Awakening Ceremony

A Week passed in a flash.

During that time, Vahn rarely left his room.

His elder sister, Noel, came to visit a few times, always checking on him with warm concern, while others mocked him behind his back, calling him useless, mad, or worse.

But Vahn didn't care. Their opinions meant nothing.

He had one objective, and he chased it persistence.

And today, at last, he emerged from his room.

His steps were calm, yet his aura faintly stirred the air with traces of fluctuating Mana danced around him like heat rising from a fire.

Noel blinked in surprise when she saw him.

"Wow, Dave… you look completely different," she said, her voice caught between wonder and pride.

"I had to, big sister," Vahn replied, a spark in his eyes. "I can't let you all down."

Noel smiled wide and gently ruffled his hair. "Haha, that's my little brother. I had a feeling you wouldn't disappoint us today. Who knows—you might even give us a surprise or two."

"I hope so too," Vahn said with a calm grin.

"That's good. Now get ready," she added, her tone shifting slightly. "You and Max will accompany me to the Sacred Ground of Valero City. It's where the children of noble and aristocrat families gather to undergo the Mana Core Awakening Ritual within the city's ancient Mana Gathering Formation."

She paused for a moment before continuing.

"Father spent a considerable amount of money to secure you a spot again. So don't waste this chance, Davis."

Vahn nodded hiding a wicked smile.

Afterwards, Vahn and Noel gathered with Max downstairs, then stepped into the sleek black car where the family butler stood waiting to drive them to the Sacred Ground.

Noel, dressed in a sharp combat uniform with a sleek cape folded behind her shoulders, was clearly not there to participate.

At 22 years old, she had already awakened a high-tier Mana Core years ago and earned her place as a C-Rank Hero.

Today, it was Davis's second attempt.

And as for their cousin Max, who was sitting with a smug grin—he was 16 and attending his first Awakening Ceremony. Dressed in a pristine silver-white robe and noble crest, Max radiated overconfidence.

From his posture alone, it was obvious.

He thought he was better.

He didn't even bother to hide it.

Occasionally he cast Vahn disdainful glances, like one would look at an insect crawling on a royal carpet.

Vahn met his gaze once. Just once.

And in that moment, a thousand curses ran through his head.

'Tch… That smirk… If I could, I would slap him to death on the spot. Or break that jaw until he learns some humility.'

But Vahn controlled himself in. He had to stay in character. Right now, he was Davis Blackwell, the timid, broken disappointment of the family.

He couldn't afford to slip.

'Endure. Just a little longer,' he told himself.

He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

The ride was smooth and silent, save for the faint hum of mana-charged engines beneath the car.

Vahn kept his eyes closed most of the way, focusing on the steady pulse of energy within his body. His pathways were nearly fully tempered. He was ready.

Noel, sitting beside him, stared quietly out the window, while Max occasionally scoffed under his breath, clearly amused by Vahn's silence.

Soon, the scenery shifted. The city's stone-and-glass towers gave way to rolling hills and ancient statues. A divine presence seemed to fill the air, so dense with mana it felt like the wind itself was breathing.

"We're here, young masters." The butler announced their arrival.

The Sacred Ground of Valero City.

An enormous temple-like structure stood at the center of a sprawling valley. White stone columns, hovering mana crystals, and cascading waterfalls created a surreal and holy atmosphere.

Statues of prominent heroes, Kings, Queens were stationed neatly.

Their car rolled to a gentle stop before a wide flight of stairs leading up to the ceremonial plaza.

Guards in golden armor flanked the entrance, and hundreds of participants dressed in ceremonial robes gathered at the base.

Some were from noble houses. Others were talented commoners who'd earned their place through merit. Regardless, today they stood equal in one regard: all of them would try to awaken a Mana Core.

Noel stepped out first.

The moment she did, several Heroes, knights, and nobles turned their heads.

"That's... Noel Blackwell."

"The Lightning Valkyrie herself?"

"And she's escorting someone? What a surprise!"

"Haha, must be that useless little brother of hers. Back again for another shot at awakening?"

"Pointless. With a will that fragile, there's no way he'll survive the mental trial to form a Mana Core."

She ignored the murmurs and opened the door for Vahn and Max.

Max stepped out with the air of a prince, his nose upturned, his mana robe billowing as he adjusted his gloves.

Then came Vahn.

Plain clothes. Calm steps. Head slightly lowered, playing the role of a timid younger brother.

But inside… fire burned in his veins.

As they walked up the stairs, Noel leaned closer to whisper to him.

"Davis, once the ceremony begins, go to formation pillar 49. Make the most of it."

Vahn nodded. "Got it."

Then she turned to Max. "You're assigned to pillar 31. Don't slack off."

"Please, big sis," Max said smugly, "unlike somebody, I'll awaken a High-Grade Core today."

Noel ignored the provocation. Vahn didn't respond either. But his eyes flickered dangerously for a moment as he glanced at those staues of Heroes.

He had worked his whole life yet there's no recognition for him. They have completely erased his name from history.

But not for long.

The trio entered the Ceremonial Plaza, where floating platforms were arranged in perfect rings. Each platform was a Mana Gathering Formation, designed to draw ambient energy from the surroundings and channel it into the participant's body.

In total, there were 108 formations today.

The Head Priest's voice boomed through the temple with divine resonance:

"Welcome, young aspirants! Today, you stand before the threshold of greatness. Awaken your Mana Core, and step into the world of Heroes, Sorcerers, and Legends!"

Step forward, and take your place."

One by one, the youths walked toward their assigned formations.

Vahn took a deep breath, then stepped forward.

This is it…

The Awakening begins.