After descending from the horsecart, the Duke's children made their way towards the VIP guest house, drawing all eyes as they passed. Their graceful demeanor and striking appearance left the crowd buzzing with whispers.
Just then, my father and Uncle Samuel arrived. "Ho, that was tough. There are too many kids awakening this year," Samuel remarked, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Yes, it's unusual to have so many children born in the same year," my father, Garrick, agreed, scanning the bustling crowd.
"But even with so many participants, our kids will stand out by awakening powerful core elements," Samuel said confidently.
"Alright, stop daydreaming and show us our kids' numbers," Aunt Emma interrupted, eager to know when our turn would come.
"Oh yes, here it is. Clara will be 117, and Aric will be 226," Samuel announced, handing over the registration slips.
"Oh my God, we have to wait that long for our kids' turn?" my mother exclaimed, sounding both anxious and impatient.
"Don't worry, honey. Until then, we can watch other kids awaken. It might even motivate our children," my father reassured her, placing a calming hand on her shoulder.
"Alright, let's go and take our seats before the ceremony starts," Aunt Emma suggested, guiding us towards the seating area.
We settled into our seats, which provided a clear view of the grand stage at the center of the square. At the front of the stage stood a large, gleaming crystal, the focus of the awakening ceremony. Each child would place their hand on this crystal, which would then glow to reveal their elemental affinity. A vibrant color signified a core element, while a white glow meant no element.
As we got comfortable, the ceremony began. The first child's name was announced, and a young boy stepped up onto the stage. He placed his hand on the crystal, which immediately glowed with a bright red flare, indicating the fire element. The crowd erupted into applause, and the boy jumped for joy, his face beaming with pride.
"That was a great start to the ceremony," commented an old man with a white beard, seated in VIP room .
"Indeed Shane ," replied A man seating beside him , nodding thoughtfully. "But It has been twenty years since someone from our city has awakened a dual element. Other cities are producing geniuses, but we haven't seen such talent in a while."
"Don't worry, Duke Soros. I have a feeling something extraordinary is going to happen this year," shane, said with a twinkle in his eye. Shane was not just any observer; he was the respected teacher of the Duke's children and a renowned mentor in the city.
"Let's see how my kids perform, then," Duke Soros said, casting a hopeful glance towards the VIP guest house where his children awaited their turn.
"Hopefully, they won't disappoint me," Shane replied, his gaze fixed firmly on the stage as the ceremony continued.
As the next names were called and more children took their turn at the crystal, the atmosphere remained charged with excitement and anticipation. Each new elemental revelation brought cheers and gasps from the crowd, but the real anticipation was building for the Duke's children, whose awakening was eagerly awaited by all.
Just then, the name of the Duke's child, Asher, was announced. The crowd's murmur grew louder, a wave of anticipation sweeping through them.
In the VIP room, Sara turned to her brother, her eyes filled with encouragement. "Good luck, brother," she said softly.
"Thanks, sister," Asher replied, taking a deep breath before stepping out towards the stage.
Asher walked with a mixture of confidence and anxiety, the weight of expectations heavy on his shoulders. The crowd parted as he approached the stage, all eyes fixed on him. When he reached the crystal, he placed his hand on it, and the anticipation in the air was almost tangible.
The crystal began to glow a vibrant red, indicating the fire element. The crowd erupted in applause, cheers echoing throughout the square.
But Asher's face remained impassive. He had hoped for more. He had hoped for a dual element. He turned and walked back towards the VIP area, his steps heavy with disappointment.
Watching Asher's reaction, I turned to my father, puzzled. "Dad, even though he got a strong element, why isn't he happy?"
Dad sighed, his expression thoughtful. "My boy, nobles are always in competition for who has the strongest elements. The strongest elements are dual elements, which are very rare. Asher is not happy because he didn't awaken a dual element."
"Dual element?"
"Oh, I forgot to explain that to you," Dad continued. "Sometimes, a person can possess two elements. They can either combine their powers or use them separately. If someone has a dual element, they are destined for greatness. For a Duke's child like Asher, not having a dual element means he will be looked down upon by other nobles."
"Oh, now I understand," I thought, realizing that in this world, power meant everything, and even nobles faced harsh judgment if they weren't strong.
Asher re-entered the VIP room, his shoulders slumped. Sara immediately went to him, her face filled with concern and determination. "Don't worry, brother. Even if you haven't awakened a dual element, you can still become strong by training hard."
Asher nodded, but his disappointment was evident. "I know, sister, but I wanted to make Father proud."
Sara placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You will make him proud, Asher. Just keep training."
In another room, Duke Soros watched the ceremony unfold, his expression a mixture of pride and concern. "So, this year too, no one from our house awakened a dual element," he said, his voice tinged with disheartenment.
"Don't be sad, Soros. Your other child, Sara, is yet to go. I am confident she will awaken a dual element, considering how talented she is," Shane reassured him, his eyes twinkling with certainty.
Shane, the old man with the white beard, was more than just an observer; he was the esteemed teacher of Duke Soros's children and a respected mentor in the city.
"I hope you're right. But I must also support Asher and not put too much pressure on him. He will definitely make us proud one day," Soros said, his voice softening with resolve to be a supportive father.
As the ceremony continued, the atmosphere remained charged with excitement and anticipation. Each new child's elemental revelation brought cheers and gasps from the crowd.