Forged By Falcrest

Aaron led Atlas through the rows of huts, his pace brisk and his face set in a permanent scowl. The two walked in silence, though Aaron occasionally threw Atlas a glance, his expression making it clear he wasn't thrilled about the task.

Atlas didn't bother trying to make conversation. The boy's attitude reminded him of the people in Uppertown who used to shoo him away when he lingered too long in their streets. He was used to it. Instead, he focused on the path ahead, the light snowfall dampening the sound of their steps.

After a short walk, they arrived back at the main building. Aaron pushed open the heavy doors without a word and motioned for Atlas to follow. Inside, the air was warm, a welcome change from the cold outside. Atlas let his hood fall back as he took in the familiar sight of the front desk and the middle-aged woman seated behind it.

The woman looked up as they approached, her pen pausing mid-scribble. "Ah, there you are," she said with a smile. "Thank you, Aaron. That will be all."

Aaron gave a curt nod, muttering something under his breath as he turned to leave. Atlas watched him go, relieved to be free of the boy's sour company.

The woman stood and gestured for Atlas to follow her. "Come along. It's time to get your affinities tested."

Atlas hesitated for a moment before falling into step behind her. As they walked through the building, he couldn't help but ask, "What exactly is this test? What do I need to do?"

The woman glanced back at him, her expression calm. "The test is simple. You'll step into the array, and it will measure your connection to the elements. You don't need to do anything but stand still and let the array work."

Her words did little to ease the knot tightening in his stomach. "What if my affinities are… weak?" he asked quietly.

She chuckled softly, turning her attention forward again. "Even with average affinities, everyone has the potential to grow. That's why you're here—to learn, to train, to unlock your full capabilities. The strength of your affinities is just a starting point, not a limit."

Atlas nodded slowly, her words offering some comfort. Still, deep down, he couldn't help but hope for something more than average. He wanted to be strong, to prove he belonged here.

The air grew cooler as they descended a set of stone stairs. The sound of their footsteps echoed faintly, the dimly lit corridor stretching on ahead of them. Atlas noticed the faint hum in the air, like a distant vibration that seemed to grow stronger with every step.

They finally stopped in front of a heavy door, its surface engraved with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with light. The woman placed her hand on the door, the runes glowing brighter at her touch before it swung open with a low creak.

"This is the testing chamber," she said, stepping aside to let him enter.

Atlas took a hesitant step forward, his eyes widening as he took in the room. It was massive, the walls lined with glowing symbols that seemed to pulse in time with the energy in the air. The ceiling disappeared into shadow, and at the center of the room was a large array carved into the stone floor. The lines of the array were intricate, weaving together in a pattern that seemed both deliberate and chaotic.

The woman gestured toward the array. "Step into the circle, and the array will activate. It will reveal your affinities."

Atlas stared at the glowing lines on the floor, his nerves threatening to get the better of him. "What happens if I don't have strong affinities?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

The woman gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't overthink it. Everyone has their own strengths, and this is just the first step. Relax and let the array do its work."

He nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. With cautious steps, he approached the circle, the hum of energy growing louder as he got closer. The moment he stepped into the center, the runes flared brighter, their light casting shadows across the room.

Atlas stood still, his hands at his sides as he waited. The air around him felt alive, charged with energy that seemed to buzz against his skin. He wasn't sure what to expect, but the anticipation was almost unbearable.

Then, with a soft hum, the array came to life.

Four pillars of light shot up around the circle, each one representing an element. The first was red, the flames twisting and crackling as they reached upward. The second was blue, water swirling and rippling in a mesmerizing dance. The third was green, vibrant and pulsing with the energy of life itself. And the fourth was transparent, barely visible but unmistakable in the way it stirred the air, sending a soft breeze that brushed against his face.

Atlas turned slowly, taking in the sight of the pillars. Each one was different, unique, and their presence filled the room with a sense of power. The hum of the array vibrated through his chest.

"This is incredible," he muttered under his breath, his eyes darting between the glowing columns. He could feel their energy, not as something pulling at him, but as a quiet presence that surrounded him completely.

The woman's voice broke through his thoughts. "Relax, Atlas. Don't fight it. Just let the array do its work."

He nodded again, his hands unclenching as he let out a slow breath.

Fire danced toward him, flickering and crackling as it moved with purpose. Atlas instinctively tensed, his heart racing as the flames closed in. He thought they were going to burn him, that he was about to be engulfed in pain, but the moment the fire touched his skin, a wave of warmth spread through him instead.

It wasn't hot or scorching like he expected. It was soothing, like stepping into the sun on a cold day. He could feel it running through his body, coursing through his veins and filling every corner of him. The sensation was strange but not unpleasant.

But then it started to build. The warmth grew stronger, more intense, pressing against his senses like a wave ready to crash. He clenched his fists, his breath hitching as the feeling climbed higher and higher, until it felt like it was about to overwhelm him.

Just as panic began to creep in, the pressure disappeared. The flames vanished, leaving only the faintest trace of heat in their wake, as though they had never been there at all.

Atlas barely had time to catch his breath before the next element moved toward him.

Water flowed forward, a glistening column of liquid that twisted and surged as though it had a mind of its own. It swirled around him before plunging into his body like the fire had. The sensation was different this time—cool and refreshing, like diving into a clear stream. It washed over him, cleansing and invigorating.

But just like before, the feeling began to build. The soothing coolness turned into a torrent, rushing through him with an intensity that left him gasping. It was as though he were standing beneath a waterfall, the sheer force pressing down on him, relentless and unyielding. He thought he might drown in it.

And then, just as suddenly as it had started, the water receded. The pressure lifted, leaving him standing there, his chest rising and falling as he tried to steady his breathing.

Earth was next.

The green pillar pulsed, the ground beneath his feet trembling as its energy surged toward him. This time, the sensation was grounding, solid and firm. It rooted him to the spot, steadying him even as it entered his body. He felt connected, as though he could feel the weight of the mountains and the strength of the earth itself.

But the pressure returned, stronger than before. It felt like he was being crushed, like the weight of the world was bearing down on him. His legs trembled, his knees threatening to buckle under the strain.

And then it was gone. The weight lifted, leaving him standing tall once more.

Finally, the transparent pillar stirred. It was almost invisible, just a shimmer in the air, but Atlas could feel it. A soft breeze brushed against his face before rushing toward him. Unlike the other elements, this one didn't make him tense or recoil. Instead, he felt… calm.

When the air touched him, it wasn't invasive like the others. It wrapped around him gently, like an embrace, and for a moment, Atlas could swear it was welcoming him. A smile tugged at his lips unbidden as the breeze wove through him, filling his lungs and lifting his chest.

The lightness of it was exhilarating, like standing on the edge of a cliff and feeling the wind carry you, just for a second. There was no panic, no fear, only the sensation of weightlessness, of freedom. The air seemed to hum around him, brushing against his skin and whispering secrets he couldn't quite hear.

But then, like the others, the intensity began to rise. The gentle breeze grew stronger, swirling within him like a gale. It rushed through his veins, filling every inch of him with its boundless energy. Atlas didn't feel crushed or overwhelmed, though—he felt alive. It was as if the storm was lifting him, pulling him higher and higher until he thought he might fly.

Just when it felt like the wind might carry him away, the storm calmed. The energy settled, leaving a lingering sense of lightness in its wake. Atlas exhaled, his breath steady as the faint shimmer of the transparent pillar returned to its place.

Each element had touched him, tested him, and left its mark. But something about the air felt different. He couldn't quite place it, but it stayed with him, even as the chamber grew quiet again.

As the glow of the array began to dim, the room fell silent. The gentle hum of energy faded into nothingness, leaving Atlas standing in the circle, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. The experience still lingered in his body—the warmth of the fire, the rush of water, the weight of the earth, and, most of all, the freedom of the wind.

The lady stepped forward, her heels clicking softly against the stone floor as she approached a small device near the edge of the array. She glanced down at the sheet of paper it was producing, her brows knitting together slightly as she read the results.

Atlas watched her, his curiosity rising along with his nerves. Her slight gasp made his heart skip a beat.

"Well," she began, looking up at him with an expression that was equal parts surprise and approval. "It seems your results are quite interesting."

Atlas tilted his head. "Interesting how?" he asked, his voice laced with both excitement and apprehension.

She adjusted her grip on the paper and cleared her throat. "Your wind affinity is 85," she said, her tone carrying a note of astonishment. "That's exceptionally high."

Atlas blinked, He didn't know much about affinities yet, but the way she said it made him feel like it was something to be proud of. A small, tentative smile tugged at his lips.

"And the others?" he asked, trying to keep his tone casual even as his heart raced.

She glanced back at the sheet. "Your fire affinity is 70. That's above average and shows great potential," she continued. "Earth is at 62, and water is 60—both are solid, though closer to average."

Atlas nodded slowly, processing the information. The numbers swirled in his mind, but it was the wind affinity that stood out. 85. That had to mean something. Right?

"So… that's good?" he asked hesitantly, unsure if he was supposed to feel accomplished or disappointed.

The lady smiled warmly. "It's very good," she reassured him. "Your wind affinity is quite rare at that level. Most people only ever reach the mid-60s or 70s in their strongest element. You've been blessed with a strong connection to wind."

Atlas felt a surge of pride, but it was tempered by a strange mix of relief and determination. He wasn't sure what he'd expected, but hearing his results made everything feel real. He wasn't just some kid from Midtown anymore. He was here. He had potential.

"And the others?" he asked again, his voice quieter this time. "Are they… bad?"

She shook her head. "Not at all. Your fire affinity is impressive, and your earth and water are more than sufficient. Most Blades have one strong affinity and a few weaker ones. Your results are quite balanced, which will give you a lot of versatility in your training."

Her words eased the last bit of tension in his chest. Atlas nodded, his smile growing a little wider. He had hoped for strong powers, but now he realized that being here—being able to stand in that circle and have any affinity at all—was already more than he could have asked for.

"Thank you," he said earnestly, his voice steady.

The lady folded the paper neatly and tucked it into a small folder. "You'll receive a copy of your results, and your instructors will use them to guide your training. For now, just focus on getting comfortable here. You'll have plenty of time to explore your potential."

Atlas nodded again, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. He could already feel the weight of the training, the challenges, and the expectations pressing down on him. But for the first time in a long while, it wasn't overwhelming. It was exciting.

"Shall we?" the lady said, motioning toward the door.

Atlas took one last glance at the array, the faint traces of light still etched into the stone. Then he stepped forward, following her out of the room.

The woman handed Atlas a small bundle of items before he left. "Here," she said, her tone gentle. "You'll need these. Blankets, clothing for the school year, and a few essentials to get you started." She paused, looking him over with a kind but firm gaze. "Someone will come by in the morning to guide you to your first class. Be ready."

Atlas nodded, clutching the bundle tightly. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere.

She gave him a small smile and a nod before gesturing toward the door. "You're dismissed. Rest well."

Atlas turned and made his way back through the now-familiar halls, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The warmth of the blankets in his arms and the weight of the clothes felt oddly comforting. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt prepared, not just for the night ahead, but for the challenges to come.

By the time he reached his cabin, the sky had deepened into twilight, the stars just beginning to peek through the darkening clouds. The snow had stopped, leaving the pathways covered in a soft, undisturbed layer of white. Atlas pushed open the door, and the warmth of the fire greeted him like an old friend.

Stepping inside, he carefully shut the door behind him, cutting off the cold entirely. He moved to the cot, placing the bundle of gear on the mattress before sitting down. The fire crackled softly in the corner, casting flickering shadows across the stone walls.

He unfolded the blankets, spreading them over the cot with deliberate care. They were thick and warm, far better than anything he'd had back in Midtown. The clothes were simple but sturdy—a few pairs of trousers, shirts, and a thicker jacket that would serve him well in the harsh mountain cold.

Atlas sat back on the cot, letting out a long breath as he looked around the small space. The chest at the foot of the bed, now filled with his belongings, seemed almost surreal. The fire's glow made the room feel cozy, and for the first time since arriving, he felt a true sense of ease.

He leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows, and let his gaze wander. His mind drifted to Midtown—the cold, the hunger, the uncertainty that had been his constant companions. He thought of Granny Lucy's stories, of sitting on the hard orphanage floor, dreaming of a life beyond those streets. And now, here he was, in a place he had only ever imagined.

The cot creaked slightly as he lay back fully, staring up at the wooden ceiling. A smile tugged at his lips, small but genuine. He had clothes, a warm fire, and a roof over his head. He had awakened his core. Tomorrow, he'd begin his journey as a Blade.

For so long, survival had been his only goal. Now, he had something more—a future. The struggles of Midtown weren't gone, but they felt lighter now, like distant memories rather than chains holding him back.

Atlas closed his eyes, the warmth of the fire and the softness of the blankets pulling him into a deep, restful sleep. For the first time in years, he felt truly content.