The dawn sun spilled over the spires of Eldenshire, painting the cobblestone streets in hues of gold and crimson. The city was alive with magic, its air tingling with unseen energy that flowed through the glowing conduits lining the buildings. Every corner buzzed with anticipation.
In the heart of the city lay the Plaza of Luminaries, a grand open square bordered by crystalline statues of Eldenshire's most revered adventurers. It was a place where legends were born—or at least where the journey began for those daring enough to seek them. Today, the plaza swarmed with people, their chatter mingling with the harmonious hum of the Soul Crystals, massive glowing gems suspended in midair.
Kaelion "Kael" Veynor lingered at the edge of the crowd, his heart pounding in his chest. He tugged at his threadbare tunic, doing his best to blend in among the wealthier youths whose clothes shimmered with enchantments. His hands were calloused from years of odd jobs, his pale hair tousled from the breeze. He wasn't like them, and he knew it.
But today was his chance.
The Awakening Ceremony was held once a year, a rite of passage for every fifteen-year-old in the kingdom. Today, Kael would finally learn his ability, his ticket to a better life—maybe even a chance to leave behind the orphanage and the pitying glances of strangers.
"Kael!"
He turned to see his closest friend, Eryn, weaving through the crowd. Her auburn curls bounced as she ran, her freckled face lit with excitement.
"You're going to be late!" she scolded, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the registration line.
"I wasn't late," Kael protested, though his nervous smile gave him away.
Eryn grinned, her confidence infectious. "Come on. This is the day we've been waiting for! What do you think you'll get? Fire? Lightning? Oh, maybe something rare, like Mindweave!"
Kael laughed nervously. "Knowing my luck? Probably something like… I don't know, Enhanced Shoelaces."
Eryn swatted his arm. "Don't sell yourself short. You're going to blow everyone away. I know it."
The line moved quickly, and before Kael knew it, he stood beneath one of the towering Soul Crystals. The gem pulsed with light, its energy thrumming in his bones. The ceremony official, a stern-faced mage with a silver robe, gestured for him to step forward.
"Place your hand on the crystal," the mage instructed. "Focus on your inner self, and the crystal will reveal your ability."
Kael took a deep breath, his palm trembling as he pressed it against the cool surface of the crystal. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a warm light spread beneath his hand, and a gentle hum filled the air.
A voice, low and resonant, echoed in his mind:
You are Kaelion Veynor. You possess the ability of Energy Channel.
The light faded, and Kael stepped back, blinking.
"That's it?" someone in the crowd muttered.
"Energy Channel? Never heard of it," another whispered.
Kael's stomach sank as the mage cleared his throat. "Energy Channel," he announced to the onlookers. "An ability that allows the user to absorb small amounts of ambient energy and redirect it in basic forms."
A ripple of laughter spread through the crowd.
Eryn's voice rang out from the sidelines. "That's amazing, Kael!" she shouted, her enthusiasm earning a few side glances.
Kael forced a smile, his cheeks burning. He wanted to believe her, but the skeptical looks around him told a different story.
As the ceremony continued, Kael wandered the edge of the plaza, trying to shake the weight of disappointment. His dreams of dazzling abilities and instant respect felt like sand slipping through his fingers.
"Hey, kid."
Kael turned to see a group of adventurers watching him. At their head stood Seraphina Draven, a striking woman with fiery red hair tied back in a braid. Her armor gleamed with enchantments, and a pair of flaming swords rested on her hips. The emblem of Ironclaw, one of Eldenshire's top guilds, was etched into her breastplate.
"You're the Energy Channel guy, right?" Sera asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kael stiffened, unsure whether to nod or flee. "Uh… yeah?"
A grin spread across her face. "Not bad. Most people don't understand how versatile energy manipulation can be. You've got potential."
"I do?"
Sera laughed. "With the right training, sure. Ironclaw is always looking for new talent. How about it?"
Kael's heart raced. Was this real? He'd heard of Ironclaw—every adventurer in Eldenshire had. To join them was to become part of a legend.
"Yes! I mean, uh, I'd be honored," he stammered.
"Good. Report to the guildhall tomorrow morning," Sera said, turning on her heel. As she walked away, Kael caught the looks from her guildmates—some amused, others doubtful.
The Ironclaw guildhall was an imposing structure, its walls adorned with trophies from countless dungeon raids. Kael entered with a mix of awe and apprehension, clutching his new guild badge.
His first meeting with the team was less than welcoming.
"So this is the newbie?" said Leoric Mordane, the guild's tank, his voice dripping with disdain. "Doesn't look like much."
"Hope he can at least carry supplies," muttered Callista, the healer, not bothering to hide her smirk.
"Enough," Sera interrupted, though her tone was more amused than stern. "Everyone starts somewhere."
Kael nodded, forcing himself to meet their eyes. "I'll prove myself," he said, more to himself than anyone else.
Kael's first mission was a low-level dungeon raid in the Verdant Hollow, a labyrinthine forest teeming with glowing fungi and lesser monsters.
The team moved like a well-oiled machine, dispatching creatures with ease. Kael trailed behind, carrying supplies and watching their techniques, eager to learn.
When a pack of shadow wolves ambushed them, Kael saw his chance. Drawing on the energy around him, he launched a burst of force that stunned the creatures, giving the others an opening to strike.
"Not bad, rookie," Sera said, though her praise was drowned out by Leoric's scoff. "Beginner's luck."
Kael smiled despite the dismissal. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Back at the guildhall, Kael overheard whispers:
"Why'd Sera even recruit him?"
"He's dead weight."
Their words stung, but Kael clenched his fists, vowing to prove them wrong.
As he lay in bed that night, staring at the Ironclaw insignia on his nightstand, a single thought burned in his mind:
I'll show them what I'm capable of. One day, they'll regret ever doubting me.