Morning light filtered through the magical barrier atop the firmament, casting its glow upon the plaza of Orlando Divine Academy. The stone steps, towers, and statues gleamed with a sacred brilliance in this light, as if this holy land could never be tainted by dust. Yet beneath this solemn grandeur lurked shadows of darkness and the scent of bloodshed.
In the plaza, hundreds of apprentices stood in orderly rows, draped in the academy's gifted robes of initiation. Their expressions varied—some gazes as steadfast as iron, others with a sheen of sweat upon their brows, some clenching their fists in secret, dreading exile from the academy.
At the heart of the gathering, Elenora stood with her cloak billowing in the wind. She lifted her eyes to the sky, waves stirring in her heart.
"This world of magic, so vast and majestic, and yet so cold and cruel. Today's trial is not merely to detect the lingering aura of the demon clan—it is a purge, a means to cast out pawns and traitors."
The sigil stone's mark in her palm quivered lightly, a faint glow flickering, as if to warn her of something.
Upon the highest step of the plaza stood Reynor Selwyn. His platinum robe shone dazzlingly in the sunlight. His gaze swept across the gathered apprentices, lingering a few moments longer upon Elenora, eyes deep as the sea, yet carrying a hint of possessiveness and obsession he could not conceal.
"No matter what happens today, I will not let you leave my side."
On the far side of the plaza stood Rong Quis, hands clasped behind his back, his silver hair lifting slightly in the morning breeze. His blue-gray eyes were calm as still water, his expression indifferent, yet sharp with hidden edge.
"Orlando Divine Academy is no longer a pure sanctuary. The demon clan has infiltrated; corruption festers within. And now, the master of the sigil stone... what storm will she bring?"
The Magic Trial Begins
The chief elder, Theodore, raised his staff high, his voice thundering through the plaza:
"Today at high noon, the Divine Oracle Trial shall commence — to root out remnants of the demon clan, and to discern the loyal from the treacherous!"
The elders chanted ancient incantations in unison. From the center of the plaza, a massive rune array rose slowly. The array spanned several yards in diameter, its intricate runes interwoven, and at its heart was embedded a giant crystal of purest azure, within which a pale blue magical light seemed sealed.
"Each apprentice shall step into the array in turn. The Divine Oracle Crystal shall reflect the shadow of the soul, revealing any trace of demonic aura," Theodore said coldly. "Should demonic taint be present, the crystal shall glow black. Let none think to escape judgment!"
The apprentices' faces paled slightly, but the lines began to move, the trial underway.
The first apprentice entered the array; the crystal glowed blue, calm and undisturbed.
"Passed," declared the enforcer.
The second, the third… most passed in peace. A few with lingering demonic aura were immediately sealed by enforcers and led away, their faces ashen, knowing well their grim fate.
Elenora stood in line, her heartbeat quickening with each apprentice who entered the array. The warmth from the sigil stone mark in her palm made her restless.
"The sigil stone... why does it stir now? Is it sensing the power of the array? Or is it warning me?"
At last, her turn came.
Elenora drew a deep breath and stepped into the array. The Divine Oracle Crystal flared with azure brilliance, the light casting her cold and beautiful features in stark relief — and faintly revealing the sigil's pattern in her palm.
The elders held their breath.
In an instant, the light within the crystal warped, silver threads seeming to weave through the blue radiance. A rune pattern flickered and vanished. The light was pure, without black taint — and yet strangely unusual.
The plaza fell silent.
Theodore frowned slightly.
"This girl's soul reflection... differs from the norm."
Reynor's face darkened; he was about to speak when Rong Quis's voice rang out first:
"It is the Stone of Divine Sigil."
At his words, the plaza erupted in a storm of murmurs. The elders exchanged glances, their expressions mixed.
The Stone of Divine Sigil — an ancient relic of legend, one of the Four Great Artifacts, long lost to the world for millennia, known only in myth.
A tremor ran through Elenora's heart.
"The power of the sigil stone... it has been revealed by the Divine Oracle Crystal!"
Theodore's voice was low:
"Where did you come by this stone?"
Elenora met his gaze, her eyes clear and steady as she slowly straightened.
"I do not know. When I awoke from unconsciousness, it was already in my palm. I have never sought to wield its power except in desperate need."
Reynor stepped forward, shielding her with his presence.
"Elder, Elenora bears no ill intent! She is but a soul ensnared by fate — the stone means no harm in her hands!"
Rong Quis gave a cold laugh.
"Fate? Do you know how much bloodshed and calamity the Stone of Divine Sigil has brought? Now that she holds it, she is bound to fate itself. None can protect her."
The elders fell silent. The wind on the plaza grew keener, the air tense as drawn blades.
At that moment, an enforcer came running, panic in his eyes.
"Elders! The northern mountain barrier has been breached! A demon emissary has infiltrated!"
Like thunder, the news shattered the stillness of the plaza.
Theodore barked his orders:
"Reynor, Rong Quis — each of you lead disciples to seal the northern pass. Let none of the demon clan escape! The rest, follow me to defend the main peak!"
Reynor gripped Elenora's hand.
"You will come with me!"
But Rong Quis had already spoken coldly:
"Send her to the main hall for refuge — else the demons will pursue the Stone of Divine Sigil and throw our lines into chaos!"
Elenora lifted her head, her gaze resolute.
"I will not be caged. I will go with you."
Rong Quis's eyes darkened, but at last he merely gave a cold snort.
"Then bring disaster upon yourself."
Divine Oracle Crystal: Uses the power of heavenly decree to reflect the soul's true form; reveals demonic taint, contract marks, or alien origins.Rune Array: Legacy of the ancient theogonic school, handed down from Orlando's founder.Stone of Divine Sigil: One of the lost Four Great Artifacts; embodies the law of "Command," able to shatter order, forge spirit contracts, control elements, and ward off evil.Demon Emissary: Bloodthirsty and cruel, delights in infiltrating human sanctuaries; masters of the Abyssal Art, skilled in soul corrosion and shadow walking.