"I am delighted to announce to all those gathered here, that all 180 participants successfully awakened their arcane power."
The previously noisy and restless crowd suddenly fell silent, and it felt as if time itself had stopped at Alcala's announcement.
"Is what I heard correct?"
"Hahaha, maybe only 80 passed this year?"
"Well, it's not surprising. With the weather so cold, it's natural for the kids not to concentrate properly."
"True, let's make up for it next year."
"Wait, let's confirm it properly."
After a moment of silence, the crowd erupted with various reactions. However, it seemed that no one believed in the 100% awakened rate.
But to be sure, Alcala was asked again to confirm what they heard.
"You're not mistaken. 100% of the participants have awakened."
The surroundings became even livelier, and the entire village rejoiced.
On the other side, two men were having a vigilant conversation.
"Heh! What do they think? Can they fool the people? Are they crazy? 100% awakened rate? Hahaha!"
"Should we report this to the Village Chief?"
"What are you going to report? It's a big joke!" The man got angry at his companion.
"Last year, only a few from Whitewood Village made it into the Salamanca School of Magic, but in our Frostfall Town, we have 15 students. And I think more will join us this time," the man boasted.
"The ceremony hasn't finished yet. We'll see if Chief Arcon has made progress in his jurisdiction."
"Who's your Chief, Arcon or Chief Alarcon?" came the irritated response from his companion.
"I'm obviously from Frostfall, so it's Chief Alarcon."
"Why do I feel like you favor Chief Arcon?"
"Well, even though Whitewood and Frostfall are staunch rivals, we can't deny that they're still siblings."
"Silence," he retorted sharply to his companion.
Whitewood Village and Frostfall Town stood side by side, nestled within the enchanting Northeast Region of Salamanca. A long-standing rivalry had flourished between these neighboring settlements. Whitewood was famed for its sprawling farmlands and thriving agriculture, while Frostfall carved out its reputation as the celebrated hunting grounds of the Kingdom of Salamanca. Linking these two places, the North and East Regions was the mystical Night Forest of Salamanca, a realm inhabited by arcane beasts.
The Night Forest, a vast expanse encompassing roughly 10 thousand hectares, found 83% of its territory claimed by Frostfall, leaving the remainder under Whitewood Village's watchful eye. It was a place where arcane practitioners, not only from neighboring villages and cities but also from distant kingdoms and regions near Salamanca, frequently ventured. Their aim? To engage in a perilous dance of chance, seeking out arcane beasts bearing coveted core bones that promised both power and prestige.
The core bone, a coveted relic, was derived from arcane beasts whose potential for Tier advancement was undeniable. Within this enigmatic fragment lay the very essence of an arcane beast's power.
When embraced by an arcanist, fate offered only two distinct paths. In one scenario, compatibility remained elusive, leading to a mere elevation in the arcanist's prowess without the infusion of newfound abilities. Yet, in the other, where harmony reigned between arcanist and relic, a wondrous union took place. The arcanist, then, had the rare privilege of absorbing the arcane beast's formidable talents into their own being.
Frostfall Village, once a humble settlement, blossomed into a thriving town during the King's grand celebration, thanks to its robust economy. Meanwhile, Whitewood Village remained a village, struggling to generate enough income to attain full town status. Their infrastructure lagged behind, preventing them from making the leap to townhood. Despite a sizable population, industrialization was lacking. On the other hand, Frostfall Town experienced rapid progress under Alarcon's leadership, primarily due to its strategic location. The King of Salamanca extended full support due to the evident potential.
Because of this, Chief Alarcon attempted to negotiate with his brother, suggesting that he become Deputy Chief and hand over his jurisdiction. However, Arcon vehemently refused Alarcon's proposal. Many in Whitewood Village still held onto the hope that one day they would rise, and an arcanist would proudly raise their banner. Chief Arcon never lost hope. The suggestion to merge Whitewood and Frostfall, in his eyes, was a grave insult.
The discussion between the siblings grew heated, eventually leading to Alarcon's expulsion from Whitewood Village. As a result, the people of Frostfall Town began to exert pressure on those from Whitewood Village, igniting a bitter rivalry.
Yearly, intense competition unfolds on both sides. It's a competition based on the revenue generated within their jurisdictions and the number of students accepted into the Salamanca School of Magic.
But the ultimate benchmark is the advancement of arcanists.
The two sibling Chiefs, Alarcon and Arcon, are both at Tier 3: Journeyman level, master.
Currently, Frostfall Town boasts eight Journeyman-level arcanists, four novices, three adepts, and one master. Meanwhile, Whitewood has five Journeyman-level arcanists, one novice, three adepts, and one master. Just by comparing the power within these two neighboring territories, the stark difference becomes evident.
The scrutiny of both sides was a routine affair, particularly as the time for the awakening ceremony drew near. Chief Alarcon remained resolute in his quest to conquer the last swath of the Night Forest through the recruitment of potential arcanists.
He had achieved this feat in years past, and this year, he was convinced he could do it once more. Thus, he made the decision to send forth the two Journeyman-level arcanists as observers, keenly aware of the importance of this mission.
"So, there's a good chance that many will make it in this year?"
"The village chief will surely be delighted."
"By the way, where is Chief Arcon?"
"All the village chiefs, town chiefs, and city mayors are convening in the Royal City. It's an emergency meeting," one of the Journeyman-level elders, who was acting as the guardian, replied to those inquiring about their Village chief.
"Elder, do you know what the meeting is about?"
"The chief didn't mention the specifics of the meeting, but his parting words were, 'Hope for good news.' " Elder Tong couldn't help but smile as he conveyed Chief Arcon's message.
As a result, the entire surroundings became even more lively, as if they could sense the arrival of joyful news. Some believed that luck was finally on their side.
***
Upon hearing her name, Izy ascended the stage with a joyful stride, exuding confidence. She was convinced that she would pass the test, especially since her older brother Iñigo had already succeeded. This gave her a strong belief in herself that she could surpass his achievement.
A massive screen hung overhead, casting a luminous glow upon the stage. On it, Izy's profile information was prominently displayed, gradually joined by the revelation of her arcane power. The audience watched in eager anticipation as the details of her abilities unfurled before their eyes.
Name: Izy Sullivan
Age: 6 years old
Gender: Female
Place of Birth: Whitewood Village, Kingdom of Salamanca
Arcane power: Unknown
Arcane title: Electrifying Butterfly
A collective gasp swept through the crowd as Izy unveiled her profile information, leaving them in stunned amazement.