Chapter 2: Sparks of Destiny
The Awakening Grounds bustled with anticipation as Emberlight City's youth gathered, the air tingling with mana. The Pandragon estate—nestled on their family-owned land—was alive with the hum of chatter and expectation. Unlike most families, the Pandragons stood apart not because of wealth, but because of strength. Den and Elisa Pandragon were top-ranked Awakened in the city, even respected nationally. Their presence commanded attention.
Aiden stood quietly, flanked by his parents and younger sister. The little girl giggled as she pointed at the ceremonial platform, her innocence untouched by the weight of the day.
Den clapped a strong hand on Aiden's shoulder. "No matter what your affinity is, walk your path with pride."
Elisa leaned in with a smile. "And don't overthink it. The orb doesn't bite."
Aiden chuckled softly. Their warmth hit him like a punch to the chest. He'd forgotten this—how it felt to have them by his side, alive, smiling, strong.
In his past life, they had died before he could truly appreciate them. He had wasted years chasing recognition, power, vanity—while the people who mattered slipped through his fingers. His little sister, Emilia, his parents... all lost, one after another.
But now...
This life is my do-over. I'll protect them. I'll treasure them. Even if fate tries to tear them away again, it'll have to get through me first.
Aiden turned as a redhead bounded up to him. Emilia ravenheart, wild as ever. She had dirt on her cheek from slipping in the mud earlier, but she didn't care. Her green eyes sparkled.
"You look like you're thinking too hard again," she teased.
"I was calculating how long you'll cry if you awaken water," Aiden said with a smirk.
She gasped, offended. "You jerk! I'm betting on fire. Maybe even two stars!"
"Oh, aiming high now?"
"Please. You'll see. I'll be the strongest in the city and make you carry my bags."
They laughed, easy and familiar. Their friendship had always been like this—natural, comforting. But to Aiden, every moment now felt precious.
As the crowd settled, the Master of Ceremony stepped forward. Dressed in flowing crimson robes, he raised his hand.
"Today, the future of Emberlight awakens. Step forth with courage. May your affinities guide your path."
One by one, names were called. Children placed their hands on the Elemental Crystal, a tall transparent pillar pulsing with condensed mana. Each time it glowed a specific color and flashed once to five times to show the affinity and star rating.
Most kids got 1-star affinities. A few 2-stars. One kid drew cheers for a 3-star Earth Affinity—likely the city's standout this year.
Then—
"Emilia ravenheart."
Emilia tensed slightly but rolled her shoulders and walked up confidently. She placed her hand on the crystal.
The orb flared red. Fire.
Applause followed.
Then, without warning, a second wave of energy rippled outward. The red turned into inky black, coating the crystal in a dark shimmer.
Gasps erupted.
"Dual affinity?" someone muttered.
The announcer's voice rang out: "Fire Affinity—3 stars. Darkness Affinity—4 stars!"
The plaza exploded.
Whispers. Stares. Even the guild scouts at the edge of the grounds shifted, murmuring to each other. Dual affinities were rare. But a 4-star Darkness Affinity? That was practically unheard of. In the entire country, only a handful had ever awakened with a 4-star.
Emilia turned, blinking as if unsure whether to smile or faint.
Aiden just gave her a nod and smirked. "Told you you'd be fire."
She beamed. "I'm gonna destroy you if you get anything lower than me."
"You wish."
As she rejoined the crowd, the attention now shifted.
The announcer called again—
"Aiden Pandragon."