The village square of the sixth tribe was packed with spectators as they circled the formed center of the village square where thrones were placed, each dedicated to every important individual like the infernal general and the High Council of Flame members. These people were opportune to have a first-hand view of what they considered the bravest and craziest move made by any member of the Ark family.
They were well aware of the risks of partaking in this ritual, especially with the seal on Sol. These people were certain the seal would resist the ritual and, in turn, would harm him or even end his life.
Honestly, most of the people present were to see the young Kahi'k die in a gruesome manner.
Dong!
The sound of a bell boomed across the village square, followed by soft beats of the drum. The rhythm seemed to mimic the heartbeats of everyone present, and it strangely made their blood boil.
Following this was a lone figure walking through a cleared pathway leading to the center of the gathering. He wore bloodied sack clothes and a strange black wolf mask over his face, adorned with intricately drawn fiery patterns. In his hand was a dead goat, its throat cut open and its corpse getting dragged along, leaving a trail of blood behind.
Everyone in the crowd felt cold chills run down their spine, and the villagers instinctively took a step back. However, the masked man paid them no heed as he circled the opening at the center with a crazed smile hidden within his mask. Low but ominous chants hummed from his being, strangely overshadowing the beats of the drums.
"Bring him!" the masked man finally spoke the language everyone could understand.
On the ground was a triangle shape carved out with blood and at the edges of these triangles were also smaller triangles, itching with a massive third eye drawn at the center.
Soon enough, Sol emerged from the path and caught the attention of everyone present. Only high officials had seen Sol in the past when he was much younger, but the normal villagers never got to catch a glance of him, and this was due to the forbidden relationship being frowned upon everywhere.
They were afraid the people would not accept him. So he got isolated from the world.
They watched as a sixteen-year-old about 5'8 feet walked forward through the path. After staying unconscious for over a year, Sol's red hair has grown considerably, almost reaching his shoulder-length. He had a lean and athletic build, which complimented the red robe he wore, which billowed with the wind as he moved.
Sol walked forward with old man Chamberlain following him. Rumors since his birth had spread that the son of the Kahi'k was a coward, but he clearly didn't have the face of a coward.
He ignored everyone, however when he reached the small clearing at the center, he halted abruptly and looked towards the man in bright red armor intricately embroidered with the image of a lion.
The man had a hulking build and was over 6'5 feet. He was bald with eagle eyes and a few scars which made him look menacing. The two peered deep into each other's eyes, none daring to blink.
While the people assumed Sol was acknowledging the presence of the infernal general, he was simply sizing up a future enemy
'Power is not shared, neither is it requested. It is taken!' Sol's eyes lit up with conviction.
"Pray I do not survive this." He whispered under his breath before walking forward.
As he approached the formation drawn on the ground, Chamberlain took off his robes and walked into the center triangle, while Chamberlain backed away with a hint of worry in his eyes.
"Are you ready, my lord?" The masked man asked in an eerie voice, and Sol simply nodded.
Ba-ta-da!
Ba-ta-da!
The rhythm of the drums changed, and the masked man began dancing strangely around the formation.
Brrr!
Sol looked down as the edges of each triangle suddenly lit up with a ball of fire, even though there was no medium. From these bodies of fire, orange light spread, replacing the blood markings on the floor.
Buzz!
Sol's vision suddenly blurred as he felt a sting of pain in his heart. It felt like a needle was inserted, piercing deep into his heart!
Blegh!
The crowd went dead silent as Sol spat out a mouthful of blood. They watched as a bright red chain tattoo appeared on all parts of his body, glowing brightly.
Ding.
[Rite of awakening has begun.]
[Hold on…]
Sol could barely make sense of the message and even if he could see them, he wouldn't even have the liberty to pay attention to it. He gripped his hands and staggered back by a few steps.
The masked man ignored his condition and continued chanting while the drums kept beating. The spectators watched as Sol's skin began to tighten, and the blood chain tattoo was slowly becoming an actual blood chain.
The longer the ritual lasted, the tighter the chain began. At some point, blood began squirting out of his skin, splattering around. Sol gasped for air as he held on to his heart and squinted in pain.
"Young master…" Chamberlain held on to the robe with worry in his eyes.
He saw Sol standing at the center of the formation, struggling to remain standing. He was covered in blood, but he didn't make a sound.
Bam!
Sol fell to his knees, holding his throat tight. It felt like a chain was wrapped around his neck, making it impossible for him to breathe, while also tearing off his head entirely.
His vision had completely faded, and his heart nearly crushed. Blood was leaking out of every possible hole in his body. He could feel the embrace of death and its cold gaze pinned on him.
Death was around the corner!
Bam!
Sol finally collapsed to the ground, stiff and pale. He didn't groan, he didn't squint, neither did he breathe. He was dead.
[Nether Lord bloodline awakened]
[Ark Bloodline awakened]
[Warlock bloodline awakening failed!]