The Awakening of Talents

He quickly scanned the surroundings, looking for an escape route. However, his desperation increased when he realized that the man in the golden armor was sealing the door with some mysterious enchantment.

"Think, Johnny! Think!" his mind cried out as he struggled to find a solution. "I don't have the strength to confront an adult! I don't have any sharp objects with me! And I don't think hiding would work against them! Maybe... maybe I..." Johnny's thoughts were fragmented, desperate to find a way out in this critical situation.

Suddenly, a disturbing interruption shook Johnny's thoughts. The chapel, once calm and silent, was now swept by a furious wind that extinguished all the candles, plunging the room into darkness.

Then, from the center of the pentagram, a golden light burst forth, like a small sun emerging from an unknown abyss. It illuminated the chapel with its radiant and golden aura, revealing the form of a singular entity. This entity was composed of several interlinked golden rings, each with numerous eyes adorning their surfaces, creating a surreal sight that floated majestically in the chapel, emitting an almost divine glow.

Johnny, petrified by terror, found himself unable to move a muscle. His hair stood on end, his heart raced as if it were about to leap from his throat, and his pupils dilated to the maximum. His instincts screamed in unison: he must escape. Any thought of fighting was out of the question, as the presence of this mysterious and supernatural entity was a force that transcended human understanding, akin to the eruption of a force of nature, like a terrible earthquake.

"A cosmic horror! Like those described by Lovecraft! It's both beautiful and terribly frightening! Or could it all be an elaborate plot?" Johnny thought, unable to control his mind.

The children around him, engulfed in chaos and fear, screamed for help from their parents. Their faces displayed desperation as their voices echoed through the chapel, begging for salvation in the face of the horror that lay before them. The air was filled with tension, and a sense of powerlessness quickly spread among the children.

The parents' words echoed throughout the chapel, and the frightened faces of the children gradually transformed into a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Reassuring looks from the guardians sought to comfort the little ones, and the tense atmosphere seemed to ease a bit as the parents soothed their children and whispered words of comfort.

The priest, with his firm and authoritative voice, tried to dispel the fear that had taken hold of the chapel, explaining that what was happening was part of an ancient ritual that everyone in the community had gone through. He emphasized the importance of secrecy, stressing that what occurred in the church was a closely guarded mystery.

Lord Kaloch, with his imposing figure, offered some reassurance with his words, portraying the golden entity as a witness to the process. His blue eyes shone with determination as he encouraged the children to move forward.

The children, despite their initial apprehension, began to approach the giant stone, their hands hesitant and expressions of curiosity on their faces. Fear was still present, but the promise of a unique and special sensation made them overcome their hesitation and prepare to touch the mysterious artifacts.

"Fear not, children! We all know of this ritual! Your parents haven't told you about the surprise, because it's forbidden to describe what happens in here! What happens in the church stays in the church," said the priest.

"Fear not! The creature witnessing this is our testament!" Lord Kaloch said.

"We can't waste any more time! The process is simple. Each of you should touch the stone for a few moments until you feel a connection with your soul. It's a unique sensation, and there's no mistake. Begin!" said the priest.

Silence hung in the chapel, only the gentle sound of the wind echoed on the stone walls. As the children continued to be reluctant to approach the stone, the mysterious creature continued to hover in the air, observing with its considerable eyes.

The parents, eager for their children to participate in the ritual, felt the urge to push them towards the bright stone. However, the priest reprimanded them, arguing that the children must make this decision on their own, as any sudden or forced movement would displease the divine witness.

A period of tense discussion unfolded between parents and children. The children looked at their guardians, seeking guidance, and the worried and apprehensive expressions on the adults' faces did nothing to ease the situation.

But suddenly, a fearless voice broke the deadlock: "I'll go! My name is Carlos! I want to be the first!"

All eyes in the chapel turn to the brave Carlos, who, with determination, approaches the golden stone. His hesitant step turns into confidence as he gets closer, and murmurs of approval and encouragement begin to spread through the crowd. Carlos raises his hand, ready to touch the mysterious stone.

Johnny, observing Carlos's courage, can't help but think, "Well, well! Finally a sucker! Perfect! I would never volunteer to be the first in this madness!"

Carlos advances with determination toward the vast crystal, pausing briefly before touching the object. He takes a deep breath, preparing for the unknown, and finally places his hand on the surface of the crystal.

What happens next is astounding. Carlos's blond hair instantly stands on end, creating an aura of electricity around him. His brown eyes shine intensely with a golden glow, and he appears immersed in an experience that defies any conventional explanation.

Johnny watches the scene with fascination and unease. The creature, now aware of what's at stake, says in a mysterious tone, "Talent hemorrhage."

Father Cicero and Lord Kaloch can't hide their excitement at Carlos's talent manifesting. Cicero exclaims, "What? Wow! Congratulations, boy! You've been blessed with an exceptional talent! The damage you'll inflict on your future enemies will be irreparable!"

Lord Kaloch joins in the congratulations, "When he reaches the minimum age, he'll be admitted to the prestigious Imperial Academy, where he'll train to become a member of my royal guard. He's the future of our land!"

The other children watch with a mix of admiration and envy. Many of them wish they had been the first to demonstrate such an exceptional talent. The fear of the cosmic creature, which continues to float in the air, dissipates slightly as hope and covetousness take hold of their hearts.

Johnny, however, remains cautious, waiting to see if more children would have the courage to touch the unidentified object. The feeling that something far beyond human comprehension is happening lingers over him, filling him with unease.

The tense silence in the room is broken when Derek, Lord Kaloch's son, steps forward for his turn. He presents himself with confidence, his features clearly inheriting those of his father. Expectations rise as everyone realizes that a second talent will awaken in the lord's family, bringing some relief to the other children's hearts.

Derek rushes toward the crystal with determination, his eyes reflecting a burning desire. He's willing to do anything, even sell his soul to the devil, to awaken a talent that rivals that of his older brother.

The moment Derek places his hand on the crystal, his eyes undergo an impressive transformation. The darkness of his pupils is replaced by an intense golden light that radiates confidence and authority. The anticipation in the room is almost palpable, and everyone eagerly waits to learn what uncommon talent has been granted to Derek.