The announcer, a tall man draped in resplendent robes embroidered with gold and silver, stepped forward, his voice booming across the ceremonial grounds. "Lucian Delmar! Step forth for your awakening trial!"
A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd, conversations erupting in hushed murmurs as all eyes turned to the young man who now commanded the stage.
"Lucian Delmar," a noble whispered, "the prodigy of the Delmar family. This will be interesting."
"He's been groomed for this since he could walk," another added.
"He's the son of that Delmar. Expectations are sky-high."
Lucian Delmar strode forward with an air of unshakable confidence. His movements were measured, each step deliberate. Jet-black hair, gleaming like polished obsidian, framed his sharp features. His amber eyes swept the crowd, glinting with arrogance, as if daring anyone to doubt him. His ceremonial robes—black and silver, the Delmar colours—accentuated his imposing presence, the family crest of a dragon entwined with a sword shining proudly on his chest.
Rachel, seated among the nobles with Elena at her side, watched with a cool, appraising gaze. Her ocean-blue eyes narrowed. "Lucian Delmar," she murmured, a faint edge of disdain in her tone. "Arrogant as ever. Let's see if his awakening matches his ego."
Elena leaned closer, curiosity flickering in her hazel eyes. "Rachel, do you think he'll awaken something extraordinary?"
Rachel shrugged, her gaze never leaving Lucian. "If his father's bloodline means anything, it's likely. But arrogance has a way of clouding judgment."
Lucian reached the platform, his boots clicking against the stone steps. The crowd hushed as he stopped before the Awakening Spire—a towering crystalline structure etched with glowing runes, pulsing faintly in anticipation.
Without hesitation, Lucian pressed his hand to the spire's cool surface. A faint hum resonated through the air as the runes activated, responding to his mana.
The announcer's voice rang out, solemn and ceremonial. "Let the trial commence!"
Lucian closed his eyes, calm yet exuding confidence. The spire's runes brightened, radiating waves of energy that thickened the air. Mana swirled around him, forming a cocoon of radiant light—gold and black, the signature colours of the Delmar line. The crowd watched, silent and spellbound.
Then, with a sudden burst, the cocoon exploded outward, sending a shockwave across the grounds. The force was powerful yet perfectly controlled—a testament to Lucian's innate skill. As the light faded, a translucent screen materialised before him: the Veil Interface.
The crowd collectively held their breath as the glowing text formed, crisp and unmistakable:
Veil Interface
{General Information}
Name: Lucian Delmar
Age: 16
Realm: Novice Realm
{Talents}
Elemental Affinity: Shadow
Elemental Affinity: Fire
{Special Powers}
Draconic Sovereignty:
Bestowed by Dracos Ignis, the Dragon God of Flame and Shadow.
Blessing Note: "A fragment of my essence resides within thee. Wield the power of dominion."
The murmurs erupted into stunned exclamations.
"Two elemental affinities? That's unheard of!"
"Shadow and Fire—such a rare combination."
"Draconic Sovereignty… a blessing from a god? This is beyond extraordinary!"
Lucian's smirk deepened as he raised his head, meeting the awe-filled gazes of the audience. He basked in the recognition, every inch the prodigy he had always been told he was.
From her seat, Rachel's eyes narrowed further, her mind racing. Draconic Sovereignty… That's no ordinary blessing. The Dragon God of Flame and Shadow rarely bestows such power.
Elena, beside her, looked equally stunned. "Rachel, did you see that? A direct blessing from a god!"
Rachel nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. "Yes. But such power comes with a cost."
As the announcer declared the trial complete, Lucian turned to face the crowd. He raised a hand, summoning a flicker of shadowy flames that danced around his fingers—a deliberate, almost taunting display. The message was clear: Lucian Delmar had arrived, and the world would do well to remember it.
The ceremony's energy shifted, the stakes rising higher with every awakening. And as the applause echoed across the grounds, Rachel could not shake the sense that the true trials—the ones that would test more than talent—were only just beginning.