As word spread about admissions in Eldenwood village, people seemed to become even more ecstatic. People thronged the town square: from children to grandparents, with glints in their eyes; necks bent and stretched forth in the hope of catching a glimpse of the platform from which the elder of the town, Councilor Jin, beamed with an old-fashioned warmth and twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
With a great flourish of his arm, Councilor Jin silenced the throng, his voice ringing clear above the hubbub. "Hear me, people of Eldenwood, and you who have traveled from afar to distant towns and hidden valleys: lend me your ears! " He let the silence drag a moment before continuing. As you know, we stand at the brink of something wondrous.".
For years, the ruins have challenged the best of our warriors and scholars. It is now time to look forward to the future and towards our young cultivating talents!
The murmuring of the crowd increased in excitement and young faces brightened at the possibility. Councilor Jin's smile grew bigger, and he held up his hand to stop the whispers from getting louder. "In just one week," he announced, "we shall hold the admissions examination for the Eldenwood Cultivation Academy!"
His words hung in the air like a spell, and for a heartbeat, there was absolute silence—before the square erupted with shouts and cheers. Some leaped into the air with joy, others clapped their friends on the back, and all around, parents hugged their children, their pride and excitement palpable.
Eldenwood Cultivation Academy was not a normal school. It's where young ambitious cultivators can learn the arts of energy manipulation, the intricacies of formation, and the ancient wisdom that has passed down through the ages.
It was the beginning point for every warrior, mage, and healer of legend.
And now, that path stood at the reach of people who dared to dream.
The eyes of Councilor Jin lit up as he continued, "The Academy is open to anyone of age. Whosoever can come from town or hamlet, up and down the country. Talented young ones will gather to compete for a chance to unlock the mysteries of cultivation under our guidance.
He looked down at the young hopeful faces before him, some wide-eyed in wonder, others clutching talismans or lucky trinkets. A cultivator's path was not easy, but it was a path of glory, honor, and endless adventure.
The counselor cleared his throat. "These exams won't be exactly for the faint of heart. You will be tested in mind, body, and spirit. Bravery, wisdom, and unwavering determination will be required for you to pass. But when you do, you'll step into a world where you can learn how to wield your energy and harness it as a force that'll go beyond imagination. You'll become the guardians of this land, protectors of our secrets, and the hope for tomorrow."
He was leaning forward, and they became silent, all of them listening intently. There was a knowing glint in his eye. "To those who seek adventure and aim to grasp the very power that flows through these lands, I say—prepare yourselves. Each test is a step closer to your destiny, to becoming someone who could one day unlock the secrets even our greatest scholars could not."
The thought sent waves of excitement through the crowd, and soon, whispers spread as children and parents imagined the possibilities. Who among them might one day stand before the ancient ruins, with the knowledge and strength to unlock its secrets?
Councilor Jin raised his hands again. "So, young ones, gather your strength. Practice, meditate, and prepare, for the admissions will not be easy. But know that we believe in you, that every one of you who dares to step forward could change the world as we know it.
Silence had fallen, deep, as if in reverence; but when he had spoken all, then like an awful wave on the coast swept roaring back the cheering thumbs higher this time, and higher than before. Eldenwood was a new opening for dreams and legends.
Parents clapped together, siblings looked at siblings and young hopefuls with beaming eyes, trying to prepare themselves for whatever adventure lay ahead. As the crowd dissolves, children chatter loudly about their plans for nights without sleep filled with training and study.
The road led to the Academy representing a promise of hope to better skills that sooner or later could be elevated to bring glory upon their families. Some young cultivators clench their fists tight, brightness and determination dancing about their faces as they run off to practice.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, with Eldenwood becoming a place of endless energy. Children practiced in the meadows, sparring with sticks and sharing whatever scraps of knowledge they'd learned from travelers.
The night before the exam, the air was charged with excitement and dreams, and every corner of Eldenwood was filled with the soft hum of hope. And on the dawn of examination day, young hopefuls from all corners of the land would gather, hearts aflame with wonder. Their journey had only begun, but each step pulsed with the promise of greatness.
The ruins, the secrets, and the legends waited in the distance, and these young souls would not falter. They were the future, and whispering in the wind, the ancient stones seemed to welcome them.