The Dark Ascendant

The first rays of dawn filtered through the worn curtains of Raj's small room at the inn. He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind consumed by a single thought—The Awakening Ceremony. It was the first crucial step in his plan to thrive in this world. Without a Right Path, his potential was limited, and in a world driven by strength and power, staying weak was not an option.

He sat up, stretching his arms, feeling the slight chill of the morning air on his skin. The knowledge he had gained from the library the night before still burned fresh in his mind. The books had revealed much about this world's power system, the countless Paths that could be taken, and the legends surrounding each. Some were common and accessible—like the Warrior and Mage Paths—while others were rare, shrouded in mystery and secrecy.

The choice of a Gem Path could define someone's entire life. But for Raj, fate had something far more unique planned. He could sense it—the strange artifact bound to his soul pulsed faintly with energy, as if whispering to him, guiding him toward a greater destiny.

He stood and dressed quickly, his thoughts turning to Dorian. If anyone could provide answers about the ceremony and how to participate in it, it would be him. He needed to tread carefully, though. Revealing too much would only raise suspicion, and Raj preferred to keep his secrets close.

The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread greeted him as he descended to the guild hall. The place was already bustling with activity—adventurers preparing for the day's missions, merchants arranging their goods, and the usual rowdy group laughing over mugs of ale, even this early in the morning.

Dorian was easy to spot, leaning against the bar with his usual relaxed demeanor, a half-smile on his face as he chatted with the barkeep. Raj made his way over, his steps calm and deliberate.

"Dorian," Raj greeted, his voice casual but tinged with curiosity. "I've been wondering about something."

Dorian turned, raising an eyebrow. "Morning, Raj. What's on your mind?"

Raj leaned slightly on the counter, adopting a relaxed stance. "The Gem Paths... I've been hearing a lot about them since I arrived in town. But how does one actually undergo the awakening process? Is it something anyone can do?"

Dorian chuckled, taking a sip from his cup before answering. "Ah, the Path Awakening. You're not the first to be curious about it. It's a big deal around here." He set the cup down and gestured for Raj to follow him to a quieter corner of the hall.

"Here's how it works," Dorian began, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Most people go through the awakening at a young age, usually at the local chapel or academy. If you've got money or connections, the guild can arrange it too. For a price, of course."

"And if you don't have either?" Raj asked, tilting his head.

Dorian smirked. "Well, that's where things get tricky. The basic Gem Paths—Warrior, Archer, Mage—those are available to anyone willing to pay the fee. But the rarer Gems? The powerful ones? Those require more than just money. You need the right connections, the right heritage, or a stroke of ridiculous luck."

Raj nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "So, the Chapel of the Twelve… that's where the public ceremonies take place?"

"Yes," Dorian confirmed. "It's the most common place for awakenings here in Ravendale. The priests oversee the process, and if fate smiles on you, the Path you receive could change your life forever."

"Interesting," Raj said, his mind already working on the next step. "Is there a specific time for the ceremony?"

"Every third day," Dorian replied. "They open the doors in the morning for anyone seeking an awakening. But be warned—the chapel has its secrets. Not everyone who enters leaves with what they hoped for."

A flicker of excitement stirred in Raj's chest. The Chapel of the Twelve—a place of power and mystery—seemed like the perfect place to begin his journey into the Gem Path.

"Thanks, Dorian," Raj said, his voice calm but resolute. "I think it's time I paid the chapel a visit."

Dorian grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "Good luck. Just remember, the Path chooses you as much as you choose it. Whatever happens, trust in fate."

Raj gave a small nod and turned, his thoughts racing. Fate. The word carried weight in this world. But Raj had never been one to trust blindly in fate. He would shape his own destiny, one step at a time.

As he walked toward the door, the morning sun bathed the town of Ravendale in a golden light. The streets were already filling with merchants and townsfolk, the town coming to life around him. The Chapel of the Twelve awaited, and with it, the next step in his journey.

The artifact within him stirred once more, its power thrumming in response to his resolve. Whatever lay ahead, Raj knew one thing for certain—he would not leave the chapel the same man who entered.