The Ceremony of Fate: Rising Stars and Hidden Legends

As Lyra and I walked around, we encountered many lower nobles trying to get close to either of us.

Most of them were actually quite nice. But, of course, there were always those whose ulterior motives were obvious—they didn’t actually want to talk to us, only to gain favor. I hated those kinds of people, and Lyra did too, so we naturally avoided them.

Since she was the Princess, if she didn’t want to interact with someone, all she had to do was say so, and they would have no choice but to obey.

As I looked around, I realized just how many interesting people there were in the world. Naturally, the upcoming prodigies from famous noble households stood out, but you never knew when a lower noble or even a commoner might surprise everyone by attracting a rare Spirit Ruler.

As we continued chatting, an announcement rang out:

"We will now begin the ceremony. If your name is called, step up to the altar to have your affinity and mana pool measured."

The hall quieted as the first name was called.

"We will begin with our esteemed Princess Lyra."

"Oh, it seems I’m first, Velanova," Lyra said, turning to me.

"Yes, it looks like it. Good luck," I said, winking at her.

"Of course, I don’t need that, Velanova," she replied with a smirk.

She stepped forward, and the mage conducting the ceremony spoke.

"Alright, Princess, place both your hands on this magic ball. The spirits of your affinities will respond and reveal themselves."

Lyra nodded, closed her eyes, and placed both hands on the ball.

The room fell silent as everyone watched, waiting to see which spirits would appear.

To everyone's surprise, it wasn’t just one affinity.

First, a Higher Spirit Ruler of Nature manifested.

Then, a Higher Spirit of Water followed.

Finally, an Ancient Spirit Ruler of Stars appeared.

Gasps filled the hall as everyone—except for me, Yuna, and Alistair—stared in shock.

Alistair grinned and proudly declared, "That’s my little sister! Way to go!"

The hall erupted into applause for Princess Lyra.

"Now, we will measure your mana pool. Please place your hands on this mana ball, Princess."

The brighter the ball shone, the greater her mana pool.

As soon as she placed her hands on it, the orb gleamed intensely.

"You possess an exceptionally large mana pool, Princess. Congratulations!"

More applause followed. Lyra stepped down, and her parents embraced her, their pride evident. Her radiant smile showed just how happy she was.

The ceremony continued. Many lower nobles were called up before another promising figure stepped forward.

"Seren Mornvale, please step up."

Seren, the daughter of Duke Mornvale—a highly respected noble—approached the altar.

She placed her hands on the ball, and two spirits appeared.

She was the first to display more than one affinity since the Princess.

A Higher Spirit of Water and a Higher Spirit of Ice revealed themselves.

Her mana pool matched her talents, as she also possessed a large mana pool.

After Seren, the surprises only continued.

"Naomi Zephyris, please step forward."

Daughter of a Marquis.Higher Spirit of Wind and Higher Spirit of Lightning.Large mana pool.

"Dorian Malventis, please step forward."

Son of a Count.Higher Spirit of Earth and Normal Spirit of Dark.

Then came an unexpected name.

"Orin Blackwood, please step forward."

A commoner. A blacksmith’s son.

As he stepped forward, people murmured. But when he placed his hands on the ball, the hall went silent.

An Ancient Spirit of Fire manifested before him.

It was shocking—especially when his larger-than-average mana pool was revealed.

Then, another powerful name was called.

"Selric Vaelthorn, please step forward."

The son of Duke Vaelthorn, from a family famous for producing scholars and elite mages.

I had a strong feeling he would get Space Affinity.

And I was right.

A double affinity was revealed: an Ancient Spirit of Space and a Higher Spirit of Wind.

His large mana pool matched his potential.

Selric, as smug and calculating as ever, looked pleased with himself.

Next came a name everyone already expected great things from.

"Kael Vortess, please step forward."

The son of a Count, from a family infamous for their mastery of Dark Magic.

As expected, he received a Higher Spirit of Dark Affinity.

His pretty large mana pool only reinforced his talents.

But for some reason, I always got a bad feeling around him.

After a few more lower nobles, another highly anticipated name was called.

"Felix Durnhart, please step forward."

Dual affinity.Higher Spirit of Fire and Higher Spirit of Lightning—matching his aggressive personality.Really large mana pool to complement it.

His excitement was obvious.

Then came another unexpected name.

"Liora Veyne, please step forward."

The daughter of a Marquis. Known for her kindness and compassion.

As she placed her hands on the ball, an Ancient Spirit of Light appeared.

Her mana pool was very large, and the mage conducting the ceremony noted something rare:

"You have a strong affinity for Healing Magic, a talent seen only once in a decade."

The room buzzed with murmurs of admiration.

There were many more promising noble children, but now only two remained.

And they were…