A Night of Celebration

The walk home from the sacred grove was filled with soft chatter and exchanged smiles. Theos, still thrilled from his awakening, moved with a lightness in his step. His parents followed behind, their expressions a mix of pride and lingering wonder.

"Tonight calls for a feast," Samuel declared as soon as they stepped into their cottage. He clapped his hands together and set his walking staff aside. "Elena, what do you say? Let me fetch some fresh meat to celebrate our son's Awakening."

Elena's eyes sparkled with delight. "That's a wonderful idea. And I'll cook up something truly special for him."

"Will it be steak, Mama? Can we have steak?" Theos asked in an excited rush. He could already taste the sizzling, savory flavors on his tongue.

Elena chuckled warmly. "Of course, dear. I know it's your favorite."

'Yes!' Theos thought, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. 'Steak is the best! I can't wait to eat it after a day like this.'

Samuel ruffled Theos's hair affectionately. "I'll head out and see what I can hunt or buy in the marketplace," he said. "I heard Old Merton had a fresh supply of first-stage beast meat. Should be perfect for tonight."

Before long, Samuel was out the door, leaving Theos and Elena in the small but cozy living area. The candlelight flickered against the worn wooden walls, and the comforting scent of herbs filled the kitchen.

Elena beckoned Theos toward her. "While your father's gone, let's prepare the rest of the meal, shall we? You can help me gather some vegetables and herbs from the garden."

"Okay, Mama," Theos replied brightly, hurrying to the backdoor. He picked up a small basket, stepping into their little garden patch. Rows of lush greens, herbs, and a few bright flowers swayed gently in the evening breeze.

'I love it here,' he mused, carefully plucking sprigs of rosemary and thyme. 'It's quiet and simple, and I've never really wanted to leave.' But his gaze drifted to the distant mountains. 'Still… if I want to become stronger and truly make Papa proud, I'll have to one day.'

Returning inside, Theos handed the basket to his mother, who set to work rinsing the herbs. Not long after, Samuel reappeared, carrying two large cuts of fresh beast meat, wrapped neatly in cloth.

He placed his prize down on the kitchen counter, rolling his shoulders with a relieved sigh. "The old huntsman wasn't kidding. This should be top-quality meat from a first-stage horned stag."

"Papa, you're the best!" Theos exclaimed, eyes gleaming at the sight of his favorite dish-to-be.

With that, the three launched into a flurry of activity: Elena seasoning the meat with fragrant herbs, Theos busily peeling and chopping vegetables, and Samuel tending to the hearth to ensure it was at just the right heat for cooking. The crackle of flames and the enticing aroma soon filled their cottage, accompanied by contented chatter.

Time slipped by, and eventually, the meal was ready. The wooden table in the corner was laden with steaming plates of steak, roasted vegetables, and a hearty soup. The flickering glow of lanterns illuminated their smiling faces as they sat down.

"To Theos's Awakening," Samuel declared, raising a simple wooden cup of spiced cider. "And to all the hard work he's put in so far."

Elena lifted her cup in turn, beaming at her son. "We're so proud of you, dear."

Theos took a moment to let gratitude wash over him. "Thank you," he said softly. "I… I'm just really happy to be here, with both of you."

They ate amidst lively conversation, indulging in stories that ranged from childhood memories of Theos's early feats—like the time he'd nearly knocked over a fruit cart with one enthusiastic wave—to Samuel's hunts in the forest. Elena teased Theos about the day he'd tried to help her cook soup and accidentally burnt the pot.

Despite the playful jabs, warmth and affection underpinned every word. 'I'm so lucky,' Theos reflected, savoring each bite of the succulent steak. 'Not everyone gets parents like mine. Not everyone grows up in a place like Elmsworth.'

At length, the meal concluded, and they sat back with contented sighs. Samuel cleared his throat, glancing meaningfully at Elena. "So… about opening your system panel…"

Elena leaned in. "We thought it'd be best if you waited until after the celebration—just in case you didn't get what you hoped for." She reached across the table to place a gentle hand on Theos's shoulder. "We don't want this day to end with disappointment, if it came to that."

"Yeah," Samuel agreed. "Theos, if you're ready, can we see what's in store for you tomorrow morning?"

Theos nodded, thinking of Iris and Rowan's eagerness at the ceremony. He'd promised them he would share details once he knew more, but part of him was nervous. 'What if there's nothing special? What if I can't become the hero Papa always talked about?'

"Yes" he said aloud, meeting his parents' gazes resolutely. "Whatever I find, I'll handle it."

Samuel's face softened with pride. "That's our boy."

And so they cleared the table, tidied up the kitchen, and eventually settled by the warm glow of the fireplace. For the rest of the evening, they recounted simpler memories—of village festivals, neighbors who had guided Theos while he grew, and the countless little triumphs of everyday life in Elmsworth.

When at last the hour grew late, Elena rose and gently ruffled her son's hair. "You should rest, dear. Big day tomorrow."

"Alright, Mama," Theos replied, stifling a yawn he hadn't realized was building. 'I feel so full and content,' he thought, heading to his small bedroom. 'Tomorrow, everything could change… but at least I have them by my side.'

As Theos lay in bed, the soft hush of night wrapping around their cottage, he stared up at the ceiling. The events of the day played over in his mind—his awakening, the glow, Rowan and Iris's curious questions, the feast, his parents' proud smiles.

'I'll do my best… for them and for me,' he resolved, recalling how he'd yearned to open his system panel that very night but chose to respect his parents' wishes. Closing his eyes, sleep came swiftly, carrying him into dreams of grand possibilities and a future where he might just become the hero he'd always envisioned.

Morning arrived with a gentle glow that filtered through the cottage windows, stirring Theos from a restful sleep. He sat up slowly, the memory of last night's feast still warming his thoughts. A flutter of excitement rippled through him—today was the day he'd finally see his system panel.

In the dining area, Samuel and Elena had already set out a modest breakfast: fresh bread, a small jar of honey, and cups of warm herbal tea. They looked up as Theos padded out of his bedroom, hair slightly tousled from sleep.

"Good morning!" Elena greeted, her voice laced with anticipation.

"Morning, Mama," Theos said, trying and failing to hide the small tremor in his voice. "Morning, Papa."

Samuel offered him a kind smile. "Ready?" he asked, the single word carrying a thousand hopes and unspoken encouragements.

Swallowing back a surge of nerves, Theos nodded. "Yes," he answered aloud, taking a seat at the small wooden table. 'I can do this… no matter what's there, I'll handle it.'

They ate quickly and in relative silence, each of them preoccupied with the imminent moment. The atmosphere was charged with suspense, yet it felt comforting, too—like a family awaiting something monumental yet determined to face it together.

After the meal, they gathered in the living area, where a few well-worn chairs were present. Elena clasped Samuel's hand as they both turned their full attention to Theos. Their eyes shone with love and support. "We're here for you," Elena reassured him softly.

Theos inhaled a calming breath. He recalled all the stories his father had shared about the system—how every individual who underwent awakening could summon a status screen that displayed their talents, spirit root, cultivation rank, and other vital information. Most villagers revealed simple or low-potential statuses; some had slightly higher potential, but they still remained at or around the Spirit Gathering stage for the rest of their lives. Rarely, someone with true promise emerged—a shining star in a quiet sky.

'Which one am I?' Theos wondered, excitement and worry battling within his chest.

He stood straight, locked eyes with Samuel and Elena, and tried to project confidence. "Status!" he declared, voice echoing in the humble cottage.

A soft tingling sensation washed over him—almost like a gentle breeze brushing against his skin. Only he could see the translucent window that materialized before him, lines of text hovering in midair. Instantly, a bright smile tugged at his lips.

Samuel and Elena watched, their own hearts pounding. They couldn't see the panel, of course—no one could view another's status. But they saw Theos's initial happiness, and hope lit their features.

Then Theos's expression shifted to confusion. His brows knit together, and he leaned forward, as though trying to decipher something unreadable.

Elena's voice quavered with concern. "Theos? Is everything alright? What's wrong?"

Samuel's grip on her hand tightened, his pulse thrumming in his ears. "Son… talk to us."

Looking up from the status window, Theos blinked. "Papa, didn't you say the status screen is usually blue?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, it should be," Samuel confirmed, a knot forming in his stomach. "Why? What do you see?"

Theos glanced back at the still-hovering screen. The softly glowing text displayed rows of data, but the background wasn't the typical pale blue he'd heard about. Instead, it was obsidian-black, like a midnight sky without stars.

"It's… black," Theos replied, voice hushed and uncertain.

"Black?" Elena repeated, exchanging a startled look with Samuel.

"Huh?" Samuel echoed, barely able to contain his surprise. He gave a small shake of his head. "That's… not normal at all."

A tense silence enveloped them. Theos bit his lip, scanning the lines of text for more clues, but found only confusion. 'Does a black screen mean something bad? Or is it a higher grade than normal? What if—' His thoughts spun wildly.

Samuel cleared his throat. "Easy now, do not think so much." he said gently. 

Theos parted his lips, ready to share more about the odd readings flickering across his vision, but Samuel gently raised a hand. "Hold on, son," he urged, voice calm yet firm.

Clearing his throat, Samuel continued quietly, "I've never heard of anyone having a different-colored status screen before, which means it's very unique. And listen, son…the world isn't as nice as you think. If anyone finds out about your unusual status, you could be in grave danger. So promise me you won't share details—any details—with anyone, not even us."

Theos blinked, confusion and a tinge of worry creeping onto his face. "But Papa, why wouldn't I tell you and Mama? You're my family. Who would do something bad here? Everyone is kind."

Samuel sighed, his expression darkening as he recalled distant memories. "Son, our world is much bigger than this village. Two decades before you were born, Elmsworth was almost four times its current size. Then, two extremely powerful cultivators fought near our land. We were so weak that eighty percent of our villagers perished just from the shock waves of their battle. One of those fighters died, and the other didn't even bother to glance our way—just vanished. We've never fully recovered."

Hearing this, Theos felt a chill run down his spine. "How can that be? People that strong…? Doesn't that mean they can just appear and destroy us any time?"

A pained expression crossed Samuel's face. "I'm afraid so, my boy. That's why you must keep your abilities hidden, at least for now. There are all sorts of people out there—some who wouldn't hesitate to rip the secrets from our minds if they thought it useful. If we don't know anything, they have no reason to come after us. Do you understand?"

Theos swallowed hard, realization flooding him. 'I have to protect them, no matter what.' He looked at his father, eyes steeled with new resolve. "Yes, Papa," he said in a hushed voice. "I understand. I won't speak a word."

But inside, Theos's thoughts tumbled furiously. 'I can't let anyone hurt my family. I can't let something like that tragedy happen again, not while I can still fight for them. I have to become stronger…strong enough so that no one can ever do that to us again.'

Determination took root in his heart, replacing the fleeting wonder he'd felt for his status screen with a stronger, more urgent purpose. He'd do whatever it took to keep his parents safe and ensure that no one in Elmsworth would ever need to tremble in fear at the mercy of forces beyond their comprehension.