The testing ground was set in the heart of the village, surrounded by flags from the outer realms. Children stood in a wide circle, each called one by one to place their hand on a crystal spire. When their mana was drawn forth, the crystal would reveal whether they had a Mana Core and display their elemental affinity.
There were murmurs as young boys and girls stepped up. Most awakened a single affinity—fire, water, wind, or earth—and each was met with polite applause. A few failed to awaken any core, and while the disappointment showed, no shame followed. The villagers valued unity more than glory.
Finally, Euryale's name was called.
He stepped forward. The crowd hushed.
He placed his palm on the crystal. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the air shifted. A low hum filled the space, the sky above stirring gently.
A single light glowed within the crystal—a deep black core, just like all others at the start. But then, a swirl of color shimmered beside it. Symbols emerged faintly, glowing and fading like embers in the dark.
Water. Spirit. And something older—subtle, hard to place, like the quiet pulse of the ocean floor.
The observers whispered among themselves.
"Three affinities?" one of the judges murmured.
"One of them… might be void or spirit. Hard to say."
Among the judges stood Master Velin, an elder from the Celestial Dominion. His robe glowed with constellations stitched in silver thread, and his eyes were the color of starlight. He studied Euryale long after the crystal dimmed.
Velin turned to his aide, a sharp-eyed young scribe named Kaelen, and whispered, "Mark him. Observe him quietly. If his affinities grow, we must speak with the council."
Euryale stepped back, his heart racing. He didn't understand what any of it meant, but he felt something stir deep within—a connection, an old instinct reawakening.
Later that night, the family sat by the fire. Lyra curled up in Xena's lap, Silas bouncing with excitement.
"You had three affinities! That's amazing! I don't even know anyone with two!" Silas said.
Xena smiled gently. "Three affinities, and still my boy who can't remember where he left his socks."
Salah chuckled. "He may awaken the elements, but he'll never escape chores."
Euryale laughed softly. Then, more seriously, he asked, "Does it change anything? That I have these affinities?"
Xena looked at him with warmth. "It changes what the world may expect of you. But not how we see you. You're our son. Always."
Salah nodded. "Strength is not just power, Euryale. It's kindness, patience, protecting those who need you. You've had that kind of strength since you were small."
Euryale looked at them, something in his chest tightening with emotion he couldn't name.
He looked around at his family. This was his world. Whatever came next, he knew he would protect it.
Outside, the stars began to gather overhead. The next journey was beginning, but for now, they were together—whole, peaceful, and bright with promise.