The interior of the Grimoire Tower was even more breathtaking than Ren had imagined. The vast circular chamber, far larger than any building in Lightha Town, soared upwards, culminating in a domed ceiling that seemed to dissolve into an endless starry sky, even though it was still daylight outside. Pillars of polished white marble, etched with ancient runes, lined the perimeter, each one radiating a faint, comforting mana. In the center, a colossal pedestal glowed with a pure, white light, clearly the focal point of the ceremony.
Hundreds of fifteen-year-olds streamed in, their excited chatter now hushed to reverent whispers. Ren, Lira, and Toren found a spot near the back, observing the spectacle. The air itself felt thick with mana, vibrating with potential. It was an overwhelming sensation for Ren, a constant, dull ache of absence in the presence of so much power. He felt like a broken instrument in a grand orchestra, unable to play his part.
Elder Mages, clad in pristine white robes embroidered with golden mana symbols, stood solemnly around the central pedestal. At their head was the High Priestess, an ancient woman whose face was a roadmap of wisdom, her eyes seemingly able to pierce through illusions. She raised her hands, and the ambient mana in the chamber swelled, making the very air crackle.
"Welcome, young mages, to the Grimoire Ceremony!" her voice boomed, clear and strong, echoing through the chamber. "Today, you stand at the precipice of your destinies. Today, the magic within you will find its voice. Today, the Grimoires of Lightha shall choose their wielders!"
A collective gasp swept through the crowd. Ren watched, mesmerized despite himself. He saw Kael Draven, the noble prodigy, standing near the front with an air of arrogant confidence. Kael's star magic affinity was already renowned throughout the Maze Kingdom, even before he officially received his grimoire. Ren knew Kael would receive a powerful tome, possibly one of the fabled celestial grimoires.
"Now, step forward, those whose fifteenth year has arrived!" the High Priestess commanded.
The mass of young people surged forward, forming a wide semi-circle around the central pedestal. Ren hesitated for a moment, then, with a deep breath, followed Lira and Toren. He tried to project an air of calm, but inside, his heart was a frantic bird fluttering against his ribs.
The High Priestess began to chant, her words ancient and resonating with mana. As she did, the colossal pedestal in the center began to emit an even brighter, more intense light. The runes on the marble pillars flared, and the starry ceiling seemed to twinkle with renewed vigor. The mana in the chamber reached a crescendo, a palpable wave of energy that swept over everyone.
Then, it began.
From the glowing pedestal, shimmering motes of light began to ascend, like thousands of fireflies released from a lantern. They swirled and danced in the air, coalescing, forming into books of various sizes, colors, and designs. Each grimoire was unique, reflecting the mana affinity and potential of its chosen wielder.
A thick, dark green grimoire, bound in sturdy leather, descended towards Toren, landing gently in his outstretched hands. His eyes widened in awe as he grasped it. "Earth magic…" he whispered, his usually stoic face breaking into a wide, disbelieving grin.
A slender, sky-blue grimoire, its pages appearing to flutter like bird wings, gracefully drifted into Lira's grasp. Tears welled in her eyes. "Wind… it's wind magic!" she cried, a small, joyous gust of wind swirling around her.
Cheers and gasps filled the chamber as grimoires continued to descend. A grimoire of vibrant flame settled in one boy's hands. A tome shimmering with crystalline ice found its master. Books of light, shadow, plant, and even a few of a metallic sheen – each finding its rightful owner. The air was filled with joyous exclamations, the rustle of newly opened pages, and the excited chatter of newly empowered mages.
Ren watched it all, his eyes darting from one ecstatic face to another. He saw grimoires of every conceivable hue and form. He saw the proud smiles of parents, the eager faces of the new mages, the boundless potential unfolding before his very eyes. The light from the descending grimoires was blinding, a glorious, magical spectacle.
He felt a faint tug, a brief, almost imperceptible brush against his outstretched hand. His head snapped up, hope flaring within him like a dying ember catching a breath of wind. Was this it? Was he finally going to receive one? He waited, his breath caught in his throat, his gaze fixed on the shimmering motes.
But the sensation vanished as quickly as it came. The light motes continued their descent, weaving through the crowded chamber, but none coalesced above him. None drifted towards his waiting, empty hands.
The stream of grimoires began to thin. Fewer and fewer books materialized from the pedestal's glow. The joyous cacophony slowly subsided, replaced by a growing quiet as most of the aspiring mages now stood proudly clutching their new magical tomes. Ren remained, his arms still outstretched, his expression slowly shifting from desperate hope to stark realization.
He was the only one.
The glow from the pedestal faded, dimming into a faint pulse. The High Priestess looked out over the assembled youth, her gaze sweeping across the satisfied faces, until it finally rested on Ren. A flicker of surprise, then something akin to pity, crossed her ancient features.
His heart plummeted. The dream, which had been so vivid and real just moments before, dissolved into ash. He looked around, seeing the curious, then knowing, glances of the other children. Gido, standing a few feet away, caught his eye. A slow, cruel smile spread across Gido's face, his eyes gleaming with malicious triumph.
Ren Kurogane, the mana-less boy, stood empty-handed in a sea of light, the only one deemed unworthy. The magic had chosen everyone else. But not him. Never him. The realization hit him with the force of a physical blow, stripping him of the last vestiges of his fragile hope. The Grimoire Ceremony was over, and Ren was still just the boy with nothing.