Eren stood before the towering doors of the Patriarch's chamber. The intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes pulsed with the very essence of magic, reminding him of the sheer power that emanated from his father, Soren Valestrix.
As the youngest son of the fifth wife, he had always been aware of his position in the grand hierarchy of the Valestrix family, but now, with the weight of his recent accomplishments, things felt different.
He pushed the doors open and entered the chamber.Soren Valestrix sat upon a throne of gleaming obsidian, surrounded by a cascade of magical flames flickering in hues of blue and gold.
His gaze was as sharp as ever, a reflection of his status as the most powerful Awakened in the magic kingdoms. Soren had reached the Transcendent rank—a level only a handful had ever attained. His mere presence felt like it could suffocate a lesser man, but Eren had come prepared.
"Father," Eren greeted, bowing deeply."Eren," Soren's voice resonated, deep and steady, filled with both authority and calculation. "You've returned from the dungeon. I've heard of your success."Eren straightened up, meeting his father's gaze, though the weight of it felt like it could crush him at any moment.
The air hummed with expectation."Tell me about your experience."Taking a breath, Eren recounted his recent trials—his battle with the hundred goblins, his journey into the treacherous depths of the dungeon.
He spoke of the battles, the awakening of his powers, and the flashbacks that had assaulted him, though he kept his fragmented memories of Kael to himself.Soren listened intently, his expression unreadable. When Eren finished, a silence hung in the air, thick with unspoken meaning.
"You've done well, especially for someone your age," Soren finally said, his tone a strange blend of approval and caution. "But do not be misled by your recent victory. Success in a dungeon is but the first step."
Eren nodded, remaining quiet as his father continued."The dynamics of our family have changed since Kael's disappearance. The Hereditary Games loom over us all, and many now see an opportunity. Not only your half-siblings, but even my brothers and other relatives are waiting in the shadows.
They know the laws of Valestrixia: if you are below the age of 35, you are eligible to contend for the seat of Patriarch. Some manipulate your half-siblings, while others bide their time, waiting for the right moment to strike."Eren's eyes widened slightly.
He had known about the rivalries within the family, but his father's words painted an even darker picture."Make no mistake, Eren. Your half-siblings are just pawns to some of them, and they will not hesitate to use them to gain power.
You must be vigilant, for every action you take, every success, will draw more eyes to you. Whether they see you as a threat or an ally will depend on how you handle the next steps."
Soren's gaze bore into Eren's soul, and for a moment, Eren felt as though his father could see through him, peeling away his every thought and insecurity. But he held his ground, remembering that he was no longer the boy who had left for the dungeons."I understand," Eren replied, his voice steady.
"I'll be careful."Soren leaned back in his throne, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Good. I had hoped you would say that. Now, since you have successfully awakened, there is more you must do.
Your potential has yet to be fully measured. To ensure you are prepared for the challenges ahead, I want you to take the Realm Awakener Test.
"Eren frowned slightly. He had heard of the test, but only in passing. "The Realm Awakener Test?"Soren nodded, his expression darkening with gravity. "The test is designed to measure not only your current abilities but also your potential.
Every Awakened in the kingdom is ranked by stars—one to twelve. Beyond that, there are three additional ranks: Demi-God, Transcendent, and Divine. I currently stand at the Transcendent rank, which has not been touched since my ascension.
Before that, it was a rarity. Your brother, Kael..., was said to possess Divine rank potential as well. The test will assess your rank within the current magic kingdom's hierarchy and predict your potential for growth."
Eren had heard stories of the test, how it separated those with average talent from those destined for greatness. The stars represented more than mere power—they measured one's mastery over magic, combat, and even influence in the greater magical realms.
"Right now," Soren continued, "there are only a handful who have reached the rank of Demi-God. None have touched the Transcendent rank other than me in years. As for the Divine rank... it has remained untouched since the first Patriarch. You will take this test to see where you stand."The implications of his father's words settled heavily on Eren's shoulders.
The thought of being tested, judged, and ranked based on his abilities left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he knew it was necessary."Azar will guide you in your training," Soren added. "He is at the Demi-God level. You've already met him, and you will need all the guidance you can get. You've made a name for yourself in the dungeons, but the Tower will be a different beast altogether."
Eren's heart pounded at the mention of Azar. The man was a legend in his own right—a veteran of the Tower, known for his brutal training methods and uncanny ability to push his students beyond their limits. Eren had already witnessed Azar's strength firsthand, and the thought of training under him both excited and intimidated him.
"I will do what is necessary," Eren said with determination. "I'll prepare for the test, and I'll prove my worth."Soren nodded, clearly pleased with Eren's resolve. "Good.
Take Azar, enter the dungeons, and improve your stats. Sharpen your techniques. Only then will you be ready to take the Realm Awakener Test and face what lies ahead.
"As Eren turned to leave the chamber, Soren's voice called out once more. "Remember, Eren—this is not just about power. It's about who you are. The Valestrix family's future rests on your shoulders, but it is also threatened from every direction.
Be mindful of those who smile to your face, for they may be the ones sharpening knives behind your back
."Eren glanced back at his father, absorbing the weight of his words. He knew now that his path was fraught with danger, not just from external enemies but from within his own family. But he had no choice.
He had to grow stronger, reclaim his fragmented memories, and uncover the truth behind Kael's disappearance.He left the chamber, determined to master his powers and navigate the treacherous waters of family politics. As he stepped into the vast halls of the Valestrix estate, he reflected on the tradition of noble families—how children were sent into the dungeons at the age of 15 to awaken their powers, to test their mettle, and to gain strength.
Awakening, a process that began when the Tower first appeared, bestowed upon some the gift of a status window—a magical interface that measured their stats, skills, titles, and traits. Typically, one would awaken between the ages of 15 and 16, although some were fortunate enough to awaken even younger.But he understood that awakening was just the beginning.
It was a journey filled with trials, where training and experience would shape him into a true warrior. With a newfound sense of purpose, Eren steeled himself for the challenges ahead. His journey was only beginning, and the road was steeped in shadows, both familiar and unknown.
But no matter what lay ahead, he was determined to carve his path and rise to the top of the Valestrix legacy.