The streets of Brumavilla were alive with energy, bustling with families like Kayn’s, heading to the central plaza to witness the long-awaited bonding ceremony for the young candidates. Stone and wooden houses lined both sides of the path, their windows adorned with colorful flowers.

Young people hurried along with eager steps, their faces lit with anticipation. Kayn felt his heart racing, its rhythm matching the murmurs of the crowd. Suddenly, a hand clapped his shoulder. Turning around, he met the gaze of a boy his age.

His messy black hair fell over amber eyes that glimmered with constant mischief. He wore a high-collared, deep black tunic.

“Burst!”

“Hey there,” greeted the boy with a broad grin. “Good thing I found you. With all these people, I thought I’d have to wait at the ceremony all by myself.”

Kayn noticed the dark circles under his friend’s eyes and couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m surprised you didn’t oversleep.”

“To be honest, I didn’t get a wink of sleep,” Burst admitted, shrugging. “I even ended up reading that book you lent me. Talk about a snooze fest!”

“You? Reading a book? Now that’s a first.”

Burst was Kayn’s best friend. His real name was Leo, but everyone in the village called him Burst—a nickname stemming from an unfortunate incident in class when he didn’t make it to the bathroom on time. He didn’t mind the moniker, though; in fact, he seemed to like it.

He had arrived in the village years ago with his mother, when he was only three. According to Burst, they had fled after an elf had an altercation with his father. Sadly, his mother passed away four years ago from an illness. Since then, Burst had lived alone, though it never seemed to bother him.

Though he had been deeply affected by his mother’s death, Burst had managed to move forward. Villagers often remarked on his mature mindset, which didn’t always match his youthful appearance. Despite this, he and Kayn frequently got into trouble for their silly antics. Kayn and his parents always tried to support him however they could, treating him like part of the family.

Seeing Burst, Kayn’s parents approached. Galen extended a hand in greeting.
“Good morning, Leo,” Galen said warmly. Pong trotted up to them, sniffing curiously at Burst, who crouched to pet his head. “Ready for the big day?”

“Absolutely.”

The two continued chatting as the village buzzed with activity around them. The air was filled with familiar scents: freshly baked bread, market spices, and the sweet fragrance of flowers adorning the balconies.

As they neared the plaza, they encountered groups of parents engaged in animated conversations. Ahead, the young candidates gathered around the large marble fountain at the plaza’s center. Crystal-clear water cascaded down, creating a soothing sound that mingled with the lively chatter.

Kayn followed Burst through the crowd but felt his father’s firm hand stop him.
“Good luck,” Galen said. Kayn thanked him, but it was clear his father had more to say. Keeping his hand on Kayn’s shoulder, he looked at him seriously.
“Promise me something,” Galen said.

“What is it?”

“If you don’t manage to bond with a guardian, don’t dwell on it. Is that clear?”

“Why the negativity? You don’t need to worry. I’m sure that—”

“Promise me,” Galen insisted, his persistence starting to irritate Kayn. The boy sighed, slightly puzzled by his father’s insistence.

“Fine, I promise,” he finally said, though it was evident this didn’t entirely reassure Galen.

It seemed Galen wanted to say more, but before he could, Thalia approached, placing a gentle hand on his arm and looking at him with understanding eyes. Galen relented, knowing it was best to let Kayn go.

“Kayn! Are you coming or what?” Burst called from a distance, waving to get his attention.

“Coming!”

Kayn bid his parents farewell with a final smile before running off to catch up with Burst.

Around sixty participants were gathered, all preparing to attempt bonding with a guardian. Their expressions ranged from overflowing excitement to visible anxiety. Some bit their nails; others chatted animatedly, perhaps trying to mask their nervousness. A few, however, seemed indifferent.

The bonding ceremony was a mandatory event that every young person had to participate in once in their lives. For some, it was a mere formality. Others desired a guardian to impress their families, become adventurers, or simply have a companion. But there were those with loftier aspirations.

Those who successfully bonded with a guardian were granted the privilege of attending the prestigious Binder Academy. This institution focused on studying guardians and mastering their powers. Attendance wasn’t mandatory; only those who could afford the tuition could enroll.

Kayn had been saving for a long time to pay for part of his tuition, taking on odd jobs around the village. He was determined to attend the academy at any cost. Graduating from the academy was the mark of a true binder. The rest were mere beginners. However, not everyone could succeed; the academy was rigorous, and poor performance could lead to expulsion. Few managed to graduate. His father was one of them. Just thinking about it filled Kayn with excitement.

Lost in thoughts about the academy, Kayn was startled when Burst looked back at Galen, who was chatting with Thalia.
“Your dad seemed a little tense,” Burst remarked, leaning toward Kayn as they walked to a spot with a good view of the ceremony.

“Yeah, I don’t know why,” Kayn replied, frowning slightly. “Anyway, look at how many people are here. It’s amazing that we’re all going to take the test. Don’t you think there are more people our age here than in the village?”

“That’s because people from nearby villages have come too,” Burst explained. “Though, to be honest, all these people watching makes me nervous.”

“Just think of yourself as the star of the show.”

“That only makes it worse!”

The crowd’s murmurs gradually quieted as an imposing elderly man approached the pedestal near the fountain. He appeared to be over seventy, his presence exuding a serene strength that commanded respect without words.

He wore a deep green robe adorned with silver embroidery that spiraled along the cuffs. His shoulders were draped with a short cape of dark blue, almost black, fastened with a bronze shield-shaped clasp at his chest. The cape fluttered slightly in the wind. A small leather pouch and a pair of rolled-up scrolls hung from his belt.

His snow-white hair flowed backward in thick strands that fell to his shoulders, framing a face etched with wrinkles. His neatly groomed beard added a sense of dignity, while his white mustache extended over his lips, accentuating his stern expression. His gray eyes held a depth of wisdom, making it clear to Kayn that this man was important.

A small owl, its feathers as pale as his hair, perched on his right shoulder. The bird’s large, watchful eyes mirrored its master’s calm demeanor.

When the man raised his hand, the faint noise that remained ceased, plunging the area into absolute silence. With a deep voice, he began to speak, an orb floating before him to amplify his voice for the gathered crowd.

“Good morning, young ones. My name is Rolland Windwalker,” he began, clearing his throat before continuing. “The day many of you have eagerly awaited is finally here—the day some of you will bond with your guardian and begin your journey to the Binder Academy. But before we start, I want to make one thing clear.”

Rolland paused, scanning the faces around him. For some reason, when his gaze landed on Kayn, he gave a faint smile.

“It doesn’t matter which guardian you bond with. You must accept it, no matter what. Think of it as part of you—a piece of your soul. Rejecting the bond is not allowed. And for those who do not succeed, do not be discouraged. Not everyone can form a bond, but you can find strength in other ways.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd but quickly faded.

“With that said, let the ceremony begin!”

Rolland raised his hands to the sky, and in response, several binders stationed around the plaza conjured fireballs that burst into a dazzling display of lights and colors. Sparks shot upward like shooting stars, illuminating the awestruck faces of the spectators.