Chapter 22: The Ceremony pt.1
When Evan awoke, he noticed it was 9am, 30 minutes earlier than the alarm. He honestly didn't want to get up but then he remembered that today was the day of the ceremony!
Suddenly much more awake, Evan quickly gathers his clothing and runs off to the male showers, hoping he'd be able to get a stall. Maybe he should've gotten up earlier.
Once inside the bathroom, he noticed that there were a few stalls open so he hopped into one, ignoring the humming that sounded across the room. Showering was always relaxing to him, it let him clear his mind and body all at the same time.
He only took a 15 minute shower, intent on getting out as quickly as he could. He changed in the stall and got right back out. He'd received his uniform yesterday but had left it to the side as he was too tired to really look over it.
The uniform was made up of a light blue blazer with black pant or skirt depending on what one preferred. It came with a black tie and those who wore the female uniform received black stockings. Overall, it was nice and stylish but not gaudy.
Evan went to brush his teeth before making his way towards his dorm. He noticed he didn't really pass anyone on the way back. Once he opened the door, he grabbed his book bag and left his dirty clothing in a hand-made hamper. He also left his toiletries behind.
Grabbing his phone, Evan made his way downstairs where plenty of other students were already waiting. The prefect was also there, reading some sort of book to pass the time. Evan simply waited as well, watching for the exact moment the prefect closed her book and turned towards them.
"Alright, we will now make our way towards the auditorium. Please do not be surprised by the massive change that has been done. It was necessary as some people tend to have..interesting reactions when their magical nodes are unlocked. Now, please follow me." She turned towards the door and began walking out, most students following right behind her.
The auditorium was completely different. The building portion was no longer there, instead all that was left was the stage -which was modified to be larger- and the chairs everyone sat on the day before.
Evan followed those of his dorms to the third row, taking a seat next to those he didn't know, waiting for the ceremony to begin. He just texted his parents letting them know how the ceremony was about to begin and his excitement on the whole matter.
Finally, it had begun. Principal Mies stood upon the stage and readied the microphone for his speech. "Testing testing, 1 2. HELLO MY CHILDREN, TODAY IS AN EXCITING DAY WHERE WE WILL FIGURE OUT YOUR MAGIC. Some may not have any and if that's the case, NO WORRIES, we have plenty of programs fit for those without magic! We have programs based more so on strength or intelligence. You've been accepted here because you are the best of the best and we won't let anyone fall behind." He stated, determination written all over his features.
With that said, the ceremony began. It was amazing to watch as different students got up onto the stage and see how their crystals changed to the designated color of specific magics once their magical nodes were open. Some did not have anything and it hurt to see them cry, Evan truly hoped he had something.
It wasn't as though he'd be destroyed if he didn't in all honesty, but being able to wield magic sounded so incredible. If he had magic....he'd be able to protect his family, who despite reassuring him that they are fine, from those who wish to hurt them. He knows that if his family is ever discovered, they'd either be killed or suffer a fate worse than death.
Shaking his head to rid himself of those awful thoughts, Evan watches as it is finally Cole's turn.
Looking as cocky as ever, Cole grasps the crystal in his hand as one of the staff members unlocks his nodes. He can feel magic flowing in his veins and watches as the crystal lights up into a bright fiery red. Cole isn't really that surprised as his elven heritage definitely has an affinity to both the sun and fire, so this had always been in the realms of possibilities. With a grin, he salutes the other students before walking off towards his seat again. If anything, he's excited to see what Evan will have.
Evan felt as though fire truly fit Cole's personality. At times he's passionate but also fiercely protective, something he'd notice when they explored both Soe and Holu. It was subtle but Cole always had Evan in his view incase of something happening.
More and more students went up, some notable while others were not. The guy who'd ignored him twice now had an affinity for gravity magic and it was surely powerful too, as the crystal glowed brightly, unlike it did for some past students.
Finally, it is Evan's turn and he slowly walks up to the stage, nerves getting the best of him. His hands are shaky and he feels like he'll throw up or something, which would be beyond embarrassing. Once he's upon the stage, a staff member walks over to him and places their hand upon his chest, slowly unlocking his nodes.
It takes longer than the average student, something that sort of worries Evan. Those who took longer than others are those who simply do not have enough magic within their nodes, therefore it takes longer to unlock. Students who have no affinity don't necessarily have no magic, but they are similar to squibs from that one magic series known as Harry Potter back on earth.
It takes 5 minutes to unlock his nodes and Evan
hasn't even gotten ahold of the crystal yet as he was too nervous. His hands became sweaty and he was worried he'd accidentally drop the crystal.
He is then given the crystal and watches in horror as nothing happens. He waits a few more minutes, ready to pretty much give up, when the entire area explodes into hundreds of colors all originating from the crystal itself.