Peaceful Life Part-4
"Don't be nervous," Ava, Marie's big sister, said with a gentle smile.
Marie nodded with a little hesitation before standing in line with the other children who had turned 13 in the village, all arriving at the old temple for their awakening ceremony.
"Except the children who came to awaken, others please step away from the line," the priest said sternly.
Everyone nodded and stepped back.
"All the best!" Asher whispered in Marie's ear. She nodded, her face determined, but then shyly added, "I-I want to tell you something after this."
Hearing this, Asher grinned, making Marie blush even more as she playfully pushed him away.
Ava and Asher stood among the parents, their eyes glued to Marie.
As the children stood in line, one by one, guided by the priest, they each touched the big white hollow crystal stationed in the sanctuary of the temple. This was the moment they had been waiting for.
Ava's lips trembled with anticipation and a hint of fear. She unconsciously held Asher's hand. Noticing her trembling, Asher gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, she won't become like us," he said, squeezing her hand tightly.
"...I... I really hope so," Ava mumbled under her breath, her voice barely audible.
When one child touched the white hollow crystal, it flickered with a dark green mist inside and,
"Ssshshhh!"
A wave of air pulsed from the crystal before calming down, indicating that the child was awakened. The dark green mist inside the hollow crystal indicated that the child was proficient in the Earth element, though not highly so since the dark green mist was only slightly visible.
"Horrrraayyyyyy!!!" The child shouted in happiness as his family rushed to him, hugging him with teary eyes. Their son was now awakened, a moment of immense pride and joy for them.
"Next," the priest called.
...
...
And soon, it was Marie's turn. She gulped in a little fear, her heart pounding in her chest, before glancing at her sister and Asher, who had supportive, encouraging faces.
Marie steeled her resolve. 'I cannot show my weakness before my sister and Asher,' she thought to herself, her jaw tightening with determination, before stepping forward and touching the white crystal.
The crystal didn't react at first, making the priest shake his head pitifully, a look of regret in his eyes.
Marie's heart broke, but she refused to give up. Biting her lips, she screamed, "COME ON!!!!!" with all her might.
"Ssssssshhhhhhh"
Suddenly, something inside her sparked. She momentarily found herself standing in an empty greyish-green space, a surreal and otherworldly experience, before returning to her body.
The entire white crystal shone brightly with a greyish-green colour, indicating she had immense potential. A sudden wave of energy pulsed from the big white ball before,
'Crack'
A small crack appeared on the crystal's surface.
The priest's eyes widened in surprise. Though he wasn't sure what kind of elemental power she had, since it looked like green, he thought she might possess Earth element abilities. He looked at the girl and said, "You have a wonderful future ahead."
Hearing this, Marie screamed, "YAAAAAAYYYY!!!" before jumping down from the platform and hurrying towards her sister, hugging her tightly.
Ava hugged her younger sister back, smiling brightly as happy tears poured down her cheeks. She was overjoyed that Marie had awakened her power.
"I-I am Transcendent, big sis," Marie mumbled with happiness, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Yes, you are..." Ava replied, her voice filled with pride and love.
Marie then glanced at Asher, who was smiling brightly at her. She motioned for him to come closer. Asher nodded and joined them, wrapping his arms around both sisters.
The trio hugged each other, pouring out their emotions in that embrace. Soon, everything went perfectly for the remaining children as well.
Those who awakened were called Transcendent, a title that carried great honour and responsibility.
Those who were not able to awaken were called Soulless, a harsh term for those who could not control Mana and were often looked down upon.
Both Ava and Asher hadn't been able to awaken their soul crystals, thus they were unable to control Mana and were looked down on by others.
Not everyone was blessed with a better life, and this ritual was a stark reminder of that reality.
As the awakening process finished, it was time for the sponsors to step forward.
The sponsors, who were nobles or individuals of high status, would sponsor those in need. By accepting a sponsor, it meant you were under their wing. They would train and take care of your every need, and in return, they would ask for loyalty and other terms.
No one was forced into this; it was their choice whether to be under someone or become a rogue or adventurer.
As everyone was determined to see their future unfold, Marie waited for her sponsor. Meanwhile, Asher and Ava were talking with other parents who were boasting about Marie's potential.
Most sponsors showed interest in Marie since she had immense potential. She listened to everyone's terms and conditions and told them she would respond by tomorrow.
She wanted to ask her big sister's advice, so she was postponing her decision. The sponsors thought it was worth the wait.
Just as she was about to return to her sister's side, suddenly,
"Excuse me," a golden-haired boy stood before her.
Marie suddenly felt a wave of repulsion as her eyebrows squinted. She was feeling just like she had the day before. Controlling her emotions, she asked with a forced smile, "What are you doing here, sir?"
"I'd like to speak with you alone," Alexander said, his voice calm and composed.
"... No, si-" Before Marie could reject him, Alexander interrupted,
"Your big sister and that boy were planning to sell you."
"Huh?" Marie frowned, glaring at Alexander. However, Alexander just shook his head, saying, "I will tell the truth, please believe me."
Marie, however, just shook her head, her face contorted with disgust, and said, "Fuck off!"
Alexander's lips twitched as his eyes suddenly flickered with divine energy. His body suddenly released a protagonist's halo, an aura of overwhelming charisma and influence.
Marie was about to leave but suddenly felt dizzy. She felt something entering her body, her mind went blank for a second, and the next thing she knew, she was standing alone with Alexander in the corner of the temple.
'W-What happened?' she wondered, her mind racing to understand what had just occurred.