In this world, certain people were born with abilities that were beyond what a human should be able to do. Some could enhance their body, gaining superhuman strength or speed, or senses. Others could manipulate the natural elements, while others could even contort their body into all manner of things.
Collectively, these people with abilities were known as vasilis. Due to their amazing powers, they were highly valued by society, and also very feared. They could rise up to great heights and gain lofty statuses.
Given all these advantages, who wouldn't want to be a vasili? Everyone wished to be gifted with amazing abilities that would help them stand out from among the rest.
Unfortunately, only a very rare and pitifully low number among the people would be born with the talent. Even then, having a talent was just the first step. One needed to activate their talent and continuously grow their talent through cultivation.
In the past, many people had come to realize they had the talent, but it was too late to activate said talent. Luckily, over time, researchers found a way to check if someone had the talent, and also how to smoothly activate said talent.
With this discovery, there was an influx of vasilis in the society. Now, those born with talent could be identified promptly, and special resources would be obtained to help them realize their talent and grow to become powerful vasilis.
Unfortunately, this test could only be done within five days after the birth of a child.
To any family, having a vasili was a great boon. Whether they were high or low born, a vasili would receive respect and recognition wherever they went.
Gone were the days when vasilis would be captured and used by powerful and influential people. Such a thing was deeply frowned upon.
Rather, powerful families and various major powers in the society would attract vasilis into their service using lucrative and highly appealing rewards. Therefore, the wealthier and more influential a power was, the better its chances of attracting vasilis, and boosting its powerbase.
Therefore, it was not strange for people to seek out ways of optimizing their options and improving their generations' chances. Some more powerful families would insist on allow
Unfortunately, this was a dream to many families. Luckily, the Ronos were not only pretty loaded, but they were also extremely influential in the society. As such, they could summon experts who could perform the test.
Should any child be found to have the power, it would be a call for joyous celebrations. Moreover, even if they were found to be lacking, this was not the end of the road for them. There were ways and means of boosting whatever meagre talent to be found, all in a bid to improve the lives of their children.
Unfortunately, for those that did not make the cut, despite all the attempts, a second-rate kind of life was the best they could hope for. The vasilis had all the power, and they would inherit all their family influences. Those that were not vasilis would only serve a subordinate role, regardless of how talented they were in other things.
As the scions of the second daughter-in-law of Count Rono, the twin boys' fates were bound to have much brighter shine to them than most. No matter how bright the shine was, it would be dazzling if they had powers and became vasilis. This was what their parents, Jata and Keshi, hoped for.
It was customary to hold name days for their children five days after birth. Name days were joyous occasions where the newborn would receive a name and get introduced to the society. For those in upper society, these name days also had a special purpose.
Given that it was only five days after birth, it was the perfect opportunity to test their children, see if they bore any talent as a vasili. As such, the boys' naming ceremony would be after the tests were done.
Days passed by rapidly, and soon, the naming ceremony came to be. Among the various professionals that had been called were two physicians, several nurses, and a seer. Yes, Old Chemua had to show up for this event.
The Ronos invited everyone they could within their society. The ceremony was going to be a big spread, a way to introduce the boys into the world. Therefore, no expense was spared. This was also a chance for the family to showcase their influence and spread their tentacles wider.
Soon, the physicians stepped forward. Using special tablets, they placed various portions, each testing a power or ability. They then proceeded to extract the blood of the boys.
The first boy was strong and loud. While only five days old, he was quite heavy and firm, showing signs of great vitality. As his wail echoed in the ears of the guests, the physicians were busy pouring his blood on the tablets.
With each drop, everyone waited with bated breath. The physicians would usually ring a bell if any power was found, this was what everyone hoped to hear.
Critical moments passed, and Keshi, the mother, was crossing her fingers. She would love her children regardless, but if one had a vasili ability, then she would have more in common with them.
Watching her son, she silently waited.
Questions ran through her mind, as she wondered how she would react to the results. What would she do if any one of her newborn sons was not a vasili. To her, this was the worst thing that could happen. Worst still, what if both were normal, powerless, and weak?
It was tantamount to a genius mother bearing an idiot son. However, she couldn't let herself think along those lines. As a mother, she decided she would care for both her sons equally, no matter the outcome. How true that decision would be, it remained to be seen.