them to a private waiting room.

"Please wait here, Mage Naria," said the officer with a polite bow. "I'll send some snacks and water. Since you're the first on today's schedule, there won't be any delays. The awakening room is undergoing final preparations, and I'll call you once it's ready."

The waiting room was spacious and well-furnished, with several lounge chairs arranged around a central table. Ranav grabbed a bottle of water and took a sip, his eyes wandering over the pictures adorning the white walls, which depicted various activities of the Hunters Guild. He found Jubin in one of the photos hanging on the wall, he seems to receiving some kind of award.

After some time, the officer returned and escorted them through a series of corridors to a brightly lit room. Inside, another official was seated at a desk near a closed door. The man stood and gave a slight bow.

"Mage Naria, the awakening room is ready. I have three awakenings on my list for you today. I assume these three youngsters are the ones to undergo the awakening process?"

Nanima nodded. "Yes, they are."

The first officer took his leave, and the official gestured for the group to come closer. He then politely asked them to take a seat in front of his desk. He addressed Ranav and his sisters.

"I'm sure Mage Naria has explained the process to you. Inside the room, you'll find the awakening stone. All you need to do is touch it and connect to your spiritual space. Keep holding the stone until your awakening is complete. Sometimes it takes a few minutes; other times, you may notice a disturbance in the surrounding world energy. Stay calm, and everything will proceed smoothly. We'll be outside the room to assist if needed."

He paused, looking at the group. "Who would like to go first?"

Camilla stepped forward. "I'll go."

The official nodded and gestured for her to follow him. Ranav and Vivita sat down with Nanima while Camilla entered through the door with the official. Through the faint gap, Ranav could hear the official giving her final instructions. He then got out and closed the door behind.

Within five minutes, the door opened, and Camilla emerged, her face beaming with joy.

"Congratulations," the official said, glancing at the altar inside. "You've awakened the fire element."

Camilla hurried over to the others, her smile broad and triumphant.

Ranav grinned. "Big Sis, as expected, you awakened fire. Congratulations!"

Camilla sat beside him, her eyes sparkling. "It's all thanks to you. Without your guidance, I wouldn't have dared to dream of magic."

At that moment, the official reappeared from the awakening room. "Who's next?"

Ranav stood. "I'll go now."

Entering the awakening room, Ranav listened as the official explained the process again, despite already knowing it well. Once the door closed, Ranav approached the altar and placed both hands on the awakening stone, focusing his mind as he entered his spiritual space.

The dull grey star clusters floated aimlessly around his spiritual space, just as before. Suddenly, a pulse emanated from the awakening stone, coursing through his veins and into his spiritual space.

A tremor rippled through the star clusters near his silver star circle. Colors flashed and shifted among the stars like a flowing rainbow before settling into a brilliant golden hue. Seven golden stars now shone brightly, radiating power like the morning sun. Slowly, the light dimmed, and Ranav's consciousness returned.

"Which element is this?" Ranav asked Jessica, curious about the golden stars.

"Blessing element," Jessica replied, her tone reverent. "A super rare passive element. It's also called the King Element, as only those with royal bloodlines can awaken it."

Before he could process her words, another pulse surged from the awakening stone, pulling his consciousness back into his spiritual space. This time, a star cluster glowed a vivid red before dimming.

"I've also awakened the fire element. Dual elements again!" Ranav exclaimed to Jessica.

Jessica chuckled. "Congratulations! But you should head out. You took almost twenty minutes in there—others might be worried."

"Got it," he said, stepping away from the altar.

As he exited the room, the official gave him a curious glance before peering inside. His expression shifted to one of satisfaction. "Congratulations, you've awakened fire."

Ranav rejoined his group, sitting beside Camilla. "Big Sis, we both have fire now. We can practice together!"

Nanima interjected gently, "Let's save the discussions for later. After Vivita's awakening, we'll return to the rented house and talk there."

Ranav and Camilla nodded in agreement, falling silent.

The official returned once more. "Who's next?"

Vivita stood and approached the door. Before entering, she looked back at Ranav, who gave her an encouraging thumbs-up and a smile. With renewed determination, she stepped inside.

The official soon exited and closed the door, leaving the group to wait. Five minutes later, the door opened, and Vivita emerged with a solemn expression.

"Congratulations!" the official said, puzzled by her demeanor. "You've awakened the light element."

Vivita frowned. "Why am I different? They both awakened fire. I wanted to join them."

The official was momentarily speechless. "Do you know how rare the light element is? Families spend fortunes just to have a healer in their household, and yet you're unhappy? So many leave this room dejected without awakening a single element, and you act as if the God of Magic owes you something!" He thought frenziedly.

Ranav quickly stepped in. "Congratulations, Sis. You've known this was likely… why are you upset now? Don't worry; I'll teach you everything I know. You won't be alone."

Vivita's expression softened. "Thanks, Lil' bro."

Nanima smiled faintly. "Light element is rare and precious. It's a blessing in itself. Let's head back now. We'll discuss your future plans at home."