Serene Lark, a beautiful woman aged 30, whom was sent to become a concubine for Davian stone when she turned sixteen. Originally from the imperial city but due to her family's dept, they gave her hand in marriage ( sold ) to their debtor.
Having a D grade talent, with a spiritual essence of only 5%, stuck in rank one initial stage, it couldn't be said she was lucky to become a concubine.
But that wasn't the point, serene saw zamiel as her own child but that wasn't the case.
Twelve years ago
Two years after Serene officially became a concubine, she struggled to find her footing within the stone's family but it was almost impossible. She and the rest of the other concubines were treated as trash, they were practically slaves for the wives to trample upon.
In the early days of winter, Davian was requested to attend a banquet by an investor in the imperial city, which he took serene as an escort, much to the wives dismay. Along the way serene was forcefully used to satisfy his hunger for pleasure, leading to her getting pregnant.
Thus better treatment in the estate, no more humiliation and no more assaults, it was a good time for serene and she took advantage of it by asking for a secluded house near the lake for her and her unborn child.
During this time she was treated better by everyone, even the cold hearted Davian showed a little bit of compassion towards her that wasn't needed, following this good news the other wives were threatened despite a few having children of their own. Overtime they successfully poisoned serene's child, resulting in the unborn child's death.
But coincidentally, it was also the time when the malevolent seed hibernation was disturbed. After descending the seven realms, the seed took root in serene's womb. After destroying her dead child, the malevolent seed used serene as a vace to birth Zamiel.
Even with the heart of the devil, Zamiel felt grateful and to repay her, he willing allowed himself to become her son ( for the time being)
He had ambitions and they didn't include her, if she was to be by any means become a hindrance to his plans, he would cut her of.
Although he looked like a kid, he was actually a four thousand year old entity, whom had roamed the world for millennials, but his life was always threatened by his gate, so he came up with a method to prolong his life, he would convert himself to his original form ( Malevolent seed ) and go into hibernation, the soul gate would go into a deep slumber and wouldn't be out for his life. He would wake every six hundered years and continue. But because of a greedy, selfish bastard he woke three hundred years early, threatening his life. Thus resulting in his incomplete state ( a child )
He start from scratch, and grow it out, but the gate of souls was bound to awaken and big the biggest problem of his life, and he wasn't ready for it yet.
********
Zamiel broke free from her hug before answering, his expressionless facade not changing in the slightest " it's still early, I will sleep when I feel tired "
Serene pouthed in frustration at how cold and distant he was to her. She had heard stories of how a male child was closest to their mother than anyone, but in the eyes of ' Zamiel ' that logic did seem to make sense in the slightest.
her face softened as she asked with concern laced around her tone " could it be about the awakening ceremony? Are you nervous " hearing this Zamiel frowned slightly
' nervous ' No
' troubled ' Yes
He understood her concerns about the awakening ceremony. In truth, he and his two ' brothers ' had already took the test in advance. His brothers all got astounding results while he didn't even get a grade, everyone was disappointed, except for his mother.
The good treatment turned bad as they all looked down on him, as a disgrace to the stone family. But his powers and talents along with the gate were in deep slumber which he was absolutely grateful for. But good things don't las as it was bound to awaken, and the crystal ball that detected aptitudes would be the cause.
" but if my so called father doesn't want to be disgraced by his son, wouldn't he have a way to stop me from taking part in the awakening ? " this was his only hope, relying on the flaws of human nature was his only chance to delay his current dilemma.
" mother you worry too much " he said as he turned around and left her alone in the study and returning to his own room ' what will be will be, if he's gate was destined to be open tomorrow then so be it, he would just have to be more faster in his plans .
**************
As the sun sets on the eve of the full moon, the village of Spirit fall gathered in the sacred grove at the heart of the forest. Lanterns hang from the branches, casting a warm, flickering light over the gathering crowd. The air is filled with anticipation and excitement as villagers young and old came together to witness the awakening of a new generation of cultivators. At the center of the grove stands a raised platform adorned with shimmering tapestries and floral arrangements. Incense burns in ornate braziers, filling the air with the sweet scent of jasmine and sandalwood. Elders clad in flowing robes take their places around the platform, their faces solemn yet expectant. As the moon rises in the night sky, the Clan Leader steps forward, He's presence commanding the attention of the assembled villagers. With a voice like thunder, he began the ceremonial invocation, calling upon the ancient spirits to bless the proceedings and guide the young initiates on their journey of awakening.
About forty two preteens were squeezed together, going through different emotions in minutes, excitement, dread, fear and anxiety. This would after all determine their future.
Among this youth, there's a total of six expected to awaken an extreme talent, four from the stone family.
Arkin stone, eldest son and first child of Davian
Theron stone, second eldest son and child of Davian
Vella stone, first daughter and the last child of Davian.
Ruel stone, only child of Ziven stone ( clan leader.
Micah darkblood, only son of elder Nolan.
Kasia veros, only daughter and last child of elder Gevon.
***********
" I really hope this year's batch will have good talent or else I'm afraid our village will be in a dire situation " an elder spoke up with a solem expression.
The other elders frowned in response, over the years numerous outstanding geniuses had been popping out. The imperial city had six outstanding talents, each from the 6 great bloodlines. Then there was the neighboring villages, who all had ill intentions towards each other, they also produced a few good talents but... The fearsome of them all was ' Eryx ' from the Azure village who had S grade talent, among the rarest talents of them all.
So the clan leader and the elders all pined their hopes on this year's batch, hoping for the best.
" elder virden please be at peace, this year we are going to produce good talents, I can bet with my life " elder Nolan laughed in high spirits.
" I believe so too, what do you think elder Davian " Elder Lans said, staring provocatively at Davian whom had a solem expression. It wasn't a secret that one of his son was completely useless, hense tainting his reputation.
Davian gave him a pointed look before turning away not giving in to his temptation, Lans frowned then glanced at clan leader Ziven who shook his head with a faint smile.
The other elders didn't understand this so they just let it go and focused on the ceremony, each with a serous expression.
**********
A blue claded old white man stood at the center of the platform with brocade box in hands " please do not be nervous, you are all the future hopes of the village, so you must walk with your head high, as the proud sons and daughters of Spirit fall you are " the man continued with his long speech, unknowingly adding more pressure on them.
He moved forward to explain how the ceremony works and how to tell someone's talent and spiritual essence
Blank — no talent whatsoever
D grade — brown . Lowest talent, usually 4 % of spiritual essence
C grade — green . Below-average talent, usually 7% of spiritual essence
B grade — orange . Moderate talent, usually 10% of spiritual essence
A grade — blue . Rare talent, usually 15% of spiritual essence
S grade — silver . Extremely rare talent, usually 20-30% of spiritual essence
X grade — goldish white. Absolute talent, very unlikely to ever happen. 50-70% spiritual essence
*********
After briefing the youths, the old white head man opened the box and placed the orb on the altar like structure where a round carved hole perfectly for the orb. One by one the youth's made their way to the altar and tested their aptitudes.
An hour later
The elders as well as the clan leader himself were all grim. So far out of forty two youths only twelve were remaining, the other 30 ?
They were either D or C grade talent, or completely talentless, this was a huge blow to the elders whom had high hope for them, even Nolan was becoming depressed.
Who wouldn't be, this was equivalent to useless, this year's batch was very useless in terms of anything. All they could do was silently pray for the twelve remaining .
*********
Seeing how the rest were all unmotivated to move, Arkin took the lead and went up the platform with pride.
" look it the first son of elder Davian "
" I'm pretty sure he's going to have an outstanding talent "
" I hope so "
" what are you talking about, I heard that the sons of Davian had already done this test earlier and first and the second had satisfactory results, but they never released the full info "
" hold on, elder Davian has four children right? Three sons and one daughter, although Vella was two young to take the test what about the third son ? "
" where you living under a rock? The third son is actually very useless, he doesn't have any talent at all "
" is that him "
" yes "
" he's very beautiful, too bad he doesn't have any talent "
" hmph, what's beauty without talent "
************
The discussion became louder, even enough for the elders to here, majority of them side glanced at Davian who looked worse than before.
Lans tried his best to conceal his laughter while Ziven sat in place as if he didn't hear anything, but nothing could conceal the gloating in his eyes.
" look "
"oh my God "
" He is an A-grade talent "
" as expected of the child of Davian "
********
With the act of Arkin the rest plucked up their courage, they each went up and tried, except for two who stood in place.
Unexpectedly Theron and Vella were B grade talent, Ruel was also an A-grade talent, much to Davian's dismay, as both brothers had internal conflicts even if they seemed calm on the surface.
Micah was also an A-grade talent, everyone was surprised even Nolan himself but he soon recovered, his view on his son changed from doting and became one of pride and respect.
The rest went up and mostly ended with C grade talent which was not bad, the remaining two were non other than Kasia and Zamiel.
********
" wow "
" what a relief, we where blessed by our ancestors, to think we would have three A-grade and two B-grade talents "
" but we can't just easily feel at ease, we must train them vigorously "
" they must be the best of the best "
" agreed "
The elders all agreed in sync, which was surprising since they all had their own thoughts, and were secretly plotting against each other in every second.
" oh there are still two remaining "
*********
Kasia took a deep breath, as her green eyes shone brilliantly. She climbed up the platform with soft and steady steps, her beauty capturing the heart of many as she made her way.
She placed her hands on the orb, letting the energy within the orb surge into her veins.
Soon the orb glowed in a deep silvery light, quite blinding.
All the elder eye almost popped out of their sockets as they stared immensely at the orb.
Some trembled with excitement while others with jealousy, they turned their head to Gevon who had been silent all this while, after all it was his daughter who got an extreme talent, but he didn't look surprised rather a small smirk appeared.
" small fry "
*********
" S rank "
" Kasia really is an S rank grade talent "
" wow, she's amazing "
" so gorgeous and graceful "
Kasia opened her eyes, she smiled sweetly as she scanned the crowds for her mother, but unintentionally stopping at Zamiel.
Everyone around her was full of praises and adorations but this boy couldn't seem to care less.
She had only seen him a few times, and he always had that same expression, like someone detached from reality or perhaps he was simply watching a show that he wasn't included . She couldn't put her hand on it but he had definitely caught her interest, even when she knew he didn't have any talent.
Zamiel stood motionless as it was he's turn. everyone turned to him but he didn't move an inch from where he stood, his face devoid from any emotion. People around him started to mock and curse at him but he didn't seem to have heard anything, it was like throwing sand into the ocean.
After a few breaths Zamiel finally raised his head, his gazed locked on Davian whom seemed to be avoiding him ' do you really want me to embarrass you ? ' he could tell that Davian didn't want him to take the test but why wasn't he making a move to stop him?
He's gaze shifted as it slowly fell on Ziven and he instantly became vexed, just by one look he had already figured it out.
In the heart of the village, a silent war rages between two brothers bound by blood yet torn apart by ambition. Ziven, the elder, bears the weight of leadership as the clan's appointed leader, but his authority is overshadowed by the formidable strength and cunning of his younger sibling, Davian, a fierce elder revered for his prowess in battle.
Behind the facade of unity lies a brutal struggle for dominance, as Ziven fights to maintain his tenuous grip on power while Davian schemes to usurp his brother's position. Their conflict, veiled in secrecy and manipulation, breeds mistrust and resentment among their followers, threatening to tear the clan apart from within.
Each decision becomes a battlefield, every interaction a battleground, as the brothers navigate a delicate balance of alliances and betrayals in their quest for supremacy. Blood ties are strained, loyalties tested, and the very foundation of the clan trembles under the weight of their relentless power struggle.
And of course their children and spouses weren't spared by it, as everyone mistake was an opportunity for the other's downfall.
" what terrible luck, to think that this uncle is so vile. I must give you a painful death in the future " Zamiel sighed in his heart as he didn't like being used by anyone. There was no point in dragging it out any longer.
As he approaches the platform, his short, snowy white hair ripples like waves. Deep blue eyes, dangerous yet captivating, pierce the crowd. His flawless, pearly white skin radiates beauty surpassing even that of a porcelain doll.
He placed his hand on the orb, and after a few seconds his face became grim as he felt something slowly but surely opening within him " gate of souls "