The village square thrummed with life. Banners of deep blue and silver fluttered in the morning wind, carrying the scent of incense, dust, and sun-warmed stone. All around, murmurs filled the air — excitement, fear, hope — the pulse of hundreds gathered to witness the most sacred rite in the Twin Moon World.
Daniel stood among the youths, trying to quiet his restless thoughts. His palms were still faintly warm from the strange dream. No matter how much he tried to shake it off, he could still feel that voice echoing inside him.
> "You carry my spark…"
He exhaled slowly, glancing toward the gleaming altar at the center of the square — the Crystal of Awakening, said to contain a fragment of the world's soul. When touched, it revealed a person's elemental affinity — the essence that shaped their destiny.
Rio nudged him from beside. "You look like you saw a ghost. Or maybe… the spirit of your nonexistent element?"
Daniel managed a half-smile. "Maybe both."
The crowd laughed softly, but Daniel's mind was far away. He had dreamed of lightning — of power so vast it could burn the stars themselves. Yet here he was, just another boy in a dusty village, waiting to see if the world would even acknowledge him.
Across the square, Leina stood in perfect composure, sunlight catching in her auburn hair. She was already something of a legend — her practice sessions had caused ripples in the elemental field, a sign of rare dual affinity. Daniel couldn't help admiring her focus; she looked like someone born for greatness.
Then came the soft clang of a staff.
The crowd fell silent.
Master Damian, silver-haired and robed in white, stepped onto the altar. His presence radiated calm authority, like a mountain that had watched centuries pass.
"Children of the Twin Moon World," he said, his voice rolling across the square, steady and deep. "Today, you shall face the reflection of your own soul. The element that answers your call will guide your life — your triumphs and your burdens alike. Step forward, and receive the truth that waits within you."
The first child approached, trembling.
The crystal glowed, blooming in soft emerald hues — Earth.
The crowd cheered.
One by one they went: Fire, Water, Wind, Darkness… each color painting the morning air with wonder.
When Rio stepped up, the crystal erupted in swirling shadows, cold and alive, like sentient mist coiling around him.
"Primordial Darkness!" someone gasped.
Master Damian smiled faintly. "A rare and powerful bond. Rank Six — well done, child."
Rio grinned as the aura faded. He turned to Daniel and whispered, "Your turn, hero."
Daniel's heart thudded. He walked forward through the hush, each step heavier than the last. The crystal shimmered, waiting — ancient, silent.
He pressed his hand against it.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then… stillness.
Total, unnatural stillness.
No color.
No sound.
No sign of life.
The crowd began to murmur.
Daniel forced a smile. "Guess I broke it."
Master Damian's expression softened. "Do not despair, child. Sometimes, the path the world gives you is not the one you were born to walk."
But even as he spoke, Daniel felt it — faint, buried deep beneath the silence — a pulse.
Like a heartbeat made of light.
Something within the crystal stirred.
Something ancient.
Something waiting.
And though no one else noticed, a faint gleam — softer than starlight — flickered once across Daniel's palm… then vanished.