Sunlight streamed through the intricate stained glass windows of the temple, casting an enchanting image on the floor. The image depicted three majestic white dragons with feathery, bird like wings and halos designed like golden crowns, radiating an array of rainbow colored light.
The priest stood on a golden podium, delivering a grand speech about the ceremony. He offered words of encouragement to the crowd, explaining that the arcana they would receive that day would shape their futures, influence their lives, and determine their standing in society.
The ceremony was mandatory for everyone when they turned 16. It revealed the abilities they would possess for the rest of their lives. These abilities could include the manipulation of elements or concepts such as time, space, or gravity. These abilities are what we're called arcana.
The temple worker guided the group of teens into various rooms, each adorned with golden statues depicting angels riding dragons waging war against monsters emerging from a pit surrounding a central platform.
A white haired teenager was led to the platform in the center of the room, where a floating crystal ball radiated ancient runes. The temple worker instructed him to place his hand on the crystal ball.
As soon as he touched it, the runes scattered around the room, forming the image of a phoenix bursting into flames. The phoenix then transformed into various mystical animals before finally becoming a dragon that entered the white-haired boy's chest. The temple worker was mesmerized by the spectacular display of magical creatures. This was the first time he had witnessed someone's arcana create such beauty.
Above the crystal ball, information about the boy's arcana appeared on a spectral holographic screen.
The information was written in a runic language known only to the temple priest and workers. The white-haired boy waited with bated breath, his heart racing as he imagined what his abilities could gain. If he could manipulate concepts or have light-based abilities, he could finally join the Knights Academy.
The temple worker gasped as he fell to the ground, completely shocked by what he saw on the screen. The boy with white hair, filled with concern, slowly stepped toward the temple worker, extending his hand. His face was etched with worry as he asked, "Sir, are you okay?"
The white hair boy took the temple worker by the hand and helped him to his feet. He dusted off his robes, cleared his throat, and instructed the boy to stay put while he went to consult the head priest for further guidance.
The worker rushed out of the room, leaving the white-haired boy to worry about what had just happened. "Did I do something wrong or break something? I followed his instructions," he thought to himself. "I really hope the crystal isn't broken; I don't have the money to replace it." He walked anxiously around the crystal ball, concerned about what the head priest would do if he had caused any trouble.
A few minutes passed, and the room door swung open as the head priest walked in. His brow was furrowed, and his face was filled with dread. He slammed the door shut and then waved his hand in the air, reciting the words, "Sound Arcana, Silent Void." Instantly, a noise canceling barrier surrounded him and the white-haired boy.
The head priest spoke with authority and boldness, his rough voice sending a shock down the white haired boy's spine with each word he uttered. "Boy, do you know why I'm here?" The white haired boy stumbled back and answered in a shaky voice, nervously fiddling with his thumbs " no did I brake the crystal or something".
" NO child" the priest exclaimed " your arcana was revealed to me by the temple worker you have the arcana of the the blue moon dragon of lunaria "
The boy with white hair stared blankly as he listened to the head priest's words. A spark of recognition ignited in his mind as he recalled the stories of the blue moon dragon of Lunaria. This dragon was one of the three legendary beasts of the heavens, a group of monsters with powers so immense that they could bend the seven great nations to their every whim.
The blue moon dragon was said to be the second most powerful of the three beasts. Its giant, dove like wings cast a majestic glow, and with each flap, blue sparks flew, lighting up the night sky. This phenomenon was caused by its extremely dangerous feathers, which exploded when they were hurled from its wings. Just a single feather was enough to destroy an entire city leaveing it as nothing but rubble.
The head priest examined the boy, puzzled by his appearance. The boy possessed a powerful and influential arcana, yet he seemed to be an ordinary commoner. His lackluster clothes and messy hair revealed some clues about his background. The head priest asked the boy for his name and family title. The boy replied, "I am Markus Silva, part of the Silva bloodline. We're just normal farmers, sir there's really nothing special about us."
The priest looked troubled upon hearing these words. He thought to himself, "It would have been far simpler if he were from an influential family, but he's just a commoner." He reached out his hand, gesturing for the boy to come closer. "Come over here, child. We need to go."
Markus moved closer to the priest and asked, "Is something wrong?" The head priest grabbed his waist and pulled him close as a circle of radiant light enveloped them, transporting them to an underground room.
The room was gigantic, resembling an open field more than an actual room. The ceiling mimicked the night sky, featuring constellations and shooting stars that danced across its expanse. The ground felt vast and inviting, covered in lush green grass. In the center, there was a lake with a small island, which was home to a giant tree. Its leaves emitted a captivating glow with shades of purple, blue, and pink.
Markus thought to himself, "Where is this, and why did the priest bring me here? Is this part of the ceremony?" Before he could ask any questions, the priest took the boy's hand and guided him to the tree. As they walked, the priest explained the situation to him. "Child, your arcana is one that has not graced this kingdom in thousands of years. It is a powerful weapon that could ignite an all-out war among the nobles who would like to use its power to seize the crown for themselves. You must never let anyone know about this."
Markus stumbled as the priest dragged him toward the tree. He replied, "Yes, sir, but doesn't that mean I won't be able to use my arcana would it be recognized by the nobles looking for it ?" Markus wondered if this meant he wouldn't be able to enter the knights' academy. Even though that would be a significant loss, he could at least bargain for his family to be bestowed titles of nobility, finally allowing them to live in comfort.
The two of them reached the lake, but the priest continued walking; their feet didn't sink into the water. Instead, they walked on the surface, creating ripples with each step. As they made their way to the tree, the priest continued his explanation.
"Your arcana allows you to manipulate all the basic elements, so you'll be able to use it. However, you won't be able to access some of its more unique abilities in public or without supervision. Besides that little issue, there's also the matter of training. The king will want to use you in his army when he finds out about this, so you'll need to be prepared by then you understand."
Markus nodded, indicating to the priest that he understood. The priest responded, "Good," as he placed Markus's hand on the tree, causing it to glow brighter and revealing a crest on the back of Markus's hand.
The priest told Markus, "You will be attending the Knight Academy for your training, supervised by one of the teachers who reports to me." He explained that Markus would train alongside the other knights, allowing him to learn how to master his basic elements.
This would allow him to hide in plain sight, as bringing random tutors to train him privately would be far too difficult to manage without other nobles finding out. "When we return to the temple, I'll announce that you have gained the light arcana along with the basic elements. This will serve as a good cover story to explain why I intervened and why you're receiving all this special treatment."
Markus nodded in agreement as the priest waved his hand, teleporting them back to the room in the temple. They both exited, and the priest called Markus and three other teens to the podium. The head priest announced that the four children had been blessed with magnificent abilities.
He announced, "Melody Valentines of the Valentines bloodline has been blessed with the Crystal Arcana, an ability passed down through her lineage. This power allows her to control and manipulate minerals. In addition, she can manipulate earth, fire, and water."
"Jaxon Bellrock, a member of the Bellbrook bloodline, came from a family renowned for their mastery of space arcana, which allows them to manipulate space, create portals, and teleport people and objects. He was blessed with his family's arcana, as well as the powers of fire and lightning."
"Jolene Grayfield hails from the legendary Grayfield bloodline, known for its mastery of powerful arcana such as gravity, eclipse, and magma. However, this talented young lady possesses not just one but two formidable arcana the magma arcana and the time arcana." The crowd erupted in applause, congratulating her on her extraordinary abilities. Jolene was smug taking her congratulations with great pride she believe she deserved every second of it and more.
Then the head priest announced Markus's abilities: "Markus Silva of the Silva bloodline comes from a family of farmers and is of no noble background. He has been blessed with the light arcana and possesses control over all basic elements, including ice."
A hush fell over the crowd as they realized that a commoner had attained the light arcana. This was a rare occurrence, though not unheard of. The nobles whispered among themselves, recognizing that this meant Markus had the opportunity to rise in rank, while the commoners expressed their jealousy for not being afforded the same chance.
The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Everyone in the crowd stared at Markus with disapproval. He could feel their disappointed gazes piercing him like a knife. He had expected the nobles to have a problem with his gift, but not the other commoners.
Sensing the tension, the priest continued his speech to shift some of the attention away from Markus. " All of these children were blessed with immensely powerful arcana, which will grant them opportunities beyond their wildest dreams. Some will become the heads of their families, while others will have the chance to join the Knights Academy to be trained for either the Royal Army or to become part of the King's royal guards".
The crowd erupted in applause, offering their congratulations. The teens at the podium waved to show their appreciation, but Markus only raised his hand to blend in. After witnessing the crowd's earlier reaction, he realized his position among these people the nobles regarded him as worthless, unworthy of his arcana, while the commoners viewed him as someone who had seized an opportunity of a lifetime an opportunity they longed for themselves.
After the ceremony was over, Markus made his way home. However, before he could exit the temple yard, he heard the voice of the priest in his head, reminding him to be careful. Markus thought, "Is that you, Head Priest? How am I hearing you in my mind?"
The head priest replied, "It's the seal I placed on your hand earlier. It will allow me to keep an eye on you and provide any advice you may need." Markus felt relieved to know that the head priest was willing to help him at a moment's notice. Although he seemed to have made a myriad of enemies, he at least had a powerful ally, whether it was for his personal benefit or out of genuine concern for his safety would be revealed over time.