CH: 5

The Awakening Ceremony had concluded, but the echoes of shock and awe still rippled through the hall. Leon barely had time to process the implications of his unexpected S-Class awakening before his parents, Garrick and Selene Varian, were immediately swarmed by members of the other affiliated families.

"Lord Garrick, Lady Selene, congratulations! An S-Class awakening among the affiliates is beyond rare!" said one noble, his voice dripping with admiration.

"Truly, House Varian's prestige will rise greatly with such a talent!" another added, bowing slightly in respect.

Selene held her head high, a proud smile gracing her features. Gaius, ever the disciplined warrior, merely nodded, though the glint in his golden eyes betrayed his satisfaction.

Meanwhile, Leon found himself surrounded by a group of children, all either eager to befriend him or simply curious.

"You're amazing, Leon! I thought only direct members of House Novaris could get S-Class awakenings!" exclaimed Draven Althar, the same boy he had spoken to earlier.

Leon scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Uh, I just put my hand on the pillar like everyone else..."

A girl with short brown hair, pouted. "Ugh, and here I was hoping I'd be the strongest one among the affiliates."

Leon raised an eyebrow and just shrugged. "It's not like I asked to awaken it."

Despite his calm tone, his mind was still whirling. This wasn't supposed to happen… how much has changed already?

He looked towards the Novaris elders and could see them escorting their children out of the hall, though he spotted Elaine stare at him for a moment before exiting as well.

After a long day of conversations, congratulations, and carefully maneuvering through social politics, Leon and his family finally returned to the Varian estate. The main residence was a grand, yet functional, mansion, built for efficiency rather than extravagance, fitting for a family that specialized in intelligence and espionage.

Upon arrival, they were ushered into the main hall, where they were met by Cassius Varian, the head of the Varian family. A man in his late fifties, Cassius had piercing golden eyes and the same trademark white hair, though his bore streaks of silver from age.

"So, you're the young prodigy causing such a stir," Cassius mused, his sharp gaze settling on Leon.

Leon bowed respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Lord Cassius."

The older man chuckled. "Good manners. I like that. We shall celebrate tonight. It is not often that House Varian produces an S-Class awakener."

With a simple command, preparations for a grand feast began, and soon the estate was filled with the sounds of merriment. Wine flowed, dishes were served, and laughter echoed through the halls as family members and affiliates gathered to celebrate Leon's success.

Leon, despite his age, was the center of attention. He answered countless questions, received endless praise, and even endured a few challenges from older cousins eager to test his abilities. Though they were just jealous of him.

At some point in the night, as his father and Cassius Varian sat discussing the future, Leon's young body finally succumbed to exhaustion, and he drifted into a deep sleep amidst the festivities.

Leon awoke the next day feeling groggy but strangely refreshed. The scent of freshly made breakfast filled his senses, and after quickly freshening up, he joined his parents at the dining table. His father, always composed, merely nodded as he arrived.

Selene placed a warm plate in front of him. "Eat well. Today will be an important day."

Leon paused. "What do you mean?"

Garrick set his utensils down and looked at him seriously. "The Novaris elders will be coming today. Given your unprecedented awakening, they have decided that you will be made a retainer to Elaine Novaris."

Leon nearly choked on his food. "Wait… what?"

Garrick continued, his tone firm. "As the highest-ranked talent among the affiliated families, it is only natural that you serve directly under the main house. This is both an honor and a responsibility. You must prepare yourself."

Leon's thoughts raced. This was completely different from the original story! Leon Varian was never supposed to be this important!

After a quick breakfast with his parents, Garrick led him to the Varian family's private training hall. It was a vast chamber, filled with rows of weapons ranging from traditional swords and spears to energy-based weaponry. The sheer variety was overwhelming, but Leon knew this was a crucial moment.

"Every warrior must find their own weapon," Garrick said, gesturing toward the racks. "While our family specializes in daggers and rapiers due to our agility-based combat style, you are free to choose what feels right."

Leon walked along the rows, running his fingers over the hilts of different weapons. Spears exuded reach and power. Daggers, speed and precision. Greatswords, brute force. Yet, none of them truly called out to him.

Then, his gaze fell upon a single weapon on the rack—a katana.

His heart stirred.

The curved blade, simple yet elegant, held an allure that spoke to something deep within him. Memories of his past life resurfaced—countless stories, games, and anime featuring warriors wielding katanas with unparalleled grace and lethality.

Without hesitation, he reached out and lifted the practice katana. It felt natural in his grip, as if it belonged there.

"A katana?" Garrick's voice carried mild surprise. "Not a common choice within our family."

Leon nodded. "It feels right."

Garrick studied him for a moment before nodding in approval. "Very well. While I can train you in basic swordsmanship, we'll need someone more experienced in the katana's unique style."

Leon expected an immediate introduction to an instructor, but his father instead handed him a wooden training sword. "Before we call upon a specialist, you will first train in the fundamentals."

The next several hours were spent drilling the basics of footwork, stance, and strikes. Garrick was a strict teacher, ensuring Leon's movements were precise and controlled. Though the training was grueling, Leon pushed himself, knowing that this was only the beginning of his journey.

As the afternoon sun hung high, the arrival of an important delegation caused the training session to pause. The Novaris elders had arrived, and leading them was none other than the head of the Varian family, Cassius Varian.

Garrick and Leon stood at attention as the elders entered the hall, their golden eyes gleaming with authority. One of them, an older man with a regal presence, stepped forward.

"Young Leon," he spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "By decree of House Novaris, you are now officially assigned as a retainer to Elaine Novaris."

Leon's grip on his wooden sword tightened. He had expected this, yet hearing it aloud made it all the more real.

"By your will elders." He promptly bowed

"You will train at your home for now," the elder continued. "In a few years, you will be brought to the Novaris main headquarters to train alongside our young lady. Until then, your family will oversee your preparation."

Cassius Varian nodded. "House Varian will ensure he is ready."

Leon took a deep breath, steeling himself. This was not just a path he had chosen—this was now his duty.

And he would not falter.

After that whole speech, Leon was handed a mana contract to sign. Pledging to serve Elaine Novaris and the Novaris household for as long as he lived.

Leon didn't have much of a choice. On the downside he was selling his life away in service of another while on the upside he would get a lot of high tier resources to help with his training.

He didn't think much of it and pricked his finger with a small pin handed to him and let his blood fall on the paper. It promptly lit itself in golden flames and disappeared. His fate now sealed.

The Novaris elders soon left, leaving the Varians to discuss among themselves.