Chapter 13: The Path to True Power
The luxury car moved silently through the dimly lit streets of the Aurelian Empire, heading toward the Vaelthorne estate. The night was calm, the towering spires of noble districts casting long shadows beneath the glow of enchanted street lamps.
Inside the car, Alistair sat in silence, his obsidian-black eyes fixed on the world outside. His battle with the Verdant Tyrant still lingered in his mind, but his thoughts were already moving forward.
Tomorrow was the day.
His Second Awakening.
It was a threshold every awakened individual faced—a point where their potential would either soar to new heights or remain stagnant forever.
And he had no intention of staying stagnant.
Then, suddenly—
A golden light flickered before his eyes.
[Ding!]
Alistair's gaze sharpened.
---
The System
The System was a universal force within Eldoria, granted to all awakened individuals during their First Awakening at age ten.
For most, this event was a trial of survival.
The body had to adapt to mana—a process that could either strengthen the individual or break them completely.
Those who passed gained access to the System, allowing them to view their status, rank, skills, and blessings.
Those who failed would never be able to wield mana, forever remaining ordinary.
For nobles like Alistair, resources ensured higher success rates. But for commoners? Only those with raw talent or sheer willpower survived.
The System was more than just a tool to measure power.
It was a bridge between mortals and gods.
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Gods, Constellations, and the Chosen
Through the System, awakened individuals could receive messages from divine beings—gods or constellations who took interest in them.
It wasn't uncommon for deities to send minor blessings, granting small boosts to strength or magic. However—
The real game began at the Second Awakening.
Why?
Because that was when Gods and Constellations could choose their Avatars.
Unlike simple blessings, an Avatar was a true champion—a mortal chosen to wield a fragment of their deity's power.
Avatars gained part of their patron's divine authority, vastly accelerating their growth and combat ability.
They received direct support from religious sects, temples, and organizations dedicated to their god.
But most importantly—they became extensions of their deity's will in Eldoria.
Yet, there was a cost.
A god could only have one Avatar at a time.
If an Avatar died, their patron would suffer a loss of power, making it a risky investment.
Because of this, only a few true Avatars existed in the world.
And if everything went according to plan—
Tomorrow, Artemis would choose him.
---
[System Message from a Goddess]
As if to confirm his thoughts, another golden message appeared in his vision.
[The Goddess of the Moon Hunt smiles upon you.]
[She whispers: "Are you ready?"]
Alistair's fingers twitched.
He had received messages from Artemis before—brief glimpses of interest, subtle acknowledgments of his potential.
But this time?
It felt different.
This wasn't just a passing glance.
She was watching. Waiting.
For his Second Awakening.
For the moment she could finally claim him as her Avatar.
Alistair closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
Tomorrow, his path would be decided.
And he would embrace it without hesitation.
---
The Vaelthorne Estate loomed ahead as the car passed through the grand iron gates, adorned with emerald engravings of intertwining vines—a testament to their family's deep nature magic heritage.
The sprawling mansion sat atop a manicured hill, surrounded by towering ancient trees and enchanted flora that responded subtly to the mana-rich atmosphere.
As the car came to a stop before the grand entrance, Alistair stepped out with quiet precision. His battle-worn body ached from the dungeon raid, but he didn't let it show.
Tomorrow was the Second Awakening.
And he wasn't the only one facing it.
A soft voice broke through his thoughts.
"Brother."
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The Twin Sister – Elaine Vaelthorne
Standing at the top of the estate steps was a young girl with hair like midnight silk and eyes of gentle dusk.
Unlike Alistair's emotionless abyss-like gaze, hers still carried warmth—a reflection of the woman who once held them both in her embrace.
Elaine Vaelthorne.
His twin sister.
The only person in the world who reminded him of their mother.
Elaine's delicate features held a quiet strength, though she lacked the icy detachment that had come to define him.
She smiled. "You're late."
Alistair simply nodded. "Dungeons aren't predictable."
She stepped closer, her sharp eyes scanning him for injuries—a habit from childhood.
"You pushed yourself again," she murmured, noticing the faint mana exhaustion lingering in his stance. "You know you don't have to train so relentlessly."
Alistair's gaze didn't waver.
"Strength is everything."
Elaine sighed, but there was no arguing with him.
Instead, she simply said, "Come inside. Father is waiting."
Alistair gave a small nod and followed her into the estate.
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The Vaelthorne Family – Dinner Before Awakening
The grand dining hall of House Vaelthorne was dimly lit by floating mana lamps, casting a soft golden glow over the long obsidian table.
Seated at the head of the table was Patriarch Cedric Vaelthorne, their father—a man whose mere presence commanded the room.
Tall and sharp-featured, his raven-black hair streaked with silver carried the weight of years spent in battle and politics.
His emerald-green eyes, however, held the wisdom of a seasoned warrior—one who had long understood the true nature of power.
Beside him sat their stepmother, Lady Evelyn Vaelthorne, a woman of aristocratic beauty, her expression always carefully neutral.
She was not their true mother.
And she would never be.
Elaine took her seat beside Alistair, while Cedric set down his wine glass.
"You're late." His deep voice carried authority, though not anger.
"The dungeon boss resisted more than expected," Alistair replied calmly, pouring himself a glass of spirit-infused water to recover his depleted mana.
Cedric nodded slightly. "You won?"
Alistair met his father's gaze with unwavering certainty.
"I always win."
There was a flicker of approval in the Patriarch's eyes before he shifted his attention.
"Tomorrow is the Second Awakening."
Elaine straightened, her expression more serious. "Yes, Father."
Cedric's gaze swept over both of them. "This will determine your true path in life. Are you prepared?"
Alistair's answer was instant. "I will not fail."
Elaine hesitated for only a fraction of a second before nodding. "Neither will I."
Their father studied them for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Good. Then eat well and rest. Tomorrow, we shall see if the Goddess favors you."
With that, dinner proceeded in tense silence—each of them aware that by the next sunrise, everything could change.
Alistair simply ate in silence, his mind already on the future.
Tomorrow, his Second Awakening would decide everything.
And he would not leave his fate to chance.
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