"Good morning to everyone and thank you for your time. I know how dedicated all of you are to your work and responsibilities. It must not be easy to be here seated," the Chancellor spoke in the direction of the lined seats.
On that side were quite a few people Kairo couldn't recognize. Apart from his father, all the rest were utter strangers. But given that they sat there, they had to be important, he thought.
"I know you are all well aware of the process and the logistics, but for formality's sake, I need to re-explain everything. Please bear with me."
The Chancellor's voice was so calm and soothing that everyone nodded, waiting quietly for his explanation. Kairo was well aware of everything that was about to be said, but some people here had come from all over the country—thus, each year the same thing was repeated.
"First, you will be assessed by your aura. The aura is the defining source of your magic—like the fuel behind your power. The aura of each individual varies in terms of intensity and essence. For now, all your auras are still locked," the Chancellor said.
Kairo sighed in his corner. Who even chose such a stupid name? he wondered. This simply meant that their auras were tied to their card magic activation. Until it was activated, none of them could see or feel it.
"To unlock your aura, you will need to use the specialized machine present here. It will evaluate your aura and then propose what we call holders, for you to inject your aura into them. The number of holders you can fill depends entirely on you—or, for some, even luck," the Chancellor said with a smile.
Next to him on the stage were two mechanical arms that extended from the ceiling.
The arms' circuitry looked so complex it was impossible to replicate, even with the most precise lasers. This machine had been the creator and destroyer of several ambitious youths like them. They both dreaded it and admired it.
Staring at the machine, Kairo balled his fist. This machine wouldn't stop him from becoming a Card Mage Police officer. Nothing would—not even fate.
"Now that you know the rules, who is the first daredevil?"
The voice of the Chancellor this time sounded more like an invitation to challenge the machine—and perhaps even their destinies. The atmosphere in the hall suddenly tightened, like the air had reduced, causing them to hold their breath.
Just as Kairo was about to take the first move, Jed broke the silence and stepped forward. All the stares fell on him like an avalanche, but his steps never staggered. Straight like a sword, he moved to the platform and turned to face the crowd—more specifically, in Kairo and Rellion's direction.
"I am ready, Chancellor," he called out respectfully.
The Chancellor radiated visible pride, but his professionalism was unmatched. With a flick of his hand, the machine was set in motion. It practiced precision as it settled on Jed's temples, humming to life like it had been awakened from slumber.
Jed's face twitched slightly before a radiant smile flickered on his face. His body began shining like he had been turned into a living star. The jade-blue aura flowed out like aggressive waves—uncontrolled and powerful.
The youths all gasped in shock. The leaders on the side all harbored impressed smiles. Jed was at his highest, instinctively straightening his chest to appear more imposing.
Then, from the ceiling, a little object started floating downward.
Kairo and the others held their breath like they were stuck underwater. It was now that everything started. How many card holders Jed would light up would determine his future.
Jed turned extremely serious, entering an almost war-like state. The first card shone brightly, absorbing his aura like an endless typhoon.
With a clear cracking sound, the first card was formed under the mesmerized onlookers. The normal holder started changing—markings that mimicked those of ancient magic flickered around the edges of the card, transforming it from a simple holder into a powerful vessel of magic.
Jed smiled proudly, catching the first card in hand. Kairo felt a tinge of envy rise in his heart. Jed had succeeded on the first try, and even worse, it wasn't over yet.
"Can he still light another one?"
"I heard the maximum number of cards that have been lighted was three. Can he reach that level?"
Everyone gasped in awe. Jed's aura was rising once more. Although his aura felt less aggressive, it still roared in the sky. The next holder descended, and almost with dragon-like power, the aura consumed the holder, which gracefully fell into Jed's hands.
Kairo sighed in awe. Although he didn't like Jed, he admired his prowess. Records said the higher the number of cards you could activate during the ceremony, the better your chances at wielding card magic. This was mainly because this was the first contact with the magic, and it was crucial.
Jed staggered forward, unable to stand still anymore. But despite that, no one thought of him as weak — far from that, they all had admiring gazes.
"That's incredible, Jed. You are bound to be a great Card Mage officer," the Chancellor said. "The first candidate was indeed far from what we expected. I hope you all give us something this exciting. Don't worry if you can't activate many cards. You will still be able to get others through various means in your career."
Kairo shook his head. If only it were that simple. The number of cards activated for the first time was fixed and would never change. Even if one obtained other cards through other means, that limit would play a role in how their magic was used.
"Why don't you give it a try now, Rellion? We might be working together in the future. Hope you can activate many cards," Jed said with the most amicable voice possible.
Kairo took a deep breath, ready to go next. But Rellion was faster than him. He had been like a ball of energy all this time and was already seeping with excitement. "Take a look."
"Give it your all, Rellion. I know you can do as well, if not even better," Kairo cheered.
Rellion nodded, taking bold strides toward the platform. Jed had already left, with the Chancellor standing on the side of the successful candidate, eagerly waiting to see Rellion embarrass himself.
Kairo hardened his resolve. He had trust in Rellion. Given his personality, his aura couldn't be any weaker.
Rellion stood in front of the crowd and smiled, waiting patiently for the Chancellor to set the machine. The Chancellor flicked his fingers once more, setting the machine back in motion.
Rellion's face turned serious as he awaited. The machine precisely landed on his temple — a tad faster and more violent than for Jed's turn, almost intentionally hurting him. Kairo's face twitched when he saw that. Rellion's body staggered, almost crumbling at the initial connection.
Still, Rellion was a born fighter. His aura began leaking out of his body like a malevolent tide, devouring the space forward. The red ember-like flame aura caused the entire youth to step back. Rellion was far from over. Rising to his feet, he called out to the sky. "Come!" His voice echoed almost like he was ordering the machine to function for him.
The onlookers stared, flabbergasted by the scene. Three card holders fell from the opened ceiling at once, causing many to widen their eyes. Kairo's heartbeat increased. "Three... is he going to do it?" Biting his lip, he couldn't wait to find out.
Rellion looked to be in an intense battle. He aggressively rushed his aura into the three cards all at once. Three dazzling arcs shot out from his aura, landing squarely onto the card holders. The cards started vibrating as if they were turning unstable.
Observing the scene, Kairo's face darkened. "Something is wrong here. Stop him now." He didn't know why, but his instincts spoke for him. But it was a tad late. A sickening explosion swept through the hall like a star was being born.
Rellion's body was sent flying backward, colliding with the walls at bullet speed.
The officers all stood up in shock. The building had been built to control this kind of situation, causing almost no damage to those outside of the testing range. Except for Rellion, no one was wounded.
Kairo rushed to the platform, disregarding the disapproving stare of his father. "Rellion, what happened? Are you okay?" he called out, helping his friend up.
"I don't know, I was in total control of the process until the machine made my head hurt like hell," Rellion said. "Please, Chancellor, give me another chance. There was something wrong with the machine."
The Chancellor was silent the whole while, his face moving back and forth between the important people and the youths. "Unfortunately, I can't, Rellion. This would be unfair to others. And the activation is a one-time event. It either fails or succeeds. You are doomed not to be able to use card magic. I am sorry."
"No, you heard him—there was an error with the machine. There has to be something that can be done. Rellion and I, it was our dream to become card officers. Please give him another chance," Kairo pleaded.
"Don't place my father in a difficult position, Kairo. You want to make him appear like the bad guy, but it's Rellion who was too arrogant, wanting to activate three cards all at once. I feel really sorry for you, Rellion, but we all saw the spectacular failure... the scene, I mean. There is nothing that can be done now," Jed said.
"But Chancellor—" Kairo insisted.
"Enough, Kairo! Return to your place now." The voice of his father fell like a divine command, forcing Kairo to swallow his next wave of plea.