CHAPTER 12: THE AWAKENING CEREMONY (3).
Translator:Exquisite Monarch.
A sudden hush swept through the crowd as the floating crystals above dimmed slightly, focusing their glow toward the center of the arena. From within the shimmering light, a tall figure slowly descended — long silver hair flowing like strands of liquid moonlight, robes lined with golden runes that pulsed gently with mana.
"It's the Headmaster…" Da Lu whispered, straightening immediately.
Rai Jin whistled low. "Headmaster Tian Long, how come he looks different, Last time I saw him, I thought he was just a statue."
Mu lan snorted. "You're sure he's not? Look at that posture — man hasn't blinked since he landed."
The Headmaster raised a single hand, and the entire arena fell completely silent. Even the faint hum of magic in the air seemed to pause. His voice, deep and commanding, echoed effortlessly across the stadium without a single sound spell.
Headmaster Tian Long was a powerful Beyonder Mage, one of the powerful mages in Beijing nonetheless.
"I welcome you all to today's event…
First of all, Esteemed guests, I think our students would be very grateful, if you toned down your aura completely, I know we have tried our best to reduce it to a bare minimum, but still a lot of them are having a hard time breathing" Headmaster Tian Long said, noticing the pale faces of the students.
Following Headmater Tian Long's request, the frivolous presences toned down finally giving the students spaces to breath peacefully.
Even Rai jin sighed in relief, the crystal that seemed to have offered him some defence against Lin Wei, was non-effective in the presence of these monsters, It was as if he was placed in the same room with multiple dangerous beasts that could end his life any instant, Multiple Advanced tier magicians, While Headmaster TIan Long, Beyonder Mage You Ban, and one more Elderly man who he had no idea about seemed to emit the most dangerous aura in the gathering, he must also be a Beyonder Mage.
His eyes trailed around, he recognised some of these individuals while some were unknown to him, as he wondered when he will be strong enough to stand at the same level with them.
His hand felt the crystal protruding in his chest making it emit a faint glow that was visible to only him for a short moment.
***With the crystal, I know I will do better than these old dudes in no time***
Headmaster Tian Long continued…
"Thank you.....
Students of Tian Lan Magic High, today marks the beginning of a new era — an era where your strength will no longer be measured by mere spells or grades, but by your resolve, your will, and your heart."
A faint tremor passed through the crowd — awe mixed with tension.
"In this age, where magic evolves faster than the mind can grasp, only those who dare to push beyond their limits will stand among legends. And here, within these walls, legends are forged."
As he spoke, the runes around the stadium began to glow brighter, rising from the floor like trails of golden fire. Rai Jin felt the energy tickle his skin — gentle but powerful, like the world itself was listening.
The Headmaster extended his hand, and a massive sigil formed above him — swirling circles of light, layered with intricate magical symbols. Within seconds, the sigil expanded until it covered the entire arena ceiling. Then, with a quiet boom, dozens of glowing orbs shot into the air, bursting into images of ancient battles, Heroes, both dead and alive, fighting the beings known as Kaijus.
The images sparked a lot of controversies among the students, who were shocked by the scenes playing before their very eyes, they had seen diagrams of Kaijus in their textbooks. But this was the first time they were seeing a real moving one, and how powerless ordinary humans were compared to the Kaijus, Only mages were somewhat able to stand up to the fearful beings.
The hall was thrown into complete silence as everyone's eyes were fixated on the scenes playing out.
"This year," the Headmaster continued, his eyes blazing with authority, "the Annual Elemental Awakening shall determine the fate of your future and the future of mankind. Prepare yourselves, for greatness demands sacrifice… and only those ready to give their all shall rise."
A final flare of mana rippled through the hall before the sigil dissolved into sparkling dust that drifted down like golden snow.
"The Kaijus besieged mankind decades ago, and almost brought an end to our race, subsequently, a new discovery saved mankind, the presence of mana and magic. This newfound abilities of ours enabled us to stand our ground against the kaijus and chase them out of our planet. Also we started to discover powerful magical beasts roaming the earth, which are both a blessing and a curse to us, they helped us develop our powers and grow stronger, but they are also a threat to our lives and lands.
Nevertheless the kaiju's will definitely be back one day, and when they come we will be ready to take them on, Are you with me?" Headmaster Tian Long's voice echoed.
The Headmaster's final question hung in the air like a spell that refused to fade. For a few moments, no one moved — everyone just sat there, wide-eyed, as if afraid to break the silence.
Then, the arena erupted into excited chatter.
"Yesss!!!!!" The voices of hundreds of students echoed in reply with fervent aggression.
Rai Jin leaned back lazily, folding his arms behind his head. "Everyone is so pumped up, it is like we are going to become gods overnight."
Mulan grinned. "Well, to be fair, I am planning to awaken as a god. A handsome one, of course."
Da Lu rolled his eyes. "Statistically speaking, over 60% of first awakenings are basic-tier elements like water, earth, or wind. The chances of any of you awakening something rare are—"
"Zero?" Rai Jin interrupted. "Yeah, we know. You've said that every week since we started talking about the magic awakening.
"
Mulan snickered. "If I awaken air, I'll use it to blow your books away every time you start calculating probabilities."
Da Lu gave him a deadly glare. "Try it and you'll regret it."
Rai Jin chuckled. "Aww, don't be mad, Professor Da Lu. We're just helping you practice patience. It's a virtue."
Before Da Lu could respond, a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"Hey, losers! Don't get too comfortable. I heard the weak ones awaken last, I am referring to you in particular Rai jin"
It was Lin kai, Bai Ji and Chan min trailing behind him.
Bai ji sneered "After everyone else awakens, I think we should just go home, seeing him fail the awakening would sore everyone's mood, don't you think?"
"I think we should wait, it would be a sort of comic relief, for those who awakens terrible elements, seeing someone fail would definitely lighten up their mood" Chan mIn replied.
Rai Jin turned slowly, already smirking. Standing a few rows up was Lin Kai, perfect uniform, perfect hair, and a face that screamed I take myself too seriously.
"Oh great," Rai Jin muttered. "You know, if arrogance were an element, he'd be an emperor tier mage, oh and stupidity too"
Mulan laughed loudly. "Careful, LIn Kai — your ego might cause a mana imbalance."
Da lu just shakes his head in disbelief, wondering what brought about these magic jokes.
Lin Kai sneered. "Keep joking, Mulan. Let's see who's laughing after the Awakening." He turned sharply, his cloak flaring behind him like he'd practiced it in front of a mirror, but not before giving Rai jin a deathly glare.
Rai Jin grinned. "He definitely practiced that."
Da Lu sighed again — he was already tired, and the event hadn't even started.
Rai Jin laughed,Maybe I'll awaken something cool… like chaos element"
Da Lu groaned. "With your luck, you'll awaken sleep. That would fit perfectly."
"Ha! Then I'd finally have an excuse to nap during class," Rai Jin said proudly.
The three burst into laughter as the lights above them flared brighter — signaling the start of the Awakening ceremony.
Teachers began arranging their students at the spots designated to each of their classes.
Aramenian orbs were placed at each of the spots, each clsoely watched by Awakeners that will supervise the whole of the process.
Students from other classes began stepping forward, one after another, their nervous faces bathed in the light of countless mana crystals.
A deep hum filled the air as the Headmaster's voice resonated once more:
"Step forward. Clear your mind. Let your mana flow freely — and let the world choose your path."
The first student — a lean boy from Class A— placed his hand on the Orb pedestal.
A starry radiance lit up around it, it travelled from the orb, traversing his hands entering his body.
This was everyone's first time witnessing an awakening so everyone made sure to pay extra attention, The boy closed his eyes for a Moment, as if trying toffee the power that has found it's way into it.
Instantly, blue light surged upward, forming a spinning vortex above his palm.
"Water Element!" The awakener announced.
"Water Element"
"The first awakening is a water element:"
"The water Element is an average element, not known as an offensive element"
The boy quietly stepped down for the next person, he had obviously been hoping for a more powerful element.
"There is no need to be sad about it, The water element is a strong element in its own way, as your advance in levels, the water element gets more stronger, and beside you have the chance to awaken more powerful elements as you advance in grade" The Awakener commented.
By now, other classes had begun undergoing their awakening, including Rai jin's Class, Da Lu was first.
Da lu turned his head around, on hearing his name being called, on the podium, Mr Lu and the awakener were waiting.
"Ok brother, go get it, don't awaken a cheap element" Mulan said slapping Da lu on the back.
Rai jin snorted "Especially, don't awaken the nerd element", Mu lan Laughed, while Da lu just shakes his head as he walks forward.
His heart was beating rapidly, being the first to awaken wasn't really a pleasant effect, feeling the eyes of all his classmates glued to his back as he approached the stage.
"Place your hand on the crystal" The awakener told him.
Da Lu complied, feeling something enter in to his blood stream, it felt as if something was awakening inside of him. Suddenly he felt very cold, he opened his eyes to see the awakening crystal emitting freezing rays, a light blue starry magic formation was hovering around his hands.
"He awakened….."
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😊P.T.S MANGA.
Translator: pao pao.
*[hot pot]: alsoknown as steam boat, a modern Chinese dish, comprising of a hot soup shimmering on a pot, accompanied by an array raw meats.
*[Kung pao]: Also known as gong bar, is a stir fried chicken, cooked with peanuts, vegetables, and pepper.
*[Hundan]: means 'Jerk 'or 'scoundrel' in Chinese.
*[Feiwu]: meaning useless garbage in Chinese.
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