The ceremonial grounds of the Vlorian estate were a sea of murmurs, laughter, and tension. Children from noble families of every class gathered, each awaiting their turn to awaken. Observing from the edges, parents, tutors, and elders whispered quietly, exchanging notes, predictions, and subtle critiques.
Kaien Vlorian stood among the other children, his small frame barely noticeable. He clutched his tunic and scanned the platform, already glowing with the intricate glyphs of the Awakening Rite. His heart beat steadily, excitement and nerves mixing into a quiet determination.
From a nearby balcony, a group of upper-class children snickered openly.
"Look at that Vlorian bookworm trash," hissed Kalen Virel, heir to House Virel, his green eyes narrowing. "Middle-class filth pretending it belongs here."
Riven Draythar, the crimson-eyed heir of House Draythar, leaned casually against the railing, a smirk playing on his lips. "Hmph. I've seen bookworms like that. They never survive a day in the outside world. Let's see how long it takes him to embarrass himself."
Liora Carthyn, fiery-haired daughter of House Carthyn, arched a brow, curiosity flickering. "Quiet and calm… odd for a child of that class. Perhaps he has a shred of sense buried under those dusty books."
Kaien remained silent. He didn't respond, didn't scowl, didn't shrink. The insults washed over him like passing wind, fueling a quiet determination. He had always known that observation mattered more than reaction.
The elders overseeing the ceremony, led by Master Therion, called forward the first child.
"Name, rank, and intent," Therion intoned, voice clear and precise.
First Child: Kalen Virel – House Virel
Rank: S
Level: 8
Strength: 12,500
Mana: 14,000
Spirit: 11,500
Affinity: Fire
Talent: Blaze Affinity
Kalen stepped confidently onto the platform. Flames danced along his arms as the glyphs responded to his presence. He raised a hand, and a stream of controlled fire swirled around him. Murmurs of admiration and envy ran through the audience.
Riven Draythar leaned over to a friend. "Typical Virel pride. Still… impressive."
Second Child: Riven Draythar – House Draythar
Rank: A
Level: 8
Strength: 11,200
Mana: 12,500
Spirit: 12,000
Affinity: Shadow
Talent: Shadow Step
Riven stepped forward with a smooth motion, shadows pooling around his feet. With a subtle gesture, the shadows twisted and danced, forming blades and barriers. His mastery of stealth and speed drew nods from some of the elders, though Kalen's fire still outshone him in spectacle.
Third Child: Liora Carthyn – House Carthyn
Rank: B
Level: 8
Strength: 9,500
Mana: 10,200
Spirit: 10,800
Affinity: Ice
Talent: Absolute Freeze
Liora stepped forward, elegant and precise. Frost formed under her steps, and with a simple gesture, she froze a portion of the ceremonial glyphs. The crowd gasped quietly—her finesse and control were unmatched for her age. Even the upper-class nobles' whispers softened into admiration.
Fourth Child: Elden Karth – House Karth
Rank: C
Level: 8
Strength: 8,200
Mana: 9,000
Spirit: 8,800
Affinity: Earth
Talent: Stone Wall
Elden, a stocky boy with brown hair, stepped onto the platform. The ground beneath him hardened instantly, forming jagged stone pillars. Some younger children whispered in awe, though upper-class heirs smirked, unimpressed by the lack of spectacle compared to fire and ice.
Fifth Child: Serra Myndel – House Myndel
Rank: D
Level: 8
Strength: 7,500
Mana: 8,000
Spirit: 7,800
Affinity: Wind
Talent: Gale Burst
Serra floated lightly onto the platform, wind swirling around her petite frame. Her movements were swift, her control elegant, but lacking the raw power of higher-ranked children. Still, her peers nodded—D-rank did not necessarily imply incompetence.
Sixth Child: Tomas Breck – House Breck
Rank: SS
Level: 8
Strength: 13,000
Mana: 14,500
Spirit: 12,800
Affinity: Lightning
Talent: Thunderstrike
Tomas appeared, electrifying the air. Lightning arcs danced around him, making some spectators flinch. Even Kalen and Riven exchanged glances, noting that SS-rank children were rare, and this one clearly stood out.
Each child's awakening was followed by murmurs, cheers, or whispers of judgment. Upper-class children eyed one another, proud of family status and rank, yet secretly wary of peers who might surpass them. Middle-class children like Kaien observed silently, absorbing every reaction, every strategy, every display.
Kaien noticed the subtle interplay—envy, arrogance, admiration, curiosity. He cataloged it silently in his mind, his small hands trembling slightly with anticipation.
Finally, it was Kaien's turn. He stepped forward. His blue eyes swept the ceremonial platform, noting the glowing glyphs beneath his feet. He swallowed, taking a deep breath, aware of every gaze upon him. The insults from upper-class children still echoed in his mind—Kalen's snicker, Riven's smirk—but he did not let them pierce his calm.
Master Therion gestured toward the glowing sphere. "Kaien Vlorian. Place your hands upon the glyphs. Awaken."
Kaien obeyed, fingertips touching the sphere. Energy pulsed against him—mild pressure, testing mind, body, and spirit.
He closed his eyes and focused.
Nothing extraordinary happened. No flames, no ice, no shadows, no lightning. Just a faint glow around his small hands.
Therion's brow furrowed slightly, but he said nothing, waiting for the full measure.
The spectators shifted in their seats. Some upper-class children snickered again.
"See? Bookworm trash," whispered Kalen.
Riven Draythar chuckled. "Pathetic. What a joke."
Even Liora Carthyn arched a brow. "Quiet… strange. No talent at all?"
The sphere dimmed slightly, and Therion nodded. "E-rank. Affinity: 0. Basic awakening successful."
A hushed silence followed. Some children whispered insults again. Some spectators looked mildly surprised—not by power, but by Kaien's composure.
Kaien bowed politely. He did not smile or protest. The whispers, snickers, and sneers washed over him. He absorbed them like he always did, storing every observation for the future.
After the ceremony, Kaien's parents approached him. Eren's expression was a mixture of concern and pride.
"Kaien… E-rank with no affinity. You've done well for your first awakening, but the world outside our estate is not forgiving. Even with your determination, starting from this level is risky."
Luca nodded. "That is why we have decided to hire a tutor—a highly skilled swordsman. He will guide you, train you, and prepare you to survive and thrive until you are ready to venture into the world as an awakener."
Kaien's eyes lit up. "A tutor? Really?"
Alora smirked, leaning over his shoulder. "Looks like you'll have someone yelling at you all the time. Hope you survive it."
Jay laughed. "At least now you won't be the laughingstock of the Virels or Draythars."
Kaien smiled faintly. "I'll do my best. I'll make sure I'm ready."
The day ended with a quiet reflection. Upper-class children and parents continued to whisper—some insultively, some thoughtfully. Middle-class families discussed tutoring, strategy, and nurturing potential.
Kaien returned to his room, thinking of the day, the displays, and the subtle lessons hidden in every glance, every insult, every measure of skill he had observed.
Even as an E-rank with no affinity, Kaien's mind burned quietly with resolve. The whispers, the snickers, the hierarchy—they were all notes in a growing symphony of knowledge, strategy, and preparation.
One day, he thought, they will see more than my rank. They will see the Vlorian boy who never revealed his true self.