It didn't take long for the palace gates to swing open, unveiling a luxurious carriage, its grandeur impossible to ignore. The carriage's intricate golden frame shimmered in the sunlight, but what caught my eye was the royal insignia emblazoned on its side. It was a striking design—an eerie, veiny eye surrounded by jagged edges that resembled bite marks, a symbol both captivating and unsettling.
The door opened, and two figures stepped out. On either side of the walkway, servants stood in a perfectly aligned formation, bowing low to welcome the guests.
The first to emerge was a man with a gentlemanly air. His long, light blonde hair was tied back neatly, his sharp brown eyes gleaming behind thin, frameless glasses. He was dressed in a navy-blue coat, its silver embroidery subtle but unmistakably expensive, giving him the aura of a refined scholar.
The second figure was his opposite—a muscular man with a broad frame and a commanding presence. His short white hair gleamed under the sun, and his tanned skin, greenish eyes was a stark contrast to his sharp, regal features. Despite his simple black tunic, there was an undeniable power in his stance.
I watched them approach, puzzled. Only two brothers had arrived, not three.
Was my third brother delayed?
Feryn, ever the helpful sibling, leaned down and whispered, "That's Faust, the first brother, and Fakrie, the third."
My brows furrowed. "Wait, he's the mage from the Azure Magic Tower?" I asked under my breath, pointing subtly toward the muscular man.
"Yeah. Surprised?" Feryn smirked. "And the scholarly-looking one? He's the filthy rich merchant."
I shook my head, stunned. I had judged them completely wrong. Never judge a book by its cover, indeed.
Both men approached my father, offering their greetings in a manner befitting their status. Faust, the towering figure with the warrior-like aura, was surprisingly easygoing. He glanced in my direction, and his lips curved into a small smile as he approached me.
"Oh, isn't this Frynn?" he said in a warm, friendly tone. His deep voice carried no hint of the formality one might expect from someone of his rank. "You've grown a bit taller since I last saw you. How are you doing, little brother?"
I tried to keep my response casual. "I'm fine, thank you."
He chuckled softly. "Good to hear. Well, we'll have time to catch up later. See you around, Frynn." With that, he gave me a light pat on the head before stepping away.
My first impression of Faust? Despite his intimidating appearance, he seemed approachable, the kind of person who could easily make others feel at ease.
Fakrie, on the other hand, didn't say much. He gave me a polite smile and waved lightly in my direction. It was a small gesture, but it left a good impression nonetheless—he seemed kind, even if a bit reserved.
As the greetings concluded, the group slowly dispersed. My mothers and brothers stayed behind to chat, but I took the opportunity to quietly distance myself. I wasn't particularly interested in their conversations.
Just as I was about to slip away unnoticed, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder. I turned to find my father standing behind me, his expression calm but commanding.
"Frynn," he said in a measured tone, "I'd like to speak with you. Meet me in my study."
His study? I gulped slightly but nodded. "Of course, Father."
Without another word, he turned and strode away, leaving me to wonder what awaited in his study.
I knocked on the door to my father's study, waiting for his deep voice to grant permission before stepping inside.
The room had a regal yet functional air, much like its occupant. Rows of neatly organized bookshelves lined the walls, their contents a mix of history, politics, and arcane studies. A large window at the back of the room allowed sunlight to pour in, illuminating the intricate designs on the wooden furniture.
At the center stood a massive desk, its dark mahogany surface polished to perfection and adorned with neatly arranged papers, an ink set, and a small, ornate globe.
My father, Daizen Arathion, sat behind it, his imposing figure made more commanding by the high-backed chair. His silver hair caught the sunlight, and his sharp black eyes remained fixed on the documents before him.
The silence stretched for a moment, broken only by the faint scratching of his pen. Finally, he set it aside and looked up at me.
"Do you know why your brothers have come here?" he asked, his tone measured.
I shook my head, feigning ignorance.
He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "It's for the Enlightenment Ceremony, your brother seem interested in it. So they come to see your evaluation." he said, pausing briefly before continuing. "It will take place three days from now."
I tilted my head slightly, taking the opportunity to ask, "What is the Enlightenment Ceremony? And... isn't my second brother coming?"
Daizen nodded. "Your second brother, Feraz, will arrive tonight. As for the ceremony," he began, "it marks the awakening of a child's potential. When you reach five years of age, your magical affinities, gifts, blessings, and other abilities are revealed."
I listened intently, though I already knew the basics of this from Laquila. Still, my father's explanation provided much-needed depth.
"Most individuals awaken two elemental affinities," he continued, "though cases of three or four are rare. Anything beyond that is extraordinarily rare, bordering on myth. On the other hand, there are some who awaken only a single element, which is also rare but often seen as a sign of specialization."
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "And innate skills?" I asked, though I already had an idea from Laquila's teachings.
Daizen's gaze grew sharper, as though evaluating the purpose behind my question. "Innate skills are unique abilities tied to an individual's essence. They manifest naturally and are added to one's status panel after consistent effort—through repeated actions or intense focus. They represent what someone is naturally inclined toward or excels at."
He paused briefly before adding, "Another method to acquire skills is through skill books, but those are exceedingly rare and prohibitively expensive. Even the lowest tier commands a small fortune."
I nodded, absorbing the information. While Laquila had mentioned these things, hearing it from my father gave it more weight and clarity.
Silence settled between us again, and I shifted awkwardly. Deciding to take the initiative, I asked, "Can I know what my older brothers' affinities are?"
Daizen raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze meeting mine. After a moment of consideration, he spoke.
"Faust Arathion, the first, awakened Ice, Water, Wind, and Nature."
I blinked, impressed. Four affinities—no wonder he held a high position in the Azure Magic Tower.
"Feraz Arathion, the second, has Thunder and Fire."
That sounded formidable. I imagined devastating storms and blazing infernos at his command.
"Fakrie Arathion, the third, awakened Nature and Poison," Daizen continued, his voice calm and even.
The combination struck me as unusual but undeniably effective.
"And Feryn Arathion, the fourth, possesses Telekinesis, Blood, and Fire."
Wow. My brothers weren't just talented—they were exceptional. I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and pressure.
Despite the amazement bubbling within, I kept my expression neutral, nodding politely as though I had merely learned an interesting fact.
After a moment, Daizen returned his attention to the papers on his desk. "That's all," he said, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.
"Thank you, Father," I said, bowing slightly before leaving the room.
As I walked down the hallway, my mind buzzed with thoughts. My brothers were remarkable, and the Enlightenment Ceremony loomed closer. Would I live up to expectations? What would I awaken?
Pushing those thoughts aside for the moment, I decided to make the most of the day. There was still plenty of time before the ceremony to focus on what truly mattered—preparing myself for what lay ahead.