Verdantia Chronicles: Shadows of the Past

Chapter 2: Ascension Day

The days leading up to Ascension Day were a whirlwind of nerves and anticipation. Rose insisted on helping me choose a suitable outfit, her fingers deftly working to mend the tears in my tunic and cloak. I protested at first, and stubbornly refused to dress up any differently. Veil was Veil, and fancy clothes wouldn't change that.

"You have to look presentable, Veil," Rose said with a hint of exasperation, holding up a freshly mended cloak. "At least let me fix this. It's practically falling apart."

I rolled my eyes but relented, allowing her to mend the cloak. The rest of my outfit remained the same, a patchwork of faded fabric and worn leather. I couldn't care less about appearances. The Ascension ceremony was just a formality to me, a way to say goodbye to Rose before she embarked on her new life as a sorcerer.

As we made our way through the bustling streets of Embarfall towards the town square, I couldn't help but notice the colorful array of street vendors. They peddled their wares with eager enthusiasm, their stalls overflowing with trinkets and charms. My eyes caught sight of a small silver charm, shaped like a dragon's wing. It called to me, and before I knew it, it was nestled safely in my pocket.

The town square was alive with excitement and anticipation as we arrived. The royal guards stood at attention, their polished armor gleaming in the sunlight. Beyond them, the mana crystal stood tall and imposing, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

Rose took my hand, her grip reassuring.
I squeezed her hand in silent agreement, my gaze fixed on the crystal. The line of 15-year-olds ahead of us took their turns, their faces a mix of hope and anxiety. But as each one touched the crystal, nothing happened. No glow, no shimmering light. Just disappointment.

A murmur rippled through the crowd as the realization set in. It was rare for the crystal to choose anyone, and today was no exception. Some sadistic part of me kind of enjoyed watching the failed nobles walking defeatedly back to their families. I kind of felt sorry for the other commoners though.

The ascension ceremony held a different meaning for us. If we got in it would make such a difference in our lives. A commoner with mana wouldn't have to worry about a life of constant labour and under paid work. They would have their whole life set in front of them, with a proper means of providing for their family.
And that is exactly why I refused to give myself any form of hope.

I'm brought out of my thoughts when it was finally our turn. Rose stepped forward first, her hand trembling slightly as she placed it on the smooth surface of the crystal. Then suddenly It glowed a gentle pink, the color swirling beneath her palm.

A cheer went up from the crowd as Rose was declared a sorcerer, her eyes shining with pride as she waves excitedly to her parents in the crowd. She turned to me, her smile radiant. "Veil, it's your turn."

I hesitated for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest. What was the point? The crystal hadn't glowed for anyone else. But Rose's encouraging gaze urged me forward.

With a resigned sigh, I reached out and touched the crystal's surface nonchalantly. Then am snapped back to reality when to my surprise and disbelief, it glowed a deep, pulsing purple beneath my palm.

I was a sorcerer.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause and rose lunged me into a bear hug before the royal guards led us away, our destiny as sorcerers now sealed. Rose and I were ushered to a carriage, but before we left, Rose insisted on saying goodbye to her parents. Rose's parents met us holding a few bags of roses belongings to be stored, their expressions a mix of pride and sadness.

"Mother, Father," Rose said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm going to Verdantia Academy."Rose's mother stepped forward, her eyes brimming with tears. "Oh Rose, we're so proud of you. But please be careful out there. The world can be a dangerous place for sorcerers." Rose nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "I will, Mother. I promise."

I hopped in the carriage as rose finished her goodbyes, the weight of the moment hung heavy in the air. Rose was leaving her old life behind, stepping into a new world of magic and mystery.

After a few moments we finally departed, and Rose's sadness quickly diminished into excitement. She chattered the whole way about the wonders of magic, the spells and incantations she couldn't wait to learn.

"My brother Kylo will be mentoring this year," Rose said, her voice tinged with pride. "He graduated from the academy last year and now he's back to guide the new students. I can't wait for you to meet him, Veil. He's amazing."

I nodded, a sense of unease settling over me. The carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, the grand gates of Verdantia Academy looming in the distance.

As we approached the academy, I couldn't help but be awed by its grandeur. The towering spires reached towards the sky, their intricate carvings and magical glyphs shimmering in the sunlight. The grounds were vast and sprawling, with lush gardens and ancient trees dotting the landscape.

The carriage came to a stop outside the grand gates, and I stepped out onto the cobblestones. The air was alive with the buzz of excitement and anticipation, students and mentors milling about in groups.

This was it. My new life as a sorcerer was about to begin.