The sun was just beginning to rise as Harry and Max stirred from their sleep. The faint light creeping through the cracks in the walls signaled the start of a new day. Harry stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from the previous day's ordeal. Max, still groggy, blinked a few times before sitting up on his bed, rubbing his eyes.
"Morning, Max," Harry greeted him, his voice still a bit rough from sleep.
Max nodded. "Morning, Harry. Do we have to go back to the hall?"
"Yeah," Harry replied, standing up and beginning to wash his face and hands. "We need to be there early. We don't want to be late for whatever they have planned for us today."
Max quickly followed suit, and within minutes, the duo was ready. They left their small room and made their way down the dimly lit corridors, joining a stream of other students heading in the same direction. The air was filled with a mix of anticipation and nervous energy; everyone was curious about what the day would bring.
When they reached the hall they had visited the day before, they found it bustling with activity. Students from various classes and ages, all looking as confused and apprehensive as Harry and Max, filled the space. Teachers stood in groups, speaking in hushed tones, occasionally glancing at the students.
After a few minutes, the hall quieted down as a group of instructors entered and motioned for everyone to follow them. Harry and Max exchanged a look, then joined the flow of students moving toward a set of large, imposing doors at the back of the hall.
The doors creaked open, revealing a passageway that led to a much larger chamber beyond. As they walked through the passage, Harry noticed the architecture change subtly. The walls became smoother, the floors more polished. A sense of grandeur filled the air, and the murmurs of the students grew quieter.
They emerged into a vast, round hall, much larger than the one they had just left. The ceiling soared high above them, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that seemed to glow faintly. In the center of the hall stood a raised platform, where the lord they had met yesterday and several other important-looking figures were waiting.
"Welcome," the lord began, his voice calm yet commanding, echoing through the chamber. "I trust you all rested well. As promised, we have gathered here today to begin your training program. This program is designed to make you stronger, to help you survive and thrive in this world. But before we can start, there is a vital ceremony that each of you must undergo."
Max listened intently, his curiosity piqued. He had a feeling that this ceremony was something significant, something that would change everything.
'Oh, it's probably an Awakening or similar type of ceremony.' Harry muttered inwardly.
"This ceremony," the lord continued, "is known as the Awakening in general. In our language, it is called 'El Lira Vethar' It is a process that will awaken your essence, the core of your being. It will reveal your true potential and the path that lies ahead of you."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the students. Awakening? Essence? Max tried to make sense of the words, but they were new to him. He glanced at Harry who threw him a 'don't worry, I will explain later', look.
The lord gestured to the figures beside him. "These are the elders and masters who will guide you through this ceremony. They will help you understand the nature of your essence and what it means for your future. The Awakening is a profound experience, one that will connect you to the very fabric of the universe. It will provide you with a clearer understanding of your abilities and the role you are destined to play."
"Now, I will let our most proud mage continue the ceremony." The lord nodded subtly and left his spot.
A tall man with an imposing presence, dressed in a deep blue robe embroidered with golden symbols took his place. He raised his hand, and the murmuring crowd fell silent.
"Welcome, Earthlings," he began in a deep, resonant voice. "I am the Mage Elias, the overseer of El Lira Vethar, and I greet you all with honor. You are here today to embark on a journey, one that will transform you and awaken the hidden potential within you."
The students shifted uneasily, exchanging glances of curiosity and uncertainty. Max listened silently, eager to understand what was happening. As for Harry, he was already grinning as things were progressing in the direction he anticipated.
"Before we proceed," Lord Elias continued, "it is essential for you to understand what an 'Essence' is. An Essence is the core of one's being, a manifestation of their true self and potential. It determines your path, your strengths, and your abilities. Awakened Essences are the key to unlocking your full capabilities in the world."
He paused, letting his words sink in, then gestured to a group of young men and women who stood behind him on the platform. "These are some of our own, individuals who have undergone the Awakening Ceremony and discovered their Essences."
As he spoke, the young men and women stepped forward, each one holding a different aura of confidence and power.
"Take, for instance, Lana here," Lord Elias said, indicating a young woman with short, silver hair and a calm demeanor. "She possesses the Essence of a Healer, a vital role in any group or battle, capable of mending wounds and curing ailments."
Next, he pointed to a tall, muscular man with a stern expression. "And this is Jaxon, who has awakened the Essence of a Warrior, granting him immense strength and combat abilities."
He continued, introducing others: a lithe woman with sharp eyes named Sienna, who had the Essence of an Assassin, and a broad-shouldered young man named Gareth, who bore the Essence of a Guardian, providing protection and shielding his allies from harm.
"But Essences are not limited to these roles," Lord Elias paused. "There are..."