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Chapter 8 - 8 | Awakening 2.0

The Grand Arena – Morning

The stadium buzzed with excitement as participants and spectators filled the stands. The Kurogami crest loomed over the ceremonial stage, symbolizing strength and authority. Sitting high in the central viewing box was Ryoten Kurogami (The genesis knight), the stern and commanding head of the clan. His presence silenced even the most boisterous attendees. On his right sat his first wife, Lady Akahana kurogami (The lunar Flame) , a serene figure with a piercing gaze, her elegance a stark contrast to her husband's unyielding aura. On his left was Satsuki Kurogami (Princess of cherry blossom), their only daughter and the clan's golden child, renowned for her formidable swordsmanship.

But Ryuujin couldn't see them as a barrier surround them.

Across the stage sat the Council of Elders, each a master of their craft, their collective wisdom palpable as they observed the younger generation of the clan.

Below, the arena's main grounds swarmed with participants, among them Ryuujin and his half-siblings.

Kaito, his arrogant half-brother, stood at the forefront, exuding confidence. Flanking Kaito were three other sons of Rtotem kurogami

Takuma, a brooding and heavily built teenager, known for his brute strength and blunt nature.

Hajime, an agile and calculating individual with a penchant for psychological warfare.

Renji, the quiet prodigy, whose serene demeanor masked a ruthless efficiency in battle.

Beside them was Ayaka, the youngest and only daughter among the concubines, her fiery spirit unhidden as she stared daggers at Ryuujin.

All of them shared one thing in common: disdain for Ryuujin. The illegitimate child. To them, his very presence sullied the clan's pride.

The crowd roared as a loud drumbeat silenced all chatter. A man in ornate robes stepped onto the stage and bowed deeply to the Clan Head.

Herald: With the permission of Lord Ryoten Kurogami, we shall now commence the Trials of Awakening!

Ryoten nodded faintly, his expression unchanging.

The herald straightened and addressed the participants.

Herald: Welcome, young warriors and hopefuls of the Kurogami Clan! Today, you stand here to prove yourselves worthy of our legacy as protectors of this land, warriors unmatched in skill and honor. This is your first step toward becoming the guardians of our future.

He pointed toward a table behind him, where attendants carefully placed small crystalline pills, each shimmering with faint energy.

Herald: The first trial is simple: you will each receive an Awakening Pill. Upon consuming it, you must sit, focus your mind, and meditate until you awaken the magic unique to your spirit. Beware—failure to awaken means disqualification and marks you as unfit for this journey.

A murmur rippled through the participants. Among those watching from the sidelines, even the audience leaned forward in anticipation.

The attendants moved swiftly, handing out the pills. Ryuujin accepted his with a calm expression, ignoring the sneers and whispers around him.

The Awakening Test Begins

The participants sat in neat rows, each holding the pill. At the herald's command, they consumed the crystalline substance and closed their eyes. A ripple of energy spread through the field, and soon, the room was filled with an ambient hum of raw magic.

The younger Kurogami children began awakening one by one. Kaito's body glowed with golden light as he absorbed the magic almost immediately, his smirk widening as the audience cheered. Takuma radiated a crimson aura, symbolizing his affinity for fire magic. Hajime's magic manifested as sharp, flickering shadows around him, while Renji's pale blue glow indicated water magic. Even Ayaka displayed a powerful green aura, the energy rippling through her tiny frame.

But Ryuujin… he remained still, his face calm, his brows furrowed in focus.

Ryuujin's Struggle

Minutes turned into what felt like hours. Small beads of sweat appeared on Ryuujin's brow. His hands trembled slightly, and his breathing grew labored. Around him, the mocking laughter and taunts grew louder.

Kaito (mockingly): Look at him. Struggling like a fish out of water.

Ayaka (smirking): Maybe they gave him a defective pill. Oh wait—it's just him that's defective.

Even some members of the audience laughed openly, the scorn in their voices piercing Ryuujin's concentration.

But Ryuujin didn't falter. Instead, he focused deeper, using his knowledge of his past life.

Ryuujin (thinking): It's not about force—it's about understanding the flow. Just like the circuits of electricity… I need to guide the energy.

As the voices of the world faded, he felt a faint flicker deep within him—a spark waiting to ignite. He seized it, guiding the raw energy through his body.

A sudden surge of power erupted from him. His eyes snapped open, glowing faintly. But Ryuujin noticed something strange—the energy wasn't stable. Part of the pill remained unabsorbed.

Ryuujin (thinking): This is only half the power. If I leave it like this, I won't understand its full potential.

While others celebrated their newfound power, Ryuujin sat back down and returned to meditation. This time, he visualized the energy as a formula, analyzing its motion, binding it, and refining it within his core. Slowly but surely, he absorbed every ounce of energy. His aura stabilized, glowing white with faint silver tendrils—an ethereal and rare manifestation.

Gasps erupted in the audience.

The First Test Ends

The drum signaled the conclusion of the first trial. The herald stepped forward.

Herald: The first trial is now complete. All who have awakened their magic have passed.

Cheers erupted as the clan's children celebrated their newfound powers. Even Ryuujin's half-siblings smirked arrogantly.

But the Elders murmured amongst themselves about Ryuujin's aura. Even Reiko's piercing gaze seemed intrigued by the silver-white glow that slowly faded around him. Ryoten, however, remained impassive, his stern face revealing nothing.

The Next Stage

As the participants stood, the herald raised his hand for silence.

Herald: Congratulations on completing the first trial. But be warned, the path only grows harder from here. The next test will challenge your reflexes, your instincts, and your will to survive. Prepare yourselves.

The crowd cheered again, louder this time, as anticipation built for the challenges ahead.

From his place on the arena floor, Ryuujin met the glares of his half-siblings. Ayaka smirked cruelly, while Kaito's smirk widened as if daring Ryuujin to succeed further. The others looked on with amusement—or perhaps faint suspicion.

In the stands, Reiko leaned closer to her father.

Akahana : That boy… He's different. You saw his magic, didn't you?

Those color signifies how much they have absorbed the pill but look like that child Ryuujin is ahead of other in term of absorbing the pill but it still not enough as they have taken best teaching until now

Ryoten didn't reply, his sharp eyes focused on Ryuujin.

--End--