The Rise of the Fallen Son
There fell a thick silence over the arena as Orion stepped forward. Golden light from the setting sun filled the sky and stretched out across the ground in long shadows, illuminating his solitary figure as he approached the Awakening Pillar. Thousands watched his every step, but not with admiration, but with judgments and whispers.
Then, as if freeing himself from some enchantment, the murmurs began.
"Isn't that the Viscount's third son?"
"The one who has been failed twice before?"
"Why is he even here? Does he think the third time's the charm and he awaken affinity?"
"He is only a disgrace to the Thorne family! His older brothers were prodigies, and look at him."
"He should have remained at home. This is embarrassing for his family."
Some whispers are full of mockery, others pity, but none hope. Orion listened to them all. The sharp words hurt, but he was become habituated to peoples hateful words. His hand curled into a fist before he made himself breathe slowly. It doesn't matter. Just move forward.
At a measured step, he walked into the arena's centre, where the Awakening Pillar loomed high, its black surface still gleaming with Lyra's previous awakening. He respectfully bowed in front of Lady Amaya.
"Greetings, Lady Amaya." His tone was flat, revealing nothing of his feelings.
Lady Amaya, in her usual calm dignity, watched him with a wise smile. Unlike everyone else in the crowd, she felt no mockery or mistrust for him. Rather, she gave him a small encouraging smile. "Pay no attention to the voices of others, Orion. Simply try to do your best."
Orion's mouth quirked up into a soft Smile from her words. "Thank you, Lady Amaya."
She indicated the pillar. "Put your hand on it. Let's fate decide."
Taking a deep breath, Orion raised his hand and laid it against the icy cold surface of the Awakening Pillar.
For a moment, Nothing happen.
Then—light.
A golden light exploded outward, bathing Orion in a blinding radiance. Gasps echoed through the arena as the brilliant energy flowed from the pillar, curling around his form like a holy flame.
But time stretched unbearably long.
Thirty seconds.
Then forty.
Then a minute.
The murmurs began again, voices heavy with disappointment.
"It's taking too long…"
"That means he failed again, doesn't it?"
"Three times. How pathetic."
Orion mother's, Aria and Liren, tightened their fists, worry lighting up their eyes. Viscount Thorne, on the other hand, didn't bat an eyelid, hardly giving a glance to his son.
Even Lady Amaya couldn't help but feel sorry for him. The process of Awakening wouldn't normally drag on like this. It was supposed to finish by now, but the pillar had not yet borne a scroll.
She drew a breath, poised to instruct Orion to take his hand away.
But then—
A low, vibrating hum reverberated through the air.
The earth shook beneath them. The golden light grew brighter, changing from warm radiance to something wild and uncontrolled. The very air around Orion seemed to vibrate with some unseen power.
A deafening crack sounded as the Awakening Pillar itself shook violently. The crowd dropped into shocked silence. Then—
FWOOOSH!
A shockwave burst forth, rippling energy throughout the arena. High in the open air, two shining scrolls appeared, suspended like heavenly artifacts. One blazed like a burning sun—deep red, the hue of fire. The other crackled with pure electricity—vivid purple, the colour of lightning.
The world seemed to freeze.
For a moment, Orion stared stupidly at the two scrolls in sky. His mind struggle to comprehend with what had just happened. He had prepared himself for failure, for yet another session of shame. But now…
"Dual affinity…"
The words barely left his lips, his voice shaking.
Then—chaos.
The whole coliseum exploded into chaos. Gasps became cheers, disbelief turned to feverish excitement.
"He awakened two affinities! Fire and Thunder!"
"A dual affinity user… in Valeria City?!"
"This is unheard of!"
Lady Aria and Lady Liren were on their feet in the VIP area, their faces excited with curiosity and happiness. Viscount Thorne, for the the first time in years, display lite flash of surprise.
Lady Amaya, having almost lost hope, looked at Orion now with utter disbelief. Then, her lips curled into a beautiful smile. She moved towards him and said in a firm, clear tone:
"Congratulations, Orion Thorne! You are a rare dual-affinity wielder!"
A thunderous cheer erupted after her declaration. The noise was ear-shattering, a complete turnaround from the mockery he had endured just moments before.
The scrolls, burning with power, fell toward Orion. Initially, the red scroll integrated into his body, and heat coursed through his veins. Next, the purple scroll, infusing electric shudders down his skin. His whole body radiated in the disappearing sun, a flawless mix of fire and lightning.
Orion tightened his fists, sensing the new power coursing through him.
This was real.
He had woken.
Not only one affinity, but two. And the world would never look at him the same way again. And after own excitement control turn again toward lady Amaya bow own head before leave arena and people comment behinds.
"Brother Orion!"
He spun around just in time to watch Lyra running toward him, her expression shining with pure happiness. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "You did it! I knew you would!" Orion smiled, stroking her head. "I guess I surprised even me."
Lyra stood back a little, her cheeks flushing, but she hid her face before anyone could see.
Then Aria and Liren came forward, their faces filled with pride. Lady Aria hugged him first, her hand warm and comforting. "I always knew you were special."
Lady Liren hugged him next, holding him tightly. "Our Orion is really something."
Orion smiled, a deep sense of warmth spreading in his chest. He had always dreamed of their real acknowledgment, and now he finally had it.
Lady Aria smiled at Lyra, putting a soft hand on her head. "And you, Lyra. Congratulations on awakening Water affinity."
Lady Liren's face beamed with pride. "My daughter is every bit as lovely as my Orion."
And how Lady Aria and Orion both nodded their head in affirmation.
Lyra beamed with happiness, hugging both her mothers. "Thank you!"
Then, Orion hesitated. "Father… he didn't come down?"
The mood was slightly altered. Both Aria and Liren looked at one another before Aria whispered gently, "You know how he is."
Orion let out a sigh but nodded. "It's alright. You three are here. That's all that matters."
His mothers both smiled, ruffling his hair simultaneously.
As they coming out of the coliseum, a butler stood waiting in front of the carriage. He bowed respectfully. "Young Master Orion, Young Miss Lyra. Congratulations on your awakening."
Orion and Lyra nodded in appreciation and said together. "Thank you."
The butler continued, "His Lordship congratulates you both too. However, because of urgent matters, he has gone back to the estate earlier than expected."
Orion hardly reacted, he already anticipating such a reason. But he doesn't utter a word. And when his mother's and Lyra board carriage but just he also want board carriage, the butler stopped him and said "Also, Lord Thorne has summon you to the his office tomorrow."
Orion blinked in surprise. His father wished to see him?
His thoughts were swirled with question, but he just nodded. "I'll be there."
As he Stepped into the carriage, Lyra already inside it, her eyes close in meditation, he gazed out upon the vibrant streets. The city was busy with celebration, larger feasts than normal in celebration of this special occurrence.
Orion leaned back, breathing slowly.
Today, he had finally proven himself.
But tomorrow, he would confront the real challenge—his father.