Chapter 3: Friends
How've you been Zeph? Lucian inquired, extending his hand outward.
Zeph caught his hand, exchanging a firm handshake with him. I'm fine. What about you? He responded, with a usual grin.
Fine. So, What've you been up to lately?
A lot. Zeph answered with a low voice. Lucian raised his eyebrows, hearing this unexpected answer.
Lucian had known Zeph for almost his entire life. Zephyr aka Zeph in short was one of his few childhood friends with whom he had a particularly close bond. He knew how lazy and slacking Zeph was.
Zeph hated doing hard work especially work that drained his physical and mental energy. Hearing him say a lot had thrown Lucian off guard.
Oh..do tell me what 'a lot' means. Lucian inquired with curious-filled eyes.
sigh~
Because of the Awakening Ceremony, I've been forced to train non-stop for months. My father won't let me leave the house without completing my daily training routine. My daily routine followed Eat, Train, and Sleep. This cycle continued for months. Life had been a hell for me till now. Zeph remarked, displaying a sorrowful expression.
Lucian lightly patted his friend's shoulders, consoling him through his tough times. He remembered Zeph's father, a powerful man with a strict but easygoing personality. He valued strength greatly and always encouraged us to train ourselves in our childhood.
Lucian's father and Zeph's father were close friends and sparring partners. One time he accidentally peeked at the training room and witnessed their spar, leaving him unconscious due to their high energy fluctuations.
They did got scolded by their wives afterward due to this accident.
Their mothers also shared a close bond with eachother and considered each other as sisters.
Considering his personality, Lucian found Zeph's excuse believable.
Be positive brother. Your hard work will bear its fruit today, witnessed by everyone here. You will shine through the sky like those stars and create your own legend. Believe in yourself.
sigh~
Lucian, enough with your bullshit. You're just overhyping him now. A sweet voice echoed from Lucian's back.
He turned around with a smirk plastered on his face. We were just talking about you, Kiara. He replied, gazing at the beautiful young lady before him.
She had long, luscious snow-white hair, deep violet eyes, and a fair skin tone that highlighted her beauty. She approached them slowly with grace and nobility surrounding her.
Her beauty left the onlookers stunned, frozen from head to toe. She gracefully arrived before Lucian, locking her eyes on him.
Lucian and Zeph were unaffected by her beauty as they stood before her with a smile.
It's been a while. She muttered, breaking the silence that had issued due to her presence.
The bystanders removed their gaze from her and continued with their work.
Looking as beautiful as ever huh. Lucian praised, amazed by how easily she captured everyone's attention. A sweet smile graced her face, hearing his words.
Your handsomeness isn't decreasing either. She playfully countered him.
I'm here too, guys. Zeph remarked, feeling slightly dissatisfied.
You've gained muscles, Zeph. I didn't know people change so fast. You were a lazy bum just a few months ago and now, you look like a fit, handsome man who could charm any girl easily. Kiara softly chuckled.
Their friendly talk continued for a while, exchanging playful jokes and eliciting soft laughter.
ATTENTION!!
A loud voice echoed from the central platform, breaking their friendly banter.
THE AWAKENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN SHORTLY. PAY ATTENTION FOR YOUR NAMES WILL BE CALLED DURING THE CEREMONY.
While everyone's attention was on the center, A man wearing a long trench coat and a hat steadily walked up to the central platform. He passed through the crowd like a specter, hiding his presence completely.
After arriving at the platform, he took his hat off displaying his brown hair with grey highlights on it. He was a middle-aged man with slight wrinkles and scars on his face. He swept his cold gaze over the crowd, introducing himself, I am Dave Miller, The overseer for today's awakening ceremony. He continued, There are few things that you need to know before experiencing an awakening.
First, No interference is allowed during the Awakening Ceremony. If someone displays misconduct with the organizers or the awakeners, then they shall be heavily punished.
Second, You will be called upon the stage in an orderly fashion. When your name is called out, approach the platform with a steady mind. No one but yourself is responsible in case you miss your chance.
Third, After reaching the platform, follow the instructions provided by the cosmologer.
Finally, Keep yourself calm and confident. Confidence is the key to your successful awakening. Good Luck.
After muttering these words, he put his hat back on and vanished from the platform.
His words marked the beginning of the Awakening Ceremony, a ritual that decides the future of everyone gathered here.
—
Lucian turned towards his friends, How about we make a bet? He suggested with a sly grin plastered on his face.
Bet? What Bet? Zeph and Kiara both inquired, displaying a puzzled look.
Hmm…It's easy. The last to awaken among us will have to be the winner's assistant for a whole day.
And? What's the catch? Kiara inquired suspiciously.
Umm..Nothing special. This is purely dependent upon luck. He replied, shrugging his shoulders.
Zeph readily agreed feeling confident in his luck meanwhile Kiara was eyeing Lucian suspiciously. She had a feeling it wouldn't be this simple.
Are you scared? Lucian mocked.
Fine. Kiara begrudgingly agreed after feeling mocked by them.
CALE DIMMER
The organizer called out the first name as a young boy with black hair stood up and approached the platform.
He had a nervous look on his face as he slowly stepped in, disappearing from everyone's view.
The Platform had a spatial barrier surrounding it that teleported the unawakened to a different dimension. The Awakening took place in that said dimension under the supervision of a cosmologer.
A few minutes later, He reappeared before us with a happy and excited look on his face.
Looks like he awakened successfully. Zeph commented, gaining a nod from both Lucian and Kiara.
LIA FLAKES
The next person to be called was a young girl with navy blue hair. Her procedure was similar to that of Cale's as she also reappeared a few minutes later with a happy expression.
The ceremony continued, with some displaying happy faces after their successful awakening while others left the platform with sadness.
After nearly an hour of waiting, Lucian's turn finally arrived.
LUCIAN ASTRALORE
Looks like I'm first. Lucian playfully announced, standing up from his seat.
Good Luck. Kiara and Zeph muttered, patting Lucian's shoulders. He nodded his head slightly and walked away, approaching the platform with steady steps.
They stared at Lucian's fading figure with firm belief in their eyes.