Eric, his face grave, stared at Séraphine for a long time. A simple exchange of glances was enough. She understood instantly what he was getting at. The atmosphere in the room changed abruptly: it became heavier, more solemn.
Then, in a calm voice, Eric spoke:
"Son... We always wanted you to have a normal childhood. Happy. That's why we deliberately avoided explaining certain phenomena to you... especially the geopolitical context of this world. '
Séraphine continued softly, with a smile:
'You didn't exactly make it easy for us. You've always been... particularly intelligent, a bit sly at times, and extremely curious.'
Lucas listened attentively. Something told him that this moment was going to change his perception of everything.
Seraphine looked down at him, then added, moved:
'I always knew you were special. After all, you're my son... But what you are today exceeds all our expectations.'
Eric intervened, more technical, more direct:
'Let me explain things clearly. You already know how this world is divided: the four continents and the five great clans that rule ours. After awakening, each individual develops an affinity with one or more elements.
He paused, then continued:
'The degree of affinity is ranked from F (the lowest) to SSS+ (the highest). For example, I have four affinities:
• Lightning: SS+
• Fire: SS
• Metal: S
• Gravity: A
This affinity determines how compatible an individual is with an element and how easily they can develop techniques and combat arts around it.
He moved closer to Lucas, his gaze intense.
"After awakening, you train your body until you reach level 5 in each basic statistic, which allows you to form a mana core. That's how you become a warrior and enter the mana rank hierarchy: from Warrior to Paragon. There is even a divine rank, purely theoretical, never achieved.
Eric paused, then slowly said,
'Your case... is unique. Your talent is divine. I've never seen or heard of anything like it.'
Talents are classified as weak, average, high, and transcendent. But you... you are beyond that. You have a divine talent. That alone makes you an anomaly.
Lucas frowned. He had always felt that he was different, but not to that extent.
Seraphine continued softly:
"You must also understand that each race draws its strength from a physical or spiritual advantage.
• Demons, for example, possess the matrix of chaos.
• Elves have an innate affinity with the natural elements, reinforced by their proximity to the World Tree.
• Dwarves excel thanks to their science and their art of forging.
• Beasts rely on their pure lineage and their instinctive connection to mana.
She looked him straight in the eye.
"You must know, my son, that among humans, every great family possesses what is known as a sacred physique. It is an extremely rare trait, passed down only to the most promising members of the main bloodlines. This physique grants its inheritors unique abilities, sometimes even comparable to those of the gods.
She paused, then continued:
"The Ombris clan, for example, possesses the physique of the god of darkness, which gives them unrivalled power over shadows.
The Paxson clan possesses the physique of the flame demon, a fiery and destructive affinity that few can master without burning themselves.
The Storm clan, of which you are a member, is famous for its physique of the lightning dragon, a power as swift as it is violent, linked to the lightning of the heavens.
The Eldryn clan is known for its soul resonance, a mystical bond that allows them to feel and manipulate the emotions and very essence of living beings.
And finally, the Graveson clan possesses the holy physique of Orre, a sacred gift linked to light, healing and justice.
Seraphine knelt before Lucas, her eyes shining with a mixture of pride and joy.
'These physiques are extremely rare,' she continued. 'Even in the main families, only one child in hundreds can inherit it, and even then... it's often only a weakened, derivative version.
She gently placed her hand on Lucas's shoulder.
'And you... you are much more than that. You don't have a derivative. You may be... the very origin.
'It's both more complex... but also more advantageous for you,' Eric said calmly, his arms crossed. "Unlike the others, you will have to discover the secrets of your physique on your own.
But in return... no one will know how it works. And therefore, no one will be able to exploit its weakness.
Lucas listened silently. He hung on his parents' every word as if trying to remember every detail. But the more he listened, the more a strange feeling came over him — a mixture of excitement... and pure terror.
Then Eric sighed. His expression darkened.
'We now come to a... delicate subject.'
Lucas frowned. 'So there's something more delicate than a new physique and divine talent?' he thought, already worried.
— Your affinity with space is both exceptional... and extremely problematic," Eric continued. To understand this, you need to know that the elements are classified into three broad categories:
1. The basic elements: fire, water, earth, air.
2. The higher elements: lightning, metal, gravity, shadow, darkness, ice.
3. The mythical or special elements: time, space, and chaos.
He paused, weighing his words.
"To give you an idea, only the démon Imperial Empire has real mastery over chaos today. And that alone gives them a terrifying advantage over all other races.
He stared into Lucas's eyes.
'The fact that you are able to master a mythical element, in this case space, and with an SSS+ affinity, immediately puts you in danger. Not only from enemy races... but also from certain human clans. Even your own.'
Lucas felt a cold shiver run down his spine. It was as if the air had become heavier. Suddenly, he understood. Truly. The raw, unrelenting reality. He was no longer just a bright child. He was a threat. A potential that many would seek to control... or eliminate.
'In this world, son, without power... you control nothing,' said Eric in a grave voice. 'That is why you must hide this affinity at all costs. As for your sacred physique, we will have to find a way to conceal it, at least temporarily. Until you have the means to defend yourself, you will have to live in the shadow of your own power.'
Seraphine approached, gently placing a hand on her son's shoulder, her eyes full of love, but also worry.
'You are destined for great things, Lucas... But every light attracts its shadow. Never forget that.'
Lucas listened to his father intently. Every word resonated within him like a brutal truth.
Once the explanation was over, a heavy silence fell over the room.
He now understood a little better the complexity of the situation. His talent was an anomaly, a unique gift... but also a burden. It placed him at the centre of a chessboard where every move could become a trap.
He lowered his eyes for a moment, looking thoughtful. If he wanted to keep this power... he would have to be more than intelligent. He would have to be cautious, strategic. He would have to grow up fast, take responsibility early, and above all... prepare himself.
Suddenly, Séraphine's soft voice broke the silence.
'Don't worry, my darling,' she said, kneeling in front of him, her eyes moist with emotion. 'We'll always be here for you.'
You don't have to carry this burden alone. You just have to be careful... use your powers wisely. I am so proud of you, my son.
She tenderly squeezed his hands in hers.
'Great talent... requires great responsibility,' she whispered tenderly.
Lucas slowly raised his eyes. His gaze was no longer that of a child.
A new sparkle shone in them — the sparkle of newfound determination.
« If I want to protect myself... and protect those I love, then I have to become stronger. Freedom in this world can only be achieved through power. »
He took a deep breath, then said calmly but firmly:
"Don't worry, Mum... Dad... I'm ready to listen to you.
I'll train. I'll get stronger. I want to... be able to stand on my own two feet. And protect you, too.'
Eric stared at him for a long time, then nodded proudly.
'Then this is the beginning of your true awakening, Lucas."
Eric watched the scene in silence. His eyes, usually cold and piercing, had softened. He contemplated his son, standing between him and Séraphine, with this new look, filled with a fresh but fragile determination.
In a corner of his mind, a silent promise took root: whatever it took, he would do everything to protect them.
Lucas... Séraphine...
He had to keep them safe. He had to. Even if it meant getting his hands dirty, swallowing his pride, or facing the impossible. Because he knew better than anyone that what awaited them was beyond anything that simple training could cover.
Things are much more complex than he can yet imagine... he thought, clenching his fists. And time is slipping through our fingers...
The thought weighed heavily on him. They didn't have much time left. Their enemies were closing in. The global balance was shifting. The secrets they had kept hidden until now would not remain buried forever.
They had to prepare for today, now more than ever.
Not for tomorrow. But to survive what was coming.