As Kairos studied him, Caelum's status plate appeared:
Caelum Aurelius
Race: Human
Class: Elemental Mage (Fire Specialist)
Age: 18
Attributes:
Strength: 70
Dexterity: 46
Constitution: 76
Intelligence: 122
Wisdom: 58
Charisma: 24
Skills:
Fire Manipulation (Level 9)
Elemental Barrier (Level 7)
Mana Control (Level 8)
Flame Conjuring (Level 8)
Tactical Planning (Level 6)
Special Traits:
Fire Affinity: Enhanced power and control over fire-based magic.
Heat Resistance: Reduced damage from fire and heat-based attacks.
Kairos took a deep breath, noting the power that Caelum wielded, but also the insecurities hidden beneath his cousin's cool exterior.
Orion Aurelius was next, his soft smile and earnest attitude a stark contrast to the others. A prodigy in healing magic, Orion's gentle nature clashed with the harsh expectations of the family. His reluctance to embrace the violence of the trial resonated with Kairos, creating a bond between them rooted in their shared struggle. Orion's status plate revealed itself:
Orion Aurelius
Race: Human
Class: Healing Mage
Age: 16
Attributes:
Strength: 40
Dexterity: 32
Constitution: 44
Intelligence: 70
Wisdom: 74
Charisma: 66
Skills:
Healing Magic (Level 9)
Mana Efficiency (Level 7)
Protective Ward (Level 6)
Herbal Knowledge (Level 6)
Empathy (Level 5)
Special Traits:
Soothing Aura: A calming presence that aids in healing and reduces stress.
Purity of Spirit: Enhanced resistance to dark or corrupting influences.
Kairos felt a deep connection with Orion, recognizing in him a kindred spirit who struggled against the rigid expectations of the Aurelius family.
Then there was Alaris Aurelius, a striking figure with silver hair streaked with golden highlights and feline-like yellow-green eyes. She had other beast-like features as well—a long silver tail and sharp retractable nails that added to her intimidating presence. Upon seeing Kairos, she lowered her head in respect. Without thinking, Kairos reached out to touch her ears, commenting on how soft they were. Alaris flushed bright red, clearly embarrassed by the intimate gesture, as her ears were highly sensitive. Her status plate emerged:
Alaris Aurelius
Race: Half-Beastkin (Feline)
Class: Strategist
Age: 17
Attributes:
Strength: 64
Dexterity: 82
Constitution: 86
Intelligence: 69
Wisdom: 67
Charisma: 74
Skills:
Tactical Analysis (Level 8)
Quick Reflexes (Level 7)
Stealth (Level 6)
Martial Arts (Level 5)
Enhanced Senses (Level 7)
Special Traits:
Feline Grace: Increased agility and reflexes.
Keen Senses: Heightened awareness of surroundings.
Finally, Kairos was introduced to Lyra Aurelius. With her aquamarine and silver hair, Lyra stood out among the others. Her webbed hands and sharp fangs were clear signs of her sea dragon heritage. As Kairos looked at her, he couldn't help but think how the moonlight would make her already elegant figure and distinct sea dragon features even more enchanting. As this thought crossed his mind, her status plate became visible:
Lyra Aurelius
Race: Half-Sea Dragon
Class: Elemental Mage (Water Specialist)
Level: 16
Attributes:
Strength: 74
Dexterity: 56
Constitution: 68
Intelligence: 60
Wisdom: 65
Charisma: 67
Skills:
Water Manipulation (Level 8)
Aquatic Affinity (Level 7)
Mana Control (Level 7)
Hydration Recovery (Level 6)
Dragon's Resilience (Level 6)
Special Traits:
Aquatic Mastery: Enhanced power and control over water-based magic.
Regenerative Scales: Slight regenerative abilities, particularly in water.
As the status plates of his cousins faded from view, Kairos felt a new sense of understanding. His enhanced observation skill had given him insight into the strengths and weaknesses of those around him, preparing him for the trials ahead. Eclipse's explanations, combined with the detailed information from the status plates, made it clear that the Star Dragon Trial would be a complex and dangerous challenge—not just because of the external threats, but because of the internal conflicts within his own family.
As Eclipse's voice reverberated in Kairos' mind, it was clear this sparring session was more than just a test—it was a challenge to rise to his potential.
"New mission alert, Kairos," Eclipse began, the tone more urgent than before. "To truly understand the strength of your lineage, you must spar with your cousins right now. The reward? Your very own pocket dimension—a personal inventory space. It's a basic version with a weight limit of 100 kg, and you can't store living things in it, but it will be incredibly useful for your journey. All you have to do is beat everyone here in a mock fight."
Kairos' eyes widened at the opportunity. A pocket dimension would be an invaluable asset. With a determined expression, he turned to his cousins. "How about we have a little sparring session?" he suggested, trying to keep his voice casual.
Lysandra smirked, her raccoon-like ears twitching in amusement. "You want to take us all on, Kairos? Don't cry when you lose."
Caelum's lips curled into a confident grin. "Don't think you'll win just because you're a Solari. I've been waiting for a chance to show you what I'm made of."
Orion, ever the peacekeeper, raised his hands. "I suppose if everyone agrees, but let's not get too rough. We're family, after all."
Alaris, still flustered from Kairos' earlier gesture, crossed her arms. "If we're doing this, don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're my cousin."
Lyra, with a mischievous glint in her aquamarine eyes, added, "This should be fun. Just try to keep up, Kairos."
As the teasing remarks were exchanged, a playful tension filled the air. But when the sparring session began, the smiles quickly faded, replaced by serious, determined expressions.
Without warning, Alaris leaped at Lysandra, claws extended, her feline reflexes on full display. Lysandra, not one to back down, drew her bow and fired an arrow infused with arcane energy at Alaris. The arrow narrowly missed, embedding itself in the ground as Alaris rolled to the side, her tail flicking with anticipation.
Lyra, not wanting to be left out, summoned a torrent of water, aiming it at both Alaris and Lysandra. The water crashed down, but Lysandra agilely flipped out of the way, while Alaris slashed through the wave with her claws, dispersing it into droplets.
"Enough!" Orion shouted, trying to cast a protective ward between the fighting girls. "We're supposed to be sparring, not tearing each other apart!"