Chapter 136 : Choice
Chapter 136 : Choice
In a room within the guild, six people were gathered around a circle of mana stones that glowed faintly. The atmosphere was tense as the room was completely sealed, preventing ambient mana from escaping, trapping it inside and increasing its density.
With extreme caution, Lysandra placed the mana stones in the circle. We were about to perform the awakening of a bloodline for Ema, and Lysandra displayed astonishing mastery as she delicately placed each stone on the ground. Beside her, I watched attentively, aware of the importance of every movement. We had both decided to use two high-grade mana stones for this ritual, a choice not made lightly.
Concern reflected in Lysandra's eyes as she proceeded with the ritual. She feared that something might go wrong, especially considering Ema's delicate condition as a mere eight-year-old without lineage. Her fear was understandable, as any violent reaction in Ema's body could be disastrous.
Though I shared her concerns, I fully agreed with Lysandra. I wouldn't hesitate to use all the high-grade mana stones necessary to ensure Ema's health and well-being. Our bond with her transcended mere magical resources. I approached Lysandra and briefly touched her shoulder, silently conveying my support. She understood my intentions and extracted another high-grade mana stone.
With a total of three high-grade mana stones in use, the ambient mana density increased even further. If mana eyes were activated, small motes of light could be seen floating in the air throughout the room. Meanwhile, Ema was the center of attention, conversing with her parents. However, her right foot trembled slightly, revealing her nervousness.
It was understandable that she felt this way; she had great expectations and fears in her heart. She knew that if she managed to establish a successful bloodline connection, her growth potential would increase exponentially. In addition to ceasing to be a commoner, bloodlines in the empire were of great importance, and the empire would spare no effort to nurture those individuals.
After a few moments of intense concentration, the magic circle was finally complete. It was considerably larger than Elsa's circle, and the mana stones glowed with an even greater intensity than before, emitting a glow that illuminated the room. Even a faint aura of multiple colors could be perceived rising delicately from the mana crystals, creating an impressive visual spectacle.
At that moment, Elsa came running towards us, closely followed by her parents. Ema, on the other hand, stared wide-eyed at the bright mana stones. She took a deep breath, and her eyes began to shine with renewed intensity. It was evident that she, too, had sensed the mana charge in the air.
Now, with Elsa, Lysandra, and me by her side, the crucial moment for Ema had arrived. It was her turn to decide what kind of lineage she wanted to inherit, a choice that would mark her destiny and determine her path in the magical world.
Normally, this was very random, so to speak. I, having an affinity for darkness, death, and chaos, Ema could gain great affinity with any of those three, but there was a problem.
Ema is a sweet and cheerful girl, normally people who possess this type of affinity become somber and strange, it would not fit Ema at all, With Elsa with her affinity for ice, she could have more possibilities with her affinity, when we talked to Ema, she said she wanted to take her time to decide, she even talked about it with her parents, but none of the three knew the answer.
The situation was peculiar because usually, the choice of magical affinity type was random, but in my case, I had a natural inclination towards darkness, death, and chaos. Ema, on the other hand, had the potential to develop a great affinity with any of these three magical spheres. However, an important dilemma arose.
Ema, despite having the potential to connect with darkness, death, or chaos, was naturally a sweet and cheerful girl. Typically, those who possessed dark affinities became somber and strange, which would not fit at all with Ema's radiant personality. On the other hand, Elsa, with her affinity for ice, had more options and possibilities to develop her magic.
After discussing it thoroughly with Ema and her parents, it became clear that the girl needed time to make a decision. It was a momentous choice that would determine her path in the magical world, and it was understandable that she wanted to take her time to consider all the available options. However, uncertainty reigned in the room, as none of the three knew what Ema's final answer would be.
The situation was peculiar. Elsa had already shown a clear affinity for ice magic since birth, although to a lesser degree it was still present. However, Ema's case presented a unique challenge.
Initially, Ema had shown a clear affinity for fire, but over time, this connection lost power, becoming practically useless, a fate similar to that experienced by her mother, Nicol. This situation added a layer of complexity to the process of selecting magical affinity for E Find your next read at empire
ma. The girl's eyes moved to each of us, clearly reflecting her doubts and indecision. However, her eyes lingered on mine for a longer moment, as if she were seeking some guidance.
I sighed and crouched down to her eye level. "If you're looking for my opinion, I'll give it to you," I said honestly. "For me, the best choice you have is Lysandra's affinity. Although her affinity is of nature, it's somewhat more unusual, so to speak."
At that moment, I felt a sharp pain in my back, without the need to turn around I already knew who was behind me. Lysandra, with her usual seriousness, did not tolerate me mocking her affinity. However, I smiled ironically and continued, "Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to inherit an affinity with nature, but with a different kind of power, much more normal."
Ema's eyes sparkled, and she clenched her little fists, nodding her head. She slowly walked towards Lysandra, bowing her head slightly. "I'll be in your care, teacher," I could see Lysandra's chest swell with pride; it was obvious she liked the title of teacher. After a few seconds, she nodded.