Veil of Awakening

Shin jolted awake, his eyes snapping open as he found himself momentarily disoriented. The unfamiliar surroundings confused him, but the soft glow of his room's familiar features began to register.

He was home, in his bed. A sense of relief washed over him, and for a fleeting moment, he wondered if it had all been a dream. The voice, the bizarre events – were they just figments of his imagination?

Reality hit him like a wave as the memories flooded back – the deadly encounter, the mysterious voice, and the blinding light. Questions swirled in his mind, and he couldn't shake the uncertainty that lingered.

What power was the voice referring to? Was it all real, or a vivid dream playing tricks on his mind?

Before he could delve too deeply into his thoughts, the door burst open, and his parents rushed in, concern etched across their faces. Questions bombarded him from all sides."Are you okay, Shin?" His mother enveloped him in a tight hug, her voice teetering on the edge of tears. "How do you feel, sweetheart?"

"Yes, Mom, I'm okay," Shin reassured her, though a profound realization struck him. "I almost lost everything again." His father's voice trembled with regret. "I'm so sorry for being hard on you this morning. I could've lost you."

As Vin started tearing up, a gentle knock on the door interrupted the emotional reunion. A slim, short woman entered, her presence carrying an air of authority. Her golden crown pendant glinted as her gaze met Shin's.

The woman had a sharp and defined face with piercing brown eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Her dark black curly hair framed her face in a neat, sophisticated manner. A slim figure, she wore an all-black suit that accentuated both her professional demeanor and an aura of mystery.

"Unfortunately, Shin must come with me now, as per the orders of the king." "The king has also requested Vin Nobohide to accompany as well," The woman announced. 

"We haven't even had time to explain everything that happened and what's to come," Mia said with a concerning tone.

"Vin can explain everything on the way there." The woman responded.

Walking outside his home, Shin descended a stone staircase that led to the front yard. The Nobohide residence stood tall and grand, an architectural marvel with a mixture of modern and classical design. Large windows adorned with elegant curtains allowed the sunlight to illuminate the interior.

Vines of ivy crawled up the sides, adding a touch of nature to the imposing structure.

Vin followed Shin, both exchanging glances filled with unspoken concerns. As they reached the bottom of the staircase, a golden and black carriage awaited them. Its rims gleamed in gold, and two majestic horses, adorned with golden armor, stood at the front, their strength and regality evident.

As Shin and Vin approached the carriage, The woman held the door open, her expression unreadable. The interior of the carriage was adorned with plush seats of deep black velvet, complementing the golden accents that adorned the walls. A subtle fragrance of lavender hung in the air, adding an unexpected touch of tranquility.

Without waiting for Shin to enter, The woman spoke, her tone unwavering, "Time is of the essence. Please, take your seats."

Shin hesitated for a moment, exchanging a final glance with his parents. The worry etched on their faces mirrored his own uncertainties. As he settled into the seat, Vin sat beside him, offering a comforting pat on the shoulder.

The carriage began its journey, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestone streets marking the departure. Luna, seated across from them, maintained an air of quiet authority.

Shin's mind buzzed with questions, but Luna anticipated them.

"I am Luna Moonlight, the 4th Guardian of the 7 Guardians. Our duty is to protect the kingdom from external threats. The king has summoned you both for a reason, one that will become clear in due time."

Shin's mind raced with questions, "7 Guardians? Is this what Mr. Tamamoto was talking about, the Top 7 elites?" he wondered. 

Vin, maintaining a calm demeanor, questioned, "What happened back there? The fallen attacking the school shouldn't have been possible."

"The balance is shifting, Vin Nobohide. But that shouldn't be your concern. Your immediate focus should be on Shin. His awakening at the age of 9 is unprecedented and raises questions that demand answers," Luna asserted.

"My awakening? Wha- what do you mean?" Shin stammered, trying to process the unexpected revelation. "Wait, was it that voice from the school? Could that be the reason I awakened?" His mind raced with possibilities, the silence hanging heavily.

"Dad, is it a bad thing that I awakened?" Shin asked urgently, seeking reassurance.

"I'm not sure, Shin. To our knowledge, this has never happened before," Vin responded, uncertainty evident in his voice. Shin, still grappling with the revelation, thought to himself, "But I don't feel any different."

As the carriage rolled on, each cobbled street seemed to echo with the weight of Shin's unspoken questions. The rhythmic clattering of hooves on the stone ground provided a dissonant soundtrack to the turmoil in his mind.

"Everything will be answered once we reach the Royal Palace," Luna interjected, redirecting their attention to the impending destination. Yet, Shin couldn't shake the persistent doubt lingering in the recesses of his thoughts.

The Elite Market unfolded before them like an enchanting kaleidoscope. Stalls, intricately designed and adorned with vibrant fabrics and ornaments, displayed an array of exotic goods. Mythical creatures and magical beings—some with forms blending human and dragon, others adorned in majestic elfin armor—gracefully moved through the market, creating a mesmerizing fusion with ordinary humans. It was a tapestry of diversity and wonder.

As the vibrant scenery passed by, Shin's gaze fixated on the passing landscape, lost in the labyrinth of his own thoughts. "Was the voice real? Was it a dream? What connection does it have with my awakening? Did I truly accept some kind of power?" A kaleidoscope of questions swirled in his mind, each unanswered query adding to the weight on his young shoulders.

"This is where everything can be bought—dragon eggs, magical swords, even fallen ore," Luna explained, listing the four colors of ore. "Purple, Green, Orange, and Red. Red being the most expensive. Killing a fallen that has the power to produce Red ore is one of the hardest tasks to do. Even a team of 10 B-Tier elites can barely pull that off," she continued, offering insights into the rarities of the market.