One in a Thousand

One in a Thousand

"I know how it is to be young and full of adrenaline, but come on, I really wish you could give this young lady some respect and follow what she says," Zara said sarcastically, snapping the audience and everyone back to reality.

"Hey, is he really going to be alright?" someone asked. "If it is this dangerous, why do people even risk it? In my opinion, it is not worth it," another whisper was heard.

This was an eye-opening scene to the newbies—a stark reminder that the world of the awakened was not to be taken for granted. Although it was a yearly event, not everyone attended it. In most cases, they simply heard about what happened or watched the recordings later, but witnessing it live was an entirely different experience.

The ceremony was a double-edged sword. It introduced the new generation to the world and celebrated rising talents, but it also served as a warning bell to the public. In this age of magic and technology, the concept of fatal injuries had shifted. As long as the damage was within the capabilities of medics and healers, it was permitted to continue for a while, reinforcing the dangers of a rash awakening. This method had proven the most effective.

"Alright, students, back to your positions. Remember, do not let any step pass you by, or you may end up in the same condition—or worse."

The students began to take proper caution, especially Roy, who was frantically readjusting his gloves. "Oh boy, I definitely don't want to end up like that guy."

—

"Come on, you can do this," Rudy Clomp murmured to herself, steadying her nerves. She was a petite girl with red ribbons tying up her ponytails, her tracksuit hugging her frame as she took a deep breath.

She gently closed her eyes and began to hum a song from her childhood as memories came flooding back:

"Mom, don't worry. When I awaken, I'll definitely become a healer to personally heal you," she had said, looking down at her mother, whose heavy dark circles and pale skin told of years of suffering. The woman was too weak to even speak properly.

"Don't let my illness be a weight on your mind, my child," her mother had whispered, her frail hand trembling as she held onto Rudy's fingers. "Your father, bless his soul, left everything behind to get you into the academy. You need to look out for yourself rather than waste your time on a dying woman like me."

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll definitely awaken and get you the healing you need," Rudy had promised, fresh determination burning in her heart as a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Alright, no more distractions," she told herself, shaking away the emotions. She began to chant a mind-clearing spell her mother had taught her, meant for this very day:

"Serenai Vetra, Lumis Arvanis. Winds of stillness, soothe my soul. Let shadows fade, let chaos cease. In tranquil light, my mind finds peace."

Repeating the chant, her gloves glowed crimson, the spell activating and channeling a soothing effect into her mind, wiping away the turmoil within.

She opened her eyes, now filled with an eerie calm unlike anything she had ever felt before.

"So this is what magic feels like," she murmured. "Right. With this, I'm ready."

Carefully picking up the key, she raised it to her face level and began her chant:

"Vetra Solis, Arkan Velorum! Rise and dance, awaken thy bearer!"

The key hummed as mana flowed from her gloves into it, causing it to levitate before flying straight into her chest. Immediately, she closed her eyes and assumed a meditative position along with the others.

"Guys, it's finally starting. These ones are about to pass through their soul passage into their inner worlds," Zara said as a timer began. "The quicker they finish their passage and emerge into their inner worlds, the better their talent."

—

"Whew, I actually thought I messed up the spell there. Looks like it worked. Hehehehe," Roy chuckled, opening his eyes to a dark, eerie world.

The air was thick with a strange mist, swirling like phantom fingers reaching for him. The ground beneath his feet was damp, filled with pools of viscous, inky liquid that barely reflected any light. The air was heavy, as if pressing down on his very soul.

"So this is my inner consciousness," he mused, lifting his glowing hands, watching as the dim golden light illuminated the oppressive darkness. "Learning about it and experiencing it is a whole different ball game."

He wasn't afraid, though. He felt an instinctual pull in a direction he couldn't see but knew he had to follow.

"Must be the key guiding me," he thought, his steps cautious as he moved forward.

Then, the pull grew stronger, his body accelerating toward something massive. It loomed before him—The Wall.

The difference between the awakened and the unawakened. The divide between the mortal and the divine. The barrier that needed to be shattered to grasp the power to break mountains, dry oceans, cut through space and time.

Instinctively, he placed his hand on it. A wave of emotion washed over him. The Wall didn't want to be broken. It was like a serpent shedding its skin, reluctant but knowing it must be done.

"I know, buddy. But it's time to go," Roy whispered, channeling all the mana from the soul key into his palm. The golden light surged, veins of luminescence spreading across the wall.

Then, silence.

BOOM!

The Wall shattered like a dam breaking, unleashing a torrential flood of pure essence. Roy was swept away, tumbling helplessly.

"Shit! I can't breathe!" he thought frantically, memories of a lecture flashing through his mind.

"Remember, kids," their instructor Iska had said, "once the wall breaks, your soul keys will actively protect you. Your job is to reach the surface before the key's mana runs out. The better your talent, the easier it will be to ascend."

Melissa had raised her hand. "What happens if the mana runs out before we reach the surface?"

"That means your awakening fails," Iska had replied. "And depending on how deep you are, you could lose your life."

Roy gritted his teeth and stabilized himself, riding the waves, ascending faster than he ever imagined.

"Where's the resistance? At this speed, I'll be at the surface in no time! Hahaha!" he laughed, exhilarated.

—-

BACK AT THE HALL

"It's just been over a minute. The students should be approaching their respective walls," Zara was saying when Roy's chest began pulsing with golden light.

Silence.

Then—

"Impossible…" Angus whispered, eyes wide.

"Roy, oh boy, you've outdone yourself this time," Denwen said, grinning proudly.

Dvalin was on his feet, voice trembling. "Get me that kid's name. Now."

The crowd erupted in chaos. Nicole, clueless, turned to her father. "Dad, what's happening?"

"Oh, my dearest sweet child," he said with awe. "Feast your eyes—you are looking at an A-grade talent."