After a while, the people started dispersing in the crowds. Some got back to their own work and lives, while all of the youths were lining up near the castle gates all around it, with some of them having their family exchanging good luck charms. Meanwhile Sam was the most confused, towards his abrupt introduction of this world right after his transmigration, as it was a lot to take in.
'...What should I do now? Line up too?? I guess.. I mean I look like a kid now since they mean Youth or something, and most of them kids are also similar age to my body.. well, I kinda look out of place with all these different faces, with not even one sympathizing mine from the looks they gave me. Hahh... Anyways let's just see how this goes.. atleast I didn't kept burning in my room.' Thinking that, he joined one of the lines the kids were lining up in.
The Guards of the Castle managed the lines, they let them in one by one, while only superficially confirming if anyone was out of place because even if they didn't they were reassured from how things may be handled inside. The kids travelled in rows through the big dark hallways somewhere lower in the castle. Until all the ruckus from all entrances collided into one big puddle of bodies, and they all continued their hushed whispers and chit-chatting with observing the Big Opulent Hall they were in, and also what was infront of them. Things were already prepared for this short noticed event, considering the Empire was building and refining the Central Continent for the past few decades.. as the rumors say. Guards formed a sort of boundary to not let the kids further into the hall, as on the other side of the hall were the 4 Renowned Figures of the 4 Continents, sitting separately in their own plush sofa-like chairs. The hall was open, and the only sort of distinction of the space between the Masters was the atmosphere around them, with their assistants by the side, and the Collection of Destiny Specific Objects and Measuring tools laying at their feet. Throughout the hall, few people were also hidden, checking the situation of it whole. Things only moved forward when the Old Priest Entered through another entrance by the side.
"Welcome, Prospective Youth from the Empire and From the 4 Continents, to the Fate Selection. Now, as you all kids may know, this day perhaps may be the most important day for your whole lives, as You will get your Own Destiny Harmonized which will shape your future, your lifestyle, your influence, your power, your wealth, and most importantly, You as a Whole. As Graced by the Noble Presence of our Emperor, This Fate Selection that may also very well lead the Greatest Era of our World as a whole. As the Empire will now be allowing kids not only from the Central Continent, but also from the Four Continents Surrounding us, to which we all look forward to teach all of the prospective talents the same as we have always had, with the proper care and resources of the Empire, and without any form of Prejudice or Discrimination. You all should also take this as lesson to the heart and bind it, as the ones around you may also be the ones who you will bond as acquaintances in the future. The ones who do get harmonized with their own Destinies won't have to worry, as The Empire will look forward to it, and also because These 4 Masters of the Continents who are very well renowned in their Continent's Destiny will also be presiding over this Fate Selection and also Guiding you all with your Fates in the Destinies afterwards."
The Old Priest then took a pause, his eyes glowed Brightly with his staff vibrating the air. "Now, Before we start this Fate Selection. If any form of discrepancy or misconduct is found from anyone in this crowd, then they will be given strict punishment. Also as you all may know that the Fate Selection are harmonized for the Youths in only an Early Adolescence Age, with some minor exceptions, but still if anyone came by mistake regarding this as just a 'show' may also leave from the back entrance, if found then they will be barred from Fate Selection. My eyes see all."
Some mixed in the crowd, started clicking their tongues and leaving in a hurry, so as to not attract attention for it. While Sam thought looking at himself and his surroundings, 'Hm.. This is too confusing.. But I guess I should be a kid of the age of most of the ones gathered here.. whatever, I'll see if I get selected... Well what does it mean to be selected? I'm still confused about this world-' His thought process was abrupted by the Old Man's words.
"Alright, so now that we can continue. There's one last rule all of you will have to follow, no matter what continent or ethnicity you are from. That is you have to go through all Four Destinies Tests, regardless of the results or hesitation towards one Destiny or continent. That's all. Now the Fate Selection will Start! May you all bring glory to this Empire!!" After stating that, he told something to the guards about lining the kids and to manage them, but he himself left the area, preferably to observe things from the back.
The children grew frustrated in moments, as even though the Masters were ready to Start, and there was not one student for the Fate Selection in the hall, the Guards still wouldn't let anyone of them go ahead. They were all starting to retaliate, until they heard the haughty voices from one of the entrance, which grew with echos within the big hall.
"Hah! I tell you Dumbo, Those boisterous, fluky Nobles are nothing against us brothers. Besides we'll be the best since that priest told us so. Now let's show them all!" The Blonde haired young boy entered first, he had a fair and decent but spoon-fed face, and his clothes already sparkled money while making no fashionable sense to Sam, or maybe just as a cultural shock. Towing Behind the Boy was another one, that looked no 'Boy'. He was taller, hunkered, and had a big rough build, with his dark haired head being unusually big. This one made some brutish and undistinguishable sounds, "Yaa! Boro! Boro!"
"Are they... Are they the Famous Twins of the Emperor?!" One kid sounded his thoughts.
A Noble looking boy replied, "Yeah.. They are Lucius and his Blockhead brother Ragnar."
"Kyahh! Lucius looks so handsome, I wish I could be his princess." Another Noble girl shrieked.
Her friend nudged the loud girl, "Stupid! As if he would ever look at you... Well you do have a chance with his brother heh."
"Tsk. What's so special about them.. they are just losers trying to attract attention just because they are the Emperor's kids. I bet they don't even harmonize with one Destiny." An annoyed looking boy spoke loudly.
"Yeah bro, I tell ya. These nobles think of us so filthy when we are the ones supporting them. We'll all laugh when these brothers fall together." The boy near him voiced.
"Ooh I hope Lucius becomes the next Emperor!" Another girl shrieked.
"They are all talk no bark, giving an example of just how the emperor has grown old with his decisions. I can't even believe they allowed the other continents in. Just replace him with one of the elder sons already!!" Another one lashed out.
"I can hear you turds! My father allowed all of you just to come here on a whim and you blabber your shitty mouths like this? As if! Come on bro, let's show them all as we become the strongest and stomp over them all!" Lucius walked towards the first test with Ragnar in tow who made more nonsensical sounds. "HUAHH! BORO!"
'What the actual... Hahh... Such a cliche. Of course these kids of the 'EMPEROR' would get the first chance to show off.. Anyways, atleast I'll get a chance to look at what this 'Fate Selection' really is... Hahh.. This is such a bother.' Sam thought while observing the situation carefully, not minding the fierce debates of the kids around him.