The sun peeked over the horizon, casting the first rays of light across the fields of the small village. Today was the day that Lifu, along with other children his age, would journey to Tagatira, the capital of Tagati, to undergo the much-anticipated aptitude test. The outcome would determine their future, setting them on the path toward either greatness or mediocrity.
Mara had been up before sunrise, preparing provisions for the journey. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the house, a comforting scent that spoke of her love and care. Kofi was outside, making final adjustments to their cart, ensuring it was ready for the long trip ahead. Lifu, however, was wide awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Today would change everything.
As the first rays of light filtered through the small window, Lifu finally got up, his heart pounding with the realisation that this was the day he had been waiting for. He dressed quickly, his hands trembling slightly as he laced up his new boots—the same ones his parents had gifted him on his birthday, now well-worn and comfortable.
When he stepped into the kitchen, Mara greeted him with a warm smile, though he could see the worry behind her eyes. “Morning, Lifu. Ready for your big day?”
Lifu nodded, trying to muster a smile. “Yeah, I think so.”
Mara reached out and gently squeezed his shoulder. “You’ll do just fine, my boy. Just remember what your father always says—strength isn’t just about power. It’s about heart.”
Lifu nodded again, this time more confidently. He knew that today was his chance to prove himself, to show that he was more than just a boy from a small village. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
***
The journey to Tagatira was long and arduous, taking them through dense forests, over rolling hills, and across wide rivers. The capital was many miles from their village, a bustling metropolis that seemed almost like a different world compared to the quiet, rural life Lifu had known.
As they travelled, Lifu’s nerves began to settle. The familiar rhythm of the cart’s wheels against the dirt road, the comforting presence of Mara and Kofi beside him, and the sight of the landscape passing by—all of it helped to ease the tension that had gripped him that morning.
They weren’t alone on the road. Other families from neighbouring villages also made the pilgrimage to Tagatira, their carts laden with hopeful children and anxious parents. Lifu spotted a few familiar faces among them—Tumo, with his ever-present grin, and Dineo, who waved shyly when she saw him. The sight of his friends brought a smile to Lifu’s face, reminding him that he wasn’t facing this challenge alone.
As they neared the capital, the landscape began to change. The fields and forests gave way to sprawling estates and grandiose buildings, the simple homes of the countryside replaced by stone mansions and towering fortresses. The roads grew wider, bustling with merchants, travellers, and soldiers, all moving with purpose toward the heart of the city.
Tagatira itself was a sight to behold. The capital of Tagati was an awe-inspiring mix of ancient and modern, with towering spires that reached toward the heavens and sprawling marketplaces that teemed with life. The streets were lined with shops selling everything from magical artifacts to exotic foods, and the air buzzed with the energy of countless people going about their daily lives.
Lifu could hardly take it all in. He had heard stories of Tagatira from Kofi, but seeing it with his own eyes was something entirely different. The scale of the city was overwhelming, making him feel small and insignificant in comparison.
“This place is incredible,” Lifu breathed, his eyes wide as they passed a group of street performers who were conjuring flames in the air, much to the delight of a crowd of onlookers.
Kofi chuckled, steering the cart carefully through the crowded streets. “It’s a far cry from our little village, that’s for sure. But remember, Lifu—no matter how big the city, everyone here started out just like you. They’re all trying to find their place in the world.”
Lifu nodded, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was entering a world far beyond his understanding.
***
Their destination was the Hall of Magic and Might, a grand structure that dominated the city skyline. The hall was a place of legend, where the strongest warriors and most powerful magicians had once trained and honed their skills. Today, it served as the testing ground for the next generation, the place where children like Lifu would discover their true potential.
The hall was even more imposing up close. Its stone walls were adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of great battles and feats of magic, and its massive doors were flanked by statues of legendary heroes from Tagati’s history. As they approached, Lifu felt a shiver of anticipation run down his spine.
Inside, the hall was filled with the murmur of hushed conversations, the nervous energy of dozens of children waiting for their turn to be tested. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the light from the high windows cast long shadows across the polished marble floor.
Mara and Kofi walked beside Lifu as they entered, offering silent support. They led him to the registration desk, where a stern-looking official in robes inscribed with magical symbols checked their papers and handed Lifu a small token with his number on it.
“Number 63,” the official said without looking up. “Wait for your number to be called. You’ll be tested in the order of your registration.”
Lifu clutched the token tightly, feeling its cool surface against his palm. He nodded and stepped away from the desk, joining the other children who were gathered near the centre of the hall.
Tumo and Dineo soon found him, both looking equally nervous. “I can’t believe we’re really here,” Tumo said, his tail twitching with excitement. “This place is incredible!”
Dineo nodded, her eyes wide as she took in their surroundings. “It feels like we’re stepping into a different world.”
Lifu smiled and nodded, feeling a little more at ease with his friends by his side.
They sat together on one of the stone benches, watching as the other children were called up one by one. The tests were held in a large, circular chamber at the centre of the hall, where the candidates would place their hands on a massive, glowing crystal. The crystal would then react, determining the child’s magical affinity and potential, as well as their current strength level.
The process was nerve-wracking. Some children emerged from the chamber beaming with pride, their future paths clearly laid out before them. Others came out looking crestfallen, their hopes dashed by the crystal’s judgment. The mood in the hall shifted constantly, a mixture of triumph and despair.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Lifu’s number was called.
He stood up, his legs feeling unsteady beneath him. Tumo and Dineo gave him encouraging smiles, and Mara and Kofi offered him reassuring nods. Taking a deep breath, Lifu walked toward the chamber, each step echoing loudly in his ears.
The chamber was dimly lit, with the crystal at its centre glowing faintly. It was a massive, multifaceted stone, pulsating with a soft light that seemed to shift and change with each passing moment. An older man with a long, silver beard and robes adorned with symbols of the elements stood beside it, watching Lifu with keen, assessing eyes.
“Place your hand on the crystal, child,” the man instructed, his voice echoing in the chamber.
Lifu hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. This was it—the moment that would decide his future. With a final glance back at his parents, who stood at the edge of the chamber watching him with hope in their eyes, Lifu stepped forward and placed his hand on the crystal.
The effect was immediate.
The crystal began to glow brighter, its light intensifying as it reacted to Lifu’s touch. A low hum filled the air, vibrating through Lifu’s body and making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He could feel the energy of the crystal probing into him, as if searching for something deep within.
For a moment, nothing happened. The light of the crystal stabilised, and Lifu’s heart sank, wondering if perhaps he had no affinity at all. But then, suddenly, the crystal flared to life, its light splitting into two distinct colours—blue and purple.
Gasps filled the chamber as the blue light, representing water, and the purple light, representing lightning, swirled together in a mesmerising dance. The crystal pulsed with energy, the light growing brighter and brighter until it was almost blinding.
The old man’s eyes widened in shock, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke. “Dual affinity... Water and Lightning... This has never happened before.”
Lifu’s heart raced as the significance of the moment hit him. Dual affinity? How was that even possible? He had never heard of anyone having more than one elemental affinity.
When the light finally began to fade, Lifu was left standing there, stunned and unsure of what to do next. The chamber was deathly silent, everyone present staring at Lifu with wide eyes, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief. The old man beside the crystal cleared his throat, snapping out of his shock, and approached Lifu with an almost reverent look on his face.
“This... this is unprecedented,” the man murmured, more to himself than to anyone else. He studied Lifu for a moment longer, as if searching for something in his eyes. Then, louder and more official-sounding, he announced, “Lifu Stormborne, you possess a dual affinity for Water and Lightning, a combination that has never been seen before. Your potential is extraordinary.”
Lifu swallowed hard, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. He glanced back at Mara and Kofi, who were standing at the entrance to the chamber, their faces pale but filled with pride. Tumo and Dineo were equally stunned, their eyes wide as they watched their friend, now clearly marked for greatness.
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