By the time they arrived at the village square, a large crowd had already gathered around an enormous circular platform constructed from polished white stone.
Colorful banners decorated the surrounding buildings, while several village guards stood near the platform to maintain order.
At the center of the square stood a towering crystal pillar, its translucent surface shimmering with faint blue light.
Ancient elven runes had been carved along its sides, and River could sense a strange pressure emanating from it even though he possessed almost no magical power.
'So that's the awakening crystal'
According to his inherited memories, the artifact had been brought to Silvergrove centuries ago by the kingdom's royal mages.
Its purpose was to examine the dormant talents of young elves and help awaken their natural abilities.
Every year, the village gathered to witness the ceremony, celebrating those who awakened impressive talents while offering guidance to those less fortunate.
Of course, the reality wasn't quite so pleasant.
In a society where magical ability determined one's future, the difference between awakening a powerful talent and an ordinary one could completely change a person's life.
River noticed several nervous young elves standing near the platform, their expressions ranging from excitement to outright terror.
Some were accompanied by proud parents, while others stood quietly beside their friends.
Near the front of the crowd, a particularly handsome young elf was surrounded by several admirers.
He possessed neatly styled golden hair, pale blue eyes, and an expensive white robe decorated with silver patterns.
Unlike the ordinary villagers, his clothing was clearly made from high-quality materials.
River recognized him immediately.
Cael Thornheart.
The son of one of Silvergrove's wealthiest families and one of the most talented young elves in the village.
Cael had consistently ranked first during magical training, possessed exceptional archery skills, and had already received several invitations to study at prestigious institutions within the kingdom.
Naturally, he also happened to despise River.
Or rather, he enjoyed looking down on him.
"Well, well. Look who finally decided to show his face."
River turned toward the familiar voice and discovered Cael approaching with two other young elves following behind him.
The golden-haired elf wore a confident smile, although there was little genuine friendliness in his expression.
"I was beginning to think you'd hide at home rather than embarrass yourself in front of everyone."
River glanced at him.
"Good morning to you too."
Cael's smile faltered slightly.
Apparently, he had expected a more dramatic reaction.
"Still pretending you belong here, Silverleaf? You should know that today's ceremony isn't some kind of festival where you can spend your time staring at women."
River sighed inwardly.
Ah, there it is. The obligatory arrogant young master.
He had encountered countless characters like Cael in the fantasy novels and games he enjoyed back on Earth.
Talented, wealthy, handsome, and convinced that anyone beneath them existed solely to make them look impressive.
Unfortunately, dealing with such people was considerably less entertaining when they were standing directly in front of him.
"Relax, Cael. I came here to awaken my talent, just like everyone else," River replied casually. "Although I appreciate how concerned you seem to be about my future."
One of Cael's companions snickered before quickly covering his mouth.
Cael's expression darkened.
"Concerned? Don't flatter yourself. I'm simply curious whether the awakening crystal will even react to someone as talentless as you."
"Well, I suppose we'll find out soon enough."
River shrugged, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation.
His indifference seemed to irritate Cael even more.
"You really don't understand your position, do you? Someone with your miserable magical aptitude should be grateful if he awakens even an F-Rank talent."
Before River could respond, Lyria stepped forward.
"That's enough, Cael. There's no reason to insult him before the ceremony has even started."
Cael glanced toward her, and his expression softened slightly.
"Lyria, I'm only stating the obvious. You shouldn't waste your time defending someone who refuses to take his future seriously."
"Whether River takes his future seriously is his own business," Lyria replied, folding her arms. "Besides, you don't know what talent he'll awaken."
Cael opened his mouth to argue, but Elara finally intervened.
"That's enough from all of you."
Her voice wasn't particularly loud, yet it carried enough authority to immediately silence the young elves.
Cael straightened his posture upon recognizing her.
"Instructor Elara. I was merely—"
"I heard everything, Cael. If you're as confident in your abilities as you claim, then demonstrate them during the ceremony instead of wasting your time insulting others."
Cael's cheeks reddened slightly.
"Of course, Instructor."
He gave River one final disdainful glance before turning away.
River watched him leave, feeling more amused than offended.
"Well, that was pleasant."
Elara turned toward him.
"You could have avoided that entire conversation."
"I tried. He seemed determined to talk to me."
Lyria giggled at his response, while Elara merely shook her head.
Before their conversation could continue, a deep voice suddenly echoed throughout the square.
"Attention, everyone! The Talent Awakening Ceremony will now begin!"
The crowd gradually fell silent as an elderly elf stepped onto the platform.
He possessed long white hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and a dignified appearance that immediately commanded respect.
River recognized him as Elder Aldren, the village chief.
Standing beside him were three unfamiliar elves dressed in elegant blue-and-silver robes.
Their clothing bore the royal crest of Sylvaria, identifying them as representatives from the kingdom.
However, River's attention was immediately drawn toward the woman standing in the center of the group.
She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, with long golden hair that flowed down her back and a pair of striking violet eyes.
Her beauty was different from Elara's gentle elegance.
There was something regal about her appearance, from her perfectly composed expression to the effortless confidence with which she carried herself.
A silver circlet rested against her forehead, while an ornate staff decorated with a glowing blue crystal remained loosely held in her right hand.
'Damn. Now that's a beautiful woman'
River couldn't help admiring her appearance.
He had expected the kingdom's representatives to be elderly scholars or stern-looking officials.
Instead, one of them looked as though she had stepped directly out of a fantasy illustration.
"That's Lady Aveline Starcrest," Lyria whispered beside him, noticing where he was looking.
River raised an eyebrow.
"Someone important?"
"Very important!" Lyria replied, sounding almost offended by his ignorance. "She's a royal examiner from the capital and one of the youngest High Elves to reach the rank of Archmage Apprentice."
River looked toward the golden-haired woman again.
"Interesting."
Lyria narrowed her eyes.
"River, please don't do anything embarrassing."
"What? I'm just appreciating her magical achievements."
"You haven't even seen her use magic!"
"Exactly. I'm appreciating her potential."
Lyria groaned.
Meanwhile, on the platform, Elder Aldren raised his staff.
"Today marks an important milestone for the young elves of Silvergrove. Through the blessing of the ancient awakening crystal, each participant will discover the talent that will guide their future."
His voice carried across the square, drawing the attention of everyone present.
"Remember that while talent may determine your starting point, dedication and perseverance will determine how far you ultimately travel."
River listened quietly, although he suspected that many of the villagers didn't truly believe those words.
In a world where powerful talents could grant extraordinary abilities from birth, hard work alone probably wasn't enough to overcome every disadvantage.
Nevertheless, he appreciated the sentiment.
"Now, let the ceremony begin!"