The Awakening Ceremony went as expected, wrapping up just before dusk. Laughter, energy and the excitement of the day still buzzed in the air as Lucas and his newfound friends exchanged contacts, promising to stay in touch. It felt good to connect with people who understood what he was going through—or at least tried to. The ceremony had been overwhelming in more ways than one, and now it was finally over. Or so he thought.
As instructed by the temple priests, Lucas remained behind while the others left. His parents were told to wait, informed in advance that Lucas would be required to stay a little longer. when they asked why, the priest only told them that it was important.
The High Priest himself arrived to escort Lucas deeper into the temple. They walked together through a quiet, torch-lit corridor, the only sound being the echo of their footsteps on the polished stone floor.
Lucas glanced around, slowing slightly as he took in the artwork lining the walls. Massive portraits and intricate drawings depicted the dragon god Ladon, the saints of old, and their mystical companions—the saintesses of the dragons. The faces in the paintings carried a serene power, a kind of majesty that made Lucas feel both small and honored.
"Umm, Priest," Lucas finally spoke, his voice echoing faintly through the corridor. "Why was I told to stay behind? And where exactly are we going?"
The priest gave a small, knowing smile. "We're going to the resting place of the Holy Sword—Ryujin."
Lucas stopped in his tracks. "Wait. You mean the Ryujin? The sword that can transform into anything? I thought that was just a myth!"
The priest chuckled gently. "No myth, Saint Lucas. Ryujin is very real. It has been passed down to every saint throughout history. Legend says it was a gift from Ladon himself to the first saint. The sword is sacred—alive, in a way. It recognizes and serves only those chosen by the dragon god."
Lucas blinked. "That's… seriously cool. So does this mean I'm getting the sword too?"
"Yes, if it acknowledges you. But first, you must be tested."
"Tested? What kind of test?"
"Nothing too dramatic," the priest replied calmly. "Ryujin can only be wielded by one truly blessed by Ladon. The test is simply this: if the sword recognizes you as its rightful bearer, you will be able to lift it. If not, it will remain still, no matter how hard you try."
Lucas frowned slightly. "So basically… I just have to try to pick it up?"
"That's all," the priest said with a warm smile. "Don't worry, Saint Lucas. The Awakening confirmed your blessing. This is just a tradition, a formality, though an important one."
Still slightly nervous but more intrigued than anything, Lucas nodded. "Alright, fair enough. Let's do it."
The priest stopped in front of an enormous set of double doors. With both hands, he pushed them open, revealing the chamber within.
Lucas's breath caught in his throat.
The room was nothing short of magnificent. Gold and silver adorned the walls and ceilings in swirling, draconic patterns. Intricate mosaics told the story of the dragons and their chosen saints across time. Glowing lanterns hovered in the air, casting soft light that shimmered off every surface. But none of that compared to the object resting at the center of the room.
The Holy Sword, Ryujin.
It lay horizontally on a long stone table draped in velvet cloth, bathed in a beam of light from the skylight above. Its blade shimmered with shifting hues, like oil on water—sometimes silver, sometimes violet, sometimes something in between. The hilt was wrapped in an elegant, ancient design, and the whole weapon pulsed faintly, like it was breathing.
Lucas stepped forward without realizing it. He could feel the sword calling to him—not in words, but in sensation. A deep resonance in his chest, a tug in his soul.
He reached out and gripped the hilt.
Warmth surged through his arm. The weight of the sword was perfect—neither heavy nor light. Without hesitation, Lucas raised it and gave it a casual swing, slicing a perfect arc through the air.
Then he frowned. "Feels kinda big for me," he murmured. "I'd prefer something slimmer… more like a katana."
As if responding to his thoughts, the sword shimmered—and transformed.
Before his eyes, Ryujin's blade shrank and curved. The broad sword morphed into a sleek, elegant katana with a black lacquered sheath and gold-edged handle. Lucas gasped.
"No way… this thing is insane!" he whispered, grinning.
"it's even way cooler than Excalibur. The protagonist sword" Lucas thought
Behind him, the priest laughed softly. "It seems the sword has accepted you. You are its new master, Saint Lucas."
Lucas turned, wide-eyed. "So I can keep it? Just like that?"
"Yes," the priest said. "It is yours now. But I do ask that you stay close to the church. Visit often. Ryujin is a symbol of balance between the sacred and the mortal. As its bearer, you have a responsibility to both."
Lucas nodded solemnly. "I understand. I'll do my best."
With a final bow of respect, Lucas followed the priest out of the chamber, Ryujin sheathed and strapped to his side. The weight of the sword felt right—not just physically, but spiritually. As they exited the temple, the air felt different, lighter somehow. The sky had darkened to twilight, the first stars twinkling into view.
Lucas's Parents waited patiently by the temple gates, and as soon as they saw him their faces bloomed with happy smiles.
Well lets go home and have a big celebration on todays events, Lucas father said and led them towards their car, Lucas mother and Lucas nodded and followed him.
As the driver started the the engine, the vehicle came to life and pulled away as the temple disappeared from view, Lucas looked down at Ryujin resting beside him.
He couldn't explain it, but something deep inside had shifted. He wasn't just a boy anymore, or a mere transmigrator
He was a Saint.
And this… was just the beginning.