The city didn't sleep last night.
Dawn had barely broken when the streets flooded with people.
The streetlights still glowed faintly along the avenues while the shopkeepers already rolled up their shutters, preparing themselves for a busy day ahead.
Vendors had already set up their carts, and the sweet and savory aromas from various dishes filled the entire atmosphere.
All the nearby hotels were packed to the brim; the people coming from faraway places had already arrived the day before.
The restaurants had already brought out and prepared the supplies they had stocked up; otherwise, it wouldn't be possible to keep up with the demand today.
Lines of cars pulled up one after another, swiftly filling the expanse opposite the Core Plaza.
Parents walked around, holding their children's hands and offering them advice. Some even bought talismans from the street stalls, hoping they could bring 'good luck' to their children.
A typical scene that had been repeating every year.
—
From the moment every child here learned to walk, they learned why they walk.
To reach the Core Plaza one day.
To stand beneath the Ascension Obelisk and discover what kind of future the world believed they were worthy of.
And... It was finally that day of the year.
The day that every single citizen looked forward to eagerly throughout the year. The day that kept every parent in the city awake for days on end, whose children turned ten this year.
The 'Annual Awakening Day'.
On which, the ten-year-olds would awaken their core.
For some, it would be a coronation. They'd smile brightly as fate would reward them with a core that'd bloom effortlessly, strong and unquestionable.
For some, it'd be exactly what everyone expected; average.
And for some, it would be the moment of realisation that the fate had given them... Nothing at all.
—
"Ian, careful!"
A young woman's voice rang out from the crowd as her child slipped slightly while climbing down the packed bus.
Ian, the ten-year-old boy, smiled, "I'm okay, Mom."
She tightened her grip on his small hand, "Stay close," she murmured, "And remember what we practiced last night."
Ian nodded and clutched his mother's sleeves tightly as she guided him out of that crowded bus stop. The bus almost emptied itself at this stoppage, and then headed towards its next destination.
Ian looked around while walking through the street. His eyes were wide in awe!
It was his first visit to the city center, and he was overwhelmed by the sheer size and energy of it all!
Towering buildings stretched endlessly towards the sky, and the glass on them reflected the morning sunlight in dazzling abstract patterns.
The surroundings were neat and clean, and the main road, through which the bus ran, was almost four times the size of the main road in their hometown.
The lanes were wide, lined with perfectly trimmed trees, and even the stalls were organised so perfectly that it made absolutely no mess with the view.
"Wow, this is so beautiful!" He giggled, "No wonder dad says elite and rich people live here!"
Ian pulled his mother's sleeve, "Mom, can I stay here too?"
His mother looked at him, giving a small smile, "Hmm... If you grow up to be very powerful, then."
Ian broke into a wide grin and, with a look full of determination, declared, "I'm going to be incredibly powerful."
His mother smiled. Children of his age were innocent. Sure... They'd dream big, say whatever just popped into their heads, because they were still unaware that reality was far bitterer than imagination.
"Fine, let's grab something, we're still almost one and a half hours early." She pointed towards a stall that was selling warm sweet buns, walking forward.
—
Ian glanced around between bites. There were already hundreds of people, and the number just kept increasing every second. He could spot some of his classmates too, but they quickly disappeared in the crowd.
The shop was a little far away from the Core Plaza, and the crowd here was comparatively less. So, he could actually eat his food comfortably.
"Mom, when Dad's coming?" He asked his mother.
"Soon." She replied with a sigh.
His dad took a day off today, so he had to work an extra shift last night. Their lives had already been miserable, that was why they earnestly hoped that Ian's wouldn't end up the same.
Exactly at 9 AM, a loud bell rang, grabbing everyone's attention. Without a second's delay, everyone rushed towards the gate of the Core Plaza.
Ian's mother held his hands tighter, then pulled him along, carefully shielding him from the chaos.
As they neared the Core Plaza, Ian's eyes went wide in astonishment!
In front of him stood a massive building, a masterpiece of architecture.
The huge circular building loomed ahead, with its enormous black gates completely shut. On either side of the gate, long shimmering banners displayed the city crest — a twin-serpent emblem coiled around a central flame; along with greetings for the young Awakeners.
Everyone stood on both sides, leaving the square in front of the gate which was connected to the main road through a wide lane. They too pushed themselves in there, making a little space for themselves.
The Plaza guards in dark uniforms made neat lines on both sides of the lane, pushing the crowd back again.
Then...
A deep, grinding echo vibrated throughout the surroundings, and slowly the massive black gate opened.
Everyone fell silent for a moment. Slowly, a row of sleek, polished carriages rolled forward and stopped in front of the main gate. Some of them were armored, some had definite patterns etched on them — these were not ordinary transports.
The carriages were the symbol of status, belonging to noble families, powerful clans, or high-ranking officials.
Children dressed in pristine uniforms stepped down, being escorted inside by attendants. Some looked calm, some confident, some even arrogant or bored. The crowd buzzed seeing them.
Ian watched them silently. Suddenly, he felt he wasn't that confident anymore! His chest felt tight.
His mother crouched down, smoothening the collar of his plain grey uniform, "Don't worry, you'll do great."
She offered him a look of assurance.
Ian nodded, though his eyes darted across the crowd. Why wasn't his father here yet?
"Sorry... I'm late!" Suddenly a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
Ian looked behind, his father stood a few steps away, in his work uniform, and slightly out of breath. His eyes looked tired, but still, he was smiling.
He crouched down before Ian, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Ready?"
Ian nodded.
He looked into his eyes, "Listen to me. No matter what you awaken there, you'll walk out proud. Understand?"
Ian smiled. "I will."
They took his hands and walked towards the entrance. Ian's mother hesitated a bit, then loosened her grip. They stood together as they watched him step forward. Standing at the gate, Ian took a deep breath, then slowly disappeared inside.
Today, fate waited for him.
[Click on the comment to see the city crest]