7 Coming Of Age Ceremony (1/2)
”Hittan, are you ready?”
”Yes, father.”
”Your mother has gone ahead to meet the council of Elders. So we'll catch up to her there.”
”Oh, okay.”
”That look on your face shows you have the right a.s.sumption. Yes, your parents and grandparents are a part of the council, so be at ease and perform to your fullest.”
”... Yes, father.”
”Your mother has told me about your skills and I'm quite impressed! I've heard you mention your goal for the village before and you should know that your mother, grandparents and I support you...”
'It seems they take turns watching me?'
”... To further that goal you need to impress the Elders, fully. You need to show them the strength you possess and your potential. Do you understand?”
”Yes, I do.”
…...
When they arrived at the gathering hall, Hittan finally came into contact with other members of the village not a.s.sociated with the King Beast Pavilion. His grandfather and village leader, Fan, was already addressing the Elders, other partic.i.p.ants.
”Gentlemen, today we will have 7 candidates partic.i.p.ating in the coming of age ceremony. Three from the Phoenix Clan:
Sahar
Ona
Falkner
Two from the Dragon Clan:
Samir
Valencia
And two representing the King Beast Pavilion:
Edan
Hittan
A total of 3 girls and 4 boys. As we all know the ceremony consists of 4 test areas: G.o.dbeast Sign, Mineral Purity level, Strength Capacity and Practical Strength. Juniors, I am sure your Elders or parents would have shared the details with you all by now. So we shall skip the boring descriptions.
However, there is one point that I will emphasise and that is the issue of confidentiality. After the conclusion of these examinations, those who qualify will be selected to attend the Sky Element Academy. The location of this village, your status or others as members of the village and the information observed in this ceremony are all confidential. The Academy's Headmaster and senior staff are aware of who you are, but others are not permitted.
Now, once your name is called you will step forward and enter the stage then begin the test a.s.signed to you. I wish you the best of luck!”
”Sahar of the Phoenix, Please step forward!”
”Yes, Lord.”
”Placed before you are the Orbs of the White Diamond Phoenix and Corundum Dragons - Sapphire and Ruby, Vermilion Bird and the Land Dragon. Stand before the stones and the one that resonates with your soul will represent your birth legacy.”
Sahar stepped forward and the Phoenix Orb lit up with a strong White Bluish Glow. Next came Ona - White Bluish Glow and Falkner another White Bluish Glow. Next came the Dragon Clan with Samir registering a strong Red glow and Valencia a Blue glow. Finally came the Beast Pavilion with Edan stepping forward.
”Edan of the Beast Pavilion, step forward.”
Edan had long since noted Hittan, but given the atmosphere of the ceremony, he thought it inappropriate to greet him. But just before stepping forward he gave a knowing wink. Both acknowledging Hittan's presence and his confidence.