Two years had passed, and Kain, now seven years old, stood with quiet anticipation beside his father. Today was the annual awakening ceremony, a day when children across the land gathered to unlock their latent powers and abilities. This year, the ceremony was being held at a grand church in the capital, a sacred place where the Awakening Stone—a relic of immense magical power—was housed.
The church, a towering structure of stone and stained glass, loomed over the crowd gathered in its courtyard. Inside, its walls were adorned with tapestries depicting legendary heroes and mages of old, figures who had shaped the kingdom with their strength and magic. Kain's eyes wandered over the artwork as he stood next to his father, Darren, in the long line of families waiting for their turn.
Kain was no ordinary seven-year-old. Over the past two years, he had spent countless hours training, honing his body and mind, both in secret and with his father. His stats were nearing 20 in almost every category—far beyond what anyone would expect from a child his age. He had made sure to keep his true power hidden, knowing it would draw unwanted attention if revealed too soon.
Today, however, wasn't about his secret abilities. Today was about the power he would naturally awaken from this body's skill tree—a system he had no control over. He was curious to see what the world thought of him, how the system would classify his talent.
As they stood in line, Darren leaned down to speak quietly to Kain. "This is it, son. The awakening ceremony is a crucial day in your life. Whatever power you unlock today will guide your future."
Kain glanced up at his father, nodding politely. He knew Darren saw him as just a normal child, unaware of the intelligence and abilities that lay beneath his innocent exterior. But for now, it was easier to play the role of the dutiful son. "I know, Father."
"When you touch the Awakening Stone, your skill tree will reveal itself. It shows the abilities you can unlock as you grow—combat skills, magic, things like that. Most people get something simple, like basic swordsmanship or a small magic affinity. But some kids, like the nobles, might awaken something more powerful."
Kain's gaze flickered toward the front of the church. Several well-dressed individuals stood near the altar, watching the ceremony. They were noble representatives, sent to scout for talented children. The nobles would often choose those with promising abilities to train in their households, offering coin to the families in exchange for service.
"The Duke's representative is here," Darren whispered, pointing discreetly at a man in a rich velvet robe standing with the other nobles. "Be careful, Kain. If they take an interest in you, we'll have to think it over."
Kain remained silent. He had already considered the implications of being noticed by the nobility. Being taken under a noble's wing could grant him resources and opportunities, but it could also mean unwanted restrictions. He needed to tread carefully.
Inside the church, the ceremony began. One by one, children were called to the front, where they placed their hands on the Awakening Stone. Each time, the stone would glow, revealing the child's skill tree in the form of shimmering magical branches that floated in the air. For most children, the branches were small and simple—basic skills like swordplay or elemental magic.
Kain watched each child with quiet calculation. None of their awakenings surprised him. He had studied this world's systems thoroughly. But when his name was called, a murmur rippled through the crowd. Kain walked to the front with measured steps, ignoring the whispers behind him.
He reached the Awakening Stone and placed his hand on its cool surface. For a moment, nothing happened, and then the stone glowed with an intense, almost blinding light. The crowd fell silent as Kain's skill tree appeared—more intricate and vibrant than any of the others before him.
The largest branch on his skill tree was Advanced Sword Techniques—a rare and powerful ability, especially for someone his age. It wasn't something he had programmed or enhanced with his virtual toolbox; this was the body's natural talent, emerging at last. Along with the advanced swordsmanship, there were other branches indicating physical strength, agility, and combat proficiency.
The crowd gasped in awe. For a seven-year-old to awaken such an advanced skill was nearly unheard of.
Kain stepped back from the stone, his expression neutral, though inside he was already planning his next move. He knew his father was proud, but he also saw the calculating looks from the nobles. The Duke's representative was whispering urgently to another noble beside him, both of them eyeing Kain with keen interest.
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As the ceremony continued, more children were called forward, though none matched the brilliance of Kain's awakening. That was, until one of the final names was called.
"Aria Venroa," the officiant announced.
A girl with silver hair and striking violet eyes stepped forward, drawing immediate attention from the crowd. The name Venroa was well-known—Aria was a member of the Duke's family, one of the most powerful noble houses in the kingdom.
She placed her hand on the Awakening Stone, and the obelisk flared to life even more brightly than it had for Kain. Her skill tree appeared, revealing not just one but two magic elements—fire and wind. She had awakened as a mage, and her path showed immense potential in both elements, something rarely seen in children her age.
The crowd erupted in murmurs of astonishment. Aria remained composed, her violet eyes scanning the room with quiet confidence. She was clearly aware of her own talent, and unlike most children, she showed no surprise at what the stone had revealed.
Kain watched her with interest. While his own skills were focused on combat, Aria's dual-elemental affinity was something rare. He could sense that she would be a formidable mage in the future, and perhaps someone to keep an eye on.
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As the ceremony came to a close, Kain and his father were approached by the Duke's representative. The man, dressed in fine velvet, greeted Darren with a respectful nod, then turned his eyes toward Kain, scrutinizing him with sharp interest.
"You have a remarkable son," the representative began, his tone measured and polite. "His awakening was nothing short of exceptional. Advanced sword techniques at such a young age… it's a talent that must be nurtured."
Darren nodded, his pride evident in the slight smile on his face. "Yes, Kain has always shown promise."
The representative stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as if he were making a serious decision. "The Duke's family would like to offer Kain the opportunity to train under our house. With his potential, he would benefit greatly from the resources and instruction we can provide."
Kain watched the exchange silently, knowing this was a critical moment. His father, though strong and skilled, could not offer the same resources or connections that the Duke could. Yes Darren was a commoner, working hard to provide for his family, and he saw this opportunity as a chance for Kain to rise above his station, it is not that Kain couldn't get the resources he needs, although he doesn't really need them, because of his virtual toolbox, he could even make gold coins but didn't because they were living good even though they were commoners.
"Kain," Darren began, turning to his son. "This could be an incredible opportunity for you. The Duke's family will provide you with better training and access to resources I can't offer."
Kain remained calm, though inwardly he was evaluating the situation. He could use this opportunity to further his own plans, even if his father saw him as nothing more than a child in need of guidance. He understood the benefits of accepting the offer, even if it meant operating under someone else's banner for a while.
"I understand, Father," Kain said, nodding politely. "I'll go with the Duke's representative."
Darren smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "You'll do great things, son. Just remember to stay true to yourself."
The representative extended his hand to Darren. "We will take care of him, and his potential will be realized under the Duke's watch."
Darren shook the man's hand, sealing the deal. Kain glanced back at his father one last time before following the Duke's representative out of the church. The future awaited him at the Duke's estate, and with it, the next step in his journey.
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