**Chapter 34: The Weaving of Fates**
Elena stood quietly, her mind racing as she thought about the elder's question. The weight of the decision felt heavy, and she took her time to think it through. Memories of her time with Hendrix and Lu flashed before her—Hendrix's infectious smile and boldness, Lu's quiet but steady presence. They had made her feel welcome, something she hadn't felt in a long time.
After a few moments, she looked up at the elder and nodded. "Yes, there is someone," she said softly.
The elder gave a gentle smile and nodded in understanding. "Alright, child. After the final results are announced and the last tournament takes place, you can bring the person over. You are one of us now, and anyone who joins afterward will be at the same rank as you. So, you'll soon be getting your first assistant."
"Cool," Elena replied, mimicking Hendrix's playful tone. The elder chuckled at her innocent enthusiasm.
Just then, Alonso returned to the stage, holding a scroll in his hands. The crowd hushed in anticipation as he began to read out the results, starting from the bottom up.
"Hundredth place," Alonso's voice rang out, "goes to Darian Blackwood with a total score of 45 points. He answered three questions correctly, lasted 15 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 common-grade Healing Salve."
Darian, a young man with a determined look, accepted his place with a nod. The crowd offered polite applause, recognizing his effort.
"Ninety-ninth place," Alonso continued, "is taken by Freya Windrunner with 48 points. She answered four questions correctly, lasted 16 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 common-grade Energizing Brew."
Freya, a petite woman with bright eyes, acknowledged the applause with a small smile.
As Alonso continued reading the names, the anticipation grew. The names of alchemists from various minor clans, independent practitioners, and representatives from neighboring cities were announced, each receiving their due recognition.
When he reached the top ten, the atmosphere in the arena became electric.
"Tenth place," Alonso announced, "is awarded to Rowan Fireforge with 80 points. He answered seven questions correctly, lasted 23 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 high-grade Flame Guard potion."
Rowan, a robust man with fiery red hair, received a loud cheer from his supporters. His performance had been impressive, and he was a well-known figure in his city.
"Ninth place goes to Lira Moonshadow with 82 points. She answered six questions correctly, lasted 24 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 high-grade Lunar Essence potion."
Lira, a graceful woman with silver hair, smiled warmly as she acknowledged the applause.
"Eighth place is awarded to Talon Swiftblade with 84 points. He answered seven questions correctly, lasted 25 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 high-grade Speed Elixir."
Talon, a lean man with sharp features, gave a confident nod to the crowd.
"Seventh place goes to Elara Stormborn with 86 points. She answered eight questions correctly, lasted 26 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 high-grade Stormguard potion."
Elara, a striking woman with an air of authority, received a round of applause.
"Sixth place is taken by Felix Stoneheart with 88 points. He answered nine questions correctly, lasted 27 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 high-grade Earthshield potion."
Felix, a burly man with a stoic expression, nodded solemnly.
"Fifth place," Alonso continued, "is awarded to Renna Whiteleaf with 90 points. She answered seven questions correctly, lasted 21 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 unique-grade Forest's Heart potion."
Renna, a young woman with emerald-green eyes and a serene expression, smiled gracefully as the crowd cheered.
"Fourth place goes to Briar Nightshade with 92 points. He answered eight questions correctly, lasted 24 minutes, and produced a Tier 3 unique-grade Shadow Veil potion."
Briar, a tall and lean figure clad in dark robes, acknowledged the applause with a curt nod.
"Third place is shared by the Twin Stars, Livia and Marcus Daystar, with 94 points each. Both answered nine questions correctly, lasted 28 minutes, and produced a Tier 3 unique-grade Flameguard potion."
The twin alchemists smiled confidently, basking in the admiration of the crowd. They had been groomed for success and had lived up to the expectations placed on them.
"Second place," Alonso continued, "is taken by Elder Grimald Stoneforge with 96 points. He answered all questions correctly, lasted 29 minutes, and produced a Tier 3 unique-grade Elixir of Endurance."
The old man, Grimald, nodded respectfully as the crowd applauded. His experience had served him well, and his reputation as a seasoned alchemist had been upheld.
"First place," Alonso's voice rang out, "goes to Alaric Stormborne with a total score of 98 points. He answered all ten questions correctly, lasted 34 minutes in the second stage, and produced a Tier 3 unique-grade Wraith Fire potion."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Alaric stood at his table, trying to remain composed, but the cheers and Aria's loud voice calling his name made it impossible not to smile. He had worked hard, and now it was paying off.
Alonso then announced, "Elena Moonshadow scored 50 points, answering one question correctly, lasting 40 minutes in the second stage, and creating a basic Tier 3 healing pill for pain relief."
Though Elena's score was not the highest, the crowd reacted with a mix of awe and respect. The fact that a child so young, who had no formal training, could achieve what she did was nothing short of miraculous. And the fact that she was now a part of the alchemy hall only added to the intrigue surrounding her.
With the announcement of the final results, the crowd buzzed with excitement. The main event was about to begin.
The stage was quickly cleared, and new preparations were made. The air was thick with anticipation as the final tournament drew closer.
A very old mage, draped in robes that shimmered with ancient runes, slowly made his way to the center of the stage. He moved with a deliberate grace, every step carrying the weight of centuries of knowledge. As he reached the center, he carefully unfurled a scroll that seemed to be made of material far older than anything present. The crowd fell into a deep hush, as if an unspoken command had silenced them all.
The mage began to read from the scroll, but his words were not meant for everyone. Only those attuned to the arcane arts could hear the voice of the Dao, the mystical force that governed the universe. The words were ancient, carrying with them the power of ages long past.
The Dao of Arcane and Magic is a vast and mysterious path, one that few can fully comprehend. It is the force that binds the elements, shapes reality, and allows those who walk its path to touch the very fabric of existence. The arcane arts are a way of cultivation, a journey of understanding and mastery over the forces that govern life and death. To hear the voice of the Dao is to be called to a higher purpose, a journey that leads to power, wisdom, and enlightenment.
As the mage continued reading, those attuned to the arcane began to fall into a trance. Aria, Alaric, Aster, Baron Cole, Alonso, the elder from the alchemy hall, many of the city guards, clan heads, random people in the crowd, Elena, and even some of the knights and adventurers found themselves drawn into the voice of the Dao.
For them, time seemed to stand still. They were no longer in the arena but somewhere far beyond, where the very essence of magic flowed around them. They saw visions of distant realms, heard the whispers of ancient beings, and felt the overwhelming power of the arcane. It was a journey within themselves, a test of their connection to the Dao.
And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it ended. The old mage read the last line of the scroll, and everyone awoke from their trance, bowing their heads in reverence. The arena was silent, the atmosphere thick with the weight of what had just transpired.
The only person who did not bow was Old Lark. For him, the voice of the Dao had triggered something deep within—a flash of memories long buried, fragments of a past life that he could barely grasp. But the impact was undeniable. The old mage noticed him, if only briefly, but did not linger. He had seen enough.
With a calm and measured voice, the old mage announced, "For those who have fate with the Dao, the Mage Tower's door in Demeris is always open for you." And with that, he walked away from the arena, his purpose fulfilled.
As the mage left, the celebratory atmosphere returned. Aster, who had been deeply moved by the experience, turned to his father, Baron Cole, and asked, "Who was that, father?"
Baron Cole, who had been lost in thought, his mind racing with memories and emotions, turned to his son. A look of nostalgia mixed with terror crossed his face before he spoke.
"Listen closely, Aster," he began, his voice serious
. "No one truly knows who that mage is, but he is a figure of legend. Many years ago, there was another second-grade city in this region called Ran.
Baron Cole's voice dropped to a whisper as he began to recount the tale, his eyes distant as if he were reliving the events himself. Aster leaned in closer, sensing the gravity of the story his father was about to tell.
"Many years ago, the city of Ran was a thriving second-grade city, ruled by a powerful lord who was both feared and respected. Lord Ran was ambitious, driven by a desire to expand his influence and power beyond what was rightfully his. His city was prosperous, and his armies were strong, but it wasn't enough. He craved more—more power, more wealth, more control.
"One day, Lord Ran heard of a treasure of unimaginable power, said to be guarded by the mages of the Demeris Mage Tower. It was the Arcane Wheel, an ancient relic from the dawn of the seventh era, capable of amplifying the wielder's arcane abilities to god-like levels. Driven by his lust for power, Lord Ran devised a plan to steal the Arcane Wheel from the Mage Tower.
"He gathered his most trusted warriors and magicians, launching a surprise attack on the Mage Tower. It was a slaughter. The mages, though powerful, were caught off guard, and many fell in the initial assault. But those who survived fought back with a vengeance, summoning all their arcane might to defend their sacred relic.
"Amid the chaos, a young mage from Demeris, barely more than an apprentice, stood his ground against Lord Ran's forces. He was not the strongest mage, nor the most experienced, but he possessed a fierce loyalty to the Mage Tower and an unbreakable will. As the battle raged on, he somehow managed to seize the Arcane Wheel and, against all odds, unleashed its power.
"The Arcane Wheel was not something that could be wielded by just anyone. It required a deep understanding of the arcane, a bond with the Dao of Magic that few could achieve. The young mage, though far from ready, made the ultimate sacrifice. He merged with the Arcane Wheel, becoming one with it, channeling its immense power through his own body. The effect was cataclysmic.
"With the power of the Arcane Wheel, the young mage obliterated Lord Ran's forces, reducing the entire city of Ran to ashes. Nothing remained but a barren wasteland where a thriving city once stood. The mage himself was nearly destroyed by the ordeal, his body and soul ravaged by the power he had unleashed. When he finally returned to Demeris, he was barely recognizable—his hair had turned white, his skin was like parchment, and his eyes held the weight of a thousand lifetimes.
"Since that day, he has been known as the Archmage of Demeris, the guardian of the Arcane Wheel. He is a figure of both awe and fear, a reminder of the price one pays for wielding such power. Few speak of him openly, for he is a living legend, a man who has transcended the boundaries of what it means to be mortal."
Baron Cole paused, his expression somber as he looked at his son. "Aster, the lesson here is one of caution. Power, especially power like that of the Arcane Wheel, comes at a great cost. It is better to have friends than enemies, and not every battle is worth fighting. Some opponents are beyond our comprehension, and it is wiser to avoid conflict with them. The Archmage is one such being—do not provoke him, for the consequences would be dire."
Aster nodded slowly, the weight of his father's words sinking in. He had never heard his father speak with such gravity before, and it left a lasting impression on him.
Baron Cole placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Go now, Aster. Celebrate with your friends. Today is a great day, but always remember what I've told you."
As Aster turned to join the others, his father's words echoed in his mind. The Archmage, the Dao, the Arcane Wheel—all of it seemed like something out of legend, yet the reality of it was undeniable. He resolved to be more cautious in the future, to heed his father's advice and not let ambition cloud his judgment.
Meanwhile, the final preparations for the main event were nearly complete. The arena buzzed with excitement as the crowds eagerly awaited the next stage of the tournament.
***End of chapter 34****