It was late at night, with the snowflake still quietly falling outside the glass window.
The shimmering Fire Crystal radiates a faint red light inside the bronze heater, warming the interior of the bedroom as Hannah was gently embracing the sleeping little Myah inside her bosom after telling his favorite bedtime story. A mixture of love and sadness flashed in her sapphire blue eyes.
Although Hannah could argue against the Clan elders, it was only a way to stall for time. If Thoran genuinely made any move, she would be helpless to protect Myah.
"Milk...pookies..." As Hannah was thinking deeply, little Myah started mumbling with a childish voice in his sleep. Then, he nudged and wiggled inside her bosom for a comfortable position.
Tracing her slender finger through Myah's silver hair, Hannah was on the verge of tearing up. But, instead, she heaved a sigh and muttered in a sorrowful tone.
"It all depends on tomorrow...
But no matter how it turns out, mommy will protect you."
Closing her eyes, Hannah held an emblem with the picture of a tree and began her prayer, hoping that Myah would awaken with good talent in tomorrow's awakening ceremony.
...
Meanwhile, a figure silently stepped out from Thoran's office.
It was William, who was seemingly in deep thought and unfocused. After passing through the patrolling guards and large buildings, a thick layer of snow quickly covered his leather coat as he stood in front of his courtyard.
The place was empty. Although it was lit up brightly along with the heater's radiant, it lacks the atmosphere of a family.
Looking at this place, William couldn't even remember the last time his wife Hannah had been here. His breathing becomes dreary just thinking about the disdainful look and contempt from the eyes of his wife.
"You! come over here," William called out to a nearby good-looking maidservant with an irritated tone.
Although the maid felt frightened, she still hesitantly headed over and greeted William as she couldn't afford to offend him and lose this job. It's winter, and she still needs to feed her family back home.
"Hm!" Seeing the pitiful maid slowly tearing up, William smirked with a half-smile.
'So what if you are unwilling? Without power and background, you are just a heap of flesh for me to vent on.' Dragging the sobbing maid by the hair, he forcefully pulled her inside the room.
Three minutes later, William stepped outside with a satisfied smile.
...
A new day arrived.
The sunlight was blocked by the thick cloud above as they couldn't be passed through so quickly. The snow has thickened up to two-foot throughout the night and still hasn't stopped as the snowfall continues.
Inside the Ceremonial Hall of the Braveheart Clan, around a sizeable jade-like platform gathered more than a hundred children about six years old.
Some look excited, and some look scared, while there are also a few who appear hesitant. But, contrary to the kids, their parents look on fervently in excitement, hoping that their child would be blessed, awaken a good high-grade talent, and become a genius.
It would be a life changer!
The ceremonial hall was huge, easily accommodated a few thousand at once, and still had plenty of space left. The large structure was supported by ten thick white-colored pillars, with five on each side of the Ceremonial Hall.
In the center of the hall was a large platform made out of green jade with mysterious carving. On it stood erected a seven-meter tall indigo-colored stone that radiating much beautiful, warm light sparkles.
A massive Spirit Stone, the core of the formation on the platform!
Generally, a Spirit Stone is a precious stone that contains a particular amount of spirit energy based on its grade. They are needed for one's cultivation and also to recover faster.
For one to be as large as seven meters tall, only a few prominent Clans like the Braveheart's would be able to afford it. So, usually, the Ceremonial Hall was closed and would only be open once a year when the children awaken their Soul Origin Crystal.
Holding little Myah in her arm, Hannah stepped into the hall just in time for the awakening ceremony and was quickly greeted by the other familiar clansmen.
Seemingly enchanted, Myah hurriedly pointed his little finger at the Spirit Stone and exclaimed loudly, which attracted many's attention. "Mama, mama, that big stone is pwetty!"
"Shhh, don't talk so loud dear, it's not good to disturb other people. Today is an important day, so keep your voice down, okay?" Hannah gently pressed a finger on Myah's lip, stopping the curious little guy from causing a commotion. After Myah nodded, she poked his nose and slowly explained, "That's a Spirit Stone, dear, and it's a very, very precious thing. Does little Myah like it?"
"Un" (Myah)
"If little Myah can be good, later mama will give you one to play, okay?" Hannah whispered to his ear, just enough to not disturb the other clansmen and the Clan elders talking on the platform.
"Ummm... okay, Myah will be good." Myah paused for a moment, then blinked his big eyes and nodded vigorously. The little guy hugged Hannah's neck and silently watched the ceremony unfold.
Seeing so many unfamiliar faces, Myah was a little scared. Especially the boys! They are nasty bullies who would usually laugh and pick on him when he goes to the playground.
When it was time for the Awakening Ceremony to begin, everyone in the hall bowed respectfully toward an old, white-haired elder clothed in a white ceremonial robe standing on the platform as he started his speech. Again, it was similar to every other previous year, which has become a tradition for the Braveheart Clan.
"Ahem...The time has come. Let the Awakening Ceremony begin." Then, with a cough, the old elder glancing through the various expression on the children's faces, he continued but accompanied his solemn voice was a kind smile.
"Listen, children, when I call your name, you have to step up on the platform and touch this Spirit Stone. The longer you can touch the Stone, the better the result. Once you feel that you can't hold on anymore, let go of your hand, and your Soul Origin Crystal will be awakened. It's a simple process. Are we all clear?"
The old elder said while not forgetting to remind the children to hold onto the Spirit Crystal as long as possible. Through the countless years, although there wasn't any concrete evidence to support that theory, it's a belief that the longer one can hold onto the Spirit Crystal, the better the chance one gets at awakened a high-grade Soul Origin Crystal.
Hundred of years ago, when the current Clan Leader Thoran awakens, he managed to hold on to the Spirit Crystal for more than thirty minutes and awakened an A-grade, purple color Soul Origin Crystal.
"Yes, elder." All the children replied in unison. Before they come here, their parents have strictly reminded them to hold onto the Spirit Crystal as long as they can, over and over. Hence it didn't come as a surprise.
No one raises any question, the ceremony proceeded.
The attendant arranged for them to stand neatly in groups, waiting to be called. Myah was also obediently standing among them, despite feeling uncomfortable being near many unknown faces.
"Alright, children, I will begin calling your name. Remember, no matter what grade your Soul Origin Crystal is, do not be afraid. Now listen carefully." Holding a name list in his shaky hand, the old elder started to call out to the children one by one. He has held this ceremony for many years; and his attitude was relatively warm and caring toward the kids.