Arthur returned to his home after the heartbreaking event, his mind a whirlwind of despair and self-recrimination. The failure felt like a heavy shroud, suffocating him with every passing moment. He couldn't bring himself to eat; the thought of food was almost repulsive in his current state. Without a word to his mother, he trudged to his room and collapsed onto his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as waves of frustration, shame, and hopelessness washed over him.
His mother, deeply worried, decided to give him time and space to process his feelings. She knew he was a responsible boy and would eventually come out of it. It was a devastating blow, as Arthur had dreamt of awakening the elements and escaping from the life of a poor commoner.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, the mood could not have been more different.
The Awakening Ceremony had ended in a blaze of glory for Sir Arash's family. Kian had awakened the rare and revered Fire element, demonstrating an extraordinary affinity for it during the ceremony. The expert from Skywind Academy, Master Alaric, had overseen the event and expressed his admiration for Kian's potential. That night, the Arash household buzzed with celebration as they hosted a lavish banquet to honor their son's achievement.
Sir Arash's mansion was ablaze with light, every lantern and chandelier meticulously arranged to reflect the significance of the occasion. Servants flitted about, ensuring that the finest delicacies were served on golden platters, and the air was heavy with the rich aroma of roasted meats, exotic spices, and honeyed desserts. The grand hall, adorned with crimson drapes and gilded ornaments, mirrored the fiery element Kian now wielded with pride.
Guests milled about, their chatter filling the room. Nobles, merchants, and minor landowners from Alvaro and neighboring towns had gathered, their conversations a mix of admiration and envy. At the center of it all stood Kian, clad in ceremonial red robes embroidered with gold flames. His posture exuded confidence, and his face bore the faintest smirk as he greeted one well-wisher after another.
"Master Alaric, your presence tonight honors us beyond words," Sir Arash said, raising a glass of sparkling wine as he stood beside the expert. Alaric, a man with a distinguished silver beard and piercing blue eyes, inclined his head gracefully.
"The honor is mine, Sir Arash. Your son's awakening was remarkable. Such a high affinity for the Fire element is a rarity even among the prodigies I've seen."
Nearby, Kian's mother, glowed with pride. "To think that our Kian has such talent!"
A cluster of guests gathered closer, eager to catch snippets of the conversation. One of them, a portly merchant named Darius, raised his voice. "Master Alaric, surely Skywind Academy must be eager to welcome a talent like young Kian?"
"Eager would be an understatement," Alaric replied, his voice firm but measured. "I have already extended an invitation for him to join our academy without the usual application process. Skywind prides itself on nurturing exceptional talents, and Kian's potential places him among the top we've seen this year."
A ripple of murmurs swept through the room. Skywind Academy, the prestigious institution in the big city, was known for its rigorous selection process. Thousands applied each year, but only thirty were chosen. For Kian to bypass such fierce competition spoke volumes about his talent.
Kian's lips curved into a confident smile as he glanced at his father, but Sir Arash's expression remained measured.
As the evening wound down, the guests gradually departed, leaving behind only the family and Master Alaric. The servant cleared away the last of the dishes while Sir Arash gestured toward a private room off the main hall.
"Master Alaric, may I have a word with you in private?"
Alaric nodded, curiosity flickering in his eyes. He followed Sir Arash and Kian into the room, where a polished mahogany table awaited them. Lady Mira stayed behind, excusing herself to oversee the evening's cleanup.
Once the doors were closed, Sir Arash's demeanor shifted. The warmth of the host was replaced by the calculating air of a tactician. He poured a glass of aged brandy for Alaric and one for himself before speaking.
"Master Alaric, I cannot express enough gratitude for the opportunity you've offered my son. Skywind Academy is a beacon of excellence, and your offer is an incredible honor."
Alaric took a sip of the brandy, his expression observant.
Sir Arash smiled thinly. "But I was wondering if there is a possibility for Kian to reach even higher."
Alaric's brows furrowed slightly. "Higher?"
Sir Arash leaned forward. "I am referring to THAT place."
For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. Alaric's eyes widened slightly, and then he sat back in his chair, his demeanor growing serious. He set the glass down with deliberate care.
"Sir Arash, you do not make a light request," Alaric said, his voice low. "You are speaking of the GodForge Academy, are you not?"
Sir Arash nodded, and even Kian's confident smirk faded into a look of intrigue.
The mere mention of GodForge Academy carried an almost mythical weight. Unlike Skywind Academy, which was prestigious yet accessible, GodForge Academy was the pinnacle of elemental mastery. It was whispered that only one in fifty thousand applicants gained entry each year.
The academy's location was a closely guarded secret, surrounded by maze-like forests teeming with ferocious elemental beasts. The journey to reach it was perilous, with even seasoned Elementalists who dared to enter without permission often failing to survive the trials of the land. Its students became legends, having god-like elemental mastery and went on to reshape kingdoms and dominate the annals of history.
Alaric's voice softened, tinged with both awe and caution. "GodForge is not just an academy; it is a crucible. It forges legends, but the price of entry is almost insurmountable. Hundreds of thousands apply, but only a handful are chosen. Talent alone isn't enough—one must have a destiny intertwined with greatness."
Sir Arash nodded gravely. "I understand. But if Kian has even the slightest chance to join that place, I must pursue it. His awakening… his talent… they demand more."
"Kian…" Alaric began, his tone measured. "Your talent is undeniable. However, even among prodigies, GodForge requires something extraordinary. I have no influence there, Sir Arash. My recommendation would carry no weight. He will have to pass the admission test on his own."
The room fell silent as the weight of Alaric's words settled over them. Sir Arash glanced at Kian, who held his father's gaze with quiet determination.
Finally, Sir Arash stood and extended his hand to Alaric. "Thank you for your honesty, Master Alaric. Regardless of the outcome, I will ensure Kian lives up to the potential you see in him."
As the conversation ended, Kian's mind buzzed with thoughts of the GodForge Academy. The idea of a place so unattainable, so shrouded in mystery, ignited a fire within him that rivaled the flames he now wielded. This was about conquering the impossible.