A bespectacled man in his 30s gazed warmly at his wife, who was lovingly cradling their newborn son—their third son and fifth child. The baby bore a striking resemblance to his father, just like his siblings. All were adorned with yellow-blonde hair, a trait unique to the Dragonheart family.
"A healthy boy has been born, Lord Frey," the maister announced, finishing his thorough examination.
Frey, the patriarch of House Dragonheart, nodded, his eyes fixed on his son—born of deep love. Unlike his father, whose stern demeanor and frosty eyes were complemented by fists of iron, Frey embodied affection and gentleness. Raised by his mother, who instilled in him the virtues of kindness and warmth, he sought to create a nurturing home for his own family.
"As much as I hate to say this, we must make our way to the altar, Thesia," he said.
In the long-standing tradition of their family, newborns were subjected to the theurgy ceremony immediately after birth. This ritual forged a soul pact with their dragon pair, a crucial step to prevent the world's impure mana from corrupting the baby's mortal form. This ceremony significantly increased the likelihood of forming a soul contract with the dragons, the very entities that had built the millennia-old legacy of the Dragonheart family.
The contract demands both the Dragonheart bloodline and an untainted body.
While numerous mana cultivation techniques can purify oneself, the contract specifically requires a body entirely devoid of mana. Therefore, each time a family member bears a child, they must do so within a specialized facility designed to prevent any mana from infiltrating the room—a room completely free of mana.
"Let's proceed," Thesia sighed, placing her child gently into a special bassinet designed to keep mana at bay.
"This should be the last time I have to do this in my lifetime." She shot a sharp glance at Frey, who responded with an unabashed grin, clearly amused by his wife's commanding nature.
They proceeded to the door adjacent to the room, leading to an underground chamber that resembled a grand cathedral's chancel. At the chamber's center lay a vast mana circle, intricately engraved into the floor.
"Allow me Madam Thesia" a magister politely received the bassinet and carefully placed it at the center of the mana circle.
5 giant mana stones were permanently placed on all 5 vital parts of the circle, each exuding a different aura, enough to make even the highest ranked magician lose their composure, one should know that each of these mana stones are just as rare as finding even the shadow of a dragon.
"We will begin the ceremony" A man wearing golden robes declared, he was stationed right where he could directly control the mana circle, this is the same for the other 4 similar spots, with one being occupied by Frey himself.
The other figures aside from Frey hold important positions in the family that not anyone could meet easily. They are the very definition of Dragonheart's power.
"Calling the one who guards the realms," the man in golden robes intoned, his words echoed in chorus by the others. He was Frey's uncle, the sole brother of the former patriarch.
"Grant us the power to govern,
"To represent balance and order,
"To conquer for the weak,
"Take this child as a medium,
"A vessel to hold your power."
The incantations reverberated through the chamber, and the mana circle began to glow with shifting colors, illuminating the solemn ritual.
Everyone's gaze turned to the ceiling, where they expected a similar mana circle to appear, paralleling the realm where the dragons originally resided—a place known only to the Dragonhearts. A heavy, domineering aura filled the room, evoking an innate fear that compelled others to kneel under its power.
Despite the ritual's countless repetitions over millennia, to everyone's shock, the anticipated mana circle did not appear. Instead, a tear slowly formed in the ceiling. From this rift, a blinding white light shot forth and moved directly toward the newborn child.
The rift closed as quickly as it had appeared, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
As the light from the mana circle faded and the ritual ended, Frey bolted toward his son with palpable worry. The other four figures surrounding the mana circle were equally distressed.
"I haven't read of such an occurrence in our family's records," a woman said, approaching the center.
"This is unprecedented!" One of the council mused with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"Quiet, Hendrick!" an older woman scolded. She was the elder sister of the former patriarch, Ravenia. She embraced Thesia, both casting anxious glances at the innocent child.
"Take Ardiel to my mansion," Ravenia instructed, her voice firm with a mix of concern and authority.
News of the situation was quickly suppressed by Frey, who was determined to shield his children from outside scrutiny.
Ravenia examined Ardiel with great care. A green, formless aura appeared on her hand and gently moved toward the newborn. After a minute, her brows furrowed, and a conflicting expression crossed her face.
"What is it, Auntie?" Frey asked, his voice laden with worry.
"A mark resembling a dragon is etched on his back, and his heart—" she began.
"What about his heart?" Hendrick interjected.
"His heart is covered in runes."