Gliding smoothly down the road in a luxurious black hover car—one that looked more like a futuristic limousine—were Lucas and his parents. Today was an important day: the Talent Awakening Ceremony, and they were on their way to the temple where Lucas would discover his talent and magical affinity.
In Aldoria, it was common knowledge that a person could only awaken their talent and affinities once they turned five. That's when the magic in one's soul stabilized enough to be measured.
There are nine known talent grades, Lucas thought as he stared out the tinted window, with brown being the lowest and black the highest... except for the legendary white grade. Only saints are said to awaken that one. But if what Ladon told me is true, I't seems i'll awaken it.
The talent rankings went like this, from weakest to strongest:
Brown
Green
Yellow
Orange
Red
Blue
Silver
Black
White
Noticing the thoughtful expression on his son's face, Owen—Lucas's father—smiled and tried to lighten the mood.
"Don't worry, big guy. No matter what kind of talent you awaken, your mother and I will always be proud of you. We've got your back."
"That's right, sweetheart," his mother chimed in warmly. "A low-grade talent doesn't mean you can't become strong. What matters is what you do with it."
Lucas smiled faintly, warmed by their support. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. But don't be too shocked when you see the amazing talent I awaken."
Owen let out a booming laugh and gave his son a firm pat on the back. "That's the spirit! That's my boy! I'm sure you'll blow everyone away."
Lucas just nodded, returning his gaze to the passing scenery—sleek towers of glass and metal, tall building, floating signs, and crowds of people bustling through the city streets.
In just a few minutes, they arrived at the temple at the center of town. The place was buzzing with activity. Families had gathered from all over—some to witness the rise of new prodigies, others to support their children who would undergo the ceremony today.
Lucas was soon separated from his parents to complete his registration. Afterward, he was led to a waiting area where the other noble children were seated, waiting for their turn.
He quietly found a seat and sat down.
A boy with spiky black hair and large round glasses suddenly plopped into the seat beside him.
"Hey, I'm Moses. Moses Milton, from the Milton family."
"Oh, I'm Luc—"
"Yeah, Lucas Whitlock. I know. I was at your birthday party yesterday. It was pretty cool, actually."
Lucas chuckled. "I didn't realize I was already a celebrity."
Moses laughed. "Oh look at that! The young master of the Whitlock family has a sense of humor."
"Well, It's pretty normal, i'm a living being too" Lucas replied with a smirk.
"Hello there," a soft voice said from behind.
Lucas turned, and his eyes widened. "Amelia?! What a surprise! I didn't know you'd be here too."
Amelia giggled. "well we're the same age, or did i seem to look older than my age yesterday at the party?"
No not at all, Lucas waved his hands frantically and said.
"Y-Your Highness!" Moses gasped, immediately standing up and bowing with trembling hands. "Moses Milton of the Milton family greets you!"
"Please, raise your head," Amelia said gently. "Don't cause a scene."
Lucas blinked in confusion. "Hold on… What's going on?"
Moses turned to him, horrified. "How can you be so casual in front of Princess Amelia?!"
"Wait… Princess? You mean—she's the princess?!"
"How did you not know that?!"
Lucas quickly stood and gave a respectful bow. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness. Please forgive my rudeness."
Amelia waved her hands, flustered. "No, no! Not you too. Please raise your head. I'd actually prefer it if you spoke to me like before."
O.... okay "If you say so… Amelia," Lucas said hesitantly.
"Thank you," she replied with a smile. "Now, what were you two talking about before I arrived?"
"Nothing serious," Lucas said. "Just introducing ourselves."
"Yes, uh, I was just getting to know Lord Lucas," Moses added quickly.
"Well then, since we're all friends now, let's drop the formalities," Amelia said.
"Works for me," Lucas grinned. "Just call me Lucas."
They all laughed softly and turned their attention to the priest at the front, who was giving instructions on how to use the Talent Crystal and Affinity Crystal.
One by one, children were called up to place their hands on the glowing crystal spheres—first to awaken their talent, then to reveal their magical affinity.
Lucas waited patiently, though he was mildly bored by the process. Still, he kept his eyes on those with higher talents.
In Aldoria, about 10% of people failed to awaken a talent at all and would live powerless lives. Roughly 55% awakened talents from Brown to Orange grade. Around 30% managed to get Red or Blue. Only 5% awakened Silver or Black. And the White grade? And that seems to be the case here also.
Soon, it was Moses's turn.
"Wish me luck!" he whispered, then strode up to the stage.
He closed his eyes and placed his hand on the Talent Crystal.
Moments passed—and then the crystal glowed a brilliant blue.
Moses's eyes flew open. "YES!" he shouted, jumping in excitement.
The crowd applauded as he moved on to the Affinity Crystal. As his hand touched it, the crystal lit up with a swirling black glow, shadows dancing within it.
"You've awakened the Darkness Affinity," the priest said with a pleased nod.
The crowd exploded with cheers. A Blue grade talent and a rare affinity—he was definitely considered a genius now.
Moses returned to his seat with a proud grin.
"Did you see that?! Blue grade and Darkness affinity! My parents are going to flip!"
"Nice one, Moses," Lucas said, smiling. "Turns out you really are a genius."
"I knew you had it in you," Amelia added warmly.
"Thanks, you guys," Moses beamed.
Then Amelia's name was called.
She walked gracefully to the stage, placed her hand on the Talent Crystal, and closed her eyes.
The crystal slowly darkened—until it turned pitch black.
Gasps filled the temple.
"A Black grade?! Seriously?!"
"This is my first time seeing one in person!"
Amelia opened her eyes, calm and composed, and placed her hand on the Affinity Crystal.
A white-blue glow radiated from it, with tiny ice particles forming on the surface.
"You've awakened the **Ice Affin—" the priest began, but the crystal suddenly shimmered and changed again—this time to brown, with cracks forming on its surface.
The priest stepped back in shock. "She has a dual affinity! Ice and Earth!"
The crowd was in a frenzy.
"She awakened two affinities?!"
"Only a royal could pull that off!"
"That's our princess!"
The temple buzzed with excitement, a sea of murmurs and gasps rippling through the audience.