The streets of Brumavilla were alive with energy, bustling with families like Kayn's, heading to the central plaza to witness the long-awaited bonding ceremony for the young candidates. Stone and wooden houses lined both sides of the path, their windows adorned with colorful flowers.
Young people hurried along with eager steps, their faces lit with anticipation. Kayn felt his heart racing, its rhythm matching the murmurs of the crowd. Suddenly, a hand clapped his shoulder. Turning around, he met the gaze of a boy his age.
His messy black hair fell over amber eyes that glimmered with constant mischief. He wore a high-collared, deep black tunic.
"Burst!"
"Hey there," greeted the boy with a broad grin. "Good thing I found you. With all these people, I thought I'd have to wait at the ceremony all by myself."
Kayn noticed the dark circles under his friend's eyes and couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm surprised you didn't oversleep."
"To be honest, I didn't get a wink of sleep," Burst admitted, shrugging. "I even ended up reading that book you lent me. Talk about a snooze fest!"
"You? Reading a book? Now that's a first."
Burst was Kayn's best friend. His real name was Leo, but everyone in the village called him Burst—a nickname stemming from an unfortunate incident in class when he didn't make it to the bathroom on time. He didn't mind the moniker, though; in fact, he seemed to like it.
He had arrived in the village years ago with his mother, when he was only three. According to Burst, they had fled after an elf had an altercation with his father. Sadly, his mother passed away four years ago from an illness. Since then, Burst had lived alone, though it never seemed to bother him.
Though he had been deeply affected by his mother's death, Burst had managed to move forward. Villagers often remarked on his mature mindset, which didn't always match his youthful appearance. Despite this, he and Kayn frequently got into trouble for their silly antics. Kayn and his parents always tried to support him however they could, treating him like part of the family.
Seeing Burst, Kayn's parents approached. Galen extended a hand in greeting.
"Good morning, Leo," Galen said warmly. Pong trotted up to them, sniffing curiously at Burst, who crouched to pet his head. "Ready for the big day?"
"Absolutely."
The two continued chatting as the village buzzed with activity around them. The air was filled with familiar scents: freshly baked bread, market spices, and the sweet fragrance of flowers adorning the balconies.
As they neared the plaza, they encountered groups of parents engaged in animated conversations. Ahead, the young candidates gathered around the large marble fountain at the plaza's center. Crystal-clear water cascaded down, creating a soothing sound that mingled with the lively chatter.
Kayn followed Burst through the crowd but felt his father's firm hand stop him.
"Good luck," Galen said. Kayn thanked him, but it was clear his father had more to say. Keeping his hand on Kayn's shoulder, he looked at him seriously.
"Promise me something," Galen said.
"What is it?"
"If you don't manage to bond with a guardian, don't dwell on it. Is that clear?"
"Why the negativity? You don't need to worry. I'm sure that—"
"Promise me," Galen insisted, his persistence starting to irritate Kayn. The boy sighed, slightly puzzled by his father's insistence.
"Fine, I promise," he finally said, though it was evident this didn't entirely reassure Galen.
It seemed Galen wanted to say more, but before he could, Thalia approached, placing a gentle hand on his arm and looking at him with understanding eyes. Galen relented, knowing it was best to let Kayn go.
"Kayn! Are you coming or what?" Burst called from a distance, waving to get his attention.
"Coming!"
Kayn bid his parents farewell with a final smile before running off to catch up with Burst.
Around sixty participants were gathered, all preparing to attempt bonding with a guardian. Their expressions ranged from overflowing excitement to visible anxiety. Some bit their nails; others chatted animatedly, perhaps trying to mask their nervousness. A few, however, seemed indifferent.
The bonding ceremony was a mandatory event that every young person had to participate in once in their lives. For some, it was a mere formality. Others desired a guardian to impress their families, become adventurers, or simply have a companion. But there were those with loftier aspirations.
Those who successfully bonded with a guardian were granted the privilege of attending the prestigious Binder Academy. This institution focused on studying guardians and mastering their powers. Attendance wasn't mandatory; only those who could afford the tuition could enroll.
Kayn had been saving for a long time to pay for part of his tuition, taking on odd jobs around the village. He was determined to attend the academy at any cost. Graduating from the academy was the mark of a true binder. The rest were mere beginners. However, not everyone could succeed; the academy was rigorous, and poor performance could lead to expulsion. Few managed to graduate. His father was one of them. Just thinking about it filled Kayn with excitement.
Lost in thoughts about the academy, Kayn was startled when Burst looked back at Galen, who was chatting with Thalia.
"Your dad seemed a little tense," Burst remarked, leaning toward Kayn as they walked to a spot with a good view of the ceremony.
"Yeah, I don't know why," Kayn replied, frowning slightly. "Anyway, look at how many people are here. It's amazing that we're all going to take the test. Don't you think there are more people our age here than in the village?"
"That's because people from nearby villages have come too," Burst explained. "Though, to be honest, all these people watching makes me nervous."
"Just think of yourself as the star of the show."
"That only makes it worse!"
The crowd's murmurs gradually quieted as an imposing elderly man approached the pedestal near the fountain. He appeared to be over seventy, his presence exuding a serene strength that commanded respect without words.
He wore a deep green robe adorned with silver embroidery that spiraled along the cuffs. His shoulders were draped with a short cape of dark blue, almost black, fastened with a bronze shield-shaped clasp at his chest. The cape fluttered slightly in the wind. A small leather pouch and a pair of rolled-up scrolls hung from his belt.
His snow-white hair flowed backward in thick strands that fell to his shoulders, framing a face etched with wrinkles. His neatly groomed beard added a sense of dignity, while his white mustache extended over his lips, accentuating his stern expression. His gray eyes held a depth of wisdom, making it clear to Kayn that this man was important.
A small owl, its feathers as pale as his hair, perched on his right shoulder. The bird's large, watchful eyes mirrored its master's calm demeanor.
When the man raised his hand, the faint noise that remained ceased, plunging the area into absolute silence. With a deep voice, he began to speak, an orb floating before him to amplify his voice for the gathered crowd.
"Good morning, young ones. My name is Rolland Windwalker," he began, clearing his throat before continuing. "The day many of you have eagerly awaited is finally here—the day some of you will bond with your guardian and begin your journey to the Binder Academy. But before we start, I want to make one thing clear."
Rolland paused, scanning the faces around him. For some reason, when his gaze landed on Kayn, he gave a faint smile.
"It doesn't matter which guardian you bond with. You must accept it, no matter what. Think of it as part of you—a piece of your soul. Rejecting the bond is not allowed. And for those who do not succeed, do not be discouraged. Not everyone can form a bond, but you can find strength in other ways."
A murmur rippled through the crowd but quickly faded.
"With that said, let the ceremony begin!"
Rolland raised his hands to the sky, and in response, several binders stationed around the plaza conjured fireballs that burst into a dazzling display of lights and colors. Sparks shot upward like shooting stars, illuminating the awestruck faces of the spectators.
"Listen carefully," Rolland continued, his firm voice resonating above the murmurs. "I will now call each of you one by one to take the test."
The elder retrieved a crystal sphere from his robe and carefully placed it on the pedestal. The object appeared to be made of glass, but within it, particles of mana swirled and danced.
"You will place the palm of your hand on this orb. Once you do, it will react to your anima. It's simple: if your anima is compatible with that of a guardian, the orb will light up, and you will have passed the test. If it does not, you will have failed."
The candidates exchanged nervous glances. Some took deep breaths, attempting to steady the trembling in their hands. Rolland unrolled a scroll, scanning the list of participants' names.
"Let's begin with the first. Xander Armond."
The other candidates looked around, searching for the one called. Eventually, a brown-haired young man stepped forward from the group, his movements heavy with nervousness. Kayn watched him walk, each step deliberate. Xander was one of his classmates, someone he spoke to often, though not as much as with Burst.
Xander stopped in front of the orb, taking a deep breath before extending his hand. His fingers brushed against the orb's cool surface, and the mana particles within began to condense. For a moment, nothing else happened.
The silence became almost tangible. Seconds stretched into what felt like eternity. Then, suddenly, the orb began to glow with an intense red light. A murmur rippled through the crowd, and Rolland smiled in response.
"Well done. Close your eyes and attempt to form a bond," he instructed calmly.
Xander nodded, more nervous than before, and focused on connecting with his guardian. His breathing slowed as he concentrated, keeping his hand on the orb for several minutes. Just as it seemed nothing more would happen, the light intensified, and a fiery red aura swirled around his body like flames. Xander's eyes snapped open, wide with surprise.
Rolland smiled as Xander stared at his hands, still stunned by the sensation within him. He felt a strange, fiery energy burning within.
"Perfect! Now shout the name of your guardian with all your might!" Rolland declared.
Xander nodded, inhaled deeply, and shouted with all his strength."Xein!"
In an instant, a small black cat appeared in his arms. Its golden eyes glimmered, and its fluffy tail swished with curiosity. Xander gazed at the creature in disbelief before hugging it tightly. The kitten let out a soft meow, curling up against his chest.
"Do you think you can form a bond with your guardian?" Rolland asked.
"I'll try," Xander replied enthusiastically. Now that he had passed, the nervousness seemed to vanish.
The young man extended his hand toward his guardian, and a faint light appeared in his palm. Xein stared at him intently before dissolving into particles of light that fused with Xander's hand. After a few moments, a small flame flickered to life from his palm, clearly indicating his guardian's magic.
For humans to use magic, they relied on their guardians' power by forming bonds with them. This required merging their animas.
Guardians, like other species, could possess up to two elemental affinities. These affinities were inscribed into each individual's anima but could be strengthened through a practice known as anima weaving, which allowed the creation of new forms of magic.
The elemental affinities included fire, water, earth, and air. Guardians typically started with two elemental affinities, and combining them could result in entirely new types of magic.
Xander struggled to maintain the bond for more than a few seconds before it broke. Xein reappeared by his side, panting from the effort.
"Well done," Rolland applauded, placing a hand on the young man's shoulder. "Forming a bond on your first attempt is no small feat. It takes considerable training to maintain the bond for longer periods, and that is what sets a great binder apart from the rest."
Xander bowed in gratitude before stepping away, greeted by friends who congratulated him.
As he left, Rolland picked up the scroll again and called the next name."Next is… Evelyn Caster."
A young woman with long, dark hair stepped gracefully toward the pedestal. Her black hair contrasted with her sky-blue robe. Kayn watched her but didn't recognize her as someone from the village. She must have come from elsewhere, attending the ceremony in this village because her own didn't host one.
Upon reaching the pedestal, Evelyn greeted Rolland with a bow before proceeding as Xander had done.
As Kayn and Burst observed, a familiar voice sounded behind them."There you two are."
Both turned in unison to see a young woman with blue eyes walking toward them with confident strides. Her silver hair, tied in a high ponytail, swayed like a cascade with each step. She wore a fine white linen shirt and a short red skirt that exposed her pale, delicate legs.
Before Kayn could say a word, Burst stepped forward with a cheeky grin."Well, if it isn't Lyra! Have you come to watch us succeed?"
Lyra rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips, causing Kayn's heart to race."More like I've come to make sure you don't wet yourself from nerves," she replied teasingly.
"Don't worry," Burst said confidently. "I made a bathroom stop before coming, just in case."
Lyra slowly shifted her gaze away from Burst and turned to Kayn, who had remained silent until then."Good morning, Kayn. Happy birthday," she said, offering him a warm smile that sent his heart into overdrive.
"Ah, yes. Thank you, Lyra," he replied nervously.
Burst froze, his expression pale as if he'd seen a ghost. Suddenly, he smacked his forehead, startling Kayn with the sharp sound."I forgot!" Burst admitted, thoroughly remorseful. He bowed his head slightly and clasped his hands in an apologetic gesture. "Happy birthday, Kayn! Sorry for not saying it sooner. You know how terrible I am with dates."
"It's fine, Burst…" Kayn muttered, averting his gaze, a hint of resignation in his voice. "It's not the first time you've forgotten."
Lyra laughed softly at this, watching as Burst tried to make amends while Kayn insisted it was okay.
"Well, it's lucky your birthday falls on this day. I'm sure your guardian will be amazing," Burst said, still attempting to redeem himself.
Kayn wanted to respond, but Rolland's deep voice rang out, drawing everyone's attention, including his own."I'm sorry, you've failed."
Near the pedestal, Evelyn stood with her head bowed, trying to hide her face. Her disappointment was evident. Without a word, she walked away, and Kayn followed her with his gaze until she disappeared into the crowd.
For a brief moment, he imagined himself in her place. What would he do if that happened to him? The confidence he'd felt until now seemed to evaporate.
"What's with you now?" Burst asked, giving him a friendly nudge on the shoulder. "Don't tell me you're scared."
"Of course not," Kayn replied, trying to convince himself, though his voice trembled slightly. "I was just wondering… What happens if I can't bond with a guardian?"
"Everyone will laugh at you, your parents will disown you, and you'll be exiled from the village," Burst replied matter-of-factly.
Kayn stared at him in disbelief, unsure whether to laugh or feel worse. The response was so absurd it seemed straight out of a novel.
"Did you get that from the book I lent you?" he asked, surprised that his friend had read beyond the title. Normally, Burst gave up before finishing the prologue.
"Maybe…" Burst admitted with a mischievous grin. "But seriously, don't worry. Trust that everything will turn out fine. What's meant to happen will happen."
"Yeah, well, I'd prefer what happens to be getting a guardian."
Noticing his unease, Lyra stepped closer."Burst's right," she added gently, though it seemed to pain her to admit it.
"Hey!"
"And besides, I'm sure you'll bond with a guardian," she continued, ignoring Burst's protest. "Knowing you, I can't imagine there being a guardian that wouldn't want to bond with you."
"Thanks, Lyra. I guess I'm overthinking it."
"It's normal to be nervous. I can't stop thinking about what'll happen when it's my turn either."
"Lyra Borealis," Rolland's deep voice called.
Lyra felt a shiver run down her spine as her name echoed through the plaza. She turned her gaze toward the pedestal, her normally lively eyes wide with anxiety. Despite her earlier confidence, she, too, felt incredibly nervous.
"What's wrong?" Burst teased, stepping closer to catch her expression. "Lost your confidence already?"
"Shut up!" she retorted, her cheeks flushing red.
She clutched her chest, trying to steady her racing heart. Her legs trembled as if the ground beneath her were unsteady. Seeing her distress, Burst stopped teasing, and Kayn stepped forward.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine," he said with a reassuring smile.
Lyra looked up, meeting Kayn's gaze. The warmth in his eyes calmed her, if only for a moment. She took a deep breath, feeling her breathing steady.
"Thank you," she said with a radiant smile that nearly blinded Kayn. "Well, I'd better go now."
"Good luck!" Kayn and Burst called out in unison.