The cold, clean air of the waiting room smelled like metal and cleaning fluid. Aiden Cross sat on a hard, cold bench, pulling his thin, worn-out cloak tighter around his shoulders. Around him, people wore different clothes—some had fine silk robes showing they were nobles, others like Aiden wore torn and dirty clothes. Posters covered the walls with the same message: "Know Your Bloodline. Know Your Place." In this city, your bloodline was everything. It decided your future.Aiden's stomach ached from hunger, a familiar pain. This was his third time at the Blood Registry Bureau. Every time, the crystals told the same story: he had no bloodline, no gift, no place in the world.He grew up in the poorest part of Elmsreach, where the rich lived high above and the poor struggled on the streets. His mother died when he was young, leaving him to care for his little sister. Their father, once a fighter from a small bloodline, disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Sometimes Aiden hoped to find him; sometimes he feared he never would.Still, a small hope burned inside him—a hope that his life had more meaning than what others said.The Bureau building stood tall and gloomy, its magical windows shining faintly. It was a place that judged people. Bloodlines were tested here, and a person's path was decided."Aiden Cross," a soft voice called.His heart tightened as he stood. No matter how many times he heard it, the moment was always heavy. He walked slowly to the crystal scanner, a glowing cube floating in front of him. He placed his hand on it and felt a soft pulse, like the crystal was searching deep inside.A quiet hum filled the room. Names flashed on the screen: Noble, Elite, Dormant, Unknown. The room was tense.Then the light died away. The crystal's glow changed to a dull gray."Bloodline: Not found. Null-born. Please see Registration Officer Wells," a cold voice said.Aiden's chest felt tight, but he stayed calm. He had expected this, but it still hurt.He walked to the desk where Officer Wells waited. Her face was serious. She showed him a glowing tablet."Mr. Cross," she said, "your third test shows no bloodline or hidden power. Here is your certificate."A small, glowing certificate floated above the desk: "Bloodline Status: Null-born. Access Restricted."People nearby whispered—some were sad, some angry. To Aiden, it felt like he was invisible.Outside the Bureau, the streets were harsh. Aiden held the certificate tightly. Memories of his father's strength, his mother's smile, and promises to protect his sister came back.No bloodline meant no future. But inside him, a small flame refused to go out."One day," he whispered to the dark night, "they will see who I really am."
