Perfect execution of a basic spell...yet it caught the attention and admiration of those who were hiding on the sidelines.
Ashton felt the thrill of excitement coursing through his veins as he drew his bowstring taut and aimed his arrow at the looming figure of the Bamboo Golem. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing his mind on the mana that pulsed through his body. He felt it gather at the tips of his fingers, and with a quick flick of his wrist, he released the arrow.
The arrow was made entirely of mana, a magical energy that flowed through the Fey folk like blood. It shimmered with an otherworldly light as it sailed through the air and struck the Golem in the chest. The creature let out a deep, rumbling roar and crumbled to the ground, defeated.
Elder Lirien, who had been observing the youths' training, nodded in approval. The other Fey Elders of nearby villages also watched Ashton's feat with interest. They were impressed by his skill, and they wondered who he was and where he came from. But they did not ask. It was not their way to pry.
Ashton released a breath, and the mana bow faded. He felt a sense of joy using that spell even if it was just a basic one, but he knew there was still much more work to be done. The Bamboo Golems were relentless, and there were many more of them to defeat.
He turned to the rest and saw them looking at him with awe and admiration. Ashton resisted the urge to roll his eyes and said:
"Relax and observe," Ashton uttered in a gentle yet certain tone. "They look scary but they won't kill you. They're just playing a game of Tag with us. Look down your chest. If you see a glowing orb of yellow, that means that you are the target of the golems."
"If you're a target, lure the golems away. They're not that fast, you all can easily outrun them. As for the rest, combine your efforts in disabling them. Aside from their target, the rest is invisible to their eyes. Just dodge their attacks and you'd be fine."
The other youths looked at him in shock. They instinctively look down at their chest and some confirmed that there was indeed a yellow orb in them, meaning that they were the targets of the golems.
They didn't have much time to think since there were still a lot of golems that were coming to get them. But since they've confirmed what Ashton said was true, then the rest were predictable.
They worked together, using their various strengths to defeat the Golems. Some used magic, like Ashton, while others relied on their physical strength and agility.
The targets lure the golems for a long chase while the rest essentially did everything they could to disable the golems, and for the most part, they were succeeding.
The Elders who were observing from a distance were mightily impressed by Ashton's intelligence.
They expected that someone will eventually discover what this trial was all about, but they didn't expect it to be this fast.
Hours passed, and the battle seemed never-ending. The Golems kept coming, each wave larger and more ferocious than the last. But the Fey youths refused to give up. They knew that they had to keep fighting until the Golems stopped coming.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the last Golem fell to the ground. The forest was silent, save for the heavy breathing of the exhausted Fey youths. They looked around at each other, their faces smeared with sweat and dirt, but their expressions filled with relief and pride. They had done it. They had survived this awful game that started without their consent.
Ashton sighed and found a place to rest. He didn't do much, to be honest. He already helped a lot by telling them about the situation. But of course, he also played a role. He provided cover for those who were about to be injured by the golems.
He wasn't tired at all, but he had to put up an act so that he won't appear suspicious.
The other Fey youths gathered around him, their exhaustion melting away as they shared in the triumph of their victory. Elder Lirien stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with pride.
"You have all shown great courage and skill," he said. "Your village is lucky to have such strong defenders."
Ashton and the others bowed respectfully to the Elder, grateful for her praise.
Together, they would protect their village and their people with all the strength and magic they could muster. For they were the Fey, and they would never give up in the face of adversity.
'However, the ceremony is still not over...'
Elder Lirien stood before them, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
"My young friends," she said, her voice strong and clear. "Today, you will awaken the power of your ancestors within you. This power will guide and protect you, and it will be a source of strength throughout your lives."
Ashton and the others listened intently, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. They knew that this ceremony was a rite of passage, and that it would change them forever.
Elder Lirien led them deeper into the forest, where they came to a clearing surrounded by ancient stones. The stones were engraved with the symbols of the Fey ancestors, and they radiated with a powerful energy that made the hairs on the back of Ashton's neck stand up.
"Stand in the center of the circle," Elder Lirien instructed. "Close your eyes, and focus your mind on the power within you."
Ashton did as he was told, feeling a surge of energy coursing through his body. He closed his eyes and concentrated, feeling the power of his ancestors awakening within him. It was like a rush of wind, filling his lungs and lifting him up.
The feeling was strange...he wasn't expecting to have the same experience as other Feys since, well he isn't really like them, but currently, he could feel an ancient air slowly rising up from the platform.
This air appears to have some sentience with them. It's like a playful child that's circling around him, looking at him with interest.
The other Fey youths around him were doing the same, their bodies glowing with a soft, ethereal light. It was like they were all connected, sharing the same power and energy.
Suddenly, there was a blinding flash of light, and Ashton felt himself being lifted off the ground. He opened his eyes and gasped at what he saw.
The stones around them were glowing with a brilliant light, and the symbols etched into them were pulsing with power. Ashton looked down at his own body and saw that he, too, was glowing with the same ethereal light as the other Fey youths.
And then he heard a voice. It was like a whisper in the wind, but it was clear and unmistakable.
"You are the children of the forest," the voice said. "You are the guardians of this land. The power of the ancestors flows through you, and it will guide you on your journey."
Ashton felt a sense of awe wash over him. He had heard stories of the Fey ancestors, but he had never believed that he would be connected to them in such a profound way.
The ceremony lasted for hours, and when it was over, the Fey youths were changed forever. They had awakened the power of their ancestors within them, and they felt a deep connection to the land and the forest around them.
Ashton felt puzzled. There's this weird sense of belonging between him and the people around him which raised mixed feelings in him.
For some reason, he's starting to think that, maybe, participating in this Coming of Age Ceremony, was a mistake. Unfortunately, he didn't have enough time to think too much of it because Elder Lirien showed up in front of him...
"You've performed well in this ceremony." She said, looking at him with a rather stoic expression.
"I'm thankful for your praise Elder..." he replied, neither servile nor arrogant. "But...I wonder what comes next after this?"
"...your parents didn't tell you anything?" She asked while raising a brow.
"They died before they could." Ashton feigned a saddened expression. "And I was top occupied on thinking of ways to cure them, however..."
"I see..." Elder Lirien sighed and ruffled his hair. "I'm sorry for your loss."
"As for what comes next, that depends on you." She said. "Traditionally, we travel towards the Capital City of Sylvenvale, which is called Galadriel."
"There, we search for opportunities for our future. Some might enroll themselves into a school where they can learn various skills, some might search for work, others might apply to join the military forces...it truly depends, you're all seen as Adults from now on anyway."
"Of course, you can also remain in our Village. With your skill and qualities, you might have what it takes to become the next Village Elder."
Ashton pursed his lips and felt conflicted. Frankly, he had no idea how he should proceed.
"But truth to be told, I came to you because I want to make you an offer that might fit your talents."
Ashton looked at Elder Lirien expectedly and then she said something that triggered an intense reaction in Ashton's heart...
"I want you to apply for a Demon Slaying Squad."
"Demons...!"
