Chapter 4:Whitewood Village Awakening Center

Amidst the tranquil embrace of Whitewood Village, a place of rustic beauty and rolling farmlands, there stood an institution shrouded in mystique and promise: the Whitewood Village Awakening Center.

As the first rays of the morning sun painted the sky in soft hues of pink and gold, the inhabitants of this serene hamlet, predominantly humble farmers, rose to greet the new day. Their toil sustained the very lifeblood of the sprawling Kingdom of Salamanca, and now, in the gentle embrace of dawn, a sense of hope and anticipation filled the air.

Here, in this pastoral haven, the villagers were known for their dedication to farming and their unwavering support of the kingdom. Among them, a unique group of individuals possessed a modest mastery of the arcane arts, known to the arcane masters of the Central Region.

In the heart of the village, these arcane masters dwelled, having experienced the awakening of their magical potential. Yet, despite this initial revelation, their aspirations had been stymied by a cruel scarcity of educational institutions. Their untapped potential lay dormant, like a slumbering dragon, awaiting its moment to soar. But change was on the horizon.

Within the kingdom's hallowed halls, the compassionate King of Salamanca had undertaken a noble endeavor. With the unwavering support of the illustrious Salamanca School of Magic, plans were meticulously crafted to establish new schools where the flames of knowledge would be kindled anew.

In a recent turn of fate, the Royal Council, spurred by an unwavering commitment to its subjects, embarked on an ambitious quest. Across the kingdom, awakening centers were raised from the earth, not as mere structures but as beacons of hope and transformation. Guiding these endeavors were none other than the venerable senior arcanists of the Salamanca School of Magic, individuals of profound wisdom and remarkable power. They had taken up the mantle to nurture and cultivate the nascent talents of the villagers, igniting the path to a brighter future.

As the sun, a golden orb in the sky, dipped beneath the horizon, painting the world with hues of amber and gold, the stage was set for a new chapter in Whitewood Village's history. The Awakening Center stood as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the villagers and the unwavering support of their kingdom. In the embrace of the natural world and the latent magic coursing through their veins, the people of Whitewood Village prepared to ascend to greater heights, their dreams and aspirations finally within reach as the latent potential within them began to awaken and flourish with the dawn of a new day.

In the quiet hours of the morning, the villagers of the quaint hamlet readied themselves for a pilgrimage to the awakening center. An electric sense of anticipation coursed through the air, a collective excitement that knew no bounds. Though the change in plans had been sudden, as schedules were swiftly rearranged, it proved no obstacle to the unwavering determination of parents to prepare their children for what lay ahead.

The arcane awakening, a momentous event, graced the capital of each Region annually. Yet, in a stroke of good fortune driven by the resolute efforts of the Royal Council, awakening centers now stood proudly in every village, earning heartfelt gratitude from every citizen.

As the seventh year of a child's life dawned, a pivotal rite of passage awaited them – the awakening. This ritual would reveal the potential growth lying dormant within them, a truth unveiled through the assessment of their awakening stones.

Once the awakening concluded, these arcane stones would reveal their judgment through a radiant ranking system, a spectrum divided into ten levels. If the illuminating light soared to the fifth level, it signaled the child's potential to embark on an educational journey within the esteemed schools. However, should the light falter, lingering at the fourth level or lower, the doors of academia would remain closed, for it was deemed unwise to invest precious resources in those whose potential appeared dim.

In this delicate balance of hope and expectation, Whitewood Village and its residents stood poised at the threshold of destiny, where the awakening of arcane powers would shape the futures of their children.

Although the main participants were children, the entire community eagerly awaited the revelation of which among them might possess the latent potential to become Arcane Masters or Arcanists. The village square, a bustling hub of anticipation, teemed with activity long before the appointed hour of commencement.

Reflecting on the previous year's results, the odds were sobering. Out of the 200 young participants from Whitewood Village, only nine had successfully awakened to rank 5 arcane power, an accomplishment that allowed them to qualify as full-fledged students of the prestigious Salamanca School of Magic. Among the fortunate few was Iñigo, the elder brother of the young and spirited Izy. His arcane power, though of the auxiliary variety, had astonishingly reached the impressive 6th level, an achievement that had left many in awe. This year, all eyes turned to Izy, expecting her to join the ranks of the fortunate, as her remarkable talents had earned her recognition in various fields.

In stark contrast, Sebastian was the one whose success was fervently wished for by everyone in the village. Both Izy and Sebastian were well-known figures in Whitewood, each for entirely different reasons.

Izy had gained notoriety for her exceptional skills in the arts. Despite her occasional brashness, her fiery spirit and youthful zeal for life endeared her to the villagers, who found her vivacity a source of joy.

Meanwhile, Sebastian was renowned for his kindness, courtesy, and unwavering willingness to help others. Above all, he possessed a natural charisma that endeared him to the hearts of Whitewood's older women. They would often tease him, playfully suggesting that their daughters would be ready to marry him when they grew up. Each time, a deep blush would suffuse the young boy's face, a testament to the warmth and affection he had earned from the village.

"Go, Sebastian! You've got this! We've seen your incredible spirit!"

"Young Sebastian, you carry the dreams of our village. We believe in your boundless potential!"

"I'm so proud of you, Sebastian! Show them what our Village is made of!"

"Sebastian, your enthusiasm and determination are unmatched. Keep shining, young one!"

"This lad right here represents our village's bright future. Sebastian, make us proud!"

As the children made their way towards the backstage area to form a queue, a chorus of encouragement enveloped Sebastian, like a warm embrace from the entire village. Parents, alongside other villagers, couldn't resist rallying behind him. A tinge of envy may have gripped some of the young onlookers, but deep down, they understood the anticipation, for they too held their collective breath, hoping for Sebastian's triumph in the impending awakening ceremony.

"Mom! Who is your child, Sebastian or me, your handsome son?" The question from the child carried a playful tone, a gentle jab at his mother who was offering unwavering support to Sebastian.

"Hush now! Be as well-behaved as Sebastian, my dear, unlike your stubborn self. And don't even entertain the thought of passing," the mother chided her child, though her words were softened by a fond tap on the head.

"Wow, Mom, your support means the world!" The child's reply sparkled with playful banter, laughter dancing in his eyes.

Sebastian couldn't help but bow his head in gratitude for the support he was receiving.

"I will not let you down, I promise," these were the young boy's parting words as he swiftly made his way towards the backstage.

***

"Children, do your best to focus and concentrate on attracting arcane energy. Don't let any distractions sway you. Just feel your presence, and when your name is called, that's when you'll stand up."

Before the ceremony commenced, the administrator calmed the children and led them in meditation to enhance their success rate in awakening their powers.

Sebastian gently closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath.

It was as if the entire surroundings dimmed, and he entered a dimension shrouded in darkness.