Welcoming 2

The tension in the Hall of Ordeals was palpable as the echoes of Speed's resonance test began to fade. The Guild Leaders, still reeling from the surge of Spirit magic, whispered amongst themselves, their eyes flickering between Speed and the Obelisk of Resonance as if expecting it to ignite once more. 

Before the room could fully settle, the master of ceremonies stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Next: James, Prince of Saptar."

A collective murmur swept through the hall, the name igniting waves of curiosity and expectation. All eyes turned toward the dais as a young man stepped forward. James carried himself with the unmistakable grace of royalty, his golden-green tunic embroidered with the crest of Saptar. His presence was commanding yet unassuming, his sharp features softened by a quiet confidence. 

The room grew quiet as James approached the obelisk. Unlike others who had hesitated, James placed his hand firmly against its smooth surface, his jaw set in quiet determination. For a moment, nothing happened, and then—

*Boom.*

A thunderous crack exploded through the chamber, shaking the very foundations of the Hall of Ordeals. The obelisk surged with blinding white energy, tendrils of blue and gold lightning arcing wildly across its surface. The light consumed the platform, illuminating James in a storm of electrical brilliance. His hair, dark as the storm clouds themselves, seemed to rise slightly with the charge as the power filled the chamber.

Gasps filled the room as the runes on the floor responded, flickering with jagged patterns of lightning that danced chaotically. The energy was alive, wild, and overwhelming, a stark contrast to the measured control of the other affinities displayed thus far. The scent of ozone filled the air, sharp and electric, as though the room itself had been transported to the eye of a storm.

"Thunder magic," one Guild Leader whispered, their tone awestruck. "The rarest form of elemental power. And so... untamed."

James remained steady, his hand still pressed against the obelisk as the storm within it roared to life. He seemed unfazed, his expression calm even as the energy swirled around him. When he finally withdrew his hand, the obelisk pulsed one last time before falling silent, its glow retreating into a faint hum.

The hall was silent for a heartbeat before erupting into murmurs of astonishment. The Guild Leaders leaned forward, their expressions a mix of intrigue and urgency. More than a few scribbled notes furiously, marking James as someone to watch—or perhaps to recruit.

From her seat in the Shadow Warrior Guild balcony, Cassey's sharp eyes flicked between James and Speed. Her lips curled into a faint smile. *This is turning out to be an interesting year.*

James turned from the obelisk, his gaze briefly meeting Speed's. There was no animosity, no challenge—only a shared understanding, as if both knew they had just altered the course of their futures forever

The Hall of Ordeals grew silent as a towering figure strode to the front of the chamber. The Principal of Demiri, **Arcanon Eldarion**, commanded an air of respect and awe. Dressed in flowing robes of deep indigo trimmed with silver runes, his presence seemed to ripple with an ancient, quiet power. His long beard, streaked with white, cascaded like a river of wisdom, and his piercing azure eyes scanned the gathered students with a stern but not unkind gaze.

He raised a hand, and the faint hum of magic echoed through the hall, silencing the whispers of students and even the murmured discussions of the Guild Leaders. When he spoke, his voice was deep and resonant, carrying effortlessly to every corner of the chamber.

"Welcome, prodigies of the realm, to the Demiri School of Prodigy," he began, his words measured and deliberate. "You stand here today not by chance, but by destiny. Each of you carries within you the spark of magic—a gift, a burden, and a responsibility. Here, that spark will be tempered into a flame, refined into a force that can shape the world."

The students listened intently, their eyes fixed on the principal as he gestured toward the Obelisk of Resonance. "Magic is the essence of life, the foundation of our world. It manifests in many forms, each with its own beauty and strength. At Demiri, you will learn to wield and master your element, to uncover your true potential."

He raised his hand again, and the obelisk began to glow faintly, its surface shifting to display swirling colors. "The elements form the fabric of magic. They are Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Light, and Shadow. These are the six pillars upon which magic thrives. Each of you has resonated with one or more of these elements, and you will be guided to understand and control them."

The swirling light on the obelisk changed, now revealing streaks of gray and gold. Eldarion's tone became more solemn. "But there are rarities among the elements—forces that appear only in the rarest of individuals. Thunder, the untamed fury of the storm, is one such element. Those who wield it carry the potential for great destruction and creation, for thunder is the voice of nature itself."

His gaze flickered briefly to James, who stood tall, his expression steady under the attention.

"And then," Eldarion continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper, yet it echoed powerfully through the hall, "there is Spirit. The first magic. The breath of life that transcends all others. Spirit is not merely an element—it is the essence that binds and balances all things. To wield it is to walk a path both dangerous and profound."

The obelisk dimmed, leaving the chamber bathed in its natural light. Eldarion's expression softened slightly as he addressed the students once more. "Regardless of your affinity, remember this: your magic does not define you. Your choices, your actions, and your resolve—that is what will determine your legacy."

He straightened, his commanding presence filling the hall. "The rules of Demiri are simple. Honor your peers, respect the balance of magic, and dedicate yourself to your craft. You will be challenged here, perhaps broken, but through that breaking, you will emerge stronger. This is not a place for arrogance or complacency. It is a forge, and you are the steel."

With that, he raised both hands, and the obelisk flared briefly, releasing a wave of energy that settled like a calm breeze over the students. "Welcome to Demiri. Your journey begins now."