The morning sun rose over Astralwind City, its golden light spilling over the grand Aethercrest Clan estate.
Inside a quiet courtyard, a fourteen-year-old boy sat cross-legged, breathing slowly and rhythmically.
He had long, silver-white hair that flowed like moonlit silk, framing a sharp, handsome face. His pale, piercing eyes seemed to look straight through reality itself. His midnight-blue robes were decorated with gold patterns and studded with tiny azure gems that shimmered like stars. A delicate golden circlet rested on his head, giving him a calm yet regal presence.
Lucian Aethercrest opened his eyes — nervous, hopeful, yet determined.
Today was the day every youth anticipated for their entire life.
At age fifteen, every child in the world awakened their Element and Physique — the two foundations of their cultivation path. Those blessed with powerful elements like Lightning, Space, Fire, or Darkness were destined to rise high. Those with rare physiques soared even higher.
But Lucian hadn't awakened last year.
Fifteen had passed.
Silence. No element. No physique. Nothing.
Now sixteen, he was walking toward the Awakening Hall, heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation. Today was the awakening ceremony for this year's fifteen-year-olds — and he, a late awakener, would be standing among them.
Aetherion, the vast world he lived in, was divided into three great continents: Elderspire Lands, Arclight Domain, and the Wildcrest Expanse. Many races lived across these lands, but humans dominated Arclight.
Within this continent, five great clans stood above all others.
As Lucian stepped into the Awakening Hall, the spacious chamber was already filled with excited youths. Their voices echoed against the marble walls as they spoke confidently among themselves.
The moment Lucian entered, a subtle shift swept through the hall. Heads turned.
Eyes narrowed. Whispers rose.
A boy snickered, his voice low yet intentionally loud enough for Lucian to hear.
"Look, the trash finally showed up."
Others laughed under their breath.
Lucian heard it all — as he always did.
After a full year of being unable to awaken, he had become a joke.
A "talentless disgrace."
A boy with "no element, no physique, no future."
But Lucian walked forward without bowing his head.
He wasn't angry.
He wasn't sad.
He was used to the ridicule — it no longer broke him.
Because he believed in himself.
His parents believed in him.
And deep inside, something told him that his path was simply… different.
His heart beat faster — not from fear, but excitement.
The insults only fed the fire inside him.
One day, these same people would tremble at the name they now mocked.
One day, he would become strong enough to protect his family…
and make his parents proud.
They already loved him — he knew that — but he wanted to stand before them as someone worthy of carrying the Aethercrest name.
Lucian took a deep breath.
Today was his awakening — the day that would reveal his Element and Physique.
Today was the first step on the journey that would change everything.