The figure wore an unfriendly expression, with long hair tied up that reflected golden light under the sunlight filtering through the leaves. The girl leaped gracefully from the rock. She wore a bright white skirt. This young girl's name was Sophia Elara. Her true identity remained unknown, and she was the same age as Eizan and Zayn, thirteen years old.
In Taeyang, as well as across the continent, it was a tradition for children to undergo the Elemental Awakening at the age of fifteen and to become students at the Academy at the same age. This was crucial because it determined which Element would choose them. Elements were vital for living on this dangerous continent, making Element and Mana indispensable.
However, Taeyang was not wealthy enough to allow fifteen-year-olds to undergo the Awakening, no matter how talented they were. Everyone who could work had to work, enduring the harsh elements and diseases. Consequently, the human government, under the direct rule of King Gabriel, the leader of all humans on the continent, sent the White Mage to measure the villagers. Since then, the village had felt at ease, knowing that King Gabriel had sent the White Mage for the Awakening.
Eizan's family owned vast, fertile wheat fields to the south of the village and a very lush and fresh fruit orchard. His mother, Lizbeth, and her family were farmers. Upon learning that Eizan would soon undergo the Awakening, Lizbeth's mouth was filled with joyful words, though part of her must have felt disappointment. After all, it meant one less person to help in the fields.
Zayn had been cared for by Lizbeth since he was four years old, becoming a brother to Eizan without any blood relation.
"Why do we have to undergo the Awakening at such a young age?" Zayn still couldn't understand. To become stronger and become knights, they had to undergo the Awakening as their first step and receive their first Element. Those who didn't undergo the Awakening would be oppressed in this harsh world and work like slaves for those with the power to command them.
Moreover, no matter how many people experienced the Awakening, Taeyang remained poor. Sophia, whose identity was unknown, could only study in the morning while doing important chores such as caring for livestock and cleaning the house in the afternoon. Her first task after studying was to bring lunch to Eizan and Zayn. Many believed Sophia was an Elf's child due to her ears, which differed from those of ordinary humans. She was also cared for by Lizbeth after Eizan and Zayn brought her home at the age of seven.
Zayn stood up, shaking his head. "We weren't playing around, honestly! We trained really hard today!" he said quickly. Eizan, behind him, promptly added, "Yes, yes."
Sophia's eyes glowed with intensity as she looked at them, but her anger softened. "If you have the strength to fight after training, I wonder if I should ask Mother to increase your training load?"
"Anything but that!" they exclaimed in unison.
"Just kidding. Let's have lunch quickly. It's very hot today; if we don't eat soon, it will get unpleasant."
Sophia placed the wicker basket on the ground, took out a large cloth from it, and spread it out on a sloping spot. Eizan quickly took off his shoes and sat down, followed by Zayn. Then the food was laid out before the two hungry trainers: salted meat and bean-filled pies, black bread layered with cheese and bacon slices, some dried fruits, and fresh milk from that morning.
Sophia told Eizan and Zayn, who were about to grab the food, to 'wait', commanding them like dogs to pray before eating. Eizan and Zayn obediently complied and said their prayers.
"Wow, the milk looks so sweet, and the pie seems so delicious... we must eat it quickly. But chew it gently." Eizan and Zayn, very hungry, began biting into the large pieces of pie without saying anything.
The three of them ate in silence.
After finishing the food Sophia brought, Eizan lay back on the grass, satisfied and relieved. Zayn leaned against a large tree that shaded them from the sun, while Sophia cleaned up the remaining food.
Sophia reminded them of their promise, "Hey, don't forget we have something to see today." She looked at them with a gaze that demanded the fulfillment of the promise they had made to her a few days ago.
"It's hard to get up after eating so much pie, Sophia," Eizan said, rubbing his belly gently. "I just want to sleep under this tree," Zayn added, closing his eyes, seemingly forgetting their promise to the little girl.
Sophia, annoyed, stood up and clenched her fists. Eizan and Zayn, frightened, immediately sat up and apologized under Sophia's stern gaze. "W-We apologize... We haven't forgotten our promise from two days ago," Eizan stammered.
"Y-Yes, Sophia, please calm down... we were just joking," Zayn said, sweating all over.
"Are you sure you haven't forgotten?" Sophia asked, and they both nodded. "Then let's go to the tower to watch the Awakening Ceremony for the fifteen-year-olds," Sophia said, pointing to the tower next to the village chief's house.
Eizan and Zayn looked at the tower Sophia pointed at. After seeing it, they seemed to find some energy from somewhere and stood up, ready to go. "Listen... this might be our first time seeing an Awakening in person, so stay calm and watch carefully," Eizan instructed.
Sophia and Zayn nodded in agreement. "I'll lead the way for you two," Sophia said, walking ahead and extending her hands to pull them along.
"Hey Sophia, is this really the place?" Eizan asked, looking around and seeing children their age gathering.
"I think so. Look, there's a white-bearded mage who will speak soon," Sophia replied, pointing towards the mage.
The fifteen-year-olds were gathering to begin the Elemental Awakening Ceremony. Most were praying because this ceremony would determine their future status, whether they would belong to the upper or lower castes. Many came with their parents, who wanted to witness their children's awakening. Regardless of the Mana level, the parents were ready to support their children.
The happiness turned into tension as the room, previously filled with noise, fell silent. This was because...
An old man with a long white beard and a tall hat suddenly appeared before them. He snapped his fingers, ensuring his voice could be heard by all the children present.
"Hoho.. How are you all? I am the White Mage from the Tower of Eternity. Hoho.. You must be ready for the Awakening Ceremony, aren't you? Hoho..." The mage stroked his long beard.
"Remember, whatever the result, be proud of it. This is the beginning of your future. The Awakening Ceremony is just the start of your journey. Your future depends on your choices and determination. If you stay in the same place, you won't change. But if you move, even just a few steps, it will make a big difference in your life. The choice is yours, hoho ho..."
The mage snapped his fingers, and a large crystal for measuring a human's Mana appeared. Everyone present marveled at its beauty.
The mage began calling the participants one by one. Some received the Elements of Lightning and Earth, but no one had yet received the two A-rank Elements, Fire and Water.
"Hmm, none of them seem special," Eizan remarked, belittling the students.
"Quiet. Wait until you see the one standing over there," Zayn said, pointing to a student.
"You mean that blond noble? He looks ordinary. I think he just has a handsome face," Eizan said, looking at the boy Zayn pointed at.
"I felt the same at first, but after looking closely, I think he has something special," Sophia agreed with Zayn.
The scene unfolded as the child, observed by the three friends, was called forth by the White Sorcerer.
As the White Sorcerer chanted his spell, the noble child's eyes glowed, causing the crystal before him to shatter instantly...
The onlookers, including townsfolk, students, and even the White Sorcerer, were astonished by the rare phenomenon occurring before them.
Eizan, too, was struck with awe at the sight.
Three elements suddenly emerged from the shattered crystal: Electricity, Fire, and Water.
"Hoho, behold this extraordinarily rare event that happens only once every 100 years! A 15-year-old mastering three A-tier elements at such a young age is truly remarkable. Even those who have mastered Core Mana can only control two elements!"