As they entered the chamber, whispers immediately followed.
Lucinda heard someone whisper, "Today's the day Sylvia Montemayor will shine." Lucinda's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
The Baylan, draped in ceremonial white robes, approached to address the crowd. Baylan, voice calm but commanding, "Today, we are witnessing the future of our city. Each child will approach the Affinity Crystal one by one to have their elemental nature revealed. This significant ceremony marks the beginning of their journey in Kalibutan."
The ceremony begins after the Baylan explains the process of the awakening. The Baylan also reminds parents not to be too hard on their children if they do not awaken their elements, and to remember to train them as soon as possible if they do.
The noble families sat in eager anticipation, their attention focused on the crystal as each child stepped forward to reveal their affinities—faint, flickering lights for most. However, everyone fixed their eyes on Sylvia Montemayor, and the room filled with palpable anticipation as they awaited her turn.
Finally, the Baylan's voice rang out. Baylan, louder, signaling the pivotal moment, "Sylvia Montemayor! "
Sylvia rose gracefully, her face calm, radiating confidence. She exchanged a brief look with her parents—Greg nodded approvingly, while Lucinda smiled with pride. As Sylvia made her way to the pedestal.
The room fell into a hush, every noble's attention locked on her. She placed her hand on the Affinity Crystal, and a low hum of energy filled the air, sending a ripple of tension through the chamber.
The Baylan said, "Draw the lights on the crystal, Sylvia. Show us your affinity."
Sylvia closed her eyes, focusing on the flickers of brown and black swirling within her vision. With a steady breath, she willed the elements to respond.
The earthy lights surged toward the crystal, followed by the slower, creeping black lights of darkness.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them rumbled—a short, sharp quake that caused gasps throughout the chamber. A Nobleman, whispering in awe, "That's powerful… she's already controlling the earth." The crystal glowed, first a deep brown, radiating warmth, then a faint black shimmered beneath it, signaling Sylvia's affinity for darkness.
The Baylan, visibly impressed, stepped closer to the pedestal. The Baylan, addressing the crowd, voice steady, "High-Affinity Earth… Low Affinity Darkness."
A wave of murmurs spread through the room. Greg and Lucinda exchanged triumphant glances. High-Affinity Earth was prestigious, and the hint of darkness only added to Sylvia's potential. This was the moment they had been waiting for.
Sylvia smiled, pride swelling within her. She had done it—she had exceeded all expectations. As she returned to her seat, Lucinda leaned in.
Lucinda, proud and soft, "Well done, my darling. We knew you would make us proud." Sylvia's heart soared, filled with the satisfaction of knowing she had secured her place as the true Montemayor heir. Their future was now in her hands.
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Back at the Montemayor estate, the portal remained still, a stark contrast to the energy of the ceremony. Ysa sat by the window, her eyes fixed on the distant courtyard where the magic had whisked her family away.
Ysa said to herself, "They didn't even mention it to me…"
She felt the familiar ache of being left behind, of being invisible. She felt the familiar ache of being left behind, of being invisible, as they didn't require her presence and the memory of her own failed awakening reminded her of why she no longer mattered.
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The Montemayors emerged from the lesser portal, their faces beaming with pride. Greg puffed out his chest, already envisioning the envious glances of his rivals. Lucinda, ever the strategist, mentally tallied the potential alliances this victory would secure.
Sylvia, however, was lost in her own world of triumph. She had surpassed all expectations, and the thrill of her newfound power coursed through her veins.Ysa waited eagerly in the portal room, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
Perhaps this time, they would acknowledge her, include her in their joy. But as her family stepped into the estate, their smiles faltered. Greg and Lucinda exchanged a knowing glance, a silent agreement to maintain the facade of a united front.
Sylvia, oblivious to her sister's presence, basked in the attention of the gathered servants."I'm a dual-element user!" she declared, her voice ringing with pride.
"The ground even shook when my element manifested!"
The servants gasped and murmured their admiration. Greg, unable to contain his smugness, muttered, "Just like her father."
Sylvia, her arrogance growing with each word, added, "And I have the shadow affinity too, just like Mother. That makes me special."
Ysa's heart sank. She had hoped for a moment of connection, a shared celebration, but the gulf between her and her family seemed wider than ever. She felt a familiar pang of loneliness, a reminder of her own failed awakening and the invisibility it had cast upon her.
Lucinda, ever mindful of appearances, gently steered Sylvia away from her self-congratulatory pronouncements. "Now, now, enough with the stories for now," she interjected. "
The servants have duties, and we have a party to prepare for." She addressed the staff, her voice firm, "Remember, the mayor will be attending, and we're expecting an important guest from the Second City. Everything must be perfect!"
The servants dispersed, a whirlwind of activity filling the estate. Excitement hung thick in the air, a stark contrast to the quiet despair that settled over Ysa.
She watched as Sylvia, surrounded by a flurry of maids, disappeared to choose her attire for the grand celebration. No one spared a glance for Ysa, her presence as insignificant as dust motes dancing in the sunbeams.
In a quiet corner of the estate, Maria found Ysa, her small frame curled into a ball. The nanny felt her heart ache for the child she had raised, the child who had been cast aside."Ysa, dear one," she whispered, gathering the girl into her arms.
"Why don't we find a quiet spot to read? We can escape the noise and lose ourselves in a story."Ysa nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
She knew the party was not for her, the celebration not hers to share. As the estate buzzed with preparations for Sylvia's grand debut, Ysa retreated into the solace of books, her only companions in a world that seemed to have no place for her.