As the final few children were called up and approached the Awakening Stone, the excitement that had built up began to fade away. One by one, the remaining candidates stepped up, most revealing ordinary roots, Indigo, Blue and the occasional Green. A few cried in disappointment, while some left in silence. Others forced a smile, trying to wear hope on their faces even when it didn't reach their eyes.
The priest remained composed throughout, though from outside, his voice grew gentler with each result. But the ceremony had already crowned its star, Arthur.
Eventually, the priest clasped his hands, signalling the conclusion of the ceremony.
"You have all done well," he said, for the final time. "Your path begins now. Whether you awakened brilliance or not, it is what you do next that will shape your fate."
The children, some eager and others crestfallen, began filing out, guided by robed clerics toward their families or awaiting carriages.
