= Orphanage, Podgrad / Dormitory [Underground Cellar] (Dawn) =

The sounds of wood creaking and boots rapping on the floor echoed through the cellar as the occupants stirred. Soon, the creaking ceased, and the door to the cellar swung open. "Time to wake up, you have a big day ahead of you," a loud, booming yet cheerful voice announced.

The raggedy old man from the night before was transformed. His beard was clean, his hair pulled back, and his clothes, though still dirty and tattered, were of significantly better quality than the coarse linen from before. Director Kester stepped into the dormitory, moving about to encourage the children to rise. He lingered over James, who was already awake but had yet to throw off his covers, staring up at the director. Kester’s eyes lingered on him for a moment before moving on.

"Everyone get up, wash up, and meet me in the dining hall," Director Kester instructed, his earlier cheerfulness now replaced with a more serious tone.

The director made his rounds through the rows of beds before returning to the door of the cellar, leaving it wide open. Light streamed through the single window just beyond the door, illuminating the room with a natural glow.

"Do you need help up, James?" asked Geer, a rather plump orc child who resembled a pig in the right light. James stared at him for a moment before slowly removing his covers and trying to pull himself up, wincing in pain. Geer leaned over to help James sit up. "Come on, try to lift your arms," Geer said, lifting James's arms as he winced again before letting go.

"Here," Saria said, holding out a towel for Geer.

"Thanks, Saria," Geer smiled, taking the towel and beginning to wipe James's body.

"You don't have to do this for me," James began to protest, but Geer interrupted him.

"Shut up. You smell like you shat yourself. None of us want to smell you," Geer exclaimed, prompting giggles and retorts from the other children.

"He musta kicked the shit out of you," Eric chimed in, and the room erupted into laughter, with even James attempting a chuckle despite the pain.

"There, see? Now we don't have to smell shit anymore," Geer said, pulling down James's shirt before turning to walk to the washbowl. "Are you okay, James?" asked Eric, walking up to help him stand.

"Are you okay? I did knock you out cold last night," James said with a smile as the children began filing out of the dormitory.

"Better than you are," Eric chuckled, helping James to his feet.

"Today is going to be a new beginning for us," James said, limping slightly with Eric's support.

"Yes, it will," Saria agreed, just behind them.

"So much better," added Ire, following behind Saria as the four friends walked through the cellar door, leaving the dormitory.

= Orphanage, Podgrad / Dining Hall (Dawn) =

One by one, the children found their seats while Director Kester stirred a pot at the far end of the hall. Bread had already been placed on the table on each plate, no butter or jam, just plain bread warmed by the sunlight streaming through the windows. Dust floated in the air like snowflakes, and the warmth of the fire filled the room with a comforting ambiance. The wood creaked and moaned as the children hurried to their seats, with Eric, Ire, James, and Saria coming in last but quickly finding their places.

"Today is a new year for some of you. Today will be the day you are officially an adult. For others, this is the day you are officially allowed to work," Director Kester announced, his voice booming and echoing in the still dining hall as he moved the pot off the fire.

"For those who are officially adults, you will not be able to come back here after the ceremony. I will provide a letter of recommendation, and I suggest you find somewhere to stay before it gets dark," he continued somberly. "For those who will officially be able to work, you must go out into the village and look for tasks to do. Make sure to get paid and bring it here."

The children knew the routine well: those capable of working would bring their earnings back to the director for food and wood. "If you're unable to work, I will find work for you," Director Kester added coldly. The children’s faces turned grim, some going pale as his words sank in.

He moved around the table with the pot under his arm and a ladle in his other hand, scooping a simple white gravy onto the bread on each plate. "Now, dig in," he said, serving himself last before setting the pot down and taking a seat at the head of the table. The children began to devour their meals, but Director Kester only stared at them, his gaze unsettling.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"Was the lesson learned last night?" he asked James, his eyes piercing. James froze, unsure whether to speak or remain silent. The director’s gaze seemed to burn a hole through him before finally looking down at his bowl and beginning to eat.

James resumed eating, now even quicker, almost inhaling his food. The director paid him no further mind, and soon everyone had finished their plates, some licking them clean. The director stared into his meal, his expression a mix of depression and anger. Noticing everyone was done, he spoke again.

"Everyone, get to work. Those of you participating in the ceremony, prepare to head to the church," he instructed. The children who were already able to work left quickly, eager to avoid the director’s wrath. The remaining children cleaned the table, removing every plate and washing them. Soon, they were lined up near the door, with those participating in the ceremony at the front.

The director slowly moved up the line, inspecting the ragged children in their dirty clothes. "Good, you washed yourselves," he said before opening the door. "Let’s go. We're going to the church," he announced, and the children began to file out one by one. He waited until the last child had left before looking back into the dining hall with a sigh, closing the door behind him as he exited the orphanage.

= Church of Aerikesh, Podgrad / Main Hall (Morning) =

All of the children who had come of age sat diligently in the front row. On the right side, children dressed in various garbs and clothes, each design as unique as the races that wore them. On the left side were the orphans, their clothes resembling stable rags next to the other children, their smell not much better. Some of the children on the right side whispered among themselves, their parents quickly reprimanding them to maintain decorum.

Everyone stood as Bishop Kur slowly walked down the center aisle between the pews. His voice rang out, angelic and crystal clear, as he sang a hymn. "Oh, radiant gods, in heavens high," his voice resonated, creating an ethereal atmosphere. "With grateful hearts, to Thee we cry." His song soothed and reached deep into the souls of all present.

"Bless our children, pure and bright," he continued, moving toward the front of the room. Parents began to weep, overcome with pride. "Guide them with Thy holy light."

"In fields of gold, where dreams are sown, Our children's paths to Thee are shown." He turned to face the congregation, eyes closed tightly, hands pressed together.

"With love divine, their hearts do fill, To lead us forth by Thy will." Slowly, the bishop dropped to his knees, and the parents followed suit.

"Thy love, eternal, pure, and true, we thank Thee, gods, for all we do." A radiant light began to emerge from the bishop, symbols appearing on the floor beneath him.

"In children's eyes, we see Thy grace, To guide our souls to Thy embrace." The light enveloped the room, symbols glowing under each child.

"As stars alight the darkened sky," his voice echoed like a chorus of angels, the light strengthening around the children. "Our children lead us, drawing nigh."

"With every step, their spirits soar, On paths of light forevermore." As the final word was sung, the church was blinded by light, with magic symbols now under each child.

"The blessing has been requested," said a high priest, stepping in front of the bishop as several priests helped him to his feet. "Now we shall begin the Test of Clarity." The parents and congregation stood, some displaying pride, others still weeping.

A young curate walked up the center aisle, holding a velvet pillow with a large spherical stone on top. The high priest turned to the children in the front row, still glowing from the hymn. "I will call you up one by one. When I call your name, come and place your hand on the stone next to me," he instructed.

"William Thatcher," the high priest called. A young boy from the right side moved forward, his magical glow barely visible. He placed his hand on the stone, and the magic around him was absorbed into it. An arcana circlet appeared on his forehead. "Minor Blessing of Archery," the high priest announced with a smile.

"John Connor," he called next, and another human boy ran up. Each child’s blessing was announced. When a small girl named Emily placed her hand on the stone, both an arcana circlet and a halo appeared.

"Major Blessing of Fertility, title of One with the Earth," the high priest said in shock. The church fell silent until Emily asked, "Is that good?" The high priest snapped out of his

daze, patting her shoulder.

"You will change the fate of this kingdom. You and your family are blessed," he said, looking at her weeping parents. "Go," he instructed, and Emily returned to her parents.

After almost all the children had been called, only Ire, Saria, Eric, James, and Geer remained. The high priest finished with a child blessed with Minor Animal Blessing and looked at the orphans. "Next," he said, not bothering with their names. Geer stepped forward, bending down to place his hand on the stone. The magic around him was absorbed, and an arcana circlet and halo appeared.

"Servant of the Hero," the high priest announced, his eyes wide. The room erupted into whispers until the bishop silenced them.

Geer stood dumbfounded, looking at the director and his friends before turning back to the bishop and high priest. "Look here," the bishop said, examining the arcana around Geer. "He is a Servant of a Hero."

"Stand over here," the high priest instructed, moving Geer to the side. Director Kester frowned as he saw Geer being moved.

"Next," the high priest called, and Ire, Saria, and Eric followed in succession. Each received their blessings. Finally, it was James’s turn. He stepped forward eagerly, hoping for the same title.

As soon as James placed his hand on the stone, a deep gold light filled the room, radiating off him. Arcana spiraled around him like a vortex. The high priest fell, the bishop dropped to his knees, and the clergy stood in amazement.

"Blessing of the Hero," the bishop declared.

"Great Blessing of War," the high priest added, a mix of emotions on his face.

"The Hero of War," Director Kester whispered in shock. The room erupted in cheers, people shouting, "A Hero has been born!" and "Podgrad did it again!"

The high priest and bishop stood. "Everyone, go and spread the word: a hero has been found," the bishop announced. The clergy helped guide the congregation out of the church.

"Director Kester, stay with your children for a moment," the bishop said. "Of course, Father," Kester replied, bowing deeply.

Once the congregation had left, the bishop addressed the orphans. "Children, have a seat and wait here. Come with me, Director," he instructed, motioning towards his office. The high priest followed, and the clergy locked the church doors, placing themselves at various entry points.