Chapter 43: Talent Root Awakening
"You have all done well in the soul space awakening ceremony." Although the priest’s calm voice reached every child in the room, his eyes subtly lingered on a select few, especially Astrael and Arthur. And a few others with high-grade awakenings. His gentle smile, for a brief second, widened at the sight of them.
"You have all done well," he repeated. "But those who didn’t receive the result they hoped for, worry not. Your journey does not end here."
His words were kind, but everyone could see where his real attention lay.
Some of the children with low-grade soul spaces lowered their heads, but most nodded, forcing confidence back into their posture.
With a clap of his hands, the priest gestured to the side. Several robed clerics, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward. One of them carried a silver box, ornately decorated, humming faintly with seven coloured energies.
"The next part will determine the core of your potential," the priest announced, his voice growing slightly more serious. "The Talent Root Awakening."
The murmurs once again filled the air in the hall. Even the nobles in the viewing stands leaned forward.
"The soul space defines your ability to control mana. But the talent root, this is your affinity. Your innate talent, your overall potential for growth. It is the foundation of your cultivation path."
He gestured toward a glowing circular platform embedded in the marble floor.
"You will step forward one by one and place your hand atop the Awakening Stone. Your root will be revealed, ranging from the seven colours of the spectrum: Red to Violet. But if fate favours you, your colour may surpass the spectrum."
"Number one!" Without any delay, the priest called.
A child stepped forward nervously.