Isaiah POV
Now that I was 5 years old I noticed I got a little taller and more handsome I must say. Having different colored eyes was something I had to get used to but I didn't dislike it. It was different but sometimes I thought it looked cool And of course Alice always complimented me whenever I had these thoughts about my appearance.
I failed to notice but once I turned 4 Alice also changed. She used to look around the age of 16 but that changed she now took on the appearance of a 4 year old as well. Although she wasn't in her physical form alot, it was weird every time i saw her like that.
***
Weeks went by and I started to have a daily routine. My day would start with breakfast with family and then we would spend time together. Angeline would be around the family but she would keep to herself and read a lot of the time.
Sometimes I would jump on her and play fight. "I got you this time sis" i said while wrapping my arms around her head smothering her. She stood up lifting me in the air and tossing me onto the hard floor.
"I don't wanna play," she said coldly. "If you want to fight, let's go outside and train." "You only want to train because you always win." I said pouting.
"Be nice to your little brother!" My mother yelled across the room. "He just loves his big sister so much" I nodded my head aggressively agreeing with my mother. "Your mothers right, Angeline. I know you're usually like this but open up to your brother a bit. He needs his big sister." My dad said joining the conversation.
Angeline said nothing, picking me up from the floor and giving me a big hug. "There now buzz off." she said with a smile on her face. It made me truly happy seeing my sister smile.
After that my father would train with me teaching me more about using a sword. My father was pretty skilled. He wasn't the best swordsman in our city but he was in the top 5. Angeline would also train with my dad but their training sessions were a lot more intense. I always sat there in awe as they went at it. Angeline was really skilled and I knew she would be at an academy soon.
She only received one essence, Zephyr; she didn't often train her essence type; she relied a lot more on her swordsmanship. Although she would use her essence to enhance her movements using wind to do this. Her reserve of essence was mediocre and she knew this. She acted like it didn't bother her but it did. Essence is power in this world and the better your control and reservoir is the farther you can go in terms of becoming stronger.
My father would have me and my sister train against each other, most of the time I would get beaten in a few seconds. But as time went on it slowly lasted longer. "You're getting stronger son" My father said, looking proud. I could tell this bothered Angeline because my father didn't compliment her often anymore.
I couldn't take full credit for how fast I was growing stronger. Alice was regaining her strength and she was able to draw in pure essence around us. This led to me picking up this skill. Although i couldn't do anything with this essence because i had no essence types yet. "Master, next time you train I would like to try something with your permission." Alice asked. "Fine with me," I replied.
One day me and Angeline were getting ready to spar and Alice brought up that thing she wanted to try. I was still in the dark but I told her to go ahead. Suddenly I felt a rush of energy that I could feel through my whole body. Alice was pumping her pure essence through my body, enhancing my physical strength and senses.
"Wow this feels great Alice." I said, I felt very calm. "Now fight master." she responded.
"Let's do this big sis" I said, getting into my stance. All she did was nod back. I relaxed and exhaled out my mouth. I dashed towards my sister at an incredible speed. She swung her sword from right to left aiming at my shoulder. I ducked while also stepping around her, appearing now behind her. I was so focused that I didn't even consider holding back. Swinging my wood sword at her side I let out a strong intent of essence. My sister was fast enough, backing away at least 10 feet. She stared at me with this look of terror.
I paid no attention to it. I dashed once again at her bringing my sword down on her from above. We clashed. I pushed her back with force, while she was off balance I swung my left leg at her foot making her trip and fall to the ground. The next second I was above her with my sword at her chest. "It's over."
ANGELINE POV
"It's over," Isaiah said with a glare on his face. I couldn't believe it… he beat me. My little brother who was 5 years younger than me. He held his sword to my chest with overwhelming confidence. His eyes were glowing and I could feel him giving off an aura of essence. But that couldn't be possible. He had no essence types yet so he couldn't possibly be using essence.
Is this really my little brother? He felt so different at this moment. It was like I was fighting an experienced fighter that wanted to kill me. Earlier when he appeared behind me I was filled with fear. I thought I was going to die. How was he giving off such a presence and such confidence?
"You win." I said with annoyance in my voice. "I don't know what you did but there's no way I was fighting my little brother there. There's no way my 5 year old brother could beat me!" I said, raising my voice. I stormed off quickly and I could feel the tears starting to come in. I trained so hard all the time and I would get praised by my family but was it just them being nice? How could I be this weak fighting against a kid.
Rushing inside I went straight to my room ignoring my dad calling out to me. " What happened Angeline? Are you okay?" I ignored him, closing my door and jumping into bed letting the tears run, eventually falling asleep.
Isaiah POV
I didn't know that losing to me would hurt her confidence so much. To be honest I felt so guilty. I didn't know how to try to talk to her about it but she acted like nothing happened the next day she went back to normal. She continued to train everyday but she did not spar with me anymore. I won't lie that hurt me quite a bit.
***
Two and half years had passed since that day and I was going to be turning 8 soon. And Angeline would be turning 13 soon. Once she turns 15 she will be leaving to attend this Magic/Knight academy in Solmara. Solmara was the biggest city in Luminaris. From Nivoria it was about a week of travelling with a carriage.
"Would you like to train together again little brother?" Angeline said very seriously walking up to me. We were behind our house where we had an open field of plain grass with a small back house where we could spar all we wanted. "I would love to sister." I said, smirking at her. "Are you still upset that I beat you last time?" I started to laugh but it was interrupted as my sister lunged forward towards me leading with her wooden sword. I side stepped easily dodging the strike, I reset my footing giving her a push creating space between us.
It had been over 2 years since we last sparred. I couldn't feel anything but happy that my sister finally asked to spar once again. "I won't go easy on you" I said Advancing towards her. I started to throw combo attacks at her moving at quick speeds but she parried all of them and kept up nicely. She jumped back, throwing her sword straight at my face catching me off guard. I was still able to dodge but she closed the gap fast while I was distracted landing a punch to my gut. I fell to my knees grabbing at my stomach "Good shot" I said , catching my breath.
"YESSS I did it, I got my revenge!" She said happily. I could tell it made her so happy that she won. Although I didn't use the boost of essence from Alice this time. "You're a lil too excited" I said, a little butt hurt.
"Are you okay? Maybe I went too far. I'm sorry. "She said, lending me a hand to stand up.. "I'm Fine." I said taking her hand. "You've gotten a lot stronger since last time it caught me off guard." I said. "I know," She replied. We both started laughing together.
She started towards the house and looked back over her shoulder. "I'm sorry for being upset about our last spar. It was childish of me." She said with a small smile. "I love you little brother, I always will." I couldn't help but smile. "I love you too big sis."
'Would it be unwise to tell her? Maybe tell them all' I thought to Alice.
'They probably wouldn't take it well, that's if they chose to believe you. Of course if you told them enough I'm sure they would believe it. Do what you feel is right and no matter what I want you to know that I'll always be on your side master'. Alice's words were comforting. "Thank you" I said out loud letting my happiness flow into her.
***
Today was the first day of Nyxara, the month of silent shadows, also the ninth month of the 10. This specific day is known as the "day of Resonance", where all races all around the world are awaiting to potentially earn their essence type.
This is also when most people find out what they will be doing for the rest of their lives. Some may receive an essence and go on to work for the nobel families, maybe go be an adventurer and maybe even attend some of the magic academies around the world.
This excited me, my last life was never really fun and adventurous. Most of my days were very repetitive and nothing changed. Here I have a chance at something new, something different.
Most kids did not attend the day of resonance until they were at least 9 years old. My father informed me that I gave off a more potent mana signature than most veteran mages give off. I figured this must be because of Alice basically becoming one with me and infusing her essence with me.
He let me know that he wanted to get me appraised just as a precaution hoping I may awaken earlier than most. He seems very excited at the possibility that he might have a son who awakens at the age of 7.
Most of the time it can actually be difficult to get a spot to be appraised but because of my fathers contribution to the royal family as a guild owner he is guaranteed a spot if he wishes for one. I won't lie, these perks were pretty awesome.
My mother did not agree with my father having me appraised early even if I showed some promise so young. "He's still just my baby, if he somehow does awaken early don't you think that will bring problems." She said worryingly. "It's okay my love you know i wouldn't let anything happen to him." he said this trying to comfort my mother but she didn't fold. They continued to argue about it, it wasn't till i pulled out the puppy eyes and told my mother i really wanted to do this. She folded instantly.
"I'm ready to go father" I said eager to head to the place known as "Ardalis Sanctum". I've read about this place before in a book. It's supposedly heavily guarded and there are only 6 of these places in all of the three continents. Malakar, the continent that
is across the ocean, doesn't have access to any of these places. If they want to have kids appraised there was a process that needed to be done before it was allowed. I haven't done too much reading on the topic but it didn't seem fair that's for sure.
"Master, are we almost there yet?" Alice said impatiently. We have been on the road for 2 hours now in a small cabin that pulled just me, my sister, and my father. We strolled through the magic forest with an aura of mana surrounding us entirely. It was a barrier to protect us from the effects of the forest.
Everything was going smoothly and my father let us know that we were less than an hour away. My sister only scoffed at this. She was very insistent on coming along although she didn't really give a clear answer on why. Most of the ride I would catch her staring at me intently. After catching her a few times I asked " Is there a reason you keep staring at me up and down?" "It's just, your aura is so mysterious it isn't normal." She said, "Who ar-" "We're here." My father interrupted.
As the carriage rolled to a gentle stop, the strong presence of essence in the air sent a shiver down my spine. The door swung open, and as we stepped onto the stone-paved road, my eyes widened and I was in awe at the sight I was seeing.
Ardalis Sanctum rose from the plateau like a vision from a forgotten age—its grand, circular amphitheater sculpted from pale azure stone, veined with glimmering crystal that caught the light in mesmerizing patterns. The structure seemed almost alive, pulsing faintly with an unseen energy. Towering silverwood trees framed the scene, their luminous leaves rustling in a breeze that carried the faint scent of blooming ethereal flowers.
Above, a crystalline dome crowned the sanctum, refracting sunlight into dancing shards of color that flickered across the ground. And at the very heart of it all stood the Resonance Obelisk—a towering spire of radiant crystal, its light stretching skyward in thin, wavering beams, as if reaching for the heavens themselves.
Streams of liquid starlight trickled through intricately carved channels, leading to shimmering pools that reflected the sky with impossible clarity. The air thrummed with power, a sensation that settled deep in our bones, filling them with both awe and unease.
This was no ordinary place. This was clearly a sanctuary of essence, a sacred ground where the Day of Resonance would soon unfold.
"So are you impressed Isaiah?" Dad asked. "I definitely underestimated how nice this play would be." "I can't wait to see what it looks like inside." I said excitedly. "Let's go then" My sister added. We walked down a stone pathway that led to a portal that was a light blue color and we could see directly to the other side from it. " You may feel a bit of a rush that may make you feel dizzy once we enter so brace yourself." Dad said stepping through first, my sister following then myself.
Stepping through we crossed the threshold into Ardalis Sanctum—and the world seemed to change. The hum of essence that had been a distant whisper outside now surged to life, wrapping around me in waves, settling into my bones like a second heartbeat. I knew Alice could feel this as well because I could feel her feeling sick. I could feel the essence flowing into my body and circulating throughout it. There was so much of it and I was absorbing every bit of it. It felt like I was using some type of drug. I felt high and i didnt want to stop absorbing this never ending flow of essence. I finally got a hold of myself and stopped absorbing essence when Alice cried out to me "Isaiah please.. stop" I needed to stop absorbing she couldn't handle it.
The air shimmered faintly, as if charged with unseen currents, and every footstep against the polished azure stone echoed with an almost musical resonance. Sunlight streamed through the crystalline dome above, breaking into fragments of color that cascaded over the marble-like pathways, bathing everything in an ethereal glow. The faint scent of something floral yet unfamiliar lingered in the air, carried by the unseen energy that flowed through the sanctum like a living thing. There were pillars wrapped around the entire dome with the center having a pool of blue liquid. Around that pool stood 5 pedestals each with a person standing on one.
We walked towards the center, my eyes falling upon each one of those humans. They had their faces covered but I could tell from their body shapes 4 of them were men and one was a woman.
My father and sister kneeled just before the pool of water, but I was too focused on the people to even notice. Suddenly a wave of gravity essence fell upon me and I suddenly felt like I weighed 20x my original weight. I fell down to one knee trying to push against it, it became hard to breathe and even to stay conscious.
Alice POV
I could feel my master struggle to keep himself awake. "Master, are you okay??" "Master?!". I quickly pushed my essence into him, through every inch of his body. From his muscles, veins, skin everything. I needed to help him, it was my job to protect him. After all, I was the reason he came into this world.
But.. the chances of him appearing in The Eternal Obscurity were basically nothing but yet there he was. This was fate it had to be, we were meant to be drawn together.
My master was able to absorb pure essence from the atmosphere of this world but he could not yet turn that essence into any type of spell. From what I've learned from Isaiah reading is that the day of resonance was a must to actually receive your essences.
This pool of water absorbs into your body making your dormant essence manipulations appear on our body in the shape of marks, most of the time they appear on the arms and connect to the chest area. Although there were special cases of the marks appearing in unique areas.
I could feel my master slowly adjusting to the weight crushing him down, my essence was helping him. "I'm okay Alice, Thank you" He said I could hear the anger in his voice.. "Just keep pushing out your essence as long as you can." He said while finally standing up straight.
As he rose up he glared violently at the humans who were up on pedestals. "Do you mind releasing that?" He said calmly and composedly. I knew the gravity was still pressing down on him but with my essence and him now directly absorbing the essence around us he was able to shrug it off like it was nothing. He continued to glare intently at them until finally they released it " You're an interesting little boy aren't you." The female one said while resting her head on her hand and smiling at him.
"Your name?" she asked. "I am Isaiah vance. Can we get to the ceremony already?" He answered impatiently.
"Watch your tone son these are the The Celestial Accord. The ones who were granted a great responsibility to perform and deliver this ceremony so future generations of mages and more would be born. Now bow." Isaiah's dad said seriously.
There are 6 celestial accords, one for each Ardalis Sanctum. Each group is said to be strong enough to overthrow an entire kingdom if they wished.
"Thanks for the great introduction but it's not necessary. If he does not wish to bow he doesn't have to." She said, still smiling at isaiah. She wouldn't take her eyes off him, it made me nervous and anxious. 'She's up to something master, be careful'.
"Don't worry I haven't taken my eyes off her either, she seems to be the one who stands above the rest of the group.'
Isaiah POV
"Let's get started then shall we?" She said, "Before we do, may I ask your name miss?" I said lowkey worried this would upset her. " I am Sylara Veyne. I would be considered the leader of this group. The two to my right are Orin Kael and Lirian Solvaris. The two to my left are Darian Vaelros and Renald Castien."
Sylara removed the wrap that covered her face. Her long, scarlet hair cascades down her back in soft waves, the deep crimson strands catching the light like liquid fire. Her eyes, a striking shade of crimson-red, gleam with a depth that seems almost hypnotic like flickering embers within a sea of endless song.
They hold a quiet intensity, a knowing gaze that sees into the essence of those before her. The others kept their faces covered. "Hi Sylara, nice to meet you." I said with a small bow. I started towards the pool of water that was in the center of the 5 pedestals.
"Do I just step in?" I asked. "Yes, sit criss crossed and the water will rise just beneath your chin." Sylara responded. I listened, stepping into the water. It was cold but not too cold, I relaxed my mind as I felt the water rise and said "What now?" I asked.
I didn't get an answer. I opened my eyes to look at Sylara but once I did I noticed the once blue water was now silver with hints of red,blue,green,yellow,black,and silver in the water. I quickly turned my head to Sylara and what I saw was not what I expected.
Her eyes lit up and a huge smile was across her face, she stared at me very intently. I couldn't see the other Celestial Accords' faces but I assumed they must be surprised as well. My sister and father also shared the same confused and surprised look on their faces.
"Clear your mind and focus on the feeling of essence, attract it towards you and accept it into you." Sylara said. I closed my eyes once again, focusing. I attracted all the essence I could into me trying to control it. I could feel the essence start to glow around my entire figure. I felt my chest, back and my left arm start to burn but not enough where it was painful. Suddenly the water dipped all the way back down to my knees.
"Please stand," Sylara said, her voice sounding frightened. I stood and suddenly my chest started to ache "Ahhh, what the hell" i yelled. I called out for Alice in my head but I didn't get a response. I could see what looked like essence being pulled out of me and forming into something in front of me. It glowed a bright silver and a whirlwind began spinning around the figure and then it disappeared.
It was Alice, she had formed right in front of me but she looked more real no longer incorporeal. She also looked like a teenager again. She was letting out an overwhelming aura that sent shivers down my spine. "Alic-" "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?" The man known as Darian suddenly stood up and yelled. "Sit," Sylara said coldly. Darian listened like a good boy.
Alice suppressed her aura and kneeled in front of me "Master" she said bowing her head. "This is My Bond." I said not knowing if that would make any sense. "You have a bond that's a human?" Sylara said, looking at me crazy. "Yes," I said confidently. Alice stood and came to my side glaring at Sylara letting out a killing intent. "Stop" her aura instantly suppressing.
Sylara stood from her pedestal suddenly appearing right in front of me. My face showed no surprise but inside my mind was racing with questions on how she just did that. "Oh? No reaction to seeing that." Sylara said. Alice pulled me back and stood between the two of us "Back away. Now." Alice said not asking her but ordering her.
"Take a look at your body boy." She said forming a body of ice that could be used as a mirror. I removed my shirt. There were marks on my body. They looked different, unlike my sisters and fathers they both had their mark on their left arm.
I stood in front of this mirror, my eyes tracing the intricate marks that stretch across my torso and left arm, each design blending seamlessly into the next, forming a single, unified piece.
Over my heart, the Solar Essence takes shape as a stylized golden sun, its center dense with fine line work. The rays extend outward in jagged, flame-like patterns, their edges tapering into delicate, curling wisps. The ink is a deep, burnished gold, subtly shaded to create the illusion of glowing heat. As the design stretches toward my left side, the flames begin to shift, blending into something softer.
Wrapping around my ribs and lower abdomen, the Lunar Essence emerges—a crescent moon rendered in smooth, flowing lines of deep silver ink. Gentle, swirling patterns extend outward, resembling mist rolling through the night. The shading is soft, almost watercolor-like, giving it an ethereal quality. Where the mist meets the last of the sun's flames, the designs intertwine, creating a seamless transition from fire to moonlight.
From the center of my chest up to my shoulder, the Prismatic Essence acts as the bridge between them. A series of overlapping, multifaceted crystal shapes form a pattern of geometric complexity, shifting from deep violet at the base to a spectrum of colors as it moves outward. The shading gives the illusion of light refracting within the ink, like stained glass catching the sun. The crystalline forms gradually dissolve into the swirling mist of the lunar design below while also branching outward, connecting to the burning rays of the solar mark.
As the prismatic shapes move down my left arm, they sharpen and solidify, giving way to the Crystalline Essence. The design extends from my shoulder to my wrist in jagged, interlocking shards of ice-blue ink, resembling frozen fractals. Fine cracks and details within each shard give the impression of depth, as if the skin itself has become sculpted crystal. The transition from the prismatic colors into the icy structure is seamless, the final stage of the tattoo's evolution from fire to frost.
Though each section represents a different force, they are not separate. The flames of the sun bleed into the mist of the moon, which twists into the crystalline patterns, which then settle into the cold, rigid beauty of ice. Every piece flows into the next.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing… I received four essence types. This would definitely end up bringing trouble. I just know it. Either way with these I can grow a lot stronger. I covered my face, not able to cover the menacing smile that I was letting show from my face.
This should be fun…