First Awakening II

After this awakening who won't meet the standard will be cast out of Magnus family main branch that what's he wanted to say.

The gravity of the moment settled over the crowd, especially the younger generation, many of whom, like Asher, were about to undergo their first awakening. The Sky Fortress, the Floating Island of the Magnus family, was not merely a home. It was a place reserved only for those worthy of the Magnus name. Those who were deemed lacking, no matter their lineage, would be cast out—forever denied the privileges of the family's elite standing.

The younger children in the hall had eyes blazing with excitement, eager to prove themselves worthy of the Magnus name. They were filled with the hope of awakening powerful abilities, ready to carve out their place in the prestigious Sky Fortress. Asher noticed many eyes turning toward him, their gazes curious and perhaps a little wary. 'Why are they staring at me?' he wondered, feeling a mix of confusion and discomfort under their scrutiny.

Unbeknownst to Asher, his life on the Sky Fortress had been one of great privilege. He lived in the uppermost part of the fortress, a place reserved for the most elite members of the Magnus family. The Sky Fortress was divided into different levels based on status and personal power—ascending from the lower parts to the middle and finally to the upper levels, where the most influential and powerful resided. Asher, being the son of Selene Magnus, had always been shielded by his mother's towering reputation, unaware of the subtle hierarchy that governed life on the fortress.

His presence in the upper part of the fortress had drawn attention, and now, as he stood among his peers, those who knew of his background were curious. Many wondered whether the son of the Crimson Terror would live up to his mother's legacy, or if he would falter under the pressure of expectation.

The elder paid no special attention to Asher, or anyone else in particular, as he stepped onto the stage. In his eyes, everyone gathered was equal, regardless of their lineage. What mattered here was talent, nothing more. With a calm wave of his hand, three objects appeared on the table in front of him.

They were three bottles, each containing something different.

The first bottle held a swirling rainbow-colored mist, constantly shifting and changing within the container. It looked ethereal, like it could slip through your fingers if touched.

The second bottle contained a rainbow-colored liquid, thicker than water, and it glimmered with an almost hypnotic sheen as it caught the light.

The third bottle held a small, solid object, about the size of a fingernail. It was also rainbow-colored, but unlike the mist or liquid, it had a crystalline appearance, sharp and compact.

The elder let the room absorb the sight of the three mysterious items before speaking again. Each one of these substances had a significant role in the upcoming Awakening Ceremony, and everyone knew that which bottle a participant interacted with could potentially determine the level of power they might unlock.

"As you all know, these are foundational materials. The denser the material you consume, the higher your chances of creating a solid foundation core," the elder stated as his eyes scanned the crowd.

"Now, I want each of you to stand in front of these materials in a line. You have one chance to choose which one you wish to go with. You all have five minutes to decide," the elder added, his voice clipped as he closed his eyes, signaling that the decision rested solely in their hands.

Emily gently patted Asher on the back. "Go, Asher," she encouraged softly.

Asher nodded, steeling himself as he walked forward with steady steps. His mind raced as he appraised the materials laid before him, understanding that his choice would shape his future.

He didn't solely depends on the information given by the clan but used his own cheat.

[Creation Mist]: A natural mist containing loose particles with creation essence. The number of essence particles is relatively low, only 41%. One needs a total of 100% essence to successfully create a foundation, however It's quality are top notch leading to creation of best and perfect core.

[Creation Water]: An artificially condensed liquid holding creation essence, with over 98% of the required essence present. However, its potency and quality are reduced by 30%, leading to the formation of cores that are less than perfect.

[Creation Bead]: An artificially condensed bead containing a full 100% of the creation essence. However, its quality and potency are reduced by 50%, resulting in the creation of a Moderate foundation core.

***

'Sol, tell me the grades of Cores,' Asher whispered in his mind as he walked toward the side of the Creation Mist. He stood there quietly, becoming one of the few who chose the mist. Most of the others had already lined up in front of the Creation Water, while a smaller, ambitious group stood by the Creation Bead.

Whispers from the bead group quickly spread as they noticed Asher's decision, their voices filled with disappointment and disbelief.

"He wasted a golden opportunity."

"He stayed at the Mist… didn't even have the guts to choose the Bead."

"What a waste."

"If I were the son of the Crimson Terror, I'd have chosen nothing less than the Bead."

Even among the elders watching from the sidelines, some gazed at Asher with disappointment, shaking their heads at what they considered a poor choice.

"Ahahah, hold on, folks," an older man laughed softly, observing the scene. "Maybe the boy believes in his own talent."

"Patriarch, you can't just favor him because he's your grandson," a middle-aged man beside the elder said, his tone half teasing, half serious.

The elder looked at the patriarch of the Magnus family and Asher's grandfather, shook his head calmly. "He may be my nephew, but I won't favor him unless he can live up to the expectations of my little sister." His features bore a striking resemblance to Selene, but his eyes were a steely grey, unlike her crimson ones.

Asher, unaware of the whispers around him, focused inward, waiting for Sol's response about the core grades.