The faint hum of the morning breeze slipped through the cracked windows of a shabby house at the edge of the city. The scent of damp wood and old newspapers hung in the air. Fifteen-year-old Elior sat cross-legged on the cold floor, mending the soles of his worn-out boots. Each stitch tugged at his resolve, a quiet reminder of the life he and his little sister were forced to endure.
"Eli, breakfast is ready!" called his eight-year-old sister, Mina, her cheerful voice breaking the silence.
Elior glanced up, his tired brown eyes softening at the sight of her. Despite their circumstances, Mina always managed to smile, as if their world wasn't in ruins. She set two bowls of thin porridge on the table, the portions barely enough to fill a child, let alone a growing teenager.
"Looks delicious," Elior said, ruffling her hair as he sat across from her. His voice betrayed no hint of the hunger gnawing at his stomach. Mina giggled, her short black hair bouncing with her laughter.
The calm was short-lived. Outside, the muffled roars of abyssal beasts echoed in the distance, a haunting reminder of the world they lived in. The fortified walls of Galdoria, their city, stood tall to protect its inhabitants, but even the thickest walls couldn't erase the memory of the invasion that had claimed their parents.
Elior's gaze hardened. Five years ago, they gave their lives so we could survive. I won't let their sacrifice be in vain.
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The streets of Galdoria bustled with activity as Elior and Mina made their way to the town square. Today was a monumental day: the Awakening Ceremony. At fifteen, every citizen was required to undergo the ceremony, where their latent talent would be revealed. For many, it was a day of celebration and hope. For Elior, it was a chance to change their fate.
"Do you think you'll get something amazing?" Mina asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Elior smiled faintly. "Let's hope for something useful. Maybe a swordsman or a mage talent. Something to keep us safe."
In truth, Elior wasn't expecting much. His family had no history of remarkable talents. His father had been a farmer before the invasion, his mother a tailor. But even the faintest hope was better than none.
They reached the square, where a towering crystal stood at the center. The Awakening Obelisk, a relic from before the invasion, pulsed with a soft, ethereal glow. Around it, officials directed the crowd of teenagers lining up for their turn.
Elior and Mina joined the crowd. Whispers filled the air.
"I heard someone from the northern district awakened a legendary-tier talent last year."
"Yeah, but talents like that are one in a million. Most of us will just get common-tier."
Elior ignored the chatter, focusing on the obelisk. One by one, students stepped forward, placing their hands on the crystal. A burst of light would follow, revealing their talent. Cheers erupted for combat talents, while quieter murmurs followed support and crafting talents.
-----
When Elior's turn arrived, his heart pounded in his chest. Mina gave him a reassuring nod, her small hands clasped together as if in prayer.
He stepped forward, his boots scuffing against the stone platform. The obelisk loomed before him, its glow almost hypnotic. Taking a deep breath, Elior placed his hand on the cold surface.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the crystal pulsed. A faint warmth spread through his body, growing hotter by the second. Light erupted from the obelisk, blinding and radiant.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"What is that?"
"I've never seen that color before…"
When the light faded, golden text floated above the obelisk:
Talent: Card Maker (Rare)
Description: A crafting talent capable of imprisoning abyssal beasts in cards and enhancing their abilities.
Silence filled the square. Then came the whispers.
"A crafting talent? How useless."
"He's doomed. No one respects crafting talents in combat."
"At least it's rare… but still, what can he even do with that?"
Elior's heart sank. He turned to the officials, who offered nothing more than indifferent shrugs. Even the announcer's voice lacked enthusiasm as he said, "Elior Vayne. Card Maker. Rare-tier."
He stepped down from the platform, his fists clenched. Mina ran to his side, her face lit with excitement.
"Eli, that was amazing!" she exclaimed.
He forced a smile. "Yeah… amazing."
But deep down, doubt gnawed at him. Could a crafting talent really change their fate?
I'll find out. No matter what it takes.
.
.