Getting ready for the big day

Early in the morning, in a room bathed in sunlight, a young man of about 16 was doing push-ups.

"98... 99... and 100!"

The teenager was sweating profusely; his body clearly not accustomed to such exercises.

"Well, I better take a shower or Dad will give me an earful... After all, today's the big day."

He headed to the bathroom, took a quick shower, and checked himself in the mirror to see if he looked presentable.

The young man had basic black hair, gray eyes, and a well-defined jawline, one could say he was rather handsome.

"Let's just hope everything goes well... Having an affinity would be really nice, even if I'm not getting my hopes up."

-"Elias, hurry up!"

"I'm ready, Dad!"

Descending the stairs, I arrived in the living room where a man in his forties was sitting, absorbed in a hologram emanating from his watch. He was tall, with black hair cascading over his shoulders and jet-black eyes. This was my father, Ethan Hart, who was furrowing his brow and muttering to himself with an air of annoyance.

-"These darn parents putting pressure on their kids right before the Aura Test, which is in 2 hours! Seriously, they're all the same..."

Elias chuckled inwardly.

"Dad, some kids come from major factions, their future is practically assured, you know."

-"Ah, Elias, were you listening... Anyway, wake up your sister. She harassed me last night to attend the ceremony. She was eager to see if you'd have any Aura affinity."

I sighed inwardly.

Didn't anyone tell her that having an affinity wasn't guaranteed? Especially in my case.

Today was the Aura Test. All 16-year-olds were summoned to take it. Even though Aura has been present all around us for two centuries, not everyone has an affinity with it. Those who pass the Aura Test and develop an affinity are directly recruited by one of the three great academies. It's an opportunity for many to rise in society, join a faction, and perhaps even carve their name in history. But several factors influence affinity with Aura, primarily genetics: if one of your parents is an Aura user, you're likely to be one too. Environment also plays a role. In short, children of powerful factions are much more likely to become Aura users than me, a simple kid from a modest family.

Factions, clusters of clans around powerful Aura users, play a crucial role in society. They offer support, training, and opportunities to their members, shaping the destinies of many young aspirants.

But hey, we can name several legendary Aura users who came from run-down neighborhoods, so there's always hope for those in difficult situations.

Upon entering a certain room, I immediately shouted.

"Aria, hurry up if you want to come to the ceremony!"

After a long silence, a nonchalant voice responded.

-"Shut up."

I was left stunned. Is this what it's like to be 9 years old? Was I like this too? Come to think of it, maybe I still am...

Well, okay, fewer people is better anyway.

"Dad, Aria said she's not coming-"

-"He's talking nonsense, I'm coming!"

"..."

What a kid...

After the three of us left the house, we boarded the train to the very center of the capital, where the test would take place. The train was filled with families and anxious teenagers.

I chuckled inwardly.

Ah, guys, be as pessimistic as me and nothing will disturb you anymore.

After about an hour, we arrived. Finally, it was time to get this over with, and quickly!