Dazzling light blinded everyone present. Even though it was Arath's third time witnessing this phenomenon he was still in awe watching the scenes unfolding. If he looked around he would notice he wasn't the only one with this expression. Moreover even the elderly still had to collect their jaws from the ground. A warm light surrounded the place and magically lifted everyone's spirit, even the most doubtful and spiteful were filled with hope for a moment. Then the light vanished as fast as it appreared and the only thinh it left was a group of weirdly clothed youth ranging from 15 to 25 years old. Everybody's gazes were fixed at the small group that just appeared out of nowhere behind The Council's representative right in the middle of a shining circle made out of runes. The middle aged man turned around and walked down the stairs trying to appear majestical but failing miserably as his long coat blocked his movement range. Nonetheles he got down and started to greet the newcomers. Their faces showed signs of surprise, anxiety, fear and shock. Just a moment ago they had been eating dinner, playing games or learning for school and now for some reason they were in a giant cave surrended by thousands of strangers and had no idea what was going on.

"Welcome dear Heroes, I am Philip and I have the honour to receive you in our world. I know you are surprised and scared but believe me - everything will become clear in no time. I humbly ask you to follow me inside and I will explain everyth..." He gave his speech while inwardly praising himself for putting together this monologue, but unexpectedly a tall rough looking man in his twenties barged out of the crowd and interrupted him.

"Oh no, no you fucking cultists. I know the likes of you, you kidnap people, sell bullshit and make them loyal to you cause' they have no idea what to do. I won't play your little games. Tell me where I am and get me back home or I'll kill y'all!" He clunched his fists and came close enough to the white robed alleged cultist to let the other feel pressure of these words.

The representative looked scared for a second but quickly collected himself.

"Brave words young man. We will see if you are as tough as you claim on the battlefield. For now it seems we will have to make sure you won't cause any troubles." He raised his staff, pointed at the troublemaker and murmured some words. Suddenly the young man's limbs were covered by a thick layer of ice. The crowd around him went crazy.

"How could he do that to him?! Poor boy. He was just scared." Most non-magician natives expressed their dissaproval very lively.

"Was that magic!? Is this some kind of trickery? He was right, these guys are cultists!" The summoned youths were stunned and even more scared than before.

"That's it! Teach them some respect! As expected of Philip, Icy Emperor!" Most of magicians and Council's butt-lickers praised the middle aged man's method.

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Even though not everyone agreed if it was the right method, all those who with rebellious thoughts started to have second-thoughts and decided to obey, at least for now. The frozen man could not believe what had happened. No matter how much he struggled he could not break free from the ice. After few tries he gave up looking helplessly around.

"So, can we go in now? Any other complains?" All the summoned youths energetically shook their heads. "As I thought. I'm very sorry for what happened I hope you will forgive me for the incident once you understand your situation. For now, please follow me." He then gave sign to his assitants and led the group to a giant tower just next to the city hall. Not long after another man climbed the pedestal looked at the crowd beneath him and said "Everyone interested in assisting The Heroes is asked to register in The Awakening Hall during the following week. There you will be tested and informed about all procedures. Thank you for your presence, you may now leave."

Most of the people turned around and went back to their houses discussing the incident on the way. Some had to go back to their and and the rest just sat down on benches on the plaza and shared their opinions with their friends. The day of ritual was one of few public holidays, so all business were closed leaving only soldiers and a couple others the only ones that had work.

"Arath? What do you think about them? Still want to sacrifice your life for them? They are a bunch of proud, egoistical pricks." Clara asked when they have finally found a quiet corner talk.

"I know, I am not doing it for them. I'm not that stupid. The thing is I don't have much of a choice. I can either rot here and die a nobody fighting for every loaf of bread or I can at least try to become someone. You of all people should understand."

'And also The Tower is the only place I can become strong enough to fight for what is mine. I really don't want to live a slave life running from every danger, I'm tired of it.' He added silently.

"I guess there is no stopping you. Then what is your plan?"

"Right now I need money for equipment and supplies so tommorow morning I'll go to the market sell all the loot and valuables I found in the caves and see how muc I'll be left with after purchasing all necessities."

"All right, sounds good. What after that?"

"Hmm, I'll probably go register after 4 days to avoid long queues and see if they accept me. Oh, I almost forgot. Do you have anywhere to stay in the city? I could shelter you for the time being but um, I hate to admit it, the place is not in the most luxurious."

"Don't worry, we have a place alread..." Clara wanted to turn down the offer when suddenly Anga jumped up and clung to Arath.

"Yes, thank you brother. We would be very grateful for it. You. Are. Amazing."

Clara looked around embarrased and couldn't look Arath in the eye, of course they had no place to go. She hated to admit it but besides Arath her only option was to sell herself if she wanted to avoid both her and Anga starving to death. During the months of slavery she, Anga and the girl they abandoned in the camp had gotten very close to each other. They considered each other sisters and Clara being then older one of the remaining two decided she would take care of Anga and provide her with a good life.

Arath flattered by the girl's compliment gave the hug back and stood up. My place is this way. Stick close to me, the neighbourhood is not very friendly."