The grand doors of the Imperial Temple swung open, admitting a stream of young nobles. Among them, Zen, Tess, and Prince Leonhardt found themselves ushered inside, while their parents were unexpectedly turned away. The air thrummed with anticipation and a touch of anxiety.
A figure emerged from the shadows of the temple's interior. Clad in pristine white robes adorned with a purple sash, the man cut an imposing figure. A cross embroidered on each end of the sash glinted in the soft light.
"Welcome, young lords and ladies, to this year's first Awakening ceremony," his voice resonated through the hall. "I am Cedric Lintly, Pope of this sacred temple and head of the Holy Alliance."
A collective gasp rippled through the gathering. Even the most composed noble scions couldn't hide their awe.
Outside, Lloyd's indignation echoed off the temple walls. "Since when do they turn parents away?" he fumed, his face flushed with anger.
Emperor Curtis began to respond, his tone placating. "Relax, this is tradition. We'll use my chambers at the tem—"
His words died in his throat as his gaze fixed on something in the distance. Curtis's face contorted, a mask of disgust and rage twisting his features as if he'd laid eyes upon the devil himself.
Lloyd, sensing the sudden change, followed the Emperor's gaze. An elegant black coach approached, pulled by two magnificent stallions. Its crest rivaled Lloyd's own in dignity. As it drew near, a steward rushed to open its ornate door.
The coach's occupant emerged with deliberate slowness, each step echoing ominously. Lloyd and Curtis stood rigid, fists clenched, as a man stepped out, flanked by two children—a boy and a girl.
The newcomer's golden eyes swept over the scene, settling on Curtis and Lloyd with undisguised contempt. "I, Alexis Darkus, Marquis to the Imperial family, greet the Emperor," he announced, his voice dripping with false civility. "And you as well, Marquis Briar."
Curtis's face contorted into a pained smile as he extended his arms in a forced embrace. Alexis leaned in, his whisper carrying a hint of venom. "Oh! Not here, cousin. Your vassals are watching."
As the adults retreated through a separate entrance, Alexis's children made their way towards the temple. The gathered nobles parted before them like water before the prow of a ship.
Inside, the atmosphere grew thick with tension as the newcomers locked eyes with Zen, Tess, and Leonhardt. The air crackled with unspoken rivalry.
"Not here, Theo," the girl beside the newcomer murmured, her blue eyes flashing a warning.
Pope Cedric cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "Let us begin with the essentials," he announced. "Today's Awakening is reserved for nobles and royals, which is why no commoners are present. We shall commence with the Prince, followed by the Duke's son, and then proceed through the children of the Marquises in order of rank."
A hand shot up from the crowd. "Ah, if it isn't the scion of Marquis Derrick," Cedric acknowledged. "You have a question?"
The boy, as striking as Zen and his peers, spoke with barely concealed arrogance. "You have yet to enlighten us on the Awakening process. Surely, we must understand the procedure before anything else?"
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the assembly. Cedric's smile never wavered. "Indeed, young lord. Let us delve into the heart of the matter."
The Pope's voice took on a reverent tone. "Darkus was a blessed land even before the advent of skills. But when the first King of the North arrived, the world transformed. Nine gods, recognizing the worth of our continent, bestowed upon us skills to rival the North. Thus, the first Emperor rose."
He paused, his gaze sweeping the rapt audience. "This Empire stands as humanity's vanguard against the North. Yes, other races exist—elves, harpies, even beast-men—but they cannot wield skills, though mana favors them."
Cedric gestured towards an imposing door behind him. "Beyond this threshold lies the Chamber of the Nine Gods. While you may have awakened runes, your true skills remain dormant. In that sacred space, you will comprehend the nature of your skills and commune with the gods themselves. Only then can you take your rightful place among the Empire's elite."
The Pope's words ignited a fire in the young nobles' eyes, each burning with the desire to unlock their potential.
With a dramatic flourish, Cedric pushed open the massive door. "Prince Leonhardt," he called, "step forward for your Awakening."
Leonhardt turned to Zen, a cocky grin splitting his face. "Looks like I'm first in line!"
Zen's response was a dismissive turn of his head, mirroring his father's habitual reaction to the Emperor. Leonhardt's grin faltered for a moment. "You're just like Uncle Lloyd," he muttered.
As Leonhardt approached the chamber, an otherworldly glow emanated from within, pulsing in rhythm with the prince's rune. The door sealed behind him with a resonant boom.
A chill raced down Zen's spine. "What truly awaits us in that room?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Inside the chamber, Leonhardt felt himself slipping away, gravity releasing its hold. The world dissolved into a star-filled void, and a voice like thunder rolled through the emptiness.
"You are the first this year, young prince," it intoned. "Welcome, we shall now begin"
As the voice faded, Leonhardt stood alone in the cosmic expanse, poised on the precipice of his destiny.