Absorbing the intricate details provided by the system, Felix's mind swirled with a confluence of excitement and ponderings. Determined to comprehend the implications of his newfound circumstance, he posed a probing question, "What kind of benefit do I get when I kill another candidate?"
In response, the mechanical voice resonated, elucidating the multifaceted rewards that awaited a triumphant candidate. "[By way of illustration, you shall inherit the system's principal affinity upon vanquishing a fellow host. Consequently, any assailant seeking your demise would, in turn, absorb the destructive mantle. Naturally, the onus to learn and harness this newfound affinity lies solely with the successor. Yet, possessing an entirely novel affinity expands the repository of spellcraft one can acquire. For the host, such as yourself, with the adaptive physiological construct known as the 'adapting body,' the assimilation of all conceivable affinities becomes a distinct possibility,]" expounded the system, unfurling the complexities of the metaphysical chessboard.
'Haa,' sighed Felix, a sigh laced with both comprehension and the acknowledgment of the weightiness of his future choices. He ruminated inwardly, 'Let us, for the moment, set aside this labyrinthine puzzle and proceed on this journey. Nevertheless, are there intricacies that I ought to acquaint myself with? Do I garner the previous soul's memories, a succinct narrative of my past, and guidelines on comportment to obfuscate any inkling of a demonic, diabolical, or alternate spiritual entity inhabiting this corporeal vessel?'
Articulating these musings, Felix witnessed the transmutation of the onyx system screen from the graphical manifestation of his status to a textual interface bearing a paramount query.
[Would the host opt to be endowed with the recollections of the erstwhile soul inhabiting the corporeal shell?
The host shall endure a bout of cerebral disquietude and transient confusion.
YES/NO]
Choosing the affirmative, Felix initiated the process with a click, instantly inducing a cerebral tumult that unfolded the tapestry of Felix Moonlight's 15-year journey, replete with poignant and disheartening episodes.
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In the halcyon days of Felix's infancy, at the tender age of five, he found himself ensconced within a resplendent living expanse. The commodious confines boasted towering windows, walls bedecked with gilded ornamentation, and an assemblage of artistry adorning its surfaces. Seated around an opulent table were his progenitors—Oliver, resplendent with golden tresses and crimson irises, and Sophia, an epitome of elegance with raven-hued locks and obsidian orbs. The air resonated with a palpable fervor as they delved into discussions regarding Felix's foray into magical studies and the impending revelation of his latent affinities.
Oliver, the patriarch, introduced the concept of affinity appraisal "Son, you turned five years old today. Today, we will test your affinities for your magic studies. If you're not so talented, we can make you a good Magic knight.", unveiling a luminous sphere pulsating with a kaleidoscope of energies. "Yes, Father!" Felix, with eyes agleam in fascination, bore witness to the captivating display.
The woman, seeing the kid's reaction, couldn't help but chuckle and said to her husband, "Oliver, see how the little one looks."
Oliver, the father, saw the look of his son and couldn't help but smile a little. He said, "Let him be. We have enough time today, Sophia."
As Oliver and Sophia talked, the young kid said to his father excitedly, "Can we do it? I want to know what kind of affinity I have! Maybe Fire, Water, Wind, or maybe Darkness or some kind of advanced affinity! I want to know. I don't want to wait anymore. Let's begin!"
As the two saw the excited reaction, the mother laughed at her son's excitement and said, "Little Felix, don't worry. Every person awakens an affinity. It doesn't matter at what age. You can awaken at 5 or 10; it doesn't matter what kind of affinity you have. All have their advantages and disadvantages, so don't set too many hopes. All are good and bad!"
Upon hearing this, little Felix nodded and the assessment protocol entailed imbuing the effervescent orb with the essence of natural mana to unveil the intrinsic nature of one's magical affinity.
However, as the temporal tapestry unfolded, minutes transmogrified into moments of thwarted expectations, leaving young Felix grappling with a conspicuous lack of affinity revelation. "Father, Mother, why can't I feel something?"Expressing his bewilderment to his parents, Sophia extended consoling words "It's alright, sweetie. Next year, you will awaken!", assuring him that the arcane awakening could transpire at any juncture, irrespective of age.
Hearing this, the felix nodded silently and said to his parents, "Okay, can I go to my room?"The two of them nodded and he leaved them alone
As his parents saw him leave the room, Sophia asked Oliver, "Is it really alright to let him go and let him deal with his disappointment by himself? Shouldn't we be with him and support him?"
Oliver answered Sophia's question, "He must deal with something like this alone. How could he become the next Count when he becomes depressive with this little setback? He must learn to see how he can adapt with another alternative when he has not awakened, as cruel as it looks to be!"
Retreating to the sanctuary of his private abode, Felix's solitary contemplations intersected with the presence of his cousin, Robert Moonlight. With a visage adorned by fair locks and cerulean orbs, a chubby face, and wore a black shirt with the family sign of a white crescent moon on the right side, a pair of black pants, and black shoes. Radiating a genuine smile,"Hey Felix, long time no see. I heard you were going to learn about your affinity today, and I came here to know from you personally what kind of affinity you have, not from other cousins or my parents." Robert sought firsthand insights into Felix's journey, expressing curiosity about the nature of the newly unraveled affinities.
Yet, behind the façade of Felix's equanimity lay a veiled mask of disappointment. "Ah, sorry to disappoint you, but I could not awaken today. Maybe next year? Hahaha, a pity that I could not awaken today." His admission of an uneventful awakening elicited astonishment from Robert, who gracefully withdrew, leaving Felix to grapple with his burgeoning internal complexities.
Within the confines of his personal enclave, Felix grappled with a profound sigh, succumbing to the somber embrace of his bed as he sought solace in the realms of repose. Unbeknownst to him, this ephemeral interlude of peaceful slumber would constitute a rarity amid the forthcoming years fraught with tumultuous challenges and unforeseen tribulations.