Chapter 8
The revelation of his Nocturnus bloodline and the true nature of this hidden world left Jinn in a state of bewildered fascination. The weight of his father's secrets, the existence of other Beast Bloodlines, and the sheer scale of the Aethel society were almost too much to process. Yet, underneath it all, a newfound determination solidified. He wouldn't be the ignorant kid from Earth anymore. He would understand this world, and he would master whatever power now lay dormant within him.
Days turned into a week. Jinn's physical recovery was complete, remarkably fast even for an Aethel, a fact that Kael noted with a curious glint in his sapphire eyes. Lyra, however, maintained her guarded distance. She seemed to observe him from afar, her emerald gaze often lingering on him, a mix of scrutiny and something else he couldn't quite decipher.
One morning, as Jinn was finishing breakfast, Lord Caspian joined them. "Jinn, there's something important you should know," he began, his voice calm but authoritative. "Your eighteenth birthday is in a week, on July 21st. We've decided to combine it with Lyra and Kael's birthdays for a joint celebration. Lyra, being the eldest, turns eighteen on July 20th. Kael follows on July 21st, just a few hours before you do."
Jinn blinked, surprised. A shared birthday, and so soon? It was a strange twist of fate, connecting him to his new family in an unexpected way. "Okay," he managed, the thought of a "celebration" still feeling distant given the recent loss of his father.
Lord Caspian nodded. "It's customary for those turning eighteen to attend the Academy's Awakening Crucible. This is particularly important for Commoners and Upper Class Aethel, as it's the primary way they are tested for latent abilities. While Royalty, like our family, are almost guaranteed to awaken powers, and those with Beast Bloodlines like yourself have unique manifestations, the Crucible serves as a vital assessment for the general populace."
He looked at Jinn. "Given your recent trauma and awakening, Elara and I believe it would be beneficial for you to observe the Crucible. It will give you insight into the scope of abilities within our society. And since your awakening has already begun, there will be no pressure for you to 'activate' anything specific. Think of it as your formal introduction to the Academy, before your official enrollment."
Later that afternoon, Kael led Jinn to a massive structure on the outskirts of the estate, a sprawling complex that dwarfed anything Jinn had ever seen. This was the Bloodline Academy. Its architecture was a blend of ancient stone and sleek, almost futuristic materials, radiating an aura of immense power and history.
"This is it," Kael said, a hint of pride in his voice. "The heart of our world, for many. Commoners and Upper Class Aethel come from all over the realms for the Crucible. It's a huge deal."
Inside, the Academy was a hive of activity. A vast testing hall hummed with energy. Hundreds of young Aethel, around Jinn's age, milled about, their faces a mix of nervousness and anticipation. They were dressed in simple, functional tunics, queuing up at various stations. Jinn noticed the physical differences – many were subtly larger, more defined than ordinary humans, their movements fluid and strong even before any overt display of power. Their skin seemed to possess a natural resilience, hinting at the inherent toughness Lyra had mentioned.
"So, the Crucible," Kael explained, gesturing to the hall. "Each station is designed to detect different types of latent abilities. Simple tasks, like lifting a heavy object, holding back a concentrated burst of air, or even just focusing mental energy. The stronger the dormant power, the more pronounced the effect. It's how new Aethel with potential are identified and placed into specific training regiments."
Jinn watched, fascinated. He saw a young man, straining with visible effort, manage to slightly levitate a small stone. Another concentrated, and a faint spark of electricity crackled around their fingertips. These were raw, nascent abilities, far from the polished displays he'd witnessed from Lyra. He noticed a distinct lack of royal families or known Beast Bloodline individuals among the test-takers; this was clearly for the "general populace," as Lord Caspian put it.
As they observed, a deep, resonant voice boomed from a central platform. "Welcome, aspiring Aethel! Today marks the beginning of your journey into true self-discovery! Remember, the Bloodline Academy stands as a monument to Aurelion's vision: to harness the unique gifts within each of you, not for chaos, but for order and the protection of our realms! Approach the stations, and let your blood speak!"
Jinn felt a peculiar shift in his own body. A faint tingling sensation spread through his limbs, a subtle hum beneath his skin. He touched the amulet beneath his shirt, and felt a faint warmth emanating from it. Was his body reacting to the concentrated energy of the Awakening Crucible?
"Hey, Jinn," Kael said, nudging him. "You look a bit pale. Are you okay?"
Jinn forced a smile. "Yeah, just… a lot to take in." He looked at the eager, nervous faces of the Commoners and Upper Class Aethel, all hoping for a spark, a sign of their own inherent power. He, a Nocturnus from the lost Alaric lineage, already carried a profound, terrifying ability. He just had to figure out how to control it. The contrast between their hopes and his reality was stark. He was already beyond their understanding.
This chapter integrates Jinn's birth date, the concept of the Crucible, and the hierarchy of power within the Aethel society. It also subtly hints at Jinn's unique physiological responses to the Academy's environment.