The birds sang as dawn broke, welcoming the first golden rays of Tianyang, the star the their planet revolved around.
But deep within the hidden continent, the clan of Tenkai Orrion stirred with purpose.
Today was sacred.
Today was a sacred day for every five-year-old in the clan. It was the Ceremony of Celestial Breath, a ritual in which the young would undergo an awakening unique their clan. At this age, each child stepped into the ritual that would lay the foundation of their destiny.
All conscious beings of this world awakened their cores at the age of seven, in the event known as the Birth of Hidden Radiance. But the Tenkai Orrion were different. Because of the role the clan was destined to play, the Will of the World had granted them a rare blessing an awakening unique to their bloodline.
Though, they too would undergo the Birth of Hidden Radiance, when their elemental powers would be unsealed like all others, this earlier ritual was to awaken something else entirely.
It was not meant to awaken elements, but to receive a hidden gift, a secret trump card, a blessing that Will bestowed solely upon the blood of Tenkai Orrion.
For the children of Tenkai Orrion would be blessed with a System, a mystical framework of growth and destiny. Unique to each and deeply personal.
At the centre of the ceremonial grounds stood the Great Altar, carved from obsidian stone, glowing faintly. Standing atop it was Elder Mevaz, the clan's seer old, serene, and robed in ceremonial silks of ash-grey and silver. His presence was calm as still water and his eyes shimmering with gentleness.
Below the altar on the high platform was the Great Council Seats, where currently five elders were seated, though the council itself had seven seats. Three elders were currently on missions beyond the clan, so today, only four elders and the Grand Chair presided.
The Grand Chair, Aelthira Tenkai, sat at the centre. Her robes were simple, but her presence was regal her voice, when needed, could silence thunder. To her left sat Olorun Tenkai and Nefera Tenkai; to her right, Hyeonju Tenkai and Tahu Rakan Tenkai. Though each elder had once belonged to one of the seven families, all had shed their family names upon assuming the role. From that moment forward, they were only Tenkai, voice of the clan, not their bloodline's pride.
Even so, they could still attended family events. Yet duty always came first.
A perfect example was Zaphkiel Tenkai grandfather to Azaryel Astarlyn, one of the children to be blessed today. And yet, he was not present. He was carrying out a mission assigned by the clan.
The people gathered. Then came the moment they were waiting for.
Five families stepped forward, each guiding a child who had turned five this year. The children were dressed in ceremonial robes, each adorned with the crest of their family line.
The young ones stood at the base of the altar, wide-eyed. Elder Mevaz gestured gently.
"Come forward, little ones."
One by one, the five climbed the altar steps, their small feet quiet on the cold stone.
Elder Mevaz's voice echoed gently across the grounds. "Little ones… We of Tenkai Orrion carry a sacred duty to maintain balance to the world. The Will of the World grants balance through blessings and burdens alike. The Will now looks upon you, and through its power, shall grant you a System so that you carry out the duty.
He paused, letting the silence rest heavy in the air.
"Each of you will receive something only you may see. A gift shaped by your spirit, your potential and your destiny. These truths are not to be shared not even with your dearest ones. They are for you alone."
The children nodded, their expressions turning serious but with anticipation.
Then, Elder Mevaz began to sing.
The words came in the old tongue
The Language heard only in rites and prayers. His voice trembled with power. The elders on the council joined him, followed by the families gathered below, their voices rising like a slow tide under moonlight.
As the hymn reached its first peak, Mevaz looked toward the tower keeper.
With practiced grace, the tower keeper rang the Seven Bells calling upon the Will of the World for blessing.
Then Mevaz sang the second verse, deeper, older. This time, the bells rang five times, calling upon the Cosmic Powers and the Stars to watch and guide.
And finally, Mevaz closed the hymn with the third and final verse, his voice echoing through the skies. The tower keeper rang the bell three times, calling upon the Ancestors to protect and bless the young ones.
The air changed.
It felt fuller, like something vast and ancient had turned its gaze upon the altar.
And as the final bell echoed into silence, a soft, shimmering light enveloped the five children.