[Elemental Talent]
There was good ventilation in the underground space, maintaining order with respect to humidity. There were many people but it still did not cause the atmosphere to become suffocated.
They waited until finally an old man entered; He moved with long strides, his hand touching his stomach. He had a carefree image but a fleeting gleam of intelligence was present in his eyes.
He pretended to cough twice, with the intention of causing silence in the room. With this, all eyes were focused on his presence; Thus he achieved his goal, making a smile appear on his face and taking a breath, he began to give a pre-programmed speech.
"Today, a blessed day, it is my pleasure to observe you in a new triennial meeting. Some participants who had previously dispensed with their own test are parents today, a fact that fills me with pride." Smiling, he once again finished his entrance speech with slight alterations. He had carried out the same work for the past decades.
"As you all know, the test consists of two acts: using the two holy objects inherited by our honorable ancestors. 'The Keystone of Destiny' and 'The Bell of the Temple of War'. This will dictate the possible performance of our little giants, in the different areas that encompass power and intelligence".
"As everyone understands, fate is not arbitrary. 'There is no evidence' of an Almighty God, but our actions write in His heavy book."
"Martial skill and talent, strategic skills and the ability to carry out operations, defensive skills, logistics and military technology. Without expanding on other specific roles." The old man pronounced while extending his arm vertically, at the height of his shoulder, showing his closed palm.
"And on the other hand, logical reasoning, the ability to solve problems, deduction, planning, analysis, spatial ability, mind-body connection, and innovation." As he said it, he hit the area of his heart three times, turning around from his original position and going in the opposite direction.
"Now, let's proceed to the true location." He said as he adopted a scholarly stance, he began a walk to even lower steps.
The guided path had extended for a few minutes, passing through common areas. Without defined structure or glamorous decoration; without glory or honor. There was only one detail in particular that could go unnoticed and that was that every time the lights disappeared, ambient light appeared in equal proportion.
It was to the point that there was only a slight warm light, fighting against the darkness.
But at one point this changed, with the appearance of vines that provided apparently natural light, occupying and surpassing the place of artificial lights. They stretched unparalleled across the walls. Finally all these vines were concentrated in one point, acting as a nucleus.
It was an extremely black hall, covered in vines. The color of the walls and floor was monotonous, worn by time.
The surprise was that in the entire room, only two elements were presented. Each one was separated by a considerable distance, positioned in opposite corners. On the left side was a fountain containing a crystalline liquid that vibrated as it occasionally received a small drop from the extension of a vine on the ceiling.
On the right side was a large traditional bell. It rested in silence and ignoring the secular, with handcrafted engravings and time due to its antiquity, innately producing a feeling of austerity and repelling contact from strangers who would observe it.
"Finally, finally once again. The smell is peculiar... Blessedness. Blessed is our family, our descendants, and the Giant God!" The old man said with joy, taking up the floor once again, with a big smile, using the role of main speaker.
"As in previous practices, the order of coming forward will be in alphabetical order." Said and done, the execution of the ancestral practices was immediate, without any previous ceremony.
The tests consisted of sinking the child's head into the shallow fountain. This action produced waves on the liquid, which determined the result. 'Cornerstone of destiny'.
It was a mystical object of unknown origin. Although it was not a secret, the reality of its function was not so well clarified in the outside world.
His value was incalculable to a faction and the Battlemman family was ancient and numerous; Therefore, they had not been able to prevent the truth from circulating, but various rumors were spread that over time became mixed with the truth.
The bell consisted of a basic action. By simply keeping the infant's hand on its surface, it produced vibrations depending on how many times it sounded. 'The bell of the Temple of War'.
The results were determined from the action of vibrating, having a minimum and maximum number. And despite their difference and singularity, the two objects shared purposes, in essence: theoretically the maximum number was nine and the minimum one. They were rare cases...
In this way, one by one they passed. The pattern that was mostly repeated was a common or uncommon demonstration.
"Adreu, one year: A total of three waves in the fountain and he has rung the bell four times. Unusual demonstration and warlike performance"
With his demonstration completed, the boy returned with help to his father's arms. A burly and masculine man, who received him with pats on his head and encouraging words: "Well done, my son. I see that seed comes from me, maintaining the lineage of the ancestors. Remember: you must prove it by becoming as strong as your father, buhaahahaa."
A few prying glances were directed at the man from his somewhat arrogant display; but they understood the dynamics deeply embedded in their family, so they only showed a small smile.
"Darius, nine months: A total of three waves in the source and has rung the bell twice. Common demonstration and performance in intelligence."
Given the slightly disappointing result, no one made fun or made derogatory comments, waiting in order for the next participant. Instead, the mother hugged him and showered him with love with a warm smile.
It was quickly Eras's turn, who was a three-year-old girl. For a second there was a flash of hesitation in his eyes but it was quickly extinguished. At her name, she reacted like a lady, walking gracefully towards the fountain.
Finally in front of her, she looked at her with confidence and a little longing... But she had to wait for her elderly grandmother, who would have to lift her up to reach the fountain.
With wrinkled hands wrapped around her waist, she was raised to a position that made her dizzy with excitement, until she was sunk slightly. This caused a slight agitation in the contained liquid, ending in an act of five waves.
So far, it had resulted in the highest approval. His name was very close to the beginning of the alphabet, so understanding was very acceptable.
With this, she drew a radiant smile on her small face with her underdeveloped teeth, expressing her irrepressible happiness outwardly. This infected many of those present, but especially her grandmother.
"Congratulations, my little heart; but the war test is still missing. I know you will do fantastic, go." The old lady did not express abundant energy and happiness on her old face, but a turbulent waterfall-like pride grew inside her for her granddaughter.
Given what was said, her granddaughter acted in a disciplined manner and with filial piety, immediately strutting towards the bell. His step on this occasion was fast, making his emotion tangible. Without any caution, he placed his small hand on the worn gold-plated object.
But contrary to everyone's expectations, like an act against the sky, his light touch caused the bell to flutter and chime seven times. The secondary consequences even made his wet hair fly like a rising bird.
With the surrounding energy concentrating, the seven rumblings came to an end. But that was not the end, since threads of red energy were released from the imperceptible cracks, forming the illusory image of a spear with an air of solemnity and antiquity.
This phenomenon painted different expressions on the faces of those present. There were those who were surprised and even those who were petrified; others rejoiced at the auspicious sign and some envied the predicted talent.
Human nature was naturally imbued with envy and jealousy, as well as kindness and good behavior. They were two distinctions that acted in duality, existing in every emotional and intelligent sentient being.
So the different reactions were normal despite their blood relationship. At the end of the day, it would depend on you...
But the surrounding children did not understand these complex aspects, surrendering to the naturalness of the action, without thinking about good and evil; and thus, they could not keep their mouths shut, totally attracted and captivated by the fabulous display of bright colors.
...
"Eras, three years: A total of five waves in the fountain and the bell has rung seven times, producing a vision. Demonstration of genius and military performance."