A girl rushed toward the two boys and jumped into Enji's arms.
— So you came for the ceremony? she asked.
Surprised, Enji looked at her face more carefully and suddenly recognized his old friend.
— Eleanor… is that you? What are you doing here?
— Oh? I can see you're happy to see me. How sweet!
— Not at all… I mean, I am happy, you just surprised me!
Eleanor then turned toward Yuma and stepped closer to him.
— Oops… I didn't notice you. You must be Enji's bodyguard. I didn't know he hired someone so young!
Yuma looked confused and turned to Enji.
— Not at all. He's a travel companion I met along the way.
Realizing her mistake, Eleanor blushed slightly and gave a small bow.
— I'm sorry for misjudging you… My name is Eleanor Windmere. And you are?
— No problem. I'm Yuma Sekyhiro. Nice to meet you.
At that moment, a butler approached them.
— Young lady, it is your turn for the awakening.
— Alright, I'm coming… I suppose I'll have to leave you for now. See you later, maybe!
Eleanor turned to Enji and kissed him on the cheek before running off. The butler shot Enji a sharp glare while Enji stood there completely flustered. Yuma burst out laughing.
— One day, I feel like he's going to jump at your throat because of her…
— (blushing) No, it's not like that! We just made a promise when we were kids… that we would marry when we grew up.
Enji quickly looked toward the entrance of the sanctuary.
— We should go register.
They stepped forward to the administration desk, where they were each handed a ticket for the next group. Yuma and Enji waited a little farther away, chatting to pass the time.
An hour later, the sanctuary doors opened and a group of youths exited—including Eleanor, who ran toward them excitedly.
— It was incredible! I feel like I've been reborn… I've never felt such energy inside me!
— Are you sure you're not exaggerating a bit? Enji asked.
— You're still as skeptical as ever… she replied with a smile.
— So… what affinity did you obtain?
— Yes, tell us! I'm really curious! Yuma added.
Eleanor raised her hands. A sphere of water formed in one palm, while a small gust of wind swirled in the other.
— I obtained primary powers: water and wind!
Yuma applauded in amazement, while Enji stared in shock.
— You inherited both of your parents' powers?
— Yes! I'm so happy! This is amazing! I can't wait for it to be your turn!
The butler called her again.
— Miss, we must leave. Your father is waiting.
— I guess I have to go… but I hope we'll see each other again! Goodbye!
She walked toward her carriage, followed by the butler who bowed slightly before getting in. The vehicle soon drove away.
— One day, I swear he's going to attack me because of Eleanor… Enji muttered.
— (laughing) Well, we can clearly say she likes you a lot. Is she your girlfriend?
— No… just an old childhood promise.
Finally, they headed toward the sanctuary entrance, handed over their tickets, and stepped inside. They walked through a long corridor before arriving in a vast hall. Several figures were waiting at the center. An elderly man stepped forward.
— Welcome to the Sanctuary of Astréum. I am the one who will explain how your awakening will proceed .
He turned to one of his assistants.
— Begin the presentation.
The man raised his hand toward the ceiling. A bright light burst from his palm, rising upward before forming into a massive rectangular magical screen.
— Here is how it will work: each of you will receive a mana orb, created from the sanctuary's sacred crystals. You must concentrate all your mana into the orb. It will analyze your energy. You may feel as if your soul is leaving your body. Do not worry—it is merely a sensation. Contact with pure mana will determine your category: primary, special, or in extremely rare cases… legendary. If everything is clear, we shall begin at once.
The sage pulled out his staff and began chanting. The hall filled with light as numerous orbs appeared and floated toward each youth. They all began channeling their mana into the orbs.
— Very good. Continue like that. Perfect.
Everything was proceeding smoothly… until something unexpected happened.
— Grand Sage, something unusual is happening with that boy! one of the staff members shouted.
— What do you mean? the sage asked.
At that very moment, a massive surge of mana erupted from Yuma's body, causing an explosion. A protective spherical barrier instantly formed around him, containing the blast.
— A boy his age… such an amount of mana… Secure him to prevent any incident. I will handle the others.
— Yes, sir!
What will happen next? The mysteries behind Yuma's awakening are only just beginning…
End of Chapter 5