After learning about Joseph being scouted, Mj and Maxim Vowed to not fall too much behind and become outstanding too when the time comes.
A year later*
The day of Mj and Maxim's awakening.'Ugh, I feel so hot.'Maxim irritatedly said in his thoughts.'What's happening?' Maxim is sweating buckets when Sister Annie came in to wake him up, she checked his forehead and its flaming hot. Because of this Maxim has to stay and delay his awakening until tomorrow.
The next morning, Maxim learned that Mj, wanting to follow Joseph's footstep, and not wanting to fall behind, decided to go join a group from the azure dragon country.This made Maxim sad knowing how his last brother left to pursue his dreams, though he did not take it to heart, since he himself plans to join a group to improve his skills, but before that, he needs to awaken first, so Father Anthony, took Maxim to the ceremony.
Because its the 2nd day of annual awakening, there's not as many people compared to the 1st day because people would unlikely to delay their awakening because of excitement.
"Are you nervous?"Father Anthony asked."You look pale."he added.
"No, I just don't feel good because of yesterday."Maxim stated."I feel better compared to yesterday though."Anthony gave a sigh of relief. After waiting for about an hour, Maxim was called for his turn, Anthony is following him closely at the back.
After entering a room, an old man with a long white beard greeted them."How are you little one?"The old man asked."I, Russel Hawks, will be the one to help you awaken."he added as he opens his hands towards Maxim, asking for Maxim's hand.
Maxim nodded as he gave his hands to the old man, the old man put Maxim's hand in a big stone.
....
Silence filled the air."Move your hand and touch the rock again." Russel instructed.
Maxim did as he was told, put away his hand then touched the rock again, still nothing happened, Maxim's face showed a confused look.
"Maybe he's a late bloomer?"Russel said while looking to Anthony.
Anthony looks down and confused at the same time, the stone should lit up to consider the awakening as a success, but the stone never showed any glow.
Maxim's world begun to crumble, as he slowly caught up about what is happening, Anthony tried to cheer Maxim up as they walk back to the church, but nothing seems to be reaching Maxim right now, so Anthony gave him a space.
Arriving at the church, Maxim headed straight to his room, Sister Annie asked Anthony about what happened, Anthony briefed her about what happened, in the end, they decided to give Maxim some time.
Maxim's room*
'Am I gonna stay like this forever?'
'Am I not gonna have the chance to become strong?'
'I'm useless as a person.'
'Why should I experience this kind of situation?'
Maxim's head was full of questions, he crumbled in his bed until it was night time.'I'm useless, I don't want to be a hindrance to Father, and Sister.'Maxim thought as he stare at the open window beside his bed.'Yeah, I should just dissappear than become a burden to anyone.'Maxim sneaked out of the window without any thought and ran towards the forest, he was barefoot, and cold, he ran tirelessly until he tripped and fell, he stood up and run again, but his running out of breath, his body feels hot, but he's shivering in cold, he dropped again, he feels like dying, but the memories of his brothers, Father, and Sister flashed before his eyes.
Maxim finally gained control to his mind, running away is not the right choice, but it is too late to regret his actions, he is lost in the middle of the forest, he cant find his way home, he struggled and walk around until he finally collapse beside a river.
Seeing his reflection in the water, he was full of regret, he does not want this, he wants to go back to his home, the feeling in his body became more violent, this make Maxim to finally lost his consciousness beside the river.