The day of the contract ceremony made Noa feel uneasy.
Though he had slept like a dog after the initial nervousness, his heart stirred when the morning sun assaulted his eyes.
'I have to get up,' he thought, already standing up.
Just then—
His bedroom door opened with a loud bang, showing Kaelor with a satisfied smile.
"Morning," he said softly, eyeing Noa with interest. "How are you feeling? Are you ready to meet your future companion?"
Noa nodded.
"I am doing good," he answered, exhaling deeply.
Before he found a moment to say more, something or someone moved behind his father, exuding heavy, suffocating pressure.
"I knew it," the voice spoke, belonging to his mother. "You old fart couldn't wait for me!"
Elara growled at her husband.
She was angry at Kaelor for sneaking out without her, causing her eyes to glare madly at him.
Just as the two started their usual banter, Noa got dressed.
There wasn't a single trace of nervousness remaining in his head, his usual clarity and confidence returning.
"Be quiet, you old hag! Why are you bickering with me this early in the morning? And in front of our son, nonetheless. You are going to affect his mood on this important day," Kaelor spoke calmly, fighting back against the woman.
These five days were enough for Noa to get closer to them.
And every time he had dinner with them or conversed about his future, this couple would always argue about everything.
However, Noa could easily read them and see how much they cared for each other.
They also showered him with love.
Yes, they were awkward at it, but even Noa could understand that much.
"Let's go and eat. We don't want to be late for the ceremony," he said, looking at his parents to extinguish the burning tension between them.
His words were followed by two coughs.
One of them sounded rougher and deeper, belonging to Kaelor.
He closed his mouth, and not knowing how to express his emotions honestly, he stepped out of the room, already walking to the kitchen.
The second cough was softer.
Of course, it was Elara, and her voice had every gentleness the world could offer, differing from the sharpness she had while conversing with her husband.
She, too, said nothing and walked behind the man.
Noa was already used to this scene, and shaking his head, he sprinted after them.
The new morning routine he had started just three days ago didn't change, as it included a full-course meal from the moment he woke up.
He was used to the demanding training, and food was something that kept him sane.
The barony might be struggling, but Kaelor made sure that his family and workers were never hungry.
Speaking of workers, Thalia was nowhere to be found.
Usually, she would be the first person Noa would have seen after waking up.
But this time—
Her absence gnawed at him more than he had expected.
'Where is she?' As the carriage waited to take him to the ceremony, he thought after promising his parents to meet them in a moment.
Noa climbed up the stairs and searched the family estate.
He began with her room.
Then he visited the library, training grounds, and courtyard.
Yet Thalia was nowhere to be found.
"Perhaps she is already gone," Miki, the male butler, told him after Noa had encountered him in the garden. "She might have gone to the ceremony and is waiting for you."
This sounded like a solid explanation.
It even made sense for Thalia to plan something in advance.
"Surprise?" he muttered, thanked Miki for his help, and started sprinting to meet Elara and Kaelor outside.
"Wait, Young Master," someone called him from behind.
"Darrik? What are you doing here?" Noa said, surprise evident in his voice upon seeing his magic instructor.
The man was supposed to be on a trip right now.
He had to depart this morning and meet his fellow mages from the Aurora Order.
Yet he was standing in front of him, looking at him with emotions Noa couldn't recognize.
"I-I just wanted to…" he started, but stopped.
It was clear he had a lot in mind, especially when the bond the two of them had built over the past few days went deeper than just tutor and his student.
A friend would be more of a closer description.
Though Noa couldn't say the same thing about his other instructor.
"I wanted to tell you that I believe in you. Good luck, and let's talk about magic when we meet," Darrik said finally, expectations evident in his eyes.
Noa smirked.
HE patted the man on the shoulders.
"Thanks," he said softly and added before turning back. "Let's do that. I would love to hear more of your findings. And good luck at your meeting as well."
Neither of them said anything after that.
Darrik watched his departing figure in silence, fully confident that Noa would awaken one of the greatest beasts in existence.
Two minutes later, Noa reached his parents.
"Did you find her?" Elara asked, her voice revealing a slight touch of concern.
Noa shook his head.
He got inside the carriage and glanced at them both. "I think she might be waiting inside the venue."
"Yeah," Kaelor agreed, and instructed the driver to get moving.
The carriage was pulled by Tier 2 beasts called Duskhorn, as their strong limbs allowed them to travel long distances, even while carrying heavy loads.
They were common-ranking creatures, and their strength never exceeded tier 2.
The journey to the awakening ceremony wasn't long.
Every city or region had a special site built for this event, covering enough space to host every youngster who wanted to start their taming journey.
On the same day across the entire world, the ritual was held once a year.
And when the transport slowed and the Duskhorn stomped, Noa pushed open the door and stepped down, ready to embrace his future.
For some, this ceremony was a shackle to fate.
But Noa—
He was here to break it.