Sitting by the window, Alex was drawn to the mesmerizing sight of three suns lighting up the sky. As he gazed out at this peculiar scene, his mind wandered through the maze of memories of the past six years.
The initial three years proved to be quite challenging for Alex as he had to act like a child in front of everyone and had to be breastfeed by his mother Mary.
But after learning the language of this unfamiliar realm was akin to unlocking the gateway to understanding its complex dynamics for Alex.
Here, strength wasn't just a virtue; it was the golden ticket that determined one's place in society. Regardless of your previous status, if you had the might to overpower others, you could ascend to the esteemed ranks of nobility.
The looming shadow of his father's association with the Obsidian clan added a unique layer to Alex's life. The mere mention of this clan sent ripples of fear and respect across the vast empire.
Alex's father, a direct descendant of the current patriarch, carried the weight of a legacy characterized by ironclad rules and an unwavering reputation for their ruthlessness towards others who try to harm their clan and themselves if they are deemed as talentless.
Yet, beneath the veneer of prestige, Alex's father faced an unsettling reality within the clan. Despite his impressive lineage, he wasn't considered a promising talent, earning him the cold shoulder from his own grandfather, the patriarch starting from his awakening ceremony and his subsequent experiences in his life.
And when Alex's father married his mother, objecting to the decision of his grandfather as mother was only from a clan of viscount, ultimately leading to his exile to the countryside and no one from the clan intervened for him.
As for Grandpa Wishton, he was like a steady guide in Alex's life. With kindness as his compass, Grandpa Wishton imparted invaluable wisdom about the intricate workings of this world.
Their expeditions into the foreboding black forest to hunt demonic beasts when he was at the age of five, initially shrouded in fear but soon evolved into bonding experiences.
In the reassuring presence of Grandpa Wishton, the once-daunting expeditions became a source of comfort for Alex and gave him more courage.
Within this world's social structure, every noble clan bore the responsibility of confronting demonic beasts and meeting the quotas assigned to them. Failure to fulfill this duty invited the specter of removal or demotion to a lower rank of nobility.
This rule wasn't just a mechanism for maintaining order; it was a deliberate strategy to prevent complacency among powerful clans, encouraging them to continually hone their strengths.
The cyclical rhythm of every twenty years brought forth the ominous specter of the beast riot. The empire faced a potential manpower crisis if demonic beasts were not systematically eradicated. This looming threat underscored the pivotal role of the clans in maintaining the delicate balance between power and responsibility.
In the midst of the morning bustle, a cheerful interruption came as the door swung open, and a voice echoed through the room.
"Hey, young master Alex, it's time for your breakfast!" Lucy, wearing a neat maid uniform and also my personal maid, beamed with a smile that could rival celebrities from a past life.
"Coming, Lucy," Alex replied, matching her enthusiasm. He took her hand, and together they strolled towards the dining room, where a familiar trio awaited – mother, father, and grandpa.
Father wore a serious expression, hinting at the impending journey to the Obsidian clan for the once-every-five-years awakening ceremony. Though reluctant, duty called, and every clan member had to bring their children for this significant event.
" Morning, everyone! " Alex greeted try to calm the serious atmosphere.
"My baby Alex, come sit with mom," Mary, his mother, beckoned. Placing him on her lap, she began the ritual of feeding him breakfast, a gesture of care and love.
Between the bites of breakfast, Mary looked at Alex, her expression a mix of motherly concern and pride. "Alex, dear, the journey to the clan will be significant, but you've got this. Just be yourself."
"Absolutely, Mom!" Alex responded, a reassuring grin on his face. "I mean, how hard can it be? It's just a family gathering, right?"
Grandpa Wishton chuckled, "That's the spirit, my boy. But remember, it's not just any family. It's the Obsidian clan – a bit like a family reunion with a dash of dramatic flair."
"Yeah, Dad," Austin chimed in. "But don't worry too much, Alex. The Obsidian clan may sound intimidating, but we're not heading into a battlefield. Just a ceremony."
"Alex, when you reach the clan, don't be afraid, and try not to pick fights unless it's absolutely necessary," Mary advised, concealing a hint of concern behind her cheerful expression. Grandpa Wishton, gazing at Alex with caring eyes, knew his grandchild's maturity would likely steer clear of unnecessary conflicts.
Austin, with a nod of solemnity, added his perspective. "Don't worry, Mary. It's not like they'll try to humiliate a direct descendant who's already out of the race. Unless, of course, I become a perceived threat to them."
Acknowledging the prideful nature of Austin's siblings, he hinted at exceptions but reassured Mary, who nodded in understanding. Life in the countryside had given them a certain freedom, a detachment from the intricate politics of noble clans in the capital.
While sipping on his juice, Alex couldn't help but inject a bit of humor. "Exactly! I'll dazzle them with my exceptional pancake-eating skills. That should win them over."
Mary laughed, the worry lines on her face easing. "You always find a way to lighten the mood, Alex. It's one of your best qualities."
After a while, the family gathered outside the estate, eyeing a luxurious carriage pulling up at the gate. The driver immediately bowed to Austin.
"Young master Austin, I've come to pick up your child for the clan," the driver announced, conveniently leaving out any mention of the mother and grandfather, who were not acknowledged by the patriarch of the Obsidian clan.
With a mix of excitement and apprehension, both Austin and Alex embarked on the journey to the Obsidian clan, each with their thoughts and concerns tucked beneath the surface of casual conversations and reassurances.