The Day Before the Awakening Ceremony
After what felt like forever, I finally got some peace as the weird guy with the long beard left. I flopped onto the bed, glad to be rid of his never-ending questions.
Turning to the maid standing by my side, I couldn't help but vent a little. "That interrogation was a drag, huh?" I grumbled, hoping for a sympathetic nod.
But instead of showing sympathy, she just smiled softly, like she'd been expecting this. "What's so funny about watching me get grilled by the bearded guy?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
Still smiling, she shrugged, not bothered by my annoyance. "It's not about enjoying your troubles, young master. It's just good to see that you haven't lost your spirit, even after losing your memory," she said, her eyes briefly flickering with sadness before it vanished.
After spending a month together, I had grown comfortable around Ranel, and so had she.
Ignoring the sudden awkwardness in the air, she shifted gears, like she'd been waiting for this moment. "I believe you have lots of questions, young master?" she asked, her tone changing to something more serious.
"Yep, tons! Like, how was I before losing my memory, and what's my relationship with my family like?" I replied, eager for answers.
"Before I answer your questions, young master, can I ask how you knew I was your personal maid?"
"Since you were the first one to pop into my room this morning, I figured you're my maid," I said, putting two and two together.
"Yep, that's me, Ranel," she confirmed, nodding with a grin.
Then I got to the big question. "So spill it, Ranel. What's the deal with someone trying to off me?"
She froze for a second, avoiding eye contact and starting to sweat. "I...I don't understand what you're talking about, young master." she stammered, trying to play dumb.
But I wasn't buying it. "C'mon, Ranel. You gotta know something. It's not like I woke up from a six-month nap and you just happened to be here," I pressed, laying out my logic.
I stared at her, not willing to lose sight of any indication of lying.
After an intense session of staring, her act dropped, and she finally came clean. "Okay, okay. You got me," she admitted, looking almost relieved. "Yeah, it was the duchess who saved your life... And the nanny? Yeah, she was the one who tried to do you in."
She confirmed my suspicions. I couldn't help but smirk. "Looks like the cat's outta the bag, huh?"
Curious, she asked, "How'd you figure it was the duchess?"
"Easy. Who else could sneak into my room late at night without anyone noticing? Plus, if someone's gonna try to off me, it's probably gonna be when I'm catching Z's," I explained, feeling pretty clever.
Ranel was impressed. "You're sharp, young master. Real sharp."
But then she threw me for a loop. "So why'd you assume the duchess's room was next to yours? Getting your memories back?" she asked, looking dead serious.
I shrugged it off. "Parents usually stick the youngest kid's room closest to theirs, right? And even if I can't remember squat, common sense still works," I replied, trying to sound chill.
I sent Ranel off to get some food because I was starving from all the talking. And while she was gone, I took the chance to explore a bit.
Getting out of bed was a struggle. Turns out, Four-year-olds aren't built for much. But I managed to shuffle over to the window, taking in the crazy view of the mountains and a city down below.
And then I spotted a mirror. Gotta admit, I was pretty cute for a little guy. Even with my memory wiped, I still had some charm, I guess.
Ranel came back with food, and I chowed down before asking for some books from the library. I mean, gotta know more, right? As they say, the more you know, the better.
Some Days Ago...
Curious to learn more about mana awakening, I rummaged through the books I was provided until I found one titled "Mana Awakening for Fools." Despite its dubious title, I figured it might hold some valuable information.
Suddenly, a notification popped up in front of me:
{ Ding! }
{ The taskbar function has been unlocked... }
{ A quest has been generated. }
[ Quest: Mana Awakening ]
[ Details: Mana is the cornerstone of the world. Having a higher rank of mana is essential for getting stronger in a world where the weak prey on the strong. More strength is always beneficial. ]
[ Rewards:
New function unlocked. A random item box. A random skill box. Note: The higher the rank, the better the rewards. ]
[ Penalty: None ]
[
"Hey, system lady, what's this sudden quest? Are you trying to mess with me?" I quipped sarcastically.
{ Quite the opposite, Host. If you don't want to get beaten every so often in the future, you should take it seriously and accept the quest. }
"Alright, stop nagging. I'll accept it," I said, clicking on the agree button.
{ Ding! Quest accepted. }
Summarizing what I have gathered so far, mana awakening is divided into three parts in our family, and in special cases where a black crystal orb akin to the night sky appears, it totally changes and can be split into five.
Normally, the awakening ceremony is divided into three parts: aptitude, rank, and blessing, and they are straightforward.
"Now, I guess I better read to get an idea about the mana awakening process," I muttered to myself, eyeing the book in my hand.
According to the book, mana awakening consists of three steps: aptitude, rank, and blessing.
In the first step, "aptitude," they check whether you have the knack or gift for mana and to what extent, and which elements you have a knack for.
In the second step, "rank," they measure the amount and quality of mana you can handle and manipulate, ranking it from 'G' to 'S' for starters.
The third step, "blessing," although it was mentioned many times, had little to no information about it.
As the day of the awakening ceremony loomed closer, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. What would my future hold? How would this ceremony shape my life?
Little did I know, the dangers that awaited me were far more perilous than I could imagine. While I slept peacefully in my room, oblivious to the threats that loomed in the shadows, forces beyond my understanding were already in motion.
In Lilithra's Study
The tension in Lilithra's study was palpable as she stood by the window, her eyes fixed on the setting sun. Her expression was cold and resolute, devoid of any warmth.
"Come out," Lilithra commanded, her voice ringing with intense pressure.
From the darkest corner of the room, shadows coalesced into a figure, revealing the Shadow Queen herself, her pale skin and silver hair catching the dim light. She gracefully moved to the couch where Axis had sat previously, her presence filling the room with an eerie aura.
"You always know when to call me, Lilithra," the Shadow Queen said with a smirk, her red eyes gleaming. "Tomorrow is a big day for Axis. How about letting me take him under my wing for a while?"
Lilithra's unchanging cold stare met the Shadow Queen's provocations without flinching.
"I'm not here for games, Shadow Queen," Lilithra said icily. "I want to know about Axis's awakening tomorrow. I won't be able to attend, so I need to be sure everything will go smoothly."
The Shadow Queen's expression shifted, her amusement fading. "His awakening will be complicated. The hole in his soul, the dormant part—it's waking up. If it's unstable, it could cause unimaginable problems."
Lilithra's eyes grew colder. "Explain."
The Shadow Queen's expression turned grave. "If it awakens, it could lead to unpredictable outcomes. His soul is particularly vulnerable, which could attract creatures of the night that devour souls. He must be well-guarded."
The Shadow Queen's gaze lingered on Lilithra for a moment before she spoke again, a hint of something darker in her eyes. "You know, Lilithra, he fascinates me. His potential, his power... it's unlike anything I've ever seen. If he were to be under my guidance, imagine what he could become."
Lilithra's jaw tightened, her voice firm. "Axis is not a tool for your amusement, Shadow Queen. He stays with his family."
The Shadow Queen sighed dramatically. "Always so protective... But be warned, Lilithra. The path ahead is treacherous, and the awakening might just be the beginning of his trials. Ensure he is well-guarded tomorrow, for many eyes will be watching."
Lilithra nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I will ensure everything is in place. And Shadow Queen, remember this: Axis is family. No matter what."
The Shadow Queen's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Even if someone dies because of him?"
Lilithra's silence was her only response.
The Shadow Queen's eyes gleamed with a sinister light. "If you are not even prepared for that, keep in mind you can't keep me away from him. I am not here because of you but because of him."
With that, the Shadow Queen dissolved back into the shadows, leaving Lilithra standing alone by the window, her thoughts racing.