The totem altar stood tall and imposing, its intricate carvings depicting the intertwined souls and the ethereal marks that adorned them. As the villagers gathered around, a hushed anticipation filled the air. At the altar, an elderly totem priest, dressed in flowing robes, raised his hand, commanding attention.
Priest: Welcome, young ones, to the sacred realm of totems. Today, you shall witness the awakening of your marks and the judgment of your soul power.
Children: (whispering amongst themselves)
Franz: (nervously) What will happen, Father? Will my mark be powerful?
Father (Thomas): (smiling reassuringly) Have faith, my son. The totem altar shall reveal your true potential.
Priest: Step forward, children, one by one, and let the will of the world guide us.
The children lined up, their eyes filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The first child approached the altar, his heart pounding in his chest.
Priest: Place your hand upon the altar, young one, and let the totem's power flow through you.
As the child touched the altar, a faint glow emanated from his palm, forming a mark of a diamond.
Priest: A diamond mark! You are blessed with strength and resilience, my child. A fine soul warrior you shall become.
Crowd: (cheering and applauding)
The next child stepped forward, her hands trembling with anticipation. She placed her hand on the altar, and a mark in the shape of a spade appeared.
Priest: Ah, a spade mark! The power of the arcane flows through your veins. You are destined to become a skilled soul mage.
Crowd: (whispering in awe)
The third child, filled with confidence, approached the altar, his eyes shining with determination. He pressed his hand onto the ancient stone, and a heart-shaped mark materialized.
Priest: A heart mark! Compassion and healing shall be your strengths, young one. A noble path awaits you as a soul healer.
Crowd: (murmurs of admiration)
Finally, it was Franz's turn. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest, and placed his trembling hand upon the totem altar. The crowd held their breath, awaiting the revelation of his mark.
Priest: (whispering in awe) Such power! Your soul radiates with brilliance!
Franz: (suppressing a smile) What mark do I possess, Priest?
Priest: (regrettably) Alas, young Franz, your mark is... a cursed mark.
Crowd: (gasps of surprise and disappointment)
Elara: (whispering to Wilhelm) A cursed mark? Poor Franz...
Wilhelm: (nodding) It seems fate has played a cruel trick on him.
Thomas: (trying to hide his disappointment) Franz, my son, do not let this define you. You are still special in your own way.
Franz: (acting disappointed) I... I see. A cursed mark. How unfortunate.
Deep inside, however, a sense of relief and joy overwhelmed Franz. Finally, he could live a peaceful life, free from the burdens of a powerful mark. He had always longed for a quiet existence, away from the battles and responsibilities that came with extraordinary marks. With this cursed mark, he could blend in, unnoticed, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Though he had to act disappointed to cover up his true emotions, Franz knew that his happiness lay in the freedom he had gained. He didn't care what others would say or think. He would embrace his ordinary life with enthusiasm, cherishing every moment.
As Franz masked his true feelings, the crowd sympathetically murmured words of encouragement, unaware of the contentment hidden beneath his facade. Little did they know that Franz had found his own unique path, one that defied expectations and promised a life of peace and contentment.
The journey of the world of totem had just begun, and Franz was ready to savor every step of the way.