As the golden liquid receded, leaving Cedric in the aftermath of the awakening ceremony, Andrew Northstar, his father, was visibly relieved of the weight that had momentarily burdened his anticipation. The joy that surged within him, witnessing the remarkable display in the video, was tempered only by the decorum befitting the grand ceremony.
With an air of composed elation, Andrew addressed the esteemed gathering. "Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, today marks a momentous occasion in the life of my son, Cedric Northstar. As a father, the joy I feel is immeasurable. Witnessing the unveiling of his trait, the Martial Saint, has filled my heart with pride and happiness."
Andrew's speech resonated with genuine emotion, his eyes gleaming with paternal pride. The Martial Saint, a legendary trait, had exceeded expectations, and Andrew couldn't conceal his satisfaction. "This martial soul, the Martial Saint, embodies the strength and resilience we hold dear in the Northstar family. I am confident that Cedric, our newest Martial Saint, will carry the torch of our legacy with honor and distinction."
Rebecca, Cedric's mother, shared in the joy radiating from her husband. Her worries, which had lingered on the precipice of uncertainty, were now dispelled by the revelation of the exceptional trait bestowed upon their son. Yet, beneath the celebratory surface, a subtle awareness lingered—a realization that the Northstar family's good fortune might attract envy and potential threats.
As the grand celebration continued, the Martial Saint, etched as an emblem on Cedric's forehead, became a symbol of the Northstar lineage's enduring strength. The gathered dignitaries, including King Leonidas and the Archmage, bore witness to the ascendancy of a new figure in the world of Astros—a figure destined to carve a legendary path as the Martial Saint.
With the revelation of Cedric's Martial Saint trait, the atmosphere in the grand hall transformed into an arena of strategic courtesies. The guests, recognizing the unprecedented potential harbored by the infant Martial Saint, eagerly queued to present their congratulations and gifts. Despite Cedric being merely 10 days old, the anticipation of his future achievements compelled each guest to showcase their goodwill.
The first to approach, with an air of dignified reverence, was Pope Ansas III. Stepping forward, he offered his heartfelt congratulations to the Northstar family. "Andrew, Rebecca, and the esteemed Northstar family, I extend my sincerest congratulations on the awakening of Cedric's Martial Saint trait. As a gesture of goodwill, I present a humble gift." With these words, the Pope revealed a small textile, its texture and appearance immediately captivating the attention of all.
In a brief but poignant speech, the Pope continued, "May the heavenly blessings guide young Cedric's path as the Martial Saint. This fabric, known as the heaven silk, is a testament to the divine purity and strength that accompanies the righteous. May it serve as a symbol of our shared destinies and the unyielding bond between the religious order of Caliope and the Northstar family."
The gasps that rippled through the gathering reflected the collective astonishment at the rare and precious gift bestowed upon Cedric. The heaven silk, a fabric of legendary repute, carried significance beyond its material worth. Its identity alone left a lingering impression of divine favor.
As other distinguished guests observed the Pope's gesture, a silent regret seeped into their minds. They now faced the challenge of matching or surpassing the heaven silk's profound symbolism. The competition to display generosity and goodwill intensified, turning Cedric's awakening ceremony into a stage where the significance of gifts mirrored the intricate dance of power and alliances among the continent's elite.
King Leonidas, with a regal presence that commanded respect, stepped forward after the Pope's congratulatory address. "Andrew, Rebecca, and the Northstar family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious awakening of Cedric's Martial Saint trait. Our ties, forged through generations, find renewed strength in the promise held by your son."
These words carried the weight of history, echoing the friendship established by their forebears. The longstanding bond between the Northstar family and the kingdom ruled by King Leonidas had endured through generations, fostering mutual respect and collaboration. As a testament to this enduring connection, King Leonidas now presented a bar-shaped metal ingot, a gift of profound significance.
"In honor of our enduring friendship and the bright future young Cedric represents," declared King Leonidas, "I present this ingot of Star Gold Adamantium. This rare material is known for its unique properties—it grows in tandem with its user, possesses exceptional mana conductivity, and exhibits unmatched durability. Even in the face of damage, it holds the remarkable ability to repair itself using other metals."
The crowd's fascination with the gift was palpable. The mention of Star Gold Adamantium, a substance renowned for its mystical qualities, added a layer of awe to the ceremony. The gift, symbolizing growth, strength, and resilience, stood as a testament to the deep-seated bonds between the Northstar family and the neighboring kingdom ruled by King Leonidas.
As Cedric's awakening ceremony unfolded, each congratulatory address and gift presentation became a showcase of both diplomatic finesse and the inherent desire of powerful figures to align themselves favorably with the rising star of the Northstar family. The grand hall, adorned with the aura of esteemed guests and shimmering gifts, bore witness to a momentous event that would reverberate across the continent of Caliope.