Chapter 6. The Awakening Ceremony
After a long day, Caron returned to his bedroom and lay down on his bed. Although the day was long, it hadn’t been a boring one. Despite the chaos he’d caused, the highlight of the day was seeing Halo again, but this time as his grandfather.
It was unfathomable, Caron thought as he recalled the immense power within Halo. The man’s Azure Mana felt as vast and deep as an endless ocean. It was like facing a giant force of nature.
Even at the time I died, Halo had already surpassed me, Caron mused. When he considered it had been forty-five years since then, it was no surprise. Unlike Caron, who had hit his limits and despaired, Halo continually overcame his barriers. Whether it was innate talent, unyielding will, or hunger for power, Halo had it all.
He’s at a level I can't even imagine, Caron thought.
Knights were ranked from 1-Star to 9-Star based on the amount of their mana, and Halo had already reached 8-Star when he was only twenty-nine years old. Most people spent their entire lives trying to reach 8-Star, but they failed; considering that, Halo’s achievement was extraordinary. From what Caron saw earlier, Halo seemed to have surpassed even 9-Star, reaching a level known as the Transcendent Realm.
From 9-Star and beyond, even I don’t have much knowledge.
In Caron’s previous life, he had reached 8-Star, but it was through the mana of various demons. It had been relatively easy to get to that stage compared to other people, but that was the limit set by the demons.
As Cain, it had thus been out of his reach to achieve 9-Star and beyond, but this life was different. Now, he was Caron Leston of the Ducal Family of Leston, who had the Azure Mana. With this pure mana, Caron believed he could attain those achievements himself.
In the new life he was given, Caron knew he would fulfill the ambitions he had as a martial artist, but had been forced to suppress. The fact that he had been reborn as Halo’s grandson was a tremendous stroke of luck. His talent, which overflowed to the point that it couldn’t be hidden, would lead him to even greater heights. And with his grandfather, the continent’s greatest warrior, guiding him, all he had to do was capture Halo’s interest. If he could earn Halo’s attention and trust, the latter would eagerly support his growth with advice and training.
The first encounter went well, Caron thought. He had succeeded in gaining Halo’s interest. The next step was to strengthen his status through the Awakening Ceremony. He needed to leave a strong impression on everyone in the household as to what kind of person the youngest grandson of the Leston Family was.
As Caron lay his head down on the bed, the scent of fragrant herbs tickled his nose.
Hmm… The Awakening Ceremony… he thought as he recalled a vague memory of a boring old story Halo had told him about the ceremony over drinks.
"Our family has an old tradition that is particularly special, called the Awakening Ceremony. We awaken our Azure Mana before an ancient artifact known as the Pledge Stone, which contains ancient magic."
Caron vaguely remembered the order of the steps in the Awakening Ceremony.
When one touched the Pledge Stone, a new world would unfold. Inside, one would obtain a weapon infused with their Azure Mana with which to break that world. Then, the weapon acquired in that world would be manifested in reality. When the weapon was shown to the head of the household, the ceremony ended.
From what Caron had heard, each person encountered a different world through the Pledge Stone. At the time, he had listened indifferently, but he was now grateful.
He also said there was a secret, he thought. Halo had told him that there was a secret to the Pledge Stone that only the head of the household knew. With a playful smile, Halo had said that he would share the secret with Cain when he became the head.
If their friendship had continued, he would have found out what that secret was. But Caron wasn’t particularly curious about that. His primary focus was to successfully complete the Awakening Ceremony.
Whoosh.
The Azure Mana glowed brightly at Caron’s fingertips.
"At least I can use it freely now," Caron said, relieved that he no longer needed to hide his Azure Mana.
While he was toying with his mana, someone knocked on his bedroom door.
Knock, knock.
A moment later, Caron heard a trembling voice.
"Caron, are you awake?" It was Fayle.
"Yes," Caron replied, getting up to open the door.
"I thought your mind might be troubled, so I came to check on you," Fayle said, stepping inside.
"You smell like liquor."
"I had a drink with your mother. Let’s talk for a bit," Fayle changed the subject and sat on the couch, gesturing for Caron to sit across from him. He called softly, "Caron.”
"Yes, Father?" Caron responded with a smile.
"Do you know what I’ve thought about the most while raising you?"
"Umm… I’m not sure."
"I’ve often thought that you don’t act your age. You never open up to me about anything."
Even Ulysses Hale, Caron’s teacher, often remarked on Caron’s demeanor.
"When I talk with the young master, it confuses me and makes me wonder if I’m conversing with a child or an adult."
Fayle had always felt the same way. As he reflected on the past, he realized Caron had kept many things hidden from him. Still, he wasn’t sad about it because he believed his son was smart enough to have his reasons for keeping secrets.
"I’m sorry for hiding things from you, Father," Caron said.
"No need to apologize. I’m sure you had your reasons. I didn’t come to blame you," Fayle replied with a gentle smile as he looked into his son’s eyes that were so much like his own. No matter what anyone said, Caron was his precious son.
"No matter what happens, I want you to remember one thing," he said softly as he stroked Caron’s hair. Although his memories of this main residence were filled with failure, it was different for his son. He knew what he had to do for Caron.
Fayle recalled what Caron had told his grandfather earlier.
"For me, my only family here is my father and mother."
That meant Caron was already aware of how his father had been treated within the household. Fayle knew Caron would successfully go through the Awakening Ceremony and be recognized as a proud member of the Leston family. And so, his role was to ensure his son wouldn’t feel lonely.
"I am your father, and you are my son. I will support you in everything you do. I will always stand behind you." As he always had, Fayle would watch his son’s growth with joy and pride.
Caron beamed at his father’s sincere words and nodded slowly. "Yes, Father."
Caron knew well that the greatest gift he had in his new life was the boundless love and support he received from his parents.
***
It was only the next morning, but that was more than enough for the rumor to spread throughout the main residence.
‘Duke Leston’s youngest grandson beat his cousin to a pulp as soon as he arrived at the mansion!’
Caron could feel the numerous gazes on him, but most of them were from the servants, who now feared him. The fact that he mercilessly beat his cousin on the first day had sent a clear message about the ill temper of Duke Leston’s youngest grandson.
"You still have to be cautious of everything in the main residence, my son," Fayle said as they walked down the corridor together. Halo had summoned them for breakfast.
"What do you mean?" Caron asked.
"The rumor that’s spreading about you," Fayle replied. He had heard the rumor circulating about his son. He was worried, but Caron responded with a nonchalant smile.
"Everything is going according to plan, Father."
"What kind of plan could that be?" Fayle asked.
"Well, it’s better to be feared than underestimated from the first encounter," Caron explained. He had no intention of bullying the servants, but he believed it was essential to establish a certain level of respect, especially when he considered his father’s position within the main family. He continued, "I don’t think it’s right for anyone in the main residence to disrespect you, Father. You’ve done so much for the family. Those spendthrifts don’t know anything."
"Caron, I appreciate it, but I hope you’ll watch your words in front of the other grown-ups," Fayle said. He had been very surprised when he found out that his son was hiding his Azure Mana, but now he just felt relieved that Caron wasn’t following the same path he had. However, with that relief came new concerns.
Fayle’s elder brothers wouldn’t welcome Caron’s arrival, especially if he demonstrated his exceptional talent. They would undoubtedly oppose him relentlessly. Fayle knew his brothers well enough to anticipate their hostility.
Thus, he came to a resolution. If they start something, I’ll stand against them with all my strength.
Fayle recalled the moment he first greeted his brothers for the first time in a long time. They had both been kind and friendly, but he knew it was only because he wasn’t considered a candidate to become their father’s heir. He also remembered how his brothers had mocked him when he failed at the Awakening Ceremony years ago. Their nature hadn’t changed; they simply needed his financial support in their war of succession.
"Always be wary of your uncles," Fayle advised sincerely.
"I will," Caron responded with a nod.
As they conversed, they arrived at the dining hall, where a meal was already prepared. When they entered, everyone in the hall turned to look at them. Caron walked beside his father, meeting the gazes directed at him.
In the room were Halo's eldest son, Dales Leston, and his daughter, Leon Leston. Halo's second son, Raphael Leston, was also present alongside his son, Leo Leston. They were all direct descendants who had passed the Awakening Ceremony.
Okay, judging from everyone’s looks, I must have done a fantastic job, Caron thought as he glanced at their expressions.
Dales, the eldest uncle, hid his emotions behind a smile, while Leo quickly averted his gaze in surprise. Raphael's expression, however, was the most satisfying to Caron, as his eyes blazed with fury. Meanwhile, Leon, the only girl among them, looked at Caron with curiosity.
Caron smiled gently and paused. "I apologize for not greeting you properly yesterday. I am Caron Leston," he introduced himself as he offered a polite bow.
The uncles accepted his greeting with a slight nod, and Caron slowly sat down, relishing their gazes. Despite being a family meal, the atmosphere was tense. It was more like a gathering of enemies than relatives.
Living in the main residence is going to be interesting, Caron thought.
He was glad to see the faces of those he would encounter frequently. Though they were all smiling and maintaining decorum, these were the people who had been tormenting and belittling Fayle. Caron found the prospect of unsettling them in his father's stead quite appealing.
Soon after, Halo entered the dining hall.
"Father," his three sons said, as the rest of those present stood up to greet the head of the family.
After looking around the hall to observe his family, Halo sat down with a nod, saying, "Sit."
"Alright," they all replied, taking their seats.
"Last night, there was a meeting with the elders of the family. The subject was the Awakening Ceremony for our youngest grandson, Caron." Halo paused and looked directly at Caron. His young grandson’s eyes were bright and enthusiastic, but Halo knew better. He recognized the cunning and mature mind that his grandson was hiding behind his innocent appearance.
Halo thus began to explain the ceremony to Caron. "Children of the Leston family undergo various forms of training two weeks before the Awakening Ceremony to prepare for the awakening of Azure Mana. Unlike other types of mana, Azure Mana requires the body to be completely free of impurities. The rest of you know this too."
The "training" was more akin to a transformation. The adults would directly infuse their Azure Mana into the children to clear any blocked pathways of impurities, as well as to help the children physically adapt to it. Once the process was complete, the child would stand before the Pledge Stone.
Of course, the process was neither smooth nor easy. The reason why the Awakening Ceremony was held on the child's tenth birthday was because one needed to be at least ten years old to endure it.
"However, Caron has already awakened his Azure Mana. While this is uncommon, it’s not unprecedented," Halo continued. Even Halo himself had awakened his Azure Mana at the age of seven and had an early Awakening Ceremony. Several notable heads of the household had done the same, becoming significant figures in the history of the Ducal Family of Leston.
Halo’s sons understood the implication. From the moment they heard that Caron had already awakened his Azure Mana, they knew that this meeting was just a formality to confirm Caron's position.
"Caron’s Awakening Ceremony will be held this afternoon. All official activities of the ducal family for today are canceled," Halo announced calmly, then quietly looked at Caron.
Halo’s eyes were filled with grandfatherly affection, but his gaze still seemed to say, Do you think I'd wait for you to prepare at your leisure?
Caron shrugged and grinned. He's still as impatient as ever, he thought. His plans for a leisurely preparation were dashed, but it didn't matter. In fact, he actually liked it better.
The quicker the better, he thought, as the Awakening Ceremony was like a dazzling bomb prepared just for him. And that bomb would shake the very foundations of the Ducal Family of Leston.
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