Chapter 12: The Chosen One

The ceremony began.

Samuel held the Sacred Light Crystal, his expression solemn.

One by one, the young people stepped forward, placing their hands on the crystal.

Most of the time, the crystal merely emitted a gentle white glow, with no other change.

At such moments, the young person would step back with disappointment, and their family’s faces would show dejection.

Occasionally, a faint trace of colored light would flash within the crystal, and Samuel would nod, record the name, and say,

“Good elemental affinity. May be recommended for further study at the Church Academy.”

This alone was enough to make the family overjoyed.

The line gradually shortened.

As the last of the eligible young people neared the front, the Sacred Light Crystal had yet to show the legendary brilliance that foretold the descent of the Hero.

Samuel’s brow furrowed slightly.

Had the guidance of the Sacred Light gone astray?

The village chief, too, wiped his sweat nervously from the side.

At that moment, Samuel’s gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Luo Ling, standing at the very edge.

He paused, as if sensing something.

“That young man,”

Samuel extended his staff, pointing at Luo Ling.

“You, come here.”

All eyes instantly focused on Luo Ling.

The villagers whispered among themselves:

“It’s Luo Ling…”

“He’s of age too…”

“I wonder how it’ll go…”

Luo Ling froze, then frowned, stepping back and shaking his head.

“I’m not here to participate in the ceremony.”

His response made the atmosphere awkward.

The village chief hurried over, tugging at Luo Ling’s arm and whispering, “Luo Ling, don’t be stubborn! Go on, the esteemed Apostle is calling you!”

“I won’t go.”

Luo Ling’s attitude was resolute.

He only wanted a peaceful life with Eve, uninterested in Heroes or glory.

A hint of surprise flickered in Samuel’s eyes, then his lips curved into a meaningful smile.

“Young man, no need to be nervous. It’s just a simple test—there’s no harm to you. Perhaps, you are the one we seek?”

“I am not.”

Luo Ling’s tone allowed no room for doubt.

His eyes unconsciously turned to Eve beside him, who looked at him with worry.

He tightened his grip on Eve’s hand—his only comfort and resolve in that moment.

His resistance, in Samuel’s eyes, became a different kind of proof.

The true Hero often does not know himself before awakening, and may even resist his fate.

Samuel stepped forward, tapping his staff lightly on the ground.

An invisible force spread outward.

It was not hostile, yet Luo Ling felt as though he had been locked in place.

“The will of the Sacred Light cannot be defied. Child, the gears of fate have begun to turn. You cannot escape.”

Samuel’s voice carried an undeniable authority.

Several knights stepped forward, subtly surrounding Luo Ling and Eve.

They did not use force, but their intent was clear.

Eve gently pushed Luo Ling, whispering,

“Luo Ling, go. Don’t anger them. It’s only a touch of the crystal.”

She could sense the power of these people and did not want Luo Ling to be harmed because of it.

Luo Ling gritted his teeth.

He did not want Eve to worry.

He glared fiercely at Samuel, then reluctantly released Eve’s hand and stepped forward.

Under countless complex gazes, Luo Ling approached the Sacred Light Crystal.

He neither looked at Samuel nor at the crystal.

He simply placed his hand upon it, unwillingly.

At the very moment Luo Ling’s palm touched the crystal—

BZZZZT!!!

A deafening hum erupted!

The Sacred Light Crystal, which had only emitted a gentle white glow before, suddenly exploded with dazzling golden brilliance!

The light was as if the sun itself had descended, so intense that no one could open their eyes!

A powerful divine aura surged from the crystal, spreading outward like a tide.

Wherever it passed, even the dust in the air seemed purified.

The villagers felt an unprecedented warmth and comfort.

Some elderly with lingering ailments even felt their pain lessen greatly.

Samuel’s eyes flew wide.

A look of wild joy and excitement appeared on his face!

His hand on the staff trembled.

“It’s him! It’s truly him! By the Sacred Light, we have found him! We have finally found the Hero of Prophecy!”

Samuel’s voice trembled with emotion.

He pointed at Luo Ling and declared loudly to the surrounding knights and the stunned villagers, “The guidance of the Sacred Light Crystal! The radiant golden divine light! This is the highest and purest sign of a Hero!”

“He is the one chosen by the Sacred Light!”