Within the cozy carriage, Alex marveled at the fancy world surrounding him. The plush seats were like sitting on clouds, far more comfortable than anything he was accustomed to.
The Obsidian clan symbol adorned every corner, creating an atmosphere that made him feel special, like a very important person.
His father, Austin, leaned in with a serious yet caring expression. "Son, the bloodline awakening ceremony is super important for our clan. It's where our family's ancient powers connect with you." He pointed towards the prominent Obsidian symbol.
"Yeah, dad," Alex replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement to learn more about this ceremony he had heard so much about.
Austin gently took Alex onto his lap and patiently explained, "You know everyone in this world is born with a bloodline, right?"
"Yes, dad," Alex responded, his tone becoming serious as he absorbed the significance of the conversation.
"In our Obsidian clan, there are three bloodlines one can awaken—Stormforge, Sky Rumble, and Tempest Born," Austin continued, observing Alex's curious face.
"The Sky Rumble bloodline is the strongest and the one our Obsidian clan founder possessed. It's among the top three bloodlines in the entire Empire."
At the mention of the "Sky Rumble," Alex felt his heart race, as if trying to recall something from a forgotten past. Despite his efforts, the memory eluded him, and the sky responded with a distant rumble, adding a mysterious touch to the unfolding revelation.
"What happened, Alex?" Austin asked, concern etched across his face. He signaled the coachman to halt for a moment.
"It's nothing, father," Alex replied after taking a moment to compose himself, but the coachman's expression hinted at a different story.
Being one of the trusted aides of the patriarch, responsible for bringing the exiled fourth young master's child from the countryside, the coachman held a position of high cultivation.
His duty involved reporting everything he witnessed or overheard inside the carriage to the patriarch. Vigilant and alert, he remained watchful, recognizing the importance of the journey during the awakening ceremony, even though few would dare to challenge the Obsidian clan.
After a brief pause, Austin continued, "Anyone who awakens the Sky Rumble bloodline is considered the direct descendant of the clan, even if they're from a branch clan. They're selected for key training based on their bloodline's talent. And every bloodline is ranked as Mortal, Human, Royal, Emperor, Demi god and lastly God."
Intrigued, Alex asked, "What rank did the founder of our clan have awakened?"
"He had awakened as a God rank in his bloodline," Austin answered with pride. "The founder was one of the strongest demigods in history, and during his era, the Obsidian clan reached its pinnacle."
"Since then, no one has awakened the God rank in the Sky Rumble bloodline. Currently, Demi God rank is the highest attainable, and no one has reached the God rank in their bloodlines in the current world," Austin lamented, a tinge of sorrow in his voice.
As the conversation about the capital and his father's experiences unfolded, Alex's dad decided it was time for some rest, and with a nod, he retreated into a peaceful slumber.
Meanwhile, Alex, positioned by the carriage window, immersed himself in the captivating scenery that surrounded them.
Vast green fields stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with hunters from the village embarking on journeys into the adjacent forest to confront the ominous presence of demonic beasts.
Soon, their route led them onto a secluded path nestled between the ancient trees of the forest. It was during this serene journey that the coachman, attuned to the change of Alex's emotions, gently broke the silence.
"Feeling a bit nervous, Master Alex?" he inquired, his voice carrying a touch of understanding.
Alex, his gaze fixed upon the evolving landscape, admitted, "Yeah, it's my first time in the capital."
The unfamiliarity of the cityscape unfolding before him invoked a subtle apprehension.
In a gesture of empathy, the coachman shared a piece of wisdom, "If you're already feeling nervous, each day at the main estate might feel like a real challenge."
The words hung in the air, a mixture of caution and guidance.
Expressing gratitude for the thoughtful advice, Alex responded with a genuine grin, fully cognizant of his unique status within the Obsidian clan.
Despite being the grandson of the patriarch, a single coachman accompanied them, a quiet indication of the intricate dynamics within the powerful clan.
The forest path, with its ancient trees standing sentinel, seemed to unfold a narrative of its own, echoing the untold stories and unspoken challenges that awaited Alex within the heart of the Obsidian clan.
"From here on, we've entered the Obsidian clan estate." said the coachman.
The forest was enclosed by tall walls.
"Take your time packing; we've still got a long way to go," Gordon advised with a teasing smile, though Alex hadn't been preparing to leave the carriage.
"Must be nice to have such a huge estate. It's not even your land, so why act so smug?" Thought Alex in his mind.
"Is this whole forest the main house's property?" asked Alex in curiosity.
"Yep."
"With such a big place, isn't it hard to get around?"
"There are warp gates everywhere."
'Then why am I in a carriage if warp gates are a thing?' Alex thought but didn't say.
As Gordon mentioned, the carriage finally stopped after a while. After Gordon got down and opened the door for Austin and Alex, he politely welcomed them, bowing his head.
"Welcome to the Obsidian family's main estate," Gordon greeted.
The mansion was visible through the wide-open gates, but, as expected, no one came out to welcome them.
Alex lifted his gaze. White flags with a golden tiger, the main house's sigil, lined the path from the main gate.
Gordon continued, "Feel free to explore. The main house is quite expansive, and you'll be staying in the guest quarters for now."
As they entered the estate, Alex couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur that surrounded him. The architecture was imposing, and the meticulously manicured gardens reflected a sense of power and prestige.
The coachman, Gordon, accompanied them as they walked through the main courtyard towards the guest quarters. Alex couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes were scrutinizing his every move. It was a reminder of the expectations that came with being part of the Obsidian clan.
As they reached the guest quarters, a servant appeared, bowing respectfully. "Master Austin, your chambers are prepared. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," Austin responded, feeling a mix of gratitude and a growing sense of responsibility settling upon him.
The chambers were luxurious, adorned with intricate designs and symbols of the Obsidian clan. As Alex settled in, he couldn't shake off the anticipation of the upcoming bloodline awakening ceremony.
As the day of the bloodline awakening ceremony approached, Alex started walking with Austin from the guest quarters towards the pathway to the gaint hall located at the center of the clan which was big enough to fit thousands of people.