Preparations

The Awakening Ceremony was swiftly approaching, and an air of quiet anticipation gradually settled over the town. Young children excitedly discussed their potential talents, while parents spoke softly amongst themselves, hoping for their children's bright futures. Amidst the growing anticipation, Kaelan remained outwardly calm, carefully preparing himself for what would soon come.

The afternoon sun illuminated the small garden behind Kaelan's house, casting soft golden hues over the neatly arranged flowerbeds his mother had tended so carefully. Kaelan sat cross-legged on the grass, his breathing steady, eyes closed in deep meditation.

He knew that after the Awakening Ceremony, everything would subtly change. The world would finally recognize his talent—but he would still carefully guard the true extent of his abilities, revealing only enough to match their expectations.

His thoughts drifted briefly toward his parents. Lorian and Elena had always supported him warmly, encouraging his quiet discipline and steady growth, never suspecting the depths of the techniques he had quietly mastered behind closed doors. They believed his daily meditation and basic mana exercises were simply the earnest preparations of a gifted yet ordinary child. They remained unaware that beneath his calm exterior lay mastery far beyond even seasoned rune-knights.

Kaelan opened his eyes gently, gazing thoughtfully at his palm. Mana flowed effortlessly, shaping itself quickly into a precise, perfect sphere. He watched the mana closely, calmly reshaping it into a small, intricate rune—one similar to those used in simple village tools, yet refined far beyond their standard forms. He quietly admired the rune's stable elegance before gently dispersing it.

"How much should I show them?" Kaelan thought quietly, carefully reflecting. He knew he needed to demonstrate impressive talent—but also maintain plausible secrecy, ensuring nobody would guess the extraordinary depth of his true strength.

Quietly rising from the grass, he glanced upward, briefly recalling another technique he had developed over months of quiet training. Gently, he allowed mana to circulate through his feet, activating his Wind Step skill again. Immediately, his movements became fluid, steps barely touching the grass. He darted lightly around the garden, his enhanced agility almost effortless.

Pausing, Kaelan considered carefully. "Maybe something like this will be appropriate—a subtle display of skill, but nothing too astonishing."

His gaze then fell upon the small stone birdbath at the garden's edge, thoughtfully recalling another defensive skill he'd developed privately—Stone Guard. Quietly extending his palm, Kaelan smoothly manipulated earth-element mana, shaping it discreetly around the stone birdbath. Subtle threads of mana solidified quickly, temporarily reinforcing its structure without any visible difference.

Satisfied with the subtle enhancement, Kaelan carefully withdrew the mana threads, dispersing them silently.

He continued to quietly review each of the many skills he'd privately developed, evaluating carefully how he might subtly demonstrate them during the Awakening Ceremony. His mind drifted calmly through various possibilities—perhaps displaying brief elemental manipulation, subtle mana control, or enhanced sensory perception through his Mana Echo skill. Each choice carefully balanced between impressive talent and believable secrecy.

As evening approached, Kaelan heard the gentle footsteps of his mother approaching from inside the house. Elena's gentle voice called softly from the open doorway.

"Kaelan? It's almost dinner time. Why don't you come inside?"

Kaelan smiled warmly, quickly dismissing his thoughts for now. "Coming, Mom."

Entering the warm interior, he felt instantly at ease. Elena moved gracefully around the small kitchen, placing carefully prepared dishes onto the table. Lorian smiled gently, motioning him to sit.

"Your Awakening Ceremony is just around the corner," Elena said affectionately, serving him a generous portion of stew. "Are you nervous, dear?"

Kaelan shook his head calmly, smiling reassuringly. "Not nervous, really. Just…thinking."

Lorian chuckled lightly. "You've always been a thoughtful boy, Kaelan. No matter what talent you awaken, remember—we're already proud of you."

Kaelan met his father's gentle gaze quietly, feeling a subtle warmth rising within him. "Thank you. I'll remember that."

The meal continued in gentle conversation, occasionally drifting toward friendly speculation about the ceremony, Luminis Academy, and Kaelan's possible future. Elena spoke softly about the simple comforts of their home, and how proud they'd always been of their son, no matter what awaited him.

After dinner, Kaelan retreated quietly to his room, where he settled cross-legged once again, calm and reflective. Tonight, rather than focusing on skills or mana manipulation, he allowed himself to simply exist within the quiet stillness. His family's warmth remained clearly with him, gently grounding his emotions amidst quiet anticipation.

Closing his eyes softly, he envisioned the coming ceremony—not with worry or doubt, but with quiet resolve. Whatever talent grade was revealed publicly would only reflect a small fraction of his true potential. He would carefully maintain secrecy, letting others see only what they expected to see—a gifted child, talented yet humble, capable but ordinary.

Kaelan's breathing slowed gradually, heart calm and certain. No matter what came afterward, he was ready.