This story is part of the Wanderer series.
In the clearing was a large circle of stone columns, rising about as high as the structures around it. The columns appeared worn, the grooves in their shafts not as defined as the other buildings. Stepping into the circle of columns, the group saw a stone pathway lining the inner perimeter. The ground it encircled was indented, perhaps two meters deep, the grass sloping down like a steep hill with two flat sections. It was a self-contained terrace, lined with long sections of flat-topped stone that traced along the flats, forming a pair of rings symmetrically broken-up into eight parts. At the center of all these circular structures was a large platform, also perfectly circular, made of a whiter color of stone, engraved with a circle containing an octagram. It was an arena of some sort.
Lifting to the tip of her toes, Nozomi’s eyes widened as she looked around.
“Whaaaowww!”
Weststar chuckled at her exclamation. Rin silently stared at the octagram, expression curious. Catching up to their sides, Chiara’s attention was also drawn to the octagram, while Nozomi continued to gaze around the area.
The central platform stood out, not only because of the prominently engraved geometry on its surface, but the stone was also well kept and polished compared to the other structures around the arena, the seats being chipped with worn corners and the pathway being mildly overgrown between the stone bricks.
“It’s so neat and circular!” Nozomi finished.
Staying by Weststar’s side, Alisan’s attention was focused on the group, seemingly detached from the peculiar surroundings. With a final tap of his staff, Weststar came to a stop.
“This is a historic and sacred ground.”
Weststar motioned to the right end, where the group realized a feature they initially missed. There was a faint but distinct pair of steps leading down to the platform, paved by stones embedded into the hill. At the top of the hill, at their level, was a stone wall, similar to the seats surrounding the platform, but chest height tall.
“When the Kingdom was established and the sacred Journey was defined, these grounds were built to judge one’s readiness to start their journey,” Weststar explained.
The group, observing this short little half wall some time longer, realized there were circular stone protrusions behind it, almost like stone stools. Rin noticed the stone around the wall was a little different than the rest of the pathway, forming its own rectangular portion around the wall, as if it were built separately.
“Known as the First Trial… it was an imbuement trial, effectively,” the high elder continued. “The one seeking to embark on the Enlightened Journey, what we called the candidate, stands at the center of the grounds… and imbues themselves with their life force… their energy.”
Eyes sweeping down the hill, the group centered their focus on the octagram. Alisan’s followed with them, her expression almost nostalgic.
“The potency of their output would be judged by some of the most esteemed high elders of the land, who travel from as far as the northest coasts to bear witness for the heavens.”
Bringing his arms together, Weststar lightly planted his staff squarely in front as he gripped it with both hands, easing himself.
“Though the trial is optional today, candidates over the centuries have gone through this trial. And through it, the kingdom’s most talented sages have been discovered.”
Chiara looked over at the elder. “They don’t do it anymore?”
Weststar shook his head. “It is optional, if the candidate wishes, or believes it would improve their case.”
“How come?” Chiara persisted.
“The trial is potency biased,” the high elder explained. “It only measures potency. Today, we know, as the Renaissance taught us, the potency of one’s life force is not the only defining trait.”
Slightly furrowing her brows in confusion, Chiara said nothing more as she looked out into the center again. Weststar turned to Alisan.
“My dear, you participated in this trial, did you not?”
Alisan grew attentive. “Yes, High Elder.”
He nodded. “I remember that is how I learned about you. The reports that came out of that trial.”
Nozomi suddenly became interested. “How did you do? How does it work?”
Alisan blushed, becoming sheepish as Nozomi leaned into her space. Weststar chuckled.
“Would you like to participate?” Weststar asked.
Nozomi glanced up. “Huh?”
“I took the privilege to inform the trial supervisors to be ready to conduct a trial today if you so wished.”
Rin suddenly eyed the high elder suspiciously. However, Nozomi grew excited.
“Really?! We can?!”
Her excitement bled into Chiara. “I want to do it too!”
The high elder gently laughed. “Wait here, then, while I fetch the supervisors.”
As he turned to leave, he briefly turned to Alisan. “Dear, help your friends settle in. I leave them in your care.”
She shifted uncomfortably in place. “U-uh…”
“Show them around if you wish,” Weststar suggested before turning away.
“O-okay…”