As Zhang Yan walked through the bustling bazaar, his thoughts drifted, recalling the memories of his current life. He wasn't just Aiden anymore; he was Zhang Yan too, and both lives seemed to blend together in his mind.
From what he could piece together, he was in the city of Solara, a thriving hub in the Southern Continent. The city was alive with activity, vibrant stalls overflowing with goods, and the air filled with the sound of merchants calling out to customers. In this world, there were two types of people: mortals and the Arcanians—those gifted with magic. Zhang belonged to the latter, but people here weren't born with power.
Solara was governed by the Xuan Clan, one of the most powerful families on the southern continent. They ruled with an iron fist, their authority rooted not just in political control but also in their unmatched magical abilities. The Xuan Clan were descendants of an ancient line of Arcanians, with generations of high-ranking Arcane Masters emerging from their bloodline. Their wealth and influence were reinforced by their strict control over the magical awakening process within the city.
The Xuan Clan controlled the Arcane Academy, an institution where every young Arcanian, upon turning 16, would undergo a crucial ritual to unlock their magic. This was a rite of passage, and while Zhang had yet to reach that age, he could feel the anticipation building within him.
The key to unlocking an individual's magical potential lay in an ancient artifact known as the Aperture Stone, a relic said to have been passed down by the first Arcanians. This stone, placed in the heart of the academy's temple, was a powerful conduit between the physical and mystical realms. Once touched, the stone would interact with the person's natural essence and unlock their aperture, the mystical gate that channeled their magical powers.
The abilities granted during the ceremony varied greatly. Most people received one common elemental power, such as fire, earth, or water. However, some, like those from powerful bloodlines, could receive a combination of two or even three elements. These individuals were considered elite, often rising through the ranks to hold great power within society.
Along with unlocking magical abilities, the Aperture Stone also assessed the person's mana capacity. Mana was graded from D to A, with D indicating a minimal reserve, and A being a vast reservoir of energy. The amount of mana determined how frequently spells could be cast and how quickly an Arcanian could recover their strength. The process was unpredictable, and even the most powerful bloodlines could produce an Arcanian with a low-grade aperture.
As Zhang wandered through the market, he couldn't help but notice the clear separation between the Arcanians and the mortals. The mortals were doing most of the hard labor carrying heavy loads, tending to the vendors' stalls, and serving their magical masters. It was an unspoken truth that the Arcanians ruled over the mortals, but few dared to question it.
Mortals had no say in their fate. Those who worked under Arcanians were treated as property, forced to serve without complaint. Zhang saw a mortal being beaten by a vendor, his eyes downcast in fear. Other mortals nearby didn't even flinch, as though it was an everyday occurrence. To resist would be fatal.
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