Leon made his way back toward the Tharvyn manor, the dappled sunlight filtering through the thick canopy above, casting shifting patterns on the dirt path. His thoughts were a mix of excitement and apprehension for the Awakening Ceremony tomorrow. He had only just turned fourteen yesterday, and the day he'd been preparing for his entire life was almost here.
As he approached the gates, the grandeur of the Tharvyn estate came into view. The ornate iron gates framed the cobblestone path leading to the sprawling manor, its stone walls marked by carvings of dragons and mythical beasts. But before he reached the gates, a familiar figure appeared further down the path, strolling with a relaxed gait. It was his uncle, Darius Tharvyn.
"Out training again, Leon?" Darius called, his deep voice carrying a teasing undertone as he stopped and leaned on his walking staff. His presence was as effortless as ever, dressed in a simple but elegant robe of deep green.
Leon grinned and waved. "You know it, Uncle."
Darius raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and mild reproach. "Does your mother know about this? She'd be furious if she found out you were out training instead of getting ready for the Awakening Ceremony tomorrow."
Leon shrugged with a small smile, though a hint of bitterness tinged his voice. "She's too overprotective. I'm fine."
Darius chuckled heartily, the sound warm and familiar. "Even strong Battle Path Aspect Masters take breaks from training, Leon. As they say, enjoying the simple things in life is considered cultivation as well. Look at your father, the famous 'Ironhead Saber.' Even he has days where he comes back to spend time with your mother and enjoy life, doesn't he?"
Leon's expression softened as he nodded. "Thank you, Uncle Darius. I'll take your advice into consideration."
Darius's grin widened, and he clapped Leon on the shoulder, his grip firm but comforting. "That's all I ask. Well, I'll stop bugging you now and let you get back to what you were doing." He waved a hand behind him as he turned and walked away, his staff tapping lightly against the ground with each step.
Leon watched his uncle's figure disappear down the path and couldn't help but smile to himself. 'Uncle Darius must be lecturing me after hearing Mother complain about me again,' he thought with amusement.
Darius Tharvyn was his father's younger brother, and though they followed different paths, Leon respected him immensely. Darius had chosen the Research Path, dedicating his life to studying Aspects. It had caused no small amount of friction during his younger years, with many family members voicing their disappointment. But Darius had stayed true to his dreams, and his dedication paid off when he made a name for himself in Karyth City, a bustling hub of knowledge and innovation. From then on, no one in the Tharvyn family questioned his choice.
To Leon, Darius was more than just an uncle; he was like a second father. His kind and easygoing nature had made him one of Leon's most trusted confidants, a source of both wisdom and comfort.
Leon's thoughts shifted to his father, a high-ranking captain in the military force of Avaron, the country where they resided. Avaron was one of humanity's leading nations, known for its strong military and strategic influence. The Tharvyn family had a long history of producing talented soldiers, and his father was no exception. As the latest "genius" to emerge from the family, his father's reputation as the 'Ironhead Saber' was known far and wide.
Leon couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and pressure whenever he thought about his family's legacy. The Awakening Ceremony tomorrow would mark the beginning of his journey, and he knew expectations were high.
As he neared the manor's towering walls, he paused for a moment, turning his gaze outward. Beyond the estate's gates, the fields stretched endlessly toward the horizon. In the distance, the village bustled with life. Farmers tended their crops with steady hands, soldiers patrolled the well-worn roads, and merchants bartered energetically in the market square.
Leon stepped through the gates and into the grand hall of the manor. The marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. In the central room, his mother stood gracefully, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown of deep blue that contrasted beautifully with her fair complexion.
She was engrossed in a conversation, speaking to a hologram projected from a sleek device on her wrist. The image of an older man with sharp, commanding features floated in the air, his expression calm yet stern.
"Tomorrow, Leon will be participating in the Awakening Ceremony," his mother said, her voice poised but tinged with pride. "He might even have a chance to awaken the famous White Dragon of the Tharvyn family."
The hologram's voice responded, mellow yet strong, with a hint of amusement. "Is the Aspect of the Tharvyn family that impressive to you, Meilin? Hasn't our Jian Clan also produced numerous Aspect Kings? It'd be better if Leon could awaken the Azure Sword Aspect of our Jian Clan! Then he could come cultivate in the Sword Path with the rest of us, where he belongs!"
At that moment, Meilin noticed Leon entering the room. Her face brightened as she gestured for him to come closer. "Leon! Come greet your grandfather."
Leon walked over and offered a slight bow. "Grandfather."
The hologram of his grandfather smiled, his stern demeanor softening. "My grandson, stand up. Let your grandfather see you properly."
Leon straightened and smiled. "How have you been, Grandfather? Is Grandmother doing alright?"
His grandfather chuckled warmly. "We are doing just fine. How are you feeling for tomorrow?"
"Excited," Leon replied earnestly. "I'm ready to begin my journey to becoming an Aspect Master."
His grandfather nodded approvingly. "Good. But remember, cultivation is a long and arduous path. Don't let excitement make you forget your studies. I hope to see you attend an academy and do well there as well."
Leon bowed his head slightly. "I will, Grandfather."
The old man's hologram nodded. "Alright, now go. Let me continue my talk with your mother."
"Goodbye, Grandfather. Goodbye, Mother," Leon said before turning and heading toward his room. The anticipation for tomorrow coursed through him as he prepared for the moment that would change his life forever.