Chapter- 10 Bloodline Continuation Ceremony [2]

Cyan of course wasn't crying because he was sorry, but because he felt that apologizing was unfair. Even though Eugene realized this truth right away, he didn't point this out as he had never expected Cyan to actually beseech upon him with a graceful sincere apology. 

Gilead also felt the reluctance. However, if we're to point this out Edward could bunt in making the whole conversation overly long. 

Gilead changed the topic, "... I'm sorry to say this, but Eugene, I'm not familiar with your father."

"That's only natural. Even I admit that my family is deep within the countryside," Eugene replied consecutively. 

"Did you by chance learn your skills from your father?"

"He had taught me the basics, but the rest I learned through training"

"What kind of training did you do?"

" I just trained my body to its extremes I dabbled with the wooden swords and spears… due to the restrictions bounded by the Blooding Continuation Ceremony, I could use those training weapons after all"

"Your training sounds eerily similar to my son, Edward's rather than the restrictions but still…. He trailed off "that would mean that you must have not had anyone who could teach you?"

"Although we have several knights at our estate as well, none were really good enough to qualify as my instructor."

"Is that so?"

Cyan already adapted to the environment sat laid back in his chair pondering over Eugene's training and his lack of help. 

Ciel's eyes however were lit up as if she was enjoying the view. Edwards looked absent-minded at the wall counting the number of lines appearing on the wallpaper. 

Listening to the dialogue being exchanged, Gargirh and Derza glanced at Eugene with astonished eyes. Beside them, the other children of the collateral branches also scorned an expression of shock. 

"... it seems that this year's Bloodline Continuation Ceremony will be fun," Gilead finally broke his silence with a grin. 

"I would second that" Lovellian who had been silent observing their conversation with interest now was nodding along with a smile on his face.

Soon after this, the food started arriving from the kitchen. However, no one touched it even Edward, as they waited for Gilead.

"I don't know if these dishes will suit your tastes, but please enjoy this meal." blessing the food Gilead started eating.

Vexed, Edward yearned to leave the table and hit the training grounds, but his father held him back after he wanted Edward to join the meal. Even though he wouldn't be attending this year's Bloodline Continuation Ceremony.

 Edward would intervalley glance at his brother and sister. 

Currently gazing at Ciel, Edward tried to discern what she was doing. He soon realized she was insidiously trying to persuade Eugene to eat her vegetables, but Eugene never agreed. 

Feeling bored now, Edward decided to grab his fimble napkin in an attempt to make an origami swan. During this endeavor, Edward found himself continuously falling until finally succeeding after a total of 10 minutes. 

Glaring at the paper swan, Edward decided to carefully place the paper bird into his left chest pocket, before resting his head between his arms to sleep ZZzzzZZZzzzZZZzzZz.

Twenty-three minutes passed like this before receiving a gentle… smack on the back of his head!

Bang!

"!!!"

Startled awake, Edward, still adorning a vegetated expression, pooled drool on the table during his slumber which was further dried by Lovllian.

"Wha— Who was that?!" Edward exclaimed, lifting his head to face the attacker.

Who met his gaze was none other than his younger brother Cyan, who upon realizing Edward was awake quickly hid his hand while Ciel was giggling. 

Leering at the two I quickly composed myself to form an indifferent expression as Gilead spoke 

(the twins were playing a smacking game, in order to determine see who would wake Edward first)

"As you may have already guessed, the reason we have arranged dinner like this is to explain the contents of this year's Bloodline Continuation Ceremony,"

At these words, all movement began to stop.

"In this year's Bloodline Continuation Ceremony, apart from traditional goals, I also wanted all participating families the chance to display their capabilities" Gilead exclaimed as his eyes passed over each listener. 

Gilead continued "... The Bloodline Continuation Ceremony takes place every five years. The contents of the ceremony are decided by the Lionheart Patriarch. I was also the one who administered the last Bloodline Continuation Ceremony. As you may have heard before arriving here, the last Bloodline Continuation Ceremony had the thirteen participants wander around in the middle of the forest.

Gilead shook his head with a wry smile.

"Only one of the thirteen participants was from the direct line, my son Edward, while the rest were from collateral branches. However, in this year's ceremony … two of my children will be participating. Although it may sound weird and common to me, I believe the far too Bloodline Continuation Ceremony is far discriminatory"

Hearing this admittance, Ciel & Cyan stared at their father with surprise.

Edward listening merely nodded nonchalantly. 

'At Least he's listening to my advice' Edward thought tapping his chin. 

"The Bloodline Continuation Ceremony is a tradition that favors the direct descendents. Collateral lines are forbidden from practicing mana or using real weapons until the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony is over."

Listening to his fathers continue yapping, Edward decided to zone out completely, blocking all outside nuance and thinking about things as, … 'I should check my status, … let's just check it'

As Gilead continued to describe his beliefs and thoughts surrounding the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony and warnings about the illusion labyrinth where the Ceremony will take place 

'Status' Edward thought 

[STATUS] 

Name: Edward user status [effect of reincarnation- 10 hours till next regression]

 [secondary effect mental - Dissociative identity disorder] 

 [triatary effect physical permanent - average looks curse]

Age:(15)

[Title: Hero of Reincarnation] 

Reincarnation number- [12939]

Profession-[jack of few trades] - master of only 2 weapons 

Strength [0]-56

Agility [0]-67 

Mana [0] -55

Combat sense [10/10] 

__________________________

Attributes - [Ice]

Description- 

Eyes of cowardice - These green eyes allow the user to view any foe's vital spots during an attack and intent 

_________________________

[Arts]

Sword art- heaven and hell- [mastered] 

White flame formula [4/10]

_________________________

Items 

[Soul bound] -[Locked]- Arondight

Description- A sword known for its incredible beauty. Its bright, polished blade reflects the purity of the user's heart and commitment. Arondight is a limitless sword capable of receiving any attack from a foe or not without taking damage. 

[Soul bound ]- Nether sword of Durandal 

Description- A sword in Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade wielded by Roland during The Scouring and used to purge the dragons.

[soul bound] -[Locked]- purge

Description- A spear used to destroy your greatest foes, when used the user enters a berserk form causing a purge of foes 

_________________________

Skills

Trade of place- EX

Description- the power of true self-released (can only be activated when user)

Reincarnation- EX

Description- After the user's death soul will be transported to a new destination 

Mental fortitude- SS

Description- A reincarnation's greatest asset during his countless exploits 

_________________________

****

Looking at his current status, Edward nodded. 

'Seems like I'm progressing rather quickly'

Scrolling the translucent Panel for several seconds Edward closed the screen after realizing everyone was exiting the venue.