As Roman lifted Leonna's spear, a flood of memories washed over him—memories of their training sessions, their shared victories, and the unspoken bond that had formed between them. With each step he took, his resolve hardened, fueled by a newfound determination to carry on her legacy.
"Leonna," Roman whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I swear on your memory, I will become the warrior you always believed I could be. I will master the spear and the sword, just as you wished i did, and I will make sure your sacrifice was not in vain."
His words echoed softly in the stillness of the aftermath, a solemn oath borne from the depths of his grief. As he rose to his feet, Leonna's spear held firmly in his grasp, Roman felt a sense of purpose coursing through his veins—a determination to rise above the pain and become the hero that Leonna had always seen within him.
Meanwhile, Lucian observed Roman's actions from afar, his heart heavy with sorrow for the loss his student had endured. As the sun began to rise on the horizon, casting its warm glow upon the ravaged landscape, Roman took his first steps towards a new chapter in his journey—a journey fueled by grief, tempered by resolve, and guided by the unwavering spirit of a fallen comrade.
Captain Elara approached Lucian, her footsteps echoing softly against the scorched earth. "He'll be alright," she said reassuringly, her voice tinged with empathy. "Roman may not be the most talented swordsman, but he's a strong kid. He'll make it through this."
Lucian nodded, his gaze fixed on Roman as he stood amidst the wreckage, his determination shining like a beacon in the dawn light. "Indeed," Lucian replied, his tone light and filled with hope. "Roman has always had a knack for defying the odds. I have no doubt he'll surprise us all."
Captain Elara smiled, a sense of warmth returning to her features. "You have a lot of faith in him," she remarked, her admiration for Lucian's unwavering belief in his student evident in her voice.
Lucian returned her smile, a twinkle of pride in his eyes. "I've seen Roman overcome challenges that would have broken lesser warriors," he said. "He may not have the skill of a master swordsman, but he has something far more valuable—heart."
As the sun began to set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sprawling estate, Roman and Kelam stood side by side, gazing out at the transformed landscape before them. Two years had passed since the devastating events that had shaken the very foundations of their world, and yet, amidst the chaos and upheaval, they had found solace and purpose in their training as disciples of Lucian.
Roman, now sporting brown hair that cascaded to his shoulders, wore the distinctive attire of a disciple—an enchanted outfit made by lucian known as the Disciple's Garb. The garment, adorned with golden sleeves against a backdrop of black fabric, not only provided enhanced protection akin to chainmail armor but also reduced the wearer's mana consumption, allowing for greater efficiency in spellcasting.
Beside him stood Kelam, who wore the same outfit. His short blonde hair framing his face, now concealed behind a black and white mask. The mask, a symbol of the scars he bore both physically and emotionally, served as a reminder of the trials they had endured and the strength they had gained along the way.
As they observed the preparations underway for the coming of age party, Lucian approached them, his gaze filled with pride and anticipation. "My young disciples," he began, his voice tinged with excitement, "tonight marks a momentous occasion—a celebration of your journey thus far and the beginning of a new chapter in your lives,for today your souls shall awaken."
In Eldravia, soul evolution is a natural phenomenon that unfolds in every mortal when they reach the age of 11. It marks a significant turning point in their spiritual development, granting them access to their innate talent and or abilitie . For instance, Lucian's innate talent, known as the Eyes of the Celestial, is awakened during this process. With this ability, he taps into the vast energies of the cosmos, ensuring an endless wellspring of mana at his disposal. Additionally, the Eyes of the Celestial bestow upon Lucian the unique gift of discernment, enabling him to perceive the untapped potential and gauge the strength of those he encounters. This innate talent not only empowers individuals like Lucian but also serves as a guiding force as they navigate the complexities of their world.
Roman and Kelam exchanged a glance, a mix of excitement and apprehension flickering in their eyes. The prospect of being honored guests at such a grand event was both thrilling and daunting, serving as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that came with their newfound status.
Lucian placed a reassuring hand on each of their shoulders, his expression filled with warmth and encouragement. "Fear not, my dear boys," he reassured them, "for tonight, you shall stand among kings and nobles as equals. Embrace this opportunity to forge alliances and expand your horizons, for the world is vast and full of wonders waiting to be discovered."
With renewed determination, Roman and Kelam nodded in agreement, steeling themselves for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. As they joined Lucian in overseeing the final preparations for the festivities, they couldn't help but marvel at how far they had come since their humble beginnings as mere slaves bought on the streets of the capital.
As dusk settled over the sprawling estate, the grounds came alive with a symphony of music and laughter. Elegant banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, their colors dancing in the warm glow of lanterns that adorned every corner. Tables groaned under the weight of sumptuous delicacies, while servants bustled about, ensuring every detail was perfect for the coming of age celebration.
Among the guests in attendance was none other than the Prince of the Herl Empire, Alexandre, accompanied by his father, Emperor Aneki. Their presence served as a testament to Lucian's influence and standing in the world of politics, confirming what Roman and Kelam had long suspected—that their seemingly eccentric master was indeed a force to be reckoned with.
Emperor Aneki, resplendent in his regal attire, wore a robe of deep crimson adorned with intricate golden embroidery—a symbol of his power and authority. His presence commanded respect, his keen gaze surveying the scene with a mixture of curiosity and approval.
At his side stood Prince Alexandre, a youthful figure dressed in garments of royal blue and silver—a striking contrast to his father's imposing demeanor. Despite his tender age, there was an air of confidence about him, a hint of the leadership that would one day be his birthright.
As the guests mingled and exchanged pleasantries, Lucian guided the Emperor and his son, towards his two proteges. With a warm smile, Lucian introduced them, his voice filled with pride.
"Emperor Aneki, Prince Alexandre, allow me to present my esteemed disciples, Roman and Kelam," Lucian said, gesturing towards the two boys. "They have shown remarkable dedication and skill in their training, and I believe they have the potential to achieve great things."
Emperor Aneki regarded the boys with a keen eye, his expression thoughtful yet discerning. "It is an honor to meet you both," he said, his voice resonating with authority. "I have heard much about your accomplishments under Lucian's guidance. You do him great credit."
Prince Alexandre nodded in agreement, his gaze flickering with curiosity as he studied Roman and Kelam. "Its is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said politely, extending a hand in greeting. "I have long admired the work of master Lucian, and I look forward to seeing what we will achieve under his tutelage."
As the party continued, Roman, Kelam, and Alexandre found themselves drawn into conversation, exchanging stories and sharing their dreams for the future. Despite their initial apprehension, they discovered a surprising camaraderie, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.
Kelam leaned in, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Hey, Alexandre, do you get to eat fancy food all the time 'cause you're a prince?" he asked, his excitement evident.
Alexandre hesitated for a moment, his gaze drifting to the floor before he replied with a small smile. "Sometimes," he admitted softly. "But I miss the simple things too, like the cookies the maids make."
Roman chimed in, noticing Alexandre's reserved demeanor. "I bet you've never had to scrub dishes or clean your room," he teased, nudging Kelam playfully.
Alexandre chuckled, a bit more at ease now. "Well, maybe not as much as you," he replied, his smile growing. "But being a prince isn't all glamour and luxury."
Just as their discussion reached its peak, Lucian approached the boys, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Enjoying yourselves, I see," he remarked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Roman nodded eagerly, a sense of excitement building within him. "Yes, Master Lucian," he replied. "We were just talking about what it's like to be a prince."
Lucian's smile widened. "Ah, the joys of royalty," he mused, his gaze shifting to Alexandre. "Speaking of which, Alexandre, have you ever thought about what you want to do when you grow up?"
Alexandre's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "I want to be strong just like my dad," he declared proudly. "I want to protect people and go on adventures, just like in the stories my mother tells me."
Kelam nodded in agreement, his imagination running wild. "Yeah, and we could all go on quests together," he added excitedly. "We'd be like a real-life heroes!"
Lucian chuckled at the boys' enthusiasm, a fondness evident in his eyes. "That sounds like quite the adventure," he remarked, his gaze shifting between Roman and Kelam. "In fact, speaking of adventures, have you two ever considered attending the Leibnsraft Royal Academy?"
Roman and Kelam exchanged a surprised glance, their eyes widening with excitement. "The Leibnsraft Royal Academy?" Roman repeated, his voice tinged with awe. "Isn't that the most prestigious academy in all of Cascadia?"
Lucian nodded, a proud smile playing on his lips. "Indeed it is," he confirmed. "And I believe the three of you would make an excellent team. Imagine the adventures you could have and the knowledge you could gain."
Emperor Aneki, who had been listening to their conversation, stepped forward with a thoughtful expression. "Lucian speaks wisely," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Attending the Leibnsraft Royal Academy will not only broaden your horizons but also prepare you for the responsibilities that await you, Alexandre, as the future ruler of the Herl Empire."
Alexandre's eyes widened in astonishment, a mixture of excitement and determination shining in his gaze. "You mean... I can go?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.
Emperor Aneki nodded, a proud smile gracing his lips. "Yes, my son," he replied. "As soon as you turn eleven, you will begin your studies at the academy. I have no doubt that it will help shape you into a wise and capable leader."
Kelam's face lit up with excitement, his imagination already running wild with possibilities. "Yeah, we could learn all sorts of spells and become the greatest adventurers in all of Eldravia!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with determination.
As the party drew to a close, Lucian and all the guests gathered in the beautiful garden, basking in the serene ambiance of the night. Roman and Kelam took their places cross-legged on a stage in front of the crowd, anticipation coursing through their veins as they awaited the stroke of midnight, the moment their souls would awaken.
The air was thick with excitement as the clock ticked closer to midnight, each passing second heightening the tension. Then, as the clock chimed twelve, a radiant light enveloped Kelam, bathing him in a luminous glow. His eyes shimmered with newfound brilliance, one turning a vibrant blue while the other transformed into a striking shade of green.
Gasps of amazement rippled through the crowd as Kelam's transformation unfolded before their eyes. It was a rare sight indeed, for Kelam had awakened not just one, but two abilities in a single moment.
The first ability, Deep Blue, granted Kelam the power to temporarily hypnotize any opponent that made eye contact with him for a span of 2 minutes, although with training it can improve. His gaze became a mesmerizing force, capable of entrancing even the strongest of adversaries.
The second ability, Weaken, allowed Kelam to restrain an opponent's abilities for a span of one minute—a formidable skill that held great potential in battle and beyond.
Meanwhile, Roman's awakening was a spectacle of beauty unlike any other. As the clock struck midnight, a soft golden light bathed the stage, casting shimmering reflections off the surrounding foliage. Roman's form seemed to shimmer and blur, as if he were being woven into the very fabric of the night itself.
His eyes, previously a deep brown, now glowed with a radiant golden yellow hue, pulsating with an otherworldly energy. With each breath, he seemed to draw in the essence of the stars themselves, his presence becoming a beacon of hope and renewal.
With his awakening came the power known as Vow of the Phoenix, a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. It was as if the mythical bird itself had descended from the heavens to bestow its blessing upon him, igniting his soul with the flames of rebirth and renewal.
With Vow of the Phoenix, Roman gained the ability to harness the fiery essence of the mythical bird, infusing his attacks with the power of rebirth and renewal. It was a gift bestowed upon him by god, a symbol of his resilience and his commitment to rise from the ashes, stronger and more determined than ever before.
As the crowd erupted into applause, Roman and Kelam shared a triumphant smile, their bond stronger than ever as they embraced their newfound abilities. With the support of their mentor, Lucian, and the unwavering camaraderie of their new friend, they were ready to embark on the next chapter of their journey, prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and conviction.