Chapter 20

As the figure at the forefront stepped forward, the air seemed to still, every eye in the courtyard fixated on him in rapt attention. His cloak billowed around him, the embodiment of authority and power. With a voice that carried a weight of command, he addressed the gathered pawns.

"Welcome, disciples of the Order," he began, his words echoing across the courtyard.

"Today marks a momentous occasion, a test of your inner essence and connection to the elemental forces that shape our world. You stand before the statue of our forebears, guardians of ancient knowledge and mystical power. Touch it, and reveal your spiritual roots."

With those words, the figure raised his hands, his voice resonated with power and authority, filling the courtyard with an air of solemnity. His incantation began as a whispered invocation, a sacred plea to the unseen forces that governed the world.

"By the ancient powers that dwell within the shadows, by the spirits of the earth and sky, I call upon thee to bear witness to this sacred rite," he continued, his voice growing in strength and resonance with each passing word.

"Grant us your guidance, your protection, as we seek to unveil the mysteries that lie hidden within the hearts of these chosen souls."

The figure's words seemed to hang in the air, imbued with an ethereal energy that pulsed with life. Around him, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, the very fabric of reality trembling at the power of his invocation.

And then, as if in response to his call, a hush fell over the courtyard, a palpable sense of reverence descending upon the gathered pawns. It was a moment of profound significance, a sacred communion between mortals and the divine.

In that charged moment, the massive statue behind him seemed to stir, its stony form infused with an otherworldly energy.

A low, rhythmic heartbeat echoed through the air, reverberating from the massive stone figure. With each pulse, the ground beneath the statue seemed to shudder, sending ripples of vibration through the surrounding space.

It was as though the very essence of the statue had been awakened by the figure's words, responding to his will with a display of unearthly power.

For a brief moment, the pawns gathered in the courtyard held their breath, their eyes fixed on the towering statue before them. It was an awe-inspiring sight, the embodiment of ancient wisdom and mysterious forces playing beyond mortal comprehension.

But as quickly as it had begun, the phenomenon subsided, the statue returning to its silent vigil over the courtyard. The figure at the front, undeterred by the spectacle, called out the first pawn with a commanding voice, ushering in the beginning of the sacred ritual.

"Step forth, Pawn 113," he commanded, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.

"Touch the statue and let your spiritual roots be known."

..

As pawn 113's name was called, he rose from his place in the line, his heart pounding in his chest with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. All eyes turned to him as he made his way to the front of the courtyard, the weight of their collective gaze bearing down upon him like a heavy burden.

The figure at the forefront watched him with a stern expression, his stance commanding and authoritative, a silent observer overseeing the proceedings with unwavering vigilance. His presence seemed to fill the space around him, a towering figure of authority amidst the sea of pawns.

Undeterred by the intensity of the moment, pawn 113 pressed forward, his steps measured and deliberate as he approached the imposing statue that loomed before him. Its features were shrouded in shadow, its form towering over him like a silent sentinel of ages past.

With a steady hand, pawn 113 reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they made contact with the cool surface of the statue's stone base. In that instant, a surge of energy pulsed through him, a strange sensation that seemed to course through his veins like a living thing.

As pawn 113's hand made contact with the stone base of the statue, a surge of energy unlike anything he had ever experienced before coursed through his body. It was as if he could feel the very essence of life itself pulsating beneath his fingertips, a connection to the natural world that he had never known existed.

In response to his touch, the surrounding elements seemed to come alive with newfound vigor. The nearby plants stirred and wriggled mysteriously, their leaves rustling in the unseen breeze as an evergreen hue suffused the surroundings. Flowers bloomed and petals danced on the wind, their colors vibrant and alive in the dappled sunlight.

The figure at the forefront observed the spectacle with keen interest, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the scene before him. With a nod of satisfaction, he raised his voice to address the gathered pawns, his words carrying across the courtyard with a commanding presence.

"Pawn 113," he intoned, his voice ringing out like a bell in the stillness of the air, "you possess the rare spiritual root of plants, a gift that few are blessed with in this world."

A murmur of awe rippled through the crowd at his proclamation, whispers of astonishment passing between the assembled pawns. The figure's lips curled into a mysterious smile as he continued, his tone tinged with amusement.

"Indeed, it seems that the Order is in great luck with this generation of pawns," he remarked, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.

"Who knows what wonders await us in the days to come?"

With that, he turned his attention to the next pawn in line, calling them forward with a wave of his hand as the ceremony continued unabated.

“Pawn 239, come up.”

As pawn 239's name was called, she stepped forward with confidence, her gaze resolute as she made her way to the statue. Despite the intensity of the moment, her demeanor remained calm and composed, her every movement exuding a quiet strength.

With each step, the air around her seemed to crackle with energy, a palpable sense of anticipation building as she approached the stone base of the statue. Her eyes never wavered from its veiled face, her determination unwavering as she reached out to touch it.

As her hand made contact with the cool stone, a sudden burst of flames erupted from the base of the statue, casting a warm glow that bathed the courtyard in a fiery light. The flames danced and flickered, their movements mirroring the fierce determination in pawn 239's eyes.

The surrounding elements seemed to respond to her fiery spirit, the air shimmering with heat as if ignited by her presence. Nearby torches burned brighter, their flames leaping higher as if in homage to her elemental affinity.

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However, to her dismay, the figure snorted rudely, his tone dripping with disdain, he announced to the gathered pawns,

"Fire. An ordinary spiritual root."

His words cut through the air like a blade, each syllable laced with a subtle but unmistakable mockery.

A murmur rippled through the crowd as the other pawns exchanged knowing glances, some barely concealing their amusement at pawn 239's perceived inadequacy. It was a harsh reminder of the hierarchy that governed their world, where certain spiritual roots were prized above all others.

In fact, the four main elements of the world: fire, water, earth and air were deemed ordinary and common among cultivators.

Feeling the weight of the figure's judgment bearing down on her, pawn 239 clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to keep her emotions in check. The figure's dismissive assessment felt like a slap in the face, a stark contrast to the sense of pride she had felt moments earlier.

“Next! Pawn 287, Come.”

As pawn 287 stepped forward with a sense of anticipation, a subtle shift began to ripple through the air around him. The wind, which had previously been still, now stirred with a newfound energy, swirling around him in a gentle embrace. It seemed as though the very elements were responding to his presence, acknowledging his affinity with the air.

As he approached the statue with measured steps, a soft breeze seemed to guide his path, whispering secrets of the sky as if welcoming him home. The atmosphere around him took on a lightness, as though the weight of the world had been momentarily lifted.

With a sense of awe and reverence, pawn 287 reached out to touch the statue, his fingers trembling with excitement. In that moment, a sudden gust of wind swept through the courtyard, swirling around him in a playful dance. It was as if the air itself was celebrating his revelation, weaving intricate patterns in the sky above.

However, his moment of triumph was short-lived as the figure's impatient voice cut through the air, declaring his spiritual root as "ordinary."

“Next!”

As each pawn approached the statue, there was a palpable sense of anticipation mingled with disappointment in the air. The atmosphere seemed to thicken with each revelation of an "ordinary" spiritual root, as if the weight of expectation was bearing down on the pawns waiting in line.

One by one, they stepped forward with a mixture of hope and trepidation, their eyes fixed on the looming figure of the statue. Some wore expressions of determination, while others seemed resigned to their fate, their shoulders slumped with the weight of disappointment.

As each pawn reached out to touch the statue, there was a collective holding of breath, as if the very air itself was waiting with bated breath for the revelation to come. But with each announcement of an ordinary spiritual root, the tension only seemed to grow thicker, casting a shadow over the courtyard.

The disappointment was palpable, hanging in the air like a heavy fog as the pawns returned to their place in line, their spirits dampened by the realization that they were not as special as they had hoped. The figure at the front continued to call out the numbers with a sense of detachment, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

Despite the dispirited atmosphere, there was an underlying sense of determination among the pawns, a quiet resolve to prove themselves in the face of adversity. They knew that they would have to work twice as hard to make their mark in the Order of Shadows, but they were willing to rise to the challenge, no matter the cost.

This went on until the next pawn was called out.

“Pawn 666, Come up!” the figure seemed to anticipate something.

As pawn 666 stepped into the forefront, there was a sudden shift in the atmosphere, a tangible anticipation that seemed to electrify the air. 621 could feel the gaze of unseen watchers lingering on the newcomer, their attention drawn to her with an intensity that was almost palpable.

Despite the somber surroundings, pawn 666 seemed to radiate an aura of lightness and joy, her delicate appearance standing out starkly against the backdrop of shadows. She moved with a grace and ease that seemed out of place in the courtyard, her steps light and airy as she made her way forward.

With a skip in her step and a gleam in her eye, pawn 666 approached the statue with a sense of eager anticipation, her demeanor almost unnervingly cheerful. Her eerie smile seemed to light up the courtyard, casting a warm glow that belied the darkness of their surroundings.

As her delicate hand reached out to touch the statue, there was a moment of stillness, as if the entire courtyard held its breath in anticipation of what was to come. The air seemed to crackle with energy, a sense of anticipation hanging heavy in the air as pawn 666's fingers made contact with the cold stone.

In that instant, a profound transformation seemed to sweep through the courtyard, a surge of energy that seemed to emanate from pawn 666 herself.

A brilliant purple glow began to suffuse the surroundings, casting everything in a surreal light that seemed to shimmer and dance with ethereal energy. Even the imposing statue itself seemed to stir, its cold stone form pulsating with a vibrant purple hue as if in recognition of pawn 666's extraordinary aptitude.

The very air seemed to thrum with a newfound energy, vibrating with the power of her spiritual root. A deep, resonant heartbeat echoed from the statue, its rhythm matching the cadence of her own heart as if in perfect synchronicity.

Meanwhile, the minds of the surrounding pawns seemed to be drawn to the spectacle unfolding before them, their thoughts swirling and distorting in response to the overwhelming presence of pawn 666's unique spiritual root. It was as if her very essence was reaching out, touching the minds of those around her and leaving an indelible mark in its wake.

“Mind spiritual root! Extremely rare…” the figure gasped.

He could barely contain his excitement, his laughter ringing out in the courtyard as he beheld the scene before him.

“Indeed, the Order has been blessed!”

“Good! Very Good!”

With each repetition of the word "good," his approval echoed through the air, a tangible expression of the Order's delight at the discovery of such a rare and powerful spiritual root.

As the brilliant purple glow enveloped the courtyard, heralding the revelation of pawn 666's rare mind spiritual root, a sudden shift occurred, catching everyone off guard.

The air crackled with an intense heat, a fiery red glow suffusing the surroundings with an alarming intensity. Nearby torches erupted in a bright red explosion, sending waves of scorching heat rippling through the air, causing those nearby to recoil in shock and fear.

The figure at the forefront could only stare in exasperation at the unexpected turn of events, his frustration palpable as he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of what was unfolding before him.

"Double Spiritual Roots!?" he exclaimed, his voice echoing with disbelief and awe at the unprecedented revelation.

Indeed, pawn 666's spiritual aptitude seemed to defy all expectations, her dual nature a testament to her unparalleled potential.

But it was not just any ordinary fire spiritual root that had manifested alongside her mind spiritual root; no, it was something far more exclusive and extraordinary.

It was the elusive "Scarlet Fire," a variant of the traditional fire spiritual root imbued with a unique and potent energy all its own.

As the figure announced this second revelation to the gathered crowd, there was a sense of wonder and astonishment that swept through the courtyard. To possess not just one, but two rare spiritual roots was unheard of, a feat that marked pawn 666 as a true prodigy among her peers.

She stood before them now, bathed in the dual glow of her remarkable gifts, a beacon of hope and envy to all who beheld her.

“Genius! No, a once in a lifetime Genius!” the figure acknowledged resolutely.

“Excellent!”

As pawn 666's rare and powerful spiritual roots were revealed, a palpable tension permeated the air among the surrounding pawns. Envy simmered beneath the surface, mingling with feelings of resentment and frustration at her seemingly effortless ascent to greatness.

In the shadows cast by the courtyard's eerie illumination, glances exchanged among the onlookers carried hints of begrudging admiration tinged with fear.

Some pawns couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence towards her, acknowledging the undeniable prowess and potential that her unique abilities conferred. Yet, this admiration was tempered by a cautious wariness, born from the understanding that such extraordinary talent could just as easily become a threat to their own ambitions and aspirations within the Order.

However, alongside these complex emotions ran an undercurrent of trepidation and uncertainty. As pawn 666's dual spiritual roots were revealed, whispers of awe and disbelief rippled through the gathered crowd, mingling with the murmurs of jealousy and suspicion.

For some, the prospect of standing in the presence of such a rare and formidable individual sparked a primal sense of fear, heightening the already charged atmosphere with a palpable sense of unease.

Amidst the shifting currents of emotion, a silent undercurrent of ambition and calculation pulsed beneath the surface, driving each pawn to assess their own position in relation to this newfound revelation.

For in the Order of the Shadows, where power and status were prized above all else, the emergence of a once-in-a-generation talent like pawn 666 promised to reshape the very fabric of their clandestine world but if this was a good thing or not, nobody knew.