The time had finally arrived. The Awakening Ceremony had been scheduled for 5:00PM in the evening.
Richard stood outside the orphanage, dressed in an outfit simple yet clean, provided by Sister Evelyn.
Beatrice, standing beside him, looked far more excited, her eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Sister Evelyn was finishing up her instructions to the younger children at the orphanage, her voice gentle yet firm.
"Be on your best behavior. I'll be back in just a few hours," she reminded them, though her strict tone was softened by the warmth in her eyes.
One by one, the children ran up to hug her. "Good luck, Richard! Good luck, Beatrice!" they chirped excitedly, their small faces full of admiration.
Beatrice giggled as she patted one of the younger girls on the head. "We'll be back soon," she promised.
After embracing the last of the children, Sister Evelyn turned to them with a small, reassuring smile. "Let's go," she said as a bus pulled up in front of the orphanage.
The vehicle was large, it's exterior clean and well maintained. On the side, a golden emblem gleamed under the setting sun–the sigil of the Holy Order, unmistakable in its intricate design.
Richard and Beatrice stepped inside, finding the seats comfortable yet plain. As the engine rumbled to life, Richard turned his gaze outside the window, observing the town they had grown up in.
The streets were alive with activity, even at this hour. Tall buildings with sleek designs lined the roads, far more advanced than what he was used to seeing in human territory a thousand years ago.
Streetlights flickered on as dusk approached, illuminating the pathways.
Buses and cars moved through the streets in an organised manner, contrasting sharply with the chaotic horse-drawn carriages of the past.
Even bicycles and motorbikes zipped through the traffic carrying people to their destinations.
Despite the terrorism of the Serpents, the atmosphere remained lively. Vendors called out their wares, children played near the sidewalks, and families strolled together, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
The sight did intrigue Richard quite a bit as human society had advanced and grown into something far beyond what he had once known.
The bus eventually pulled up in front of the church.
The church itself was quite an impressive structure. It was built fron smooth, pale stone, it's facade adorned with intricate carvings of angels and divine figures.
Tall arched windows, decorated with vibrant stained glass, casted colorful patterns on the ground as the sunlight filtered through.
A large, circular window sat near the top, it's intricate design resembling the symbol of the Holy Order.
A towering bell rested within a square steeple, it's chimes ringing melodiously across the town.
The entrance had a set of massive wooden doors, flanked by stone columns that stretched toward the sky.
Several smaller buildings surrounded the church, likely housing priests, nuns, and other members of the church.
A neatly kept garden lined the path leading to the entrance, filled with flowers arranged in careful patterns.
As they stepped off the bus, Beatrice couldn't help buy admire the scene. "It's beautiful," she breathed as her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Richard on the other hand, barely reacted. Why? Because compared to the cathedral he had once visited–one that was nearly ten times this size–this building was nothing remarkable.
More cars and vehicles filled the parking lot as families arrived. The bells chimed once again, signaling the ceremony's approach.
As he watched the cars arriving, he noticed that most of the attendees were around his age, as they came with their parents or guardians.
"Richard! Beatrice!"
A familiar voice called out, and they turned to see Alice approaching.
She wore a stunning black dress that contrasted elegantly with her warm brown eyes and hair.
Beatrice let out an excited squeal and ran forward, throwing her arms around Alice. The two girls laughed as they embraced, whispering excitedly about the ceremony.
Alice then turned to Richard and stepped closer, arms outstretched.
Richard instinctively leaned back, but Alice was faster. She pulled him into a tight hug, ignoring his awkward attempts to avoid it. "I've missed you guys," she said cheerfully.
Richard exhaled, forcing a small smile. "It's only been a few days," he muttered.
Alice grinned. "Still feels like forever!"
They hadn't seen Ben or Reid since the day of the incident, and Alice had only visited them a few days prior.
A soft voice interrupted their conversation. "Alice, I'll be inside."
They turned to see a woman standing a few feet away, dressed in a modest black church dress.
She looked to be in her mid-thirties, with the same brown hair as Alice buy slightly darker.
Her green eyes as gentle yet firm, carrying a quiet authority.
Her posture was composed, exuding an air of elegance.
Though she was clearly a woman of faith, there was something strong about her presence. It was like someone who faced hardships yet carried herself with grace.
Sister Evelyn stood beside her, and the two women exchanged quiet words before walking into the church together.
Alice waved after her. "Okay, Mom!"
Just as she said that, a priest approached them. He was an older man, his face stern yet unreadable.
Beside him stood a knight dressed in crusader-style armor, the Holy Order's emblem shining on his chest plate.
"Are you here for the Awakening?" the priest asked, his voice calm but formal.
The three of them nodded.
The priest gestured toward a door at the side of the church. "Proceed to the back room. The ceremony will begin shortly."
They followed his instructions, stepping inside a dimly lit chamber. Wooden chairs were lined up in rows, and a few other teens were already seated, waiting in silence.
Not long after, the door creaked open once more.
Ben walked in.
His usual carefree demeanor was gone. His expression was hollow, his shoulders slumped in a way that made him look smaller.
Alice moved toward him, concern evident in her eyes. "Ben–"
He lifted a hand, stopping her. "I'm fine," he said quietly, though the emptiness in his voice said otherwise.
Alice hesitated but ultimately stepped back, giving him space.
More teens entered the room, all of them around the same age.
After a while, the door opened again, and a figure strode inside, drawing immediate attention.
It was Reid.
He was dressed in a black tuxedo, his posture was confident. But it wasn't just him that caught their attention–it was the girl clinging to his arm.
She wore an elegant black gown, her heels clicking softly against the floor as she moved.
Her black hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, matching her dark eyes, which held a sharp, calculating glint.
Her presence exuded a natural arrogance, her beauty only amplifying the aura of importance around her.
Elena Brais Began. The youngest daughter of the Mayor. Tho to Richard, her title and wealth meant little to nothing.
And now, with the last of the attendees having settled in, the ceremony was about to begin.