Crimson & Light

Seth stood off to the side, preparing for yet another proclamation.

Boy, he sure loves to make announcements, Changra mused. That's what, the millionth?

He glanced at Jane, who stifled a giggle, clearly sharing his sentiment.

Seth cleared his throat, the prelude to his customary declarations.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice resonating through the training grounds.

Changra leaned toward Jane, whispering, "Here we go again."

She nudged him playfully, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

As Seth continued his address, Changra's mind wandered. Maybe he has a quota of announcements to meet, he thought, suppressing a chuckle.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the shared humor between him and Jane lightened the atmosphere, offering a brief respite from the tension of the impending evaluations.

Seth's voice resonated through the training grounds, his tone carrying a mix of authority and amusement. "I must inform everyone that it's possible not to be selected. Each guild boss has the discretion to choose whomever they wish—or not choose at all, if it comes to that."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle over the assembled contestants. A few nervous shuffles and exchanged glances hinted at the unease spreading among them.

"But let's begin before everyone gets bored," Seth continued, a chuckle escaping his lips. "I know that Sir Eldric doesn't like to wait." He gestured toward the imposing figure of Eldric Stormrider, whose stern expression remained unchanged.

Seth's eyes twinkled with mischief as he added, "We'll start with the top-ranked individuals and work our way down. Though, let's be honest, those at the bottom don't stand much of a chance."

A ripple of awkward laughter coursed through the crowd, though Changra couldn't muster even a forced chuckle. Standing near the end of the rankings, he felt the sting of Seth's jest acutely.

"Well, isn't that encouraging," Changra muttered under his breath, his attempt at sarcasm doing little to mask his apprehension.

Beside him, Jane squeezed his arm reassuringly. "Don't let it get to you," she whispered. "We've come this far; let's see it through."

Seth's announcement had set the stage, and the selection process loomed ahead, fraught with uncertainty and the weight of aspirations hanging in the balance.

As Aria stepped forward, her confidence evident, Changra leaned toward Jane and whispered, "So, which of the guild bosses is the best?"

Jane glanced at the imposing figures seated above and replied softly, "It's simple. Aetterus's guild consistently ranks at the top each year, followed by Eldric, Garrick, Lady Seraphina, and Elara." She hesitated, a note of skepticism creeping into her voice. "But honestly, I'd rather not join Aetterus's group. They seem... sketchy. Pretty much anyone but him is fine."

Changra raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her assessment. "Sketchy how?"

Jane shrugged slightly. "Just rumors, I guess. Their methods are... unconventional. Some say they prioritize results over ethics."

Before Changra could probe further, Seth's voice cut through the murmurs, bringing their attention back to the proceedings.

"Aria," Seth announced, "you have the honor of the first selection."

Aria nodded gracefully and turned to face the guild bosses, awaiting their decisions.

Changra watched intently, the weight of the moment settling in. The path ahead was uncertain, and the choices made here would shape their futures in ways they could scarcely imagine.

As the selection process began, the atmosphere grew tense, each contestant hoping to secure a place in a guild that aligned with their aspirations and values.

Changra's mind raced with possibilities, his earlier doubts mingling with a newfound determination. Whatever the outcome, he resolved to face it head-on, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.

Seth addressed the assembly, his voice carrying a blend of authority and anticipation. "Here's how this will work: I will count to five. If any of the guild bosses wish to select you, they will signal by raising an ember. If not, they will remain still."

He paused, allowing the gravity of the process to sink in. "Now, let's begin. On—"

Before he could finish, every guild boss's hand shot up, each releasing a glowing ember into the air. The collective luminescence bathed the room in a warm glow.

Changra stood in awe, his eyes wide. She really is amazing, he thought, marveling at Aria's universal appeal.

Seth blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Well, that was unexpected," he remarked, regaining his composure. "This scenario has only occurred once before, with Aetterus several years ago. We allowed him to choose, and look where it got him." He gestured toward Aetterus, whose inscrutable expression revealed nothing.

Turning to Aria, Seth continued, "So, Aria, who do you pick?"

With a sly grin, Aria pointed directly at Aetterus.

Seth chuckled. "Can't say I'm surprised."

The room buzzed with murmurs as Aria joined Aetterus's guild, the other bosses lowering their embers with a mix of disappointment and respect.

Changra couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, but he quickly pushed it aside, focusing on his own upcoming moment.

The selection process continued, each candidate stepping forward, the tension in the room ebbing and flowing with each decision.

As the line shortened, Changra's anticipation grew, his mind racing with possibilities and hopes.

He glanced at Jane, who offered him a reassuring smile, her confidence in him unwavering.

Taking a deep breath, Changra prepared himself for his turn, determined to make the most of the opportunity, regardless of the outcome.

The selection process continued with a mix of anticipation and unexpected choices. Rock confidently stepped forward and, unsurprisingly, was chosen by Aetterus. Thorne followed, his swagger leading him to Eldric's guild. The twins, moving in their uncanny synchrony, were selected by Lady Seraphina. Roll and Lisia both found their places with Elara, while Rowan joined Garrick's ranks.

Next, it was Jane's turn. She approached with a mixture of hope and apprehension, her earlier performance in the fights weighing on her mind.

Seth began the count. "One, two, three, four, five." At first, it seemed no hands were raised, but then he noticed Elara's subtle gesture.

"Elara, is your hand up?" Seth inquired.

Elara Windwhisper nodded, emitting a delicate ember. "Her magic is intriguing," she remarked, her voice carrying an ethereal quality.

Jane turned to Changra, her face alight with excitement.

Changra felt a surge of hope. If Jane can make it, maybe there's a chance for me too.

The two girls who had been defeated immediately received no offers. Then, the short contestant named Apple stepped forward.

Garrick Ironfist raised an eyebrow. "Is his name really Apple?" He let out a hearty laugh. "I'll take him."

Changra couldn't help but think, Well, that was unexpected.

Seth chuckled. "Well, that was amusing." He then turned his attention to the final contestant. "And finally, we have Changra Leville."

Taking a deep breath, Changra walked up to the stand, acutely aware of the eyes upon him, especially the intense gaze of Aetterus Voss.

Here goes nothing, he thought, steeling himself for whatever came next.

Seth's voice rang out, tinged with a hint of sarcasm. "Here is Changra, who absolutely failed to do anything in the first two exams. But then there was the final fight, which intrigued me—but that has nothing to do with you all." He gestured toward the guild bosses, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Changra felt a flush creep up his neck. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Seth.

"Let's start the count," Seth announced, his tone almost theatrical. "One, two, three, four, five."

An uncomfortable silence settled over the room. Changra's heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the faces of the guild bosses, searching for any sign of interest.

Seth turned to him, his expression a mix of pity and amusement. "It seems like no one wants him."

Changra's stomach dropped. Well, this is humiliating.

He cast a quick glance at Jane, who offered him a sympathetic smile, her eyes filled with unspoken encouragement.

"Well, that's it for this years draft. There's always next year for the failures, though." Seth exclaimed as he walked off. 

As the selection process concluded, Changra stood among the unchosen, a heavy weight settling in his chest. The other candidates mingled with their new guilds, their faces alight with excitement and relief. Changra, however, felt the sting of rejection, his earlier hopes dimming.

Just as he turned to leave, a gentle voice called out to him.

"Changra, may I have a word?"

He looked up to see Elara Windwhisper approaching, her presence exuding a serene grace. Her sapphire-blue eyes held a depth of understanding, and her movements were as fluid as a whispering breeze.

"Of course," Changra replied, masking his surprise.

Elara stopped before him, her gaze steady. "I sensed something unique during your final trial," she began, her voice soft yet compelling. "A potential that is both promising and... formidable."

Changra's brow furrowed. "Formidable?"

She nodded. "There is a strength within you that, if honed properly, could achieve great things. However, it also carries a risk if left unchecked."

He swallowed hard, the memory of losing control during the fight flashing in his mind. "I understand."

Elara's expression softened. "I would like to offer you a place in my guild. Together, we can cultivate your abilities and ensure they are guided by wisdom and restraint."

Changra blinked, taken aback. "But during the selection, you didn't—"

She raised a hand, a faint smile on her lips. "I prefer to make my decisions after careful consideration, away from the haste of public proceedings."

A surge of gratitude welled up within him. "Thank you, Elara. I would love to be apart of your guild."

Elara inclined her head. "Welcome to the guild, Changra. We have much work ahead, but I believe in your potential."

As she turned to rejoin her guild, Changra felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path before him was uncertain, but with Elara's guidance, he was determined to master the power within and forge his own destiny.

Unbeknownst to him, Aetterus Voss observed the exchange from a distance, his eyes narrowing with interest. A calculating smile played on his lips as he watched Changra walk away with Elara.

This one bears watching, Aetterus mused, already contemplating future plans.

As Changra stood, processing the whirlwind of recent events, a familiar presence materialized behind him. A gentle hand rested on his shoulder, and he turned to find Berethia smiling warmly.

"Hey, it's been a while, hasn't it?" she said, her eyes twinkling with familiarity.

Changra's face lit up at the sight of her. "Berethia! I'm so happy to see you. Even though my memories haven't fully returned, I'm excited about what the future holds."

He hesitated for a moment before asking, "I noticed you and Seth seem to know each other. Are you both in the same guild?"

Berethia appeared momentarily taken aback by the question but quickly composed herself. "Yes, actually. We're both part of Aetterus's guild. We joined a few years ago, in the same cohort. We go way back."

Changra felt a pang of disappointment that Berethia wasn't part of Elara's guild but took solace in knowing she was with the esteemed Aetterus. "That's great to hear. I'm glad you're in one of the top guilds in Elakia."

Berethia's smile widened. "Thanks, Changra. And congratulations on joining Elara's guild. I believe you'll do great things there."

As they continued to converse, the bonds of old friendships began to rekindle, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie that would support Changra in the trials and triumphs that lay ahead.

That night, as Changra lay among the other trainees in the dimly lit hall, his mind churned with fragmented memories of Earth. Sleep came fitfully, dragging him into a haunting dreamscape.

"Changra," his mother's voice echoed, dripping with a deceptive sweetness that masked years of torment.

The sound sent a shiver down his spine, unlocking a floodgate of suppressed memories: her clandestine liaisons with strangers while his father drowned himself in alcohol; her cold, manipulative touch as she feigned affection; the sting of her words, each one a dagger to his soul.

He relived every slap, every bruise, every bone she broke in her fits of rage during his father's absences.

In the throes of his nightmare, Changra's body trembled, tears streaming down his face. His muffled sobs stirred Jane from her sleep. Noticing his distress, she reached out, gently clasping his hand, hoping to anchor him.

Within the dream's abyss, a warmth blossomed, pushing back the darkness. Images of Elakia surfaced: the visceral memory of taking a life, the unexpected camaraderie with Berethia, the enigmatic Thorne, the formidable Aria, and the comforting presence of Jane.

The nightmare's grip loosened, replaced by the tender light of newfound connections, offering solace from the shadows of his past.