Julian was drenched in sweat and was quietly lying there on the platform. He really was so tired but he kept smiling through it all. He lost track of time and just kept breaking the crystal pearls like there is no tomorrow. He was ready to brag to Pascal's face and was imagining what would the genie say to him.
Pascal appeared after an hour when Julian broke his last crystal pearl. He was stunned speechless when he got the result of the first phase from the Phantasma. He saw Julian still motionlessly lie down, comfortably gathering mana from the surrounding as if it was easy as breathing to him.
"I see you finished the first phase and can already see the mana origin. As you can see, this is the benefit of the first phase, you can already observe the flow and mass of mana here and also it's purity. Well you can only compare everything you see here when you finish all the phases. Congratulations kid, you are very lucky to pass the criteria on taking the second phase. I think Phantasma is still trying to prepare the second phase so just stay there and relax for a bit. I'll come back later and watch you. Right what's your name again?"
"Julian James"
"Okay. Recover your mana Julian, your going to need it." He left Julian there and quickly disappeared.
Pascal kept his poker face when he was talking to Julian but deep inside he was frightened so much because of a huge mistake. He was a low level facilitator and his job was to explain the rules, give tips to the participant, oversee the process and the most important job is to report if someone manages to fit the criteria of having to take the second phase. The reason for this is for a high level facilitator take charge. Over the years, he has been facilitating almost all the ceremonies instead of his brother, so he grew bored of it. Phantasma always records the results of the first phase and summons him after the participant finishes it and almost all of them were average mages.
But this time it was very, very different. Not only did he not oversee the process and failed to appear as soon as Phantasma summoned him, he also didn't report it to his brother, who was a high level facilitator, as soon as possible before the second phase starts. So, even if he was really scared of being punished, he decided to go and inform his brother. He headed straight on a big pond on the left side of the oasis and called out his brother.
"Brother Prima, are you busy? I came to report about a human mage taking up the second phase. I'm really sorry brother, I think it's already starting so we need to go now."
"Don't worry. Phantasma already informed me about it. Brother you really need to do your job seriously and don't slack off. Go and head there first and I'll follow in a bit. Just wait quietly there and I'll be the one to explain the rules to him. Just in case, prepare demon breaker for me." a deep voice emanated out of the pond.
"But brother that's something..." Pascal tried to say something but Prima cut him off.
"Enough little brother. Just prepare it and I will handle the rest. If the kid can break it, then all the more reason to use it as deterence for the upcoming event. Go now." Pascal nodded and went on his way.
Julian now sat cross-legged when Pascal came back. After a few more moments, a dark green genie who was bigger than Pascal appeared in front of Julian.
"Julian James, please stand up and let's start the second phase. Phantasma already prepared the items that you need for it and also for the last phase which we can proceed afterwards."
"Excuse me but can I ask a few questions? Who are you? And who is Phantasma?" Julian slowly got up before asking the questions.
"Phantasma is the spirit of the oasis, well for all oasis present in the entire world for that matter. It is the protector and the giver of power to the worthy. It gives fairness to all beings, and yes even for demonic forces." Prima viciously glared at Pascal before replying to Julian.
"I forgot to tell him brother. I am really sorry brother." Pascal embarrassedly averted Prima's scolding gaze. He really screwed this big time.
"What is it protecting anyway?" Julian asked again with a serious face.
"Child you need to become stronger before you can get the answer to that question. Sometimes, knowing too much isn't safe for the weak."
"Right Phantasma is also the true judge of the awakening ceremony. You will soon know why later on. I am Prima. Pascal and I are the facilitators here in this town. We help Phantasma proceed with the process. As you can observe, it is not much of a talker."
"Let me tell you the rules and tips for the second phase but follow me first." Prima led Pascal and Julian to the second venue of the ceremony.