The next day arrived quickly, and Leon woke to the soft chime of his alarm. His eyes blinked open, and for a moment, he lay still, staring at the ceiling. Today was the day.
He swung his legs over the side of the bed and rubbed his face. The weight of the day's importance wasn't lost on him. Today marked the start of something new—something monumental. Shaking off his thoughts, he headed to the wardrobe, selecting a clean, fitted outfit. Nothing overly flashy, just presentable enough for an occasion as significant as this.
As he pulled the fabric into place, faint voices drifted upstairs. His father's gruff tone carried easily.
"What's taking that boy so long? It's his big day, and he's still dragging his feet!"
Leon smirked as he made his way down the stairs. His father, Leoric, was nothing if not punctual, and Leon had no intention of testing his patience today.
His mother stood by the entryway, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown that seemed to glow faintly in the morning light. Her arms were crossed, but her face softened when she saw him. "There you are, Leon! Hurry up; the Tharvyn family is leaving soon."
His father turned, giving him a once-over before nodding approvingly. "About time. Let's move."
The morning air was brisk as Leon stepped outside the Tharvyn manor. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden hues across the courtyard. He adjusted the cuff of his shirt as his parents emerged behind him, his father's heavy footsteps echoing against the stone path.
As the family made their way to the gates, Leon's gaze drifted ahead. A small group was gathered near the entrance. Standing in the center, surrounded by a few guards, was Selina. Her long black hair shimmered under the sunlight, and her posture was poised, exuding an air of quiet confidence.
Leon's father let out a low chuckle, leaning slightly toward his wife. "Tsk, do they really need that many people to guard a little girl at her Awakening Ceremony?"
His mother sighed, nudging him lightly with her elbow. "Better safe than sorry. Everyone knows how much talent Selina possesses. The family wouldn't risk anything happening to her on a day like this."
Leon studied her from a distance, his expression neutral. Selina was a name he'd grown up hearing, spoken with reverence by elders and peers alike. She was considered a cousin of sorts, though their connection was distant. Her special physique had been the talk of the family, a rare blessing that all but guaranteed she would awaken the White Dragon Aspect. Not just any White Dragon, but a mutated one—something even the Tharvyn family's proudest members could only dream of.
He brushed the thought aside. 'Today's the day,' he reminded himself. Whatever expectations surrounded Selina, his focus was on his own journey. His path would be his own, regardless of what the ceremony revealed.
The Tharvyn family gathered near the shuttle waiting just outside the gates. Its sleek frame bore the family's crest, and the soft hum of its engine filled the air as they boarded. Leon sat near a window, watching the city blur past as they made their way toward the ceremony. The streets grew busier as they approached, filled with families and individuals heading toward the same destination. The energy was palpable, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.
...
The auditorium was vast, its grand arches and intricate designs a testament to its significance. Rows of seats stretched back, filled with families and elders, while the center of the room featured a raised platform. At its center stood the Awakening Orb, a crystalline sphere that pulsed faintly with light, as if alive with energy.
Leon sat alongside his family in one of the rows near the front. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the clusters of other families, each distinct in their attire and demeanor.
The Royce Company caught his attention first. Their hammer crest gleamed on their well-fitted uniforms, each detail of their attire exuding a sense of precision and discipline. Unlike many clans that focused solely on raw combat power, the Royce Company had mastered the art of forging, blending their Aspect abilities with their craftsmanship. They were also full of powerful Battle Path masters, warriors who could wield their forged creations to devastating effect. Despite this, their influence extended far beyond battlefields.
Everyone treated the Royce Company with respect. Their weapons and tools were indispensable in a world ruled by Aspects, and offending them was never a wise choice. Stories of their influence were whispered among families—those who dared cross the Royce Company often found themselves isolated, without allies or resources.
Further down, Leon's attention shifted to the Lin Clan. Their elders wore traditional daoist-style robes, the fabric a deep icy blue that shimmered faintly under the auditorium's light. In stark contrast, the younger generation dressed in modern attire, signaling the clan's adaptability to the times. The Lin Clan was one of the three great powerhouses in Karyth City, their legacy spanning centuries. Their Absolute Frost Aspect was feared and revered alike—a pure elemental ice Aspect capable of freezing entire battlefields in moments.
Leon studied them quietly. 'These are the type of people I'll have to face in the future,' he thought, his fingers unconsciously gripping his knees. A faint determination burned in his chest. Whatever he awakened today, he vowed to stand among them as an equal someday.
A voice broke through the hum of conversation as a man stepped onto the platform. His presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent.
"Welcome, everyone," the man began, his voice resonating across the auditorium. "Today marks a significant day for the younger generation, a moment that will shape their futures and define their paths. My name is Master Orlen, and I will be overseeing the Awakening Ceremony."
He gestured toward the crystalline orb. "Each of you will approach the Awakening Orb when your name is called. Do not be afraid. Trust in the process, and let the Essentia guide you to your Aspect."
Leon shifted slightly in his seat, his hands resting on his knees. His heart was steady, but the weight of the moment pressed on him nonetheless. He glanced briefly at Selina, who sat with her usual composure, then back at the platform.
The ceremony was beginning, and his turn would come soon enough.