The first light of dawn filtered through the small window in their room, bathing it in a soft golden glow. Damian was the first to wake, his senses sharp as always. He stretched, the memories of the previous day already driving his thoughts.
Elara stirred in her bed, letting out a groggy groan as she sat up. "Morning already?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
"Time to move," Damian said, tossing her a small loaf of bread he'd taken from the inn's supper table last night. "We've got work to do."
Elara caught the bread and smirked. "You're really not the 'let's sleep in and relax' type, are you?"
"Not when we're in a new world full of people and things trying to kill us," he replied dryly.
She nodded in agreement. "Fair point. What's the plan?"
"First, we need to figure out what this Essence Alignment thing means for us. The innkeeper mentioned a town hall for that."
As if on cue, a knock came at the door. Damian moved quickly, opening it to find the innkeeper standing there, a folded parchment in his hand.
"Morning, lad. Thought you might need this," the innkeeper said, holding out the parchment.
"What's this?" Damian asked, taking it.
"A map of Azura's Reach. It'll help you find your way around. The town hall's marked on it, too. You two seem like you've got big plans, so I figured I'd lend a hand."
Damian studied the map, nodding. "Thanks. This will save us some trouble."
The innkeeper gave a knowing smile. "Just remember what I said last night keep your wits about you. This city's got eyes everywhere."
The town hall was an imposing structure in the heart of the city, its towering spires visible from almost anywhere. As Damian and Elara made their way there, the streets buzzed with life. Vendors called out their wares, children darted through the crowds, and groups of people with glowing tattoos marking their Essence Alignments gathered in conversation.
Elara walked beside Damian, her sharp eyes scanning everything around them. "This place feels alive," she remarked. "But there's an edge to it, like everyone's watching their back."
"You're not wrong," Damian said, his tone serious. "We'll need to stay on guard."
When they reached the town hall, they were greeted by a stern looking clerk who directed them to a chamber at the back of the building. The room was circular, with a glowing pedestal in the center and intricate runes etched into the floor and walls.
"Stand on the pedestal, one at a time," the clerk instructed, his tone brisk. "The Awakening Process will analyze your Essence Alignment and potential. Don't move until the process is complete."
Damian and Elara exchanged a glance. "I'll go first," Damian said, stepping forward.
As he stood on the pedestal, a faint hum filled the air, and the runes on the floor began to glow. The energy enveloped him, sending a tingling sensation through his body. Symbols flashed in the air, incomprehensible to him but clearly significant to the clerk, who scribbled notes furiously.
After a few moments, the light faded, and Damian stepped down. "Well?" he asked, crossing his arms.
The clerk adjusted his glasses, peering at the notes. "Your Essence Alignment is… unusual. A rare combination of strength and adaptability. With training, you could easily reach Grandmaster rank. Ascendant is even a possibility, though that's dependent on your dedication and circumstances."
Damian smirked. "Sounds promising."
"Don't get cocky," the clerk snapped. "You're starting at Initiate rank, like everyone else. High potential means nothing if you don't work for it."
Elara stepped onto the pedestal next, her expression calm but determined. The process repeated, the room filling with the same glowing light and runes.
When she stepped down, the clerk's expression shifted slightly. "Your Alignment is similarly rare. High potential Grandmaster or Ascendant rank with effort. I don't see that often."
Elara raised an eyebrow. "Rare enough to make people notice?"
The clerk hesitated. "It might draw attention, yes. But potential alone won't protect you from those who see you as a threat."
Damian's expression hardened. Attention was the last thing I wanted.
As they left the town hall, Damian couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The clerk's words echoed in his mind: It might draw attention.
Elara seemed to sense his unease. "What's wrong?"
"People will notice," Damian said quietly. "High potential means competition. And competition means threats."
"Let them come," she said with a shrug. "We've handled worse."
He glanced at her, appreciating her confidence but knowing the dangers were only just beginning.
As they made their way through the streets, whispers began to reach them.
"Did you hear? Two Initiates with Ascendant potential just awakened."
"Rare alignments, they said. Could change everything in Azura's Reach."
"Better watch out. Prodigies like that don't last long without someone trying to take them out."
The rumors spread like wildfire, reaching ears both curious and malicious.
By the time they returned to the inn, the weight of their newfound status was already pressing on them. Elara flopped onto her bed, clearly drained.
"This day's been… a lot," she admitted.
Damian leaned against the wall, his mind racing. "It's only going to get harder from here. The attention we're getting isn't good."
She nodded. "So what do we do?"
"We get stronger," he said simply. "If anyone comes for us, we make sure they regret it."
Elara smirked. "I like the way you think."
While Elara rested, Damian went downstairs to speak with the innkeeper again. The man was wiping down the counter, his expression thoughtful.
"Back so soon?" the innkeeper asked.
"Wanted to ask you a few things," Damian said, sitting at the counter.
The innkeeper raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess word's already spreading about your Awakening."
"Seems that way," Damian said. "What do you know about the people in this city? The ones who might see us as threats?"
The innkeeper sighed, leaning on the counter. "Azura's Reach is full of factions, each with their own interests. The Council runs the city, but they're not the only power here. There are guilds, mercenaries, and shadowy groups that operate in the background. Anyone with potential is either recruited or… eliminated."
Damian's jaw tightened. "Eliminated, huh?"
The innkeeper nodded. "If you're as strong as they say, you'll need to watch your back. But strength alone isn't enough. You'll need allies, connections. People you can trust."
Damian's thoughts drifted to Elara. She was the only one he trusted right now, and even then, he hadn't told her everything. The system stays a secret.
Unbeknownst to them, the rumors of their Awakening had already reached dangerous ears. In the shadows of the city, figures moved with purpose. Some saw Damian and Elara as potential allies; others saw them as threats to be eliminated before they could grow too powerful.
A hooded figure leaned against a wall in a dark alley, a cruel smile playing on their lips. "Prodigies, they say? Let's see how long they last."