Ch-05 Blue gem.

Ignis absorbed every word his father said, learning not just about the kingdom he lived in but also about the intricate systems of power and governance. One peculiar trend caught his attention: the names of the Duchies, Counties, and Baronies were all derived from the noble families who ruled them. A reflection of lineage and legacy, he mused—a system that seemed to tie identity and governance inseparably together.

Evan's voice broke his train of thought. "Enough introductions for now. Let's get to the main point. Tonight, we'll be attending a party organized by Count Aleric. It's a celebration of his recent breakthrough to the rank of 4-Star Knight. And since you're now six years old, it's time for you to attend such gatherings. The Count specifically asked for your presence."

Ignis frowned slightly, a twinge of reluctance in his expression. "Dad, is it really necessary?"

He didn't want to go. Parties meant putting on a polite facade, minding every gesture and word to avoid offending anyone, especially since it would reflect on his parents. But that wasn't who he was—or at least, who he had been.

In his previous life, he had been Yamamoto Genryūsai, the formidable Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13. He had wielded absolute authority and unmatched strength in the Seireitei. Humility and decorum had been tools he used when necessary, but they had never defined him. Now, though, as Ignis, he was bound by the roles of a child and a son. He respected his parents deeply—they were, after all, his family in this life—but adapting to such formalities still felt like a bitter pill.

Evan's response was firm but not unkind. "Yes, Son, it is necessary. The Count specifically requested you attend, and it's an important event. You're a part of this family, and these gatherings will help you learn to navigate the world of nobility."

Ignis sighed inwardly but nodded. He knew he couldn't refuse. If nothing else, he owed it to his parents to represent them well. But as he prepared himself for the night ahead, a quiet resolve formed in his heart. While this world demanded a new version of himself, the core of who he was—his strength, his will—would remain unchanged.

Resigning himself to the situation, he said, "Fine, I'll go. I'll meet Count Aleric and leave as soon as possible. If anyone asks, just say I wasn't feeling well."

Evan considered his son's words, his brows furrowing briefly before nodding. "Alright. As you wish."

With that, both Alenna and Evan left, leaving Ignis alone in the garden.

-----

Back in his room, Ignis dismissed the maids with a simple wave of his hand. "Leave me. I need some time alone."

The maids bowed politely and exited, closing the door behind them. As the lock clicked, Ignis moved to his chair, his posture straight and composed. Closing his eyes, he exhaled deeply, focusing his mind.

Slowly, something extraordinary began to happen. A faint blue light shimmered from his chest, growing brighter with each passing second. Then, as if phasing through his very flesh, a radiant blue gem emerged, hovering just above his heart.

The gem pulsed softly with an ethereal glow, a living fragment of energy and mystery. Ignis extended his hand, and the gem floated delicately between his thumb and index finger. Though it appeared close enough to touch, an invisible barrier surrounded it, preventing any physical contact.

"This Hōgyoku," Ignis mused, gazing intently at the glowing crystal, "it appeared with me when I reincarnated into this world. Could it be the reason for my reincarnation? But the Hōgyoku was with Aizen... how did it end up with me?"

His brows furrowed as his thoughts spiralled deeper into the mystery. "There are so many unanswered questions—so many things I don't understand. I need answers, but they feel just out of reach."

He shifted his focus back to the gem, studying it carefully. The Hōgyoku was half-filled now, its lower half glowing with an intense, radiant light.

"It's at fifty percent," he noted, his voice tinged with both curiosity and apprehension. "It's taken six years to reach this point. If this pace continues, it'll be fully charged by the time I turn twelve. I can't wait to see what will happen when it's complete."

A small smile played on his lips, though it carried a hint of unease. "It's not so bad, I suppose. After all, I can't practice anything significant before the age of twelve anyway. This world's rules are... peculiar. The Mana Circuit doesn't form until then. It develops as the body matures, much like losing old teeth to make way for new ones—a natural part of growing up here."

He let out a soft sigh, his gaze drifting as he pondered further. "In this world, everything revolves around Mana. Even the soul is tied to it. If I want to strengthen my soul, I'll need to absorb Mana. And while my powerful soul lets me sense Mana's presence, I can't draw it into my body just yet."

Ignis's eyes flickered with determination, though his tone turned sombre. "Today, I thought about asking Mother how Mana is absorbed and used, but I didn't need to. Father's explanation earlier gave me all the answers I needed. Trying to absorb Mana now would be a fatal mistake. Without the proper development of my Mana Circuit, the consequences could be catastrophic—I might even die."

He clenched his hand, the Hōgyoku glowing faintly within its invisible barrier. "For now, I'll wait. I'll bide my time. This world's rules may limit me, but I'll find a way to turn those limitations into opportunities. I have no choice but to."

The room fell silent, the dim light of the Hōgyoku casting shifting patterns on the walls as Ignis continued to contemplate the mysteries surrounding him.

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