Lucian's Awakening

The announcer, a tall man in resplendent robes embroidered with intricate patterns of gold and silver, stepped forward, his voice booming across the grounds. "Lucian Delmar! Step forth for your awakening trial!"

As his name echoed across the ceremonial grounds, a wave of excitement rippled through the gathered crowd. Conversations erupted in hushed murmurs, and all eyes turned to the young man who now commanded the stage.

"Lucian Delmar," one noble whispered, "the prodigy of the Delmar family. This will be interesting."

"I've heard he's been groomed for this moment since he could walk," another added.

"He's the son of that Delmar. Expectations are sky-high for him."

Unfazed by the attention, Lucian Delmar strode forward with an air of supreme confidence. His movements were deliberate, his jet-black hair catching the sunlight and gleaming like polished obsidian. His sharp amber eyes scanned the crowd, glinting with arrogance, as if daring anyone to doubt him.

He was dressed in ceremonial robes of black and silver, the colors of the Delmar family, and the family crest—a stylized dragon entwined with a sword—was prominently displayed on his chest. The outfit accentuated his imposing presence, making him appear almost regal.

Rachel, seated among the nobles alongside her childhood friend Elena, watched him with a cool expression. Her ocean-blue eyes narrowed slightly, her thoughts razor-sharp as they focused on Lucian.

"Lucian Delmar," she murmured, her tone carrying a faint edge of disdain. "Arrogant as ever. Let's see if his awakening matches his ego."

Elena leaned closer, her hazel eyes glinting with curiosity. "Rachel, do you think he'll awaken something extraordinary?"

Rachel shrugged, her gaze steady on Lucian. "If his father's bloodline means anything, it's likely. But arrogance has a way of clouding judgment."

Lucian reached the raised platform at the center of the grounds, his polished boots clicking faintly against the stone steps. The crowd hushed in anticipation as he stopped before the Awakening Spire—a towering crystalline structure etched with glowing runes. The spire pulsed faintly, responding to the ambient mana in the air.

Without hesitation, Lucian raised his hand and placed it firmly on the spire's cool, smooth surface. A faint hum resonated through the air as the spire began to glow softly, its intricate runes activating in response to his mana.

The announcer stepped forward again, his voice filled with ceremonial gravitas. "Let the trial commence!"

Lucian closed his eyes, his expression calm yet exuding confidence. The runes on the spire brightened, emitting waves of energy that rippled outward. The mana in the atmosphere grew dense, creating an almost tangible tension.

As the energy intensified, it began to swirl around Lucian, forming a cocoon of radiant light. The cocoon shimmered with hues of gold and black, the signature colors of the Delmar family's mana. The crowd watched in awe, their whispers silenced by the sheer magnificence of the display.

Then, in an instant, the cocoon exploded outward, sending a shockwave of energy across the field. The force was powerful yet controlled, a testament to Lucian's innate skill. The light faded, and in its place, a translucent screen materialized before him—the Veil Interface.

The crowd collectively held their breath, their eyes locked on the glowing screen that displayed the fruits of Lucian's awakening.

The Veil Interface shimmered, its text and data forming in crisp, glowing letters. Lucian's amber eyes scanned the information, his smirk widening as he read what had been revealed.

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Veil Interface

{General Information}

Name: Lucian Delmar

Age: 16

Realm: Novice Realm

{Talents}

Elemental Affinity: Shadow

Elemental Affinity: Fire

{Special Powers}

Draconic Sovereignty:

Bestowed by Dracos Ignis, the Dragon God of Flame and Shadow.

*Blessing Note*:"A fragment of my essence resides within thee. Wield the power of dominion."

___________________________________

The crowd erupted into murmurs, their astonishment palpable.

"Two elemental affinities? That's unheard of!"

"And Shadow combined with Fire? Such a rare combination."

"Draconic Sovereignty… a blessing from a god? This is beyond extraordinary!"

Lucian's smirk deepened as he raised his head, meeting the awe-filled gazes of the audience. His confidence had been justified, and he reveled in the recognition.

From her seat, Rachel's eyes narrowed further, her thoughts racing as she analyzed the unfolding scene. Draconic Sovereignty… That's no ordinary blessing. The Dragon God of Flame and Shadow rarely bestows such power.

Elena, seated beside her, looked equally stunned. "Rachel, did you see that? A direct blessing from a god!"

Rachel nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. "Yes. But such power comes with a cost."

As the announcer declared the trial complete, Lucian turned to face the crowd. He raised a hand, summoning a flicker of shadowy flames that danced around his fingers. The display was deliberate, a subtle yet powerful statement of his newfound strength.