Chapter 11
A few weeks passed by quickly, and now it was finally time for my awakening ceremony. I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was it—the moment when I hoped to awaken my core. If I succeeded, it would open up a world of possibilities for my future, one that most commoners could only dream of. With an awakened core, doors would open that I could never have imagined: a powerful summoner, an alchemist, a runemaster, and so many other prestigious paths. The potential was endless.
However, there was one unfortunate truth: everyone who had awakened their cores in the past had left the village. It was a natural part of the process. Once they awakened their abilities, they left for a journey filled with fame, money, and a better life. Who could blame them? The opportunities in the outside world were far more promising than anything the village could offer. If I were them, I would do the same. But for now, my focus was different—I wanted to join the academy. The academy represented a future filled with learning and growth, and I had spent countless hours speculating with Allice about what our lives might look like there. What summon would she choose? What path would she pursue?
It was unfortunate that Allice wasn't here with me today to experience this moment. But I knew she would want me to make the most of it, to create memories for the both of us, even if she couldn't be present physically. I promised myself I would do it—for both of us.
The examiner arrived early today. His role was to oversee the testing of all the young adults who had turned 16 this year. There were a total of 27 kids to be tested today. "If you awaken your core, you'll have the opportunity to join the academy," the examiner explained. "But be aware, there is only about a 10% chance of awakening. The mana potion you will drink will activate your core—if you have one. Each core comes with a unique ability, something only you can wield. These abilities can be elemental, physical, or mental... but that will be explained once you awaken. Now, let's begin the tests."
My nerves were building up with each passing moment. I wanted this more than anything, but I wasn't in the first group to be tested. I watched as the first few groups stepped forward, and with each group, the excitement and tension in the air grew. Everyone was hoping for a successful awakening, praying for themselves or their loved ones. In the first six batches, there were five awakenings—nearly one third of the children! The odds seemed to be in our favor today.
Finally, it was my turn.
I was called up, and a small vial of mana potion was handed to me. The examiner's instructions were simple: drink the entire potion, down to the last drop. I did just that, hoping that it would work. As I glanced to my left, I saw one person's aura flare up, a sure sign that they had awakened. But as I looked down at myself, I noticed there was no glow around me. Nothing.
Disappointment started to settle in, but I held on to hope, waiting. Just as we were about to leave the examination room, something began to shift. A heat surged within me, radiating out from my chest. The air around me seemed to hum with energy. I felt an overwhelming sensation—a pressure, almost, that settled around my heart and then moved up to my head. The heat intensified, and I could feel it spreading like a wildfire through my veins. The sensation was intense, almost unbearable.
A few people were giving me odd, confused looks, and I began to panic. But just as I started to think something had gone wrong, the examiner stepped forward to calm the room. "This isn't the first time the potion's effects have been delayed," he assured everyone. "Everything is fine, people. Stay calm."
The room fell silent as I tried to steady myself, the heat still swirling within me, but no one else seemed to notice the aura that began to flare around me. The magic was there, awakening slowly but surely.
After me, the last group of kids stepped forward, one by one. And to my surprise, Nate—the nobleman's son—also awakened. The room buzzed with whispers, but I barely heard them. My own thoughts were consumed with the overwhelming sensation I was experiencing. My mind raced as I wondered what kind of ability I had unlocked. What path would my future take now?