The center of the capital was an impressive place, with its tall modern buildings and bustling streets. But today, all attention was focused on the immense building where the test would take place. As they approached, Elias noticed a dense crowd of adolescents his age accompanied by their families. Stress and anxiety were palpable. Some parents tried to reassure their children with encouraging words, while others seemed on the brink of panic.
What particularly caught Elias' attention were the groups from powerful factions. These adolescents were surrounded by imposing guards, their impeccable uniforms contrasting with the casual attire of most other participants. The faction families seemed well-prepared, their faces displaying a confidence rarely seen in others.
"Look at that." Elias murmured to his father.
Ethan nodded, his dark eyes scanning the surroundings. "Well... Good luck?"
Elias sighed.
Great family...
Aria, meanwhile, observed everything with wide-eyed excitement. She tightly held her father's hand, thrilled by the electric atmosphere.
"This is huge! Elias, good luck..."
Elias smiled at his sister.
"Shh, Aria."
They moved forward in line, heading towards the main entrance where test officials were verifying identities and giving instructions. When it was their turn, a uniformed man scanned their ID card and directed them where to go.
"All candidates must proceed to the main hall for a brief introduction. Families can wait in designated areas," he announced in a clear, strong voice.
Elias turned to his father and sister. "I guess this is where we part ways for a while."
Ethan placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Listen, do your best, and if you don't have an affinity, don't be discouraged. We'll always be here for you."
"Sure."
Elias entered the grand hall, joining hundreds of other adolescents. The room was vast, decorated with symbols representing the different Aura categories. A nervous silence settled as everyone awaited the start of the ceremony.
A middle-aged man, dressed in solemn robes, ascended an elevated platform at the center of the hall. His imposing presence and piercing gaze immediately captured everyone's attention.
"Welcome, everyone," he began in a resonant voice. "Today, you will undergo the Aura Test, a crucial step that will determine if you have an affinity with this mysterious energy that has shaped our world for two centuries."
Elias listened attentively even though he didn't expect anything specific. Deep down, he was like everyone else, feeling stressed. It wasn't for nothing that he had woken up early that morning and started doing push-ups. Elias wasn't particularly athletic, he just wanted to release his stress in some way.
"Remember, this test measures not only your potential but also your determination and will. Whether you come from powerful factions or modest backgrounds, each of you has an equal chance to prove your worth."
The man paused, letting his words resonate in the minds of the adolescents. "Let the test begin."
Elias stood among hundreds of other adolescents in the grand hall. The man on the platform, clad in solemn robes, continued his speech, capturing the attention of everyone present.
"Before we begin the test, it is essential to recall what Aura is and how it has transformed our world. Two hundred years ago, a mysterious breach appeared in space, releasing an enigmatic energy called Aura. This energy irreversibly altered our planet, modifying ecosystems and giving rise to new creatures."
Elias listened vaguely, everyone already knew everything about the Original Breach and Aura, at least on the surface.
"Aura has also endowed certain humans with extraordinary abilities, divided into four main categories," the man continued. "Aura of Strength, symbolized by the color red, enhances physical strength and power. Aura of Wisdom, blue, increases insight and understanding of knowledge. Aura of Healing, green, enables healing wounds and restoring health. Lastly, Aura of Chaos, black, is the rarest and most unpredictable, capable of altering the environment and events in complex ways."
The man paused, observing the anxious and curious faces before him.
"The test you are about to undergo is simple," he explained. "You will enter a room with a giant crystal. If you have an affinity with a specific Aura category, the crystal will shine in the corresponding color. Red for Strength, blue for Wisdom, green for Healing, and black for Chaos."
Elias felt a surge of excitement mixed with anxiety.
If I have an affinity, it better be Wisdom. Strength and Healing are also interesting, but Wisdom is what I'm interested in. As for Chaos, I'm not sure...
The Aura of Chaos was truly mysterious. There were only six Chaos users in the world. It was a unique and enigmatic power, but that didn't mean it was the strongest. All four categories were equally valued, and several factors came into play, such as the martial arts practiced or the specific power, as each Aura was unique.
"Today, we have the honor of welcoming the leaders of the three great academies who have come to attend this ceremony." the man continued, pointing to a special section of the hall. "These academies, renowned worldwide, seek the most promising talents to train and guide them in the use of Aura."
Elias turned to see the leaders sitting with solemnity, observing the adolescents with penetrating gazes.
"The Academy of the Rising Sun, led by Aura Master Edward Smith." the man announced, pointing to a charismatic-looking man.
"The Academy of the Eternal Moon, led by Aura Master Selene Lumen." he continued, indicating a woman with an icy beauty and mysterious aura.
"And finally, the Academy of the Scarlet Winds, led by Aura Master Auron Svetch." he concluded, pointing to an imposing man radiating a calm yet palpable strength.
Elias felt the weight of their presence, aware that these leaders would play a crucial role in the course of his journey if he passed the test. But the problem was the "if." What if he didn't pass? What would he do? How would he help his father with the debts?
All these questions that Elias had buried deep inside were now resurfacing.
"Now, I invite you to prepare for the test," declared the man. "Each candidate will enter the crystal room alone. We will start in alphabetical order."
Names began to be called, one by one.
"Ariana Valenwood."
A girl caught everyone's attention. She walked proudly towards the room, with a majestic air. Her golden hair and violet eyes shone like precious stones. She came from the Valenwood faction, one of the most powerful factions. She was considered a potential candidate to inherit the knowledge and teachings of Marcus Valenwood, the leader of the Valenwood faction and Ariana's grandfather, a hero of humanity and a legendary Aura user. Needless to say, she had been considered a prodigy since a young age, and it was almost certain that she would pass her test.
As all eyes were on the young prodigy, she entered the room. Without hesitation, she placed her hand on the crystal, and after a brief moment of silence, a blue light filled the room.
Hmm, an Aura of Wisdom... I expected her result to be the same as her-
But suddenly, another color filled the room.
"Red..."
Other voices were heard among the adolescents and spectators.
-"Two affinities, just like her grandfather, huh..."
"What? That's cheating, seriously..."
"Her future was already set, but to have two affinities..."
I sighed.
Those damn prodigies... Among all Aura users, only five had a double affinity, and among them Marcus Valenwood, with affinities of Wisdom and Force. That's what earned him his renown. It seemed his granddaughter would follow the same path.
As the room recovered from the revelation, the next name was called.
"Adrian Stormrider."
A young man with long brown hair and piercing green eyes stepped forward confidently. Adrian was known as a prodigy within the powerful Stormrider faction. He walked with a natural grace, and even before he laid his hand on the crystal, murmurs circulated in the room about his potential.
He placed his hand on the crystal, and after a few moments, a bright red light filled the room. The Aura of Force. Unlike Ariana, there was no second color. However, this didn't seem to faze him, he smiled, confident in his abilities.
The tests continued, each teenager entering the crystal room one by one. Unfortunately, not everyone was a genius like Ariana or Adrian. For many, the crystal emitted no color, indicating they had no particular affinity. Elias waited with growing nervousness, watching the reactions of the other participants.
Finally, he heard his name echo in the room.
"Elias Hart."
This is it.
He took a deep breath and walked towards the door leading to the crystal room. Stepping inside, he was struck by the beauty and grandeur of the crystal standing at the center, sparkling under the light.
Elias approached slowly, feeling a slight vibration in the air around him. He placed a trembling hand on the crystal's surface and closed his eyes, awaiting the verdict.
Please...
Elias knew very well that in a few seconds, a large part of his life would be decided. He wasn't naive, he knew there was a good chance nothing would happen. He wasn't a genius protagonist from a fantasy novel. There wouldn't be a situation where he had something like an affinity with all the categories of Aura. All he hoped for was one affinity, just one.
A complete silence filled the room, then suddenly, the crystal began to change color. Elias opened his eyes to see... black. The crystal shimmered with a dark and deep glow.
An Aura of Chaos...