Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

Chapter 6: The Awakening [1]

The Awakening Day.

Royal Academy, renowned for its prestige and commitment to excellence in magical education, was situated in the heart of the capital. It stood as a testament to the kingdom's dedication to nurturing the potential of its young individuals.

The architecture of the academy was a harmonious blend of grandeur and enchantment, with towering spires, intricate stained glass windows, and lush gardens that added a touch of natural splendor.

The Awakening Day at the Royal Academy was a highly anticipated event, held in the sprawling courtyard at the center of the academy grounds. The courtyard was adorned with vibrant flowers and magical runes etched into the cobblestone pathways. A large, ornate fountain, enchanted to shimmer with ethereal lights, stood at the center of the courtyard – a focal point for the awakening ceremonies.

As the day unfolded, students gathered in excitement, their eyes filled with anticipation and curiosity. The air buzzed with a mixture of nervous energy and the enchanting ambiance that surrounded the academy. Faculty members, adorned in robes adorned with intricate sigils, moved through the crowd, guiding students to their designated positions.

At the heart of the courtyard, an elevated platform housed the revered Awakening Altar. The altar was an intricately crafted structure, featuring crystalline formations that emitted a soft, pulsating glow. Each crystal represented one of the magical elements – earth, air, fire, water, lighting, light, darkness – symbolizing the diverse abilities that students might awaken.

Soon, one of the professors announced the start of the Awakening Ceremony and then explained the rules.

The rules were simple:

One would have to ascend the altar and stand at the center. Then the Awakening process would begin as the whole altar would form a white cocoon around the individual.

Then the crystals would glow revealing the individual's affinities.

The next would be individuals awakening their Aether Core which would be located in their bodies, right under their hearts. The Aether Core is the source of an Awakener's magical power, and during the Awakening, it would be formed, resonating with the chosen magical elements.

Then was the most crucial part of the Awakening - Awakening an Ability.

Each individual would awaken a unique magical Ability, a reflection of their innate talents and potential. However, awakening multiple Abilities was an extraordinary occurrence, a rarity that marked one as a Genius.

Moreover, the abilities were ranked into five tiers:

1. Nebula Tier

2. Lunar Tier

3. Stellar Tier

4. Solar Tier

5. Galactic Tier

Nebula being the most common and the weakest, Galactic being the most rare and powerful.

Furthermore, each Tier was ranked with stars, from one star to five stars.

The atmosphere in the courtyard became charged with anticipation as the professor's announcement echoed through the air.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, and the promising Awakeners of our Royal Academy, the Awakening Ceremony is about to commence!"

The students lined up with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, awaited their turn to ascend the revered Awakening Altar. As the first individual stepped forward, a hushed silence fell upon the courtyard.

One by one, students ascended the altar, their figures outlined by the radiant glow of the crystalline formations. The magical elements responded, revealing the unique affinities of each Awakener. The crowd erupted into cheers as individuals showcased their talents, ranging from control over fire to manipulation of water.

Among the spectators, whispers began to circulate as the siblings, Adrian and Aurelia, caught the attention of onlookers. The rumors about the duo's background and the recent revelation of Aurelia's engagement to the crown prince fueled the curiosity of those observing.

"Today is her wedding day, right? Then what is she doing here?"

"It must be because of his brother. He should have requested it from the king."

"Ah, but what about the wedding?"

"Sigh, the wedding will be at night, so there is still time. Furthermore, our 'prince' will also come to the Awakening."

"Sigh, both of you are wrong. It is compulsory to one undergo awakening. The king can't control it."

"Ah, is that so."

"Yes, so, let's just watch what happens."

"..."

Adrian's fists clenched slightly before loosening again. Maybe she sensed it, Aurelia held his hand with hers. Or it was herself who was nervous.

'Ah, I'm really stupid', thought Adrian.

Ignoring the whispers, Adrian gave his sister an encouraging smile as they approached the altar.

"Don't mind them. Don't let their words get to you," He spoke.

Aurelia looked at her brother and turned forward. Though feeling the weight of the crowd's gaze, she stood tall with a determined glint in her eyes.

With her brother's encouragement, Aurelia ascended the altar and stood at its center. The crystalline formations enveloped her in a white cocoon as the Awakening process commenced. The crowd held its breath, anticipation palpable in the air.

The crystals began to glow, revealing Aurelia's affinities – fire, light, and water. The trio of elements shimmered around her, casting a mesmerizing display of colors. Gasps of surprise and admiration rippled through the onlookers. It was a rare occurrence for an Awakener to possess three affinities.

However, the true astonishment was yet to come.

As the Aether Core formed beneath her heart, resonating with the chosen magical elements, a brilliant light enveloped Aurelia. The courtyard was bathed in a celestial glow as she awakened her magical Ability.

In a burst of radiant energy, Aurelia unveiled her Ability - Solar Flare Radiance.

The sunlight seemed to gather around her, intensifying into a dazzling solar flare that radiated warmth and brilliance. The crowd was awestruck by the display of power, and a murmur of amazement spread through the courtyard.

The professor, taken aback by the unexpected potency of Aurelia's Ability, announced with a hint of astonishment, "A Solar Tier Three Star Ability! Everyone, we have a Genius! Our Academy has awakened a Genius once more after two decades!"

"Woah! Solar Tier ability? Three Star at that?!"

"Amazing!"

"A Genius!"

"Woah!"

But, the spotlight of the show didn't seem to care about all of these praises or whispers. Her eyes were locked on the lonely figure who was standing not far from the altar. It was Adrian who was observing the crowd's reaction.

Adrian, filled with pride, turned his attention back to the altar and met his sister's gaze. Aurelia, standing amidst the radiant display of her Solar Flare Radiance, locked eyes with her brother.

At that moment, a silent understanding passed between them – a bond unbroken by the whispers and gazes that surrounded them.

With his most sincere smile, Adrian threw a triumphant thumbs-up at Aurelia. "You did well, little sister."