Chapter 2: At the palace of Geisha

Estel sighed as he got off the carriage and paid the horseman 15 copper coins.

It had already been 3 months since he and his little brother went to buy groceries.

He came to the main capital village of Geisha, where the palace is; he only brought with himself a spare set of clothes, a couple of copper and silver coins, his daily necessities, and his hunting knife.

Estel walked through a busy street, dodging children playing and people that weren't paying attention.

After a while, he finally arrived at his destination.

Estel stared at the huge castle, amazed at how majestic it was. 'Woah!'

'Hope all goes well,' Estel thought as he entered through the giant gate with other people who would partake in the test.

As Estel entered the palace, he saw a booth with a woman in professional clothing sitting in it.

Estel approaches the woman. "Hello, Madam," Estel said as the woman lifted her head to look at him.

The woman smiled professionally at Estel. "Hello, Welcome to the Palace of Geisha," she said. "Are you here to partake in the test?" she asked.

Estel nodded his head. "Yes," he said simply, to which the woman nodded and began to write on a piece of paper. "Alright then, please write your information in this paper," she said as she slid the paper she was writing on to Estel.

Estel wrote down his limited information, including his name: Estel Alara, age: 20, and Guardian: Elise.

After writing,, he gave the paper back to the woman. "Here is a badge so that you will be recognized as one of the participants. Don't lose it,, or you'll be kicked out by the guards," the woman said as she gave Estel a palm-sized round silver medal-like badge. It had the carvings of a fierce lion.

"Thank you," Estel said as he stored the badge in his pocket. "Alright, now go in and take a seat. It's about to start," the woman said as she gestured to Estel inside.

Estel walked inside the large castle; seeing so many different people made him both nervous and excited. After a while, he found an empty seat and sat on it. Besides him was a young-looking man with light red hair and sharp silver eyes.

'He's handsome,' Estel thought. The staring thought was noticed by said man, who glanced at Estel oddly, Estel flinched, surprised at being caught staring. "Ah-"

"Isnt it a bit rude to stare?" the man says, amused. "Sorry!" Estel said, embarrassed. "No sweat; I'm used to it, so you don't have to be so nervous," the man said, smiling.

"Oh, my name is Brecksin Zil, by the way," the man now named Brecksin said. "Nice to meet you; my name is Estel Elara," Estel replied back, smiling slightly.

As Estel and Brecksin were about to continue their conversation, a hush fell over the crowded hall. A tall, imposing figure stepped onto a raised platform at the front of the room. The man had long silver hair tied back in an intricate braid, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to look through everyone present.

"Welcome, aspiring candidates," his voice boomed, silencing any remaining whispers. "I am Lord Aethon, Royal Mage and Chief Examiner of the Geisha Palace. Today, you will undergo the Test of Awakening."

Lord Aethon paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "The test is simple yet profound. Each of you possesses a unique power, dormant within you. Today, we shall awaken that power and determine your potential."

He gestured to a line of ornate pedestals behind him, each holding a glowing crystal orb. "You will approach these crystals one by one. Place your hand upon the crystal, and let your inner mana flow. The crystal will resonate with your latent power, revealing its nature and strength."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Estel felt his heart racing, a mix of anticipation and nervousness coursing through him.

Lord Aethon raised his hand for silence. "Remember, there is no pass or fail. Each power is unique and valuable in its own right. Now, let us begin."

One by one, candidates were called forward. Estel watched in awe as the crystal orbs glowed with various colors and intensities. Some candidates gasped in surprise, others beamed with pride as their powers were revealed.

"Brecksin Zil," called out an assistant.

Estel watched as his new acquaintance confidently strode to the crystal. As Brecksin's hand touched the orb, it blazed with a brilliant crimson light. Lord Aethon's eyebrows raised slightly.

"Impressive," he murmured. "Pyrokinesis, with remarkable potential. You have the ability to control and manipulate fire, young man."

Brecksin grinned, a flicker of flame dancing in his silver eyes as he returned to his seat.

"Estel Elara," the assistant called next.

Estel's legs felt like jelly as he approached the crystal. He took a deep breath, extended his hand, and touched the smooth, cool surface of the orb.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, a soft pinkish purple light began to emanate from the crystal. It grew brighter, pulsing with a gentle rhythm that seemed to match Estel's heartbeat. Tendrils of energy swirled within the orb, forming intricate patterns.

Lord Aethon leaned forward, his eyes wide with interest. "Fascinating," he breathed. "Young Estel, you possess the power of one of the stars, which is quite powerful and possibly even the very essence of life itself."

Estel stared at the glowing crystal in wonder. He had always felt a connection to the stars and life, but this... This was beyond anything he had imagined.

"This power carries great responsibility," Lord Aethon continued. "Nurture it well, Estel Elara," Lord Aethon said quietly.

As Estel returned to his seat, still in a daze, Brecksin clapped him on the shoulder. "How'd it go? That light was really bright," Brecksin said curiously.

"I just have a really good ability," Estel said, smiling at the light red-haired man.

...TO BE CONTINUED.......

Sorry about the long wait, there were some familial problems at the moment.

anyway, hope y'all enjoy!

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