Some time passed, and the commotion surrounding the Lin Clan girl's Ice Phoenix Aspect finally settled. Attention shifted as the next family was called forward: the Tharvyn family. Murmurs rippled through the audience, the anticipation palpable.
Selina was first in line. An elder standing nearby remarked, "With her physique, she's bound to awaken an extraordinary Aspect."
A man next to him nodded in agreement. His sharp features and confident demeanor bore a striking resemblance to Selina. This was Orin Tharvyn, Selina's father and a powerhouse within the Tharvyn family. Orin was an Aspect King in the second phase of the Unity Realm, his strength on par with his father's. The two had risen to prominence in the same generation, cementing their family's legacy.
As Selina stepped forward and placed her hand on the Awakening Orb, an invisible shift was felt throughout the auditorium. Every member of the Tharvyn family with the bloodline felt a faint aura stirring within them. Moments later, a hazy image began to form above the orb—a dragon, its shimmering white scales radiating power.
"The White Dragon Aspect," someone said with certainty. "To be expected."
But then another voice cut in. "Wait a minute… look closer. What is that?"
Leon leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the image. The dragon's scales seemed different—rougher, more jagged, as though imbued with a primal force. Before he could piece it together, the Aspect Master facilitating the ceremony stepped forward, his tone carrying intrigue.
"Well, well," the man said, a faint smile on his face. "It seems you've awakened a mutated version of the White Dragon. The aura it's radiating possesses a more primal power. Congratulations to the Tharvyn family for producing such a remarkable talent!"
The Tharvyn elders exchanged proud glances, and one stepped forward to thank the Aspect Master. As Selina returned to her place, the orb's glow dimmed slightly, signaling the next family member to approach.
Several more Tharvyn family members awakened the White Dragon Aspect as well, though none possessed the same overwhelming presence as Selina's. Their dragons, while powerful, were far cries from the mutated form she had displayed. Others awakened Aspects unrelated to the White Dragon, such as a sturdy battle axe, eliciting nods of approval from the audience.
The ceremony continued as the family worked its way through the line, the anticipation growing as each new Aspect was revealed.
Finally, it was Leon's turn. His heart pounded as he stepped forward, the weight of the moment pressing on his shoulders. The aspect he awakened today would determine the path of his future.
The Aspect Master standing by the orb noticed his hesitation and spoke calmly. "No need to worry. No matter what you awaken, you'll have your own place in this world."
Leon took a deep breath, the man's words helping to calm his nerves. The Aspect Master gave a small nod of approval. "Good. Now, place your hand on the orb and close your eyes."
Leon did as instructed, feeling the cool, smooth surface of the orb beneath his palm. The Aspect Master's voice guided him. "Try to sense the presence of Essentia. You'll notice it when you do."
At first, it was difficult—like reaching for something just out of grasp. Then, a faint sensation brushed against his awareness, a flow of energy that felt both foreign and familiar. "I can feel it," Leon said softly.
"Good," the man said, his tone encouraging. "Now, direct it into your body."
Leon focused, drawing the Essentia in. At first, it trickled hesitantly, but with the Aspect Master's guidance, it began to flow smoothly. The energy filled him, and moments later, a faint image began to form above the orb.
A slender white snake appeared, its scales gleaming faintly. Murmurs rippled through the Tharvyn family.
"How unfortunate," an elder said with a disappointed sigh. "A talent such as Leon only awakened a white snake Aspect, a far cry from the White Dragon of our family."
Leon's parents exchanged a look, pain flickering across their faces. Meilin prepared to step forward to console her son when suddenly, the orb began to glow again. A second light, this one tinged with hints of blue, burst forth.
The Aspect Master's eyes narrowed, and he raised a hand, motioning for silence. "Wait," he said firmly. "Calm yourselves."
The light intensified, and above the orb, a second image began to materialize. A sword—sleek, sharp, and glowing faintly—took shape. Gasps filled the room as the Aspect Master's voice rang out.
"Dual Aspects! And not just that, this sword appears to be a mutated version of the Azure Sword Aspect!"
The auditorium erupted in an uproar. Shocked voices filled the air as people turned to each other, trying to process what they had just witnessed.
Leoric leaned toward Meilin, his voice filled with pride. "I knew our son would be a peerless talent. Dual Aspects! In the history of our family, we never have had an Aspect Master with Dual Aspects!"
It took several moments for the commotion to settle. Leon finally opened his eyes, his breathing steady but his mind racing. The Aspect Master smiled warmly at him. "Congratulations on awakening Dual Aspects. But remember," he added, his tone serious, "gifts alone won't carry you. Match them with hard work, and you'll truly make your mark."
Leon nodded, the man's words sinking in. Before he could respond, his parents approached him. Meilin wrapped him in a warm hug, her smile radiant. Leoric placed a hand on Leon's shoulder and turned to the Aspect Master. "Thank you for facilitating this. Our family will never forget it."
The Aspect Master gave a small bow, but his eyes lingered on Leon, as if he was already imagining the young boy's future.
As the ceremony continued, Leon stood to the side, his thoughts swirling. 'Dual Aspects… I really awakened Dual Aspects.' He glanced at the faint image of the white snake that lingered in his mind. While it seemed underwhelming compared to the sword, Leon clenched his fist. 'I won't give up on it. No matter what, I'll cultivate it wholeheartedly. It's a part of me, and I'll make it strong.'
As if sensing his determination, a faint pulse came from the white snake Aspect, sending a ripple through his body. A flicker of warmth spread through him, bolstering his resolve.