"We welcome all of you…"
As Elder Ren started with the pleasantries, his voice booming across the Awakening Coliseum, Osric took his seat in the chamber built exclusively for the Fahren Clan.
It was quite exquisite, with layerings of Twilight Onyx adorning the chairs, tables and chandelier that hung silently from the roof. The walls, as is the case with every buildings of the Fahren Clan, gleamed the silvery allure of the Dark Edge Ore.
To one side of the chamber was a reinforced window wall, giving one access to the view outside.
On the table before him sat a cup of Nocturnal Tea, a drink that had become his all time favorite.
An amused smile tug at his lips as he replayed the scene that occurred a moment ago in his mind.
With little effort, Elder Ren had coaxed two Treasures of the Divine Grade from the Infernal King and the Sprite King.
He shamelessly deemed those treasures payments for putting the lives of 'youngsters' at stake. When in actuality, the lives of these so-called youngsters were never threatened to begin with.
With the inconspicuous Formations floating around the Awakening Coliseum, it was impossible to hurt even a fly.
Both Kings understood this, no, everyone present understood this, but what could they do? It was true that they had acted unbridled in a delicate territory of the Fahren Clan.
The Kings of the Sprite and Demon Race had to handover the Treasures, to save their faces. Like this, the Fahren Clan gained two more Divine Grade Treasures to their treasury.
Osric couldn't help but chuckle.
"What's so funny, brat?" a melodious voice sounded abruptly. It sounded as though it belonged to a Goddess, but the immature and playful tone laced underneath gave it away.
Osric's eyes lit up, his smile becoming pronounced and genuine as the familiar fragrance of Moon Rose invaded his nostrils.
'Seina…'
Osric whipped his head upwards steadily, his gaze beholding a young beauty looming over him.
The pair of intoxicating violet irises were the first feature Osric's gaze beheld. They glowed like two purple torches, and held the illusion as though countless moons hid within them.
The beautiful strands of glossy, obsidian hair cascaded from her head past her shoulders, ending just few inches above her rear.
Her exquisite dress of violet hue twinkled slightly, wrapping around her flat but budding body with incomparable fitness.
This was Seina, the only grandchild of one of the Grand Elders, and also the only true friend he had made in the Fahren Clan.
"If you stare at me with such intense eyes, then I might just blush."
The melodious voice came again, snapping Osric back into reality, but then, he chuckled.
Blush? That was a word one wouldn't find in the being of Seina. For as long as he could remember, she had never been embarrassed about anything. It could even be said, she was somewhat shameless.
Perhaps, this was a trait that ran in the blood of all Fahrens. Except Elder Adrian, every other member of the Fahren Clan Osric had managed to interact with was just as shameless. This included the passed away Patriarch as well.
But this was a trait Osric loved, because, as far as he knew, he also had never been embarrassed about anything.
"If you really did blush, then, perhaps, I might die in absolute bliss, knowing my eyes beheld something impossible." Osric said, a smile playing at his lips as he stared at the young beauty before him.
"It's good that you know, brat." Seina replied, taking her seat on a chair opposite Osric's.
Hearing this, Osric, however, shook his head. Perhaps only Seina is shameless enough to call him a brat, when infact, she was barely a fraction older than him.
"So, did they finally decide to awaken your Meridians?" Seina asked.
Osric raised an eyebrow, but wasn't surprised. None from the Fahren Clan main line was aware of his predicament, except her. He had been mulling over the possibility that the Clan might never awaken his Meridians after the death of the Patriarch.
After all, he wasn't one of them. But, at the end, it appeared it was just him overthinking things.
However, from her question, it appeared the proposal brought forth by the upper echelons of the Clan was still unknown to all.
Osric abruptly picked up his cup, sipping the content in it, before opening his mouth to speak.
"Take a guess, my young lady," He smiled, almost chuckling. After all, he could already imagine the reaction of Seina.
"Hey, do you have a death wish?" Seina's expression immediately turned frosty. "I'm good at all but guesses. So, don't waste my time and spill the beans."
A titter escaped Osric's mouth. He had expected this. Although Seina was smart and mature for her age, what she was extremely bad at was guesses.
And there was the fact that she hated being secretive. She had always been blunt and straightforward, choosing to voice out her thoughts rather than keep it.
Osric sighed deeply, a complicated glint flashing in his eyes as he lowered his head, staring at his reflection appearing on the deep dark hue of the Nocturnal Tea.
"I made a choice." He stated.
"A choice? What choice?"
"A choice that would determine my stance towards the Fahren Clan."
"And what is it?"
There was a pause. Osric continued examining himself, staring at his own light brown eyes before he lifted his head, looking into the violet pair of Seina.
"Patience. A little more patience, and you will get your answer." He finally said.
"..."
Seina narrowed her eyes, her mouth moving to speak but stopping at the last second. It was unknown what she was about to say, but Osric couldn't deny the worried gleam that appeared in her eyes for a split second.
"Don't make a stupid decision," She eventually said.
To this, Osric smiled brightly, before he downed his drink in two gulps.
"Worry not, my lady. I wouldn't make a decision that jeopardises my safety."
"Hmph! Who cares if your little life is threatened?" Seina sneered, but the smile that played her beautiful features spoke otherwise.
Osric bursted into a full chortle.
At that moment, however, the voice of Elder Ren managed to pierce through their ears.
"Today, as in the case with every Awakening Ceremonies, the newer generations of my Fahren Clan are prepared to step on the path of cultivation, displaying their talents for all to see…"
Seina sighed lightly, before she stood up.
"I guess it's time,"
"I guess so," Osric nodded, looking at Elder Ren through the window wall for a moment before returning his gaze to Seina.
"Go, show those weaklings the might of the Fahren Clan."
Seina smiled. If anyone heard Osric, they would think Seina was going to battle. Was there a need to be so passionate for a mere Awakening Ceremony?
"I will," Seina laughed animatedly.
This elicited a giggle from Osric as well.
Although, they were smart, too smart infact, for kids their age. At the end of the day, they were still… kids.