It was a peaceful day in Lunaria. The breeze smelled of baked bread spread through the air. That was when he arrived—a traveler in blue and gold robes, his staff shining with a crystal embedded at the top. A wandering mage, was entering the village.
Baron Alfred, welcomed him warmly.
"Please, good mage, rest in our village."
The mage, smiling under the leather hood, bowed in return. "In exchange for letting me rest, allow me to offer an Appraisal for your people, my lord" he said. The villagers buzzed with curiosity as they heard it. One by one, we lined up before the glowing orb the mage placed on the Old Tree's stump. As we touched our hand, the orb glowed. I learned that the color of the orb represent the affinity or mastery that person has. Yellow means Electric Affinity, Bright Yellow pulsing means Electric Mastery or something like that. My mother had wind mastery notably.
Edward stepped forward first. The orb glowed blue. "Water Magic affinity," the mage said, nodding. Emily came forward next carried by her mother. Red Crimson pulses shimmered as she placed her hand. "Fire Magic, that too mastery!" he announced. " Very Rare!". Then came Rosa and Luna, Earth and Nature magic affinity for Rosa, and ice magic for Luna. Each reading brought a cheer, especially from their parents.
Then… it was my turn.
I hesitated. I knew that I have affinity for all magics. I am not keen for this one for myself, It will reveal everything.....
"Go on, Elric!" my mother said, gently nudging me forward. "Don't worry, it's just a reading," my father said.
I stepped up, clearing those thoughts even though I know what's coming, and placed my small hand on the orb.
For a moment—silence. Then it pulsed and the mage froze.
His eyes widened, lips opening slightly in shock. He leaned closer, reading the colors as they shifted above the orb. "This boy…" he murmured, "has affinity to all elemental magics—Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind...you name it". The villagers gasped in shock. Silence...and suddenly the village exploded into joy. "My boy's a prodigy!" my father laughed, clapping me on the back. "You'll be famous one day, Elric!" said Carla, eyes gleaming. My mother knelt down to me, hugged me into her arms and kissed my cheek proudly. "You were always destined for something great." she said smiling.
But I... just stared at the orb, annoyed.
After the commotion, I quietly approached the mage, catching him before he could pack up his glowing orb. "Please," I said, "don't spread word of my appraisal, Sir Mage" He raised his eyebrow, clearly surprised by my formal nature. "Why hide such a gift?"
I shook my head. "A peaceful life… is a healthy life. I don't want attention. I don't need fame. I just want to grow up quietly." The mage looked at me for a long moment. Perhaps he saw something in my eyes, too old for a three-year-old. He then smiled. "Very well, young Elric. I will not spread word of your appraisal...but do remember, this world doesn't leave prodigies alone...." He turned with his staff , and walked down the forest path. And just like that, he was gone.
Meanwhile..... the village erupted in celebration.
Banners made of simple cloth were tied between trees. Tables were dragged out of homes, lined with home-cooked food—bread, stews, fruits, roasted meat. Wooden mugs clinked and laughter went across the fields They were celebrating me and "my" potential.
"To Elric!" Baron Alfred called, lifting a mug.
"To Lunaria's shining sword!" Grom cheered.
I was handed a wooden cup of fruit juice. I accepted it politely. "Look at you, the village's little prodigy," my father said with a grin, ruffling my hair. My mother sat beside me, "No matter how strong you become," she whispered, "you'll always be our boy." I smiled softly.
I had wielded blades against warlords. I had knelt before my emperor. But this... this was nice and peaceful. As the night went on, I watched the stars above me. They were different from Earth's. Nine moons all in different directions glowed brightly. More colors. But somehow... still beautiful.