The Dark Ascendant

The morning sun bathed Ravendale in a soft golden light as Raj walked toward the Chapel of the Twelve, Dorian by his side. The streets were lively, filled with townsfolk heading in the same direction. The atmosphere was charged with excitement—whispers, laughter, and the occasional nervous murmur drifting through the air.

"So, you're really going for it?" Dorian said, glancing at Raj with a smirk. "The Awakening Ceremony isn't something you take lightly. Once you start down a Gem Path, there's no turning back."

Raj nodded, his expression calm but resolute. "I've been preparing for this. It's time to see where fate leads me."

Dorian chuckled, folding his arms as they walked. "Fate, huh? Well, just don't get your hopes too high. Most folks end up with something basic—Warrior, Archer, or Mage. Nothing wrong with that, but if you're aiming for something rare… you might be disappointed."

"I'll take my chances," Raj replied. His mind was sharp, already planning how to navigate whatever result awaited him.

The chapel loomed ahead—a grand stone building with tall spires that reached toward the sky. Its walls were adorned with carvings depicting the Twelve Paths: the common paths like Warrior and Mage, but also rarer ones, whose depictions seemed more mysterious and ancient.

Inside, the chapel was even more impressive. The high vaulted ceiling glowed with soft light from crystals embedded in the stone. The scent of incense filled the air, and a steady hum of voices echoed through the large hall. Townsfolk gathered in groups, speaking in hushed tones while they waited for their turn.

"You're lucky it's not a festival day," Dorian said, gesturing at the moderately sized crowd. "It gets far more crowded then. This isn't so bad."

Raj's eyes scanned the room. He noticed a mix of emotions on the faces around him—some were filled with hope, others with apprehension.

"Did you hear? Amelia got the Healer Path last week," a woman whispered to her friend nearby.

"I know! Her family must be thrilled. That's one of the more respected paths," the friend replied.

"Bah," an Kid scoffed, crossing his arms. "Just Give me the Blacksmith Path . You don't need fancy magic when you've got the strength to make weapons!"

Raj took it all in, filing away every piece of information. He was always observing, always learning.

A young boy burst out of the ceremonial chamber, his face lit with joy. "I got the Wind Dancer Path!" he shouted. His parents embraced him, tears in their eyes.

Dorian watched the boy with a grin. "It's always fun seeing that kind of excitement. But remember, Raj, it's not just about what path you get—it's how you use it."

The doors to the ceremonial chamber opened again, and a robed priest stepped out, scanning the crowd. His eyes settled on Raj and Dorian. "You, traveler," he said, gesturing to Raj. "It's your turn. Please follow me."

Dorian gave Raj a pat on the back. "Good luck, friend. I'll wait for you here. Just remember to breathe."

Raj smirked and followed the priest through the doors, entering a smaller, circular chamber. The room was dimly lit, with glowing runes carved into the stone floor. At its center stood the Awakening Platform—a pedestal covered in ancient symbols that pulsed faintly with energy.

"Step onto the platform," the priest instructed, his voice calm and steady. "Close your eyes, focus on your essence, and let the light reveal the paths destined for you."

Raj obeyed, stepping onto the platform. The moment his feet touched the stone, a strange energy washed over him. He could feel the artifact within him stir, its presence merging with the magic of the ceremony.

For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hold its breath. Then, the runes beneath him flared to life.

A brilliant red light shot out, encircling Raj like a protective flame. Its warmth filled him with strength and resolve. Warrior. The path of power and battle. He could feel the raw strength it offered—a life of combat, of mastering weapons and standing unshakable on the battlefield.

Before the first light could fade, a second light emerged—calm and blue, swirling around him like a gentle river. Scholar. This light brought with it a flood of knowledge, whispers of forgotten secrets, and the promise of unraveling the mysteries of the world.

Raj barely had time to process this when a third light appeared, dark green, flickering like shadows in the depths of a forest. Rogue. Agile, stealthy, and elusive. The path of hidden opportunities and unseen dangers. It danced around him, promising freedom and the ability to move unseen, unheard.

The three lights circled him for a moment before merging and fading back into his body. The runes on the platform dimmed, leaving the chamber in silence once more.

The priest's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "Three affinities," he said, his voice betraying a hint of awe. "That's… quite rare. You are truly favored by the Eryndral."

Raj stepped down from the platform, his mind already racing. Three affinities—Warrior, Scholar, and Rogue. Each offered unique strengths, and together, they formed a foundation unlike anything he had expected.

"Thank you," Raj said quietly, giving the priest a respectful nod before turning toward the exit.

As he stepped back into the main hall, the hum of the crowd surrounded him once again. He moved with calm purpose, his thoughts focused inward. He knew he had to carefully plan his next steps.

Dorian spotted him and waved. "Hey! That was quick." He studied Raj's face for a moment. "Well? How did it go?"

Raj paused, a small smile playing on his lips. "Three affinities."

Dorian's eyes widened. "Three? Damn, you've got some serious luck. Most people are lucky to get two, and plenty only get one."

Raj nodded. "It seems fate has been kind."

Dorian clapped him on the back. "Well, whatever paths you've got, you'll make it work. I've got a feeling about you, Raj. Just don't forget us common folk when you're some big-shot adventurer."

"I won't," Raj said, though in his mind, he was already far ahead, thinking of how to leverage these new affinities.

As they walked out of the chapel and into the sunlit streets, the artifact within him pulsed again, its energy thrumming in response to his new power. This was just the beginning. Raj had taken the first step into the unknown, and with every step forward, he would carve his own path—one that no one in this world could predict.