Inside the assembly hall, the shamans strode forward to the center, their footsteps echoed loudly. The three pillars were hauled through the left door and swiftly replaced by a big magical glass orb, carried in by two black-robed figure from the right.
The orb hovered above the broad pillar, which is affixed to a wheeled metal platform. Inside the orb, white snowflake like particles floating lazily in the transparent dome.
At the left edge, stood seven hooded figures walking toward the center. They all wore identical white robes that covered their faces from revealing.
The robe was unique in its own way with different intricate patterns and gold threading along the sleeve edges, and a surcoat which blends beautifully with their colourful capes.
They all gathered in a perfect circle. To the left loomed the seven figures, to the right clustered the young shamans, with the high priest near the orb.
"Now," the priest intoned. "I shall call your names one by one, simply place your palm on the glass.
I call, Timber Hernes."
Timber walked forward and pressed his hand to the surface. Suddenly, flames formed from thin air within the orb, roaring to life.
The young shaman's eyes widening in surprise. The once empty glass blazed from within.
"Timber Hernes, you possess the element of fire. You can now release your hand."
The flames vanished as he withdrew, stepping back into the group.
"Next, Christine bernard."
She stepped forward and touched the glass. Water slowly coalesced on the inside, rippling under her steady gaze.
Christine was flabbergasted, yet her expression remained composed, as if she commanded it herself.
"Christine bernard, you wield the element of water. You can stepback now.
Next, Dave Brokson."
Dave's touch also ignited the element of fire.
Total, six shamans showed their elements. Three fire and three water.
"Next, Daniel Dikson."
Daniel advanced, sighing deeply before making the contact. He touched, but nothing happened at first. Then, suddenly a spark of lightning leaped from his palm into the glass.
*Zap!*
"Agh!" he shouted, feeling the shock as he yanked his hand back.
The Yellow-caped figure smirked slightly.
"Daniel Dikson, you wield the element of thunder. You can stepback now.
Next, Colin Demion."
Black-purplish smoke billowed from the base of the orb, engulfing it in a dark void. His eyes widened, mouth agape.
The indigo-caped figure smiled softly.
"Colin Demion, you wield the element of shadow. Next, Julian James." the high priest called.
Out of the fourteen shamans, the tally was: three fire, three water, three earth, two thunder, two wind, and one shadow.
Once all had tested, the priest gestured to the seven figures with a nod. They vanished through the left door, and returned with garments.
Then, they were distributed. Daniel received yellow(thunder), Colin—indigo(shadow), Christine—blue(water), Timber—red(fire), Natalia—green(earth), Pike—orange(wind).
Daniel unfolded his yellow garment and stared in complete silence. A fine silk poncho, smooth and exquisite, emblazoned with a white thunder icon stitched in thread.
He donned it for a moment, then stuffed it into his satchel. Later, a wooden rectangular box and a scroll were given as rewards. But he didn't open them, instead, he slid them aside, unopened.
He was hungry, he was dehydrated, and eager to leave as soon as possible for a meal.
After everything had settled, the high priest uttered a final prayer, and they dispersed in silence. Some wore their ponchos, some packed theirs like Daniel.
…
"Fuck… it's finally over. I got to eat something or i'm going to faint," Daniel muttered, eyeing toward the marketplace.
The first thing came to his mind was the bakery's fresh bread. Without thinking too much, he trude toward the north, his eyes hollow, body parched, and stomach growling in every few steps.
The shop was shuttered.
"Wow…" he muttered and scanned around the street.
On the opposite side of the bakery stood a street food stalls lined with customers, yet it was the empty one that drew his attention. He dragged himself toward it, slow and deliberate.
"Welcome sir, what you want to eat?" the stallkeeper said with a smile.
Daniel rasped. "Something light… but first give me a glass of water."
"Sure, sir. Please sit on the bench, while I prepare your food."
The vendor handed him a glass. Daniel glupped it down in one go, vitally surging back.
Within few minutes, the stallkeeper served the food in a banana leaf.
"Here you go, sir. Enjoy…"
Daniel set it on his lap and stared at it for a moment.
'What is this food? It's so… oily and… whatever. Don't judge a book by its cover.'
*Nom*
Daniel took a big bite and nearly spat it out. It was a sandwich with egg salad stuffed inside, coated in a strange turmeric batter. Then deep-fried until crispy.
'What did I just swallowed… even dogs wouldn't dare to touch it. Wait… did I just roast myself? heh…'
The stallkeeper noticed his grimace as he stared at the food, unwilling to take another bite.
"Sir, didn't you like the food?" he asked, concern flickering across his face.
Daniel met his eyes. "No, sir. It's disgusting."
The stallkeeper was stunned. "But everyone says it's the best."
"No, they're lying to you. It's crap and so… oily."
Daniel spoke honestly about how he felt about the food. Moved by his honesty, the stallkeeper openly shared his struggles in the Arcana town.
Daniel listened casually.
…
"Hmm… then how are you going to cover your expenses while earning minimum?" Daniel asked with a neutral expression.
The stallkeeper sighed, staring down at his battered notebook. "Haa… I don't know, sir. Oil prices are going high and… … I don't know."
Daniel pondered for a moment, gaze dropping to the greasy sandwich, when a sudden idea struck him.
"Sir, I've an idea to make some good amount of money," he said, looking into his eyes. "But everything we sell, we split fifty-fifty. Okay?"
…
The stallkeeper frowned. "But how?"
Daniel grinned. "Can you pass me your book? I'll write some things in it, and you prepare them by tomorrow morning. Also, give me your location."
Daniel scribbled a list of ingredients and kitchenware onto the note, while the stallkeeper shared the location of his rented house.
He read the list, his eyes widening. For a moment, he couldn't say a word.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow morning," Daniel said, sliding the paper into his satchel before leaving.
'I bet, these people will make a line just to smell the food.
*Grrr*
Shit I'm still hungry… I guess, I'll have to head home and eat Aunt's … … hehe.'