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Chapter 30 - Awakening

The trio woke at six in the morning as usual; however, today the Twins rose more easily and quickly than normal. A solemn, anticipatory mood hung over all five as they completed their morning routine; the silence while they drank their coffee was loaded with expectation.

At seven-thirty, they left their Dorm and made their way to the Admissions building, where they met the Head Masters. These officials would escort the trio to the chamber holding the special teleportation circle that would take them to the Awakening Hall.

Bane and the Mammys had told them that the Awakening Hall could only be accessed via these teleportation circles, and that only the Head Masters of the Orientation Elementary and Kindergarten Academies could open the chambers housing them, ensuring the Hall's safety and security.

At precisely a quarter to eight, the trio entered the teleportation circle while their Mammys waited outside until their return. Upon arrival at the Awakening Hall, grey-robed servants guided them towards their chamber.

The livestream video feed was already active, showing the quiet, empty Awakening chamber. The trio paused outside in silence as the servants checked to ensure they wore nothing but their Class clothing and uniforms—no accessories, hair completely unbound.

Once cleared, they entered the chamber. Bane was seated at the very edge of a vast Mana circuit on the floor. The Twins were stationed closer to the crystal at the centre, where special silver chains were used to bind their touching arms and legs together.

The chains marked them as Twin Demons and ensured they remained in physical contact until the Fusion was complete, at which time the chains would fall away automatically. The servants then helped the Twins lie down on the Mana circuit, their feet facing the central crystal.

With everyone in place, the servants withdrew from the chamber. The countdown entered its final minutes, scheduled to start at precisely eight. They estimated the Awakening could take six hours, though it might last longer due to the Oath binding the Twins and Bane. Online, comments were already flooding in as viewers watched the trio prepare.

Experts discussed ritual protocol and symbolism, noting the juxtaposition of the silent, sacred chamber and lively digital viewership. Scholars agreed that the livestream democratised access but increased pressure; they praised the symbolic meaning of the chains and the centrality of the Oath. The Councils acknowledged these insights and promised to consider similar transparency for future Awakenings, pending Tian Dao's approval.

As eight approached, a soft, deep chime echoed through the chamber. The crystal in the Mana circuit began to blink rhythmically, lines of Mana lighting up one by one. When fully illuminated, the Twins' forehead crystals began pulsing in sync with the main crystal.

At that moment, Tian Dao's disembodied, timeless voice rang out: "The Twin Demon Chaos has begun his Awakening, born witness by his Mate and all the Heavenly Clans. Let it commence, and allow Chaos to protect the Heavens and smite their foes!"

A previously unseen Rune shattered at the base of the Twins' throats. Awakening began: their sternum crystals flared silver, bodies growing, musculature expanding. Metallic Runic tattoos spread over their skin; their horns lengthened and thickened in real time.

Despite the pain, the Twins did not utter a sound. Meanwhile, viewers posted observations and speculation about each step: the checks, chains, and the sheer intensity of the transformations.

Suddenly, the Twins floated upward, wings tearing through their shoulder blades as a tail burst forth. Their Battle Skirts tore away, replaced by new ones that formed from the crystals on their hips. Their fingernails grew into elongated, metallic silver claws; orbs of fire appeared between their horns, swelling dramatically.

As the ritual reached its climax, the Fusion began. The air thickened with Mana, the Twins' chains glowed white-hot, then disintegrated into sparks. Pulled together by an invisible force, the Twins' forms blended—a luminous halo surrounding them. Their limbs and features melded, horns fusing into a single grand crown ablaze with flame. Their wings merged into a single, radiant pair. The tattoos coalesced into a gleaming, unified pattern. Silver fire burst skyward as their faces merged, representing a complete union in body, mind, and soul.

A deep chime rang out. Where two had hung, now one awe-inspiring being—a single Chaos—floated, wings outstretched, power radiating from every inch. The crowd, both physical and digital, watched in reverent silence.

As the echoes faded, the Oath awoke within Bane. A silver shimmer spread from his heart, glowing Runes crawled up his skin, and electric energy surrounded him. The floor pulsed, lifting him into the air. His own transformation mirrored Chaos's: wings, halo, and horns, signifying the Oath's authority. The ancient words rang in his mind: "As witness and Mate, let thy soul awaken and stand guardian—equal in power, eternal in bond."

For a moment, Bane hovered in a radiant violet and silver cocoon, reborn as Chaos's equal.

When Bane descended, another pulse swept the hall. Chaos's Runes ignited anew, the Oath sigil hovering over his heart. Energy from the sigil fused into his tattoos, and his wings arched to their full span, silver and violet fire blazing around his horns. The Oath converged, then branded itself onto his chest—permanent, radiant, and binding.

With the ritual concluded, Tian Dao's voice returned: "The Oath Awakening has been completed. Forge ahead bravely, fulfil your Oath, Heavens Guardians." Both Chaos and Bane entered enlightenment, black and silver halos appearing around them as online discussions exploded.

While their enlightenment continued, a holomeeting convened with the Council's representative, Nursery Elders, Head Masters, and the two Mammys, Morgranna and Morgana.

Morgranna (proud but resolute): "Chaos's Stats are still rising; it's unknown when they'll stabilise. His cultivation is at third-level, fifteen percent, and stable."

Morgana (relieved): "Bane's Stats are fluctuating too, but his cultivation level has just stabilised at Chaos's current level."

Council's Representative: "What about their Skills, Talents, Bloodlines? Their appearance doesn't correspond to their previous Classes."

Elder Soleil: "We're awaiting Tian Dao's permission to check. Currently, only Stats and cultivation levels are visible; all else has been blocked by Tian Dao."

Council's Representative: "Is there anything we can do?"

Elder Lucius: "I recommend scholars in Oaths, Awakenings, Slayers, and Twin Demons create a commentary video analysing the replay. This will help dispel uncertainty or fear about what happened."

Council's Representative: "Duly noted; the Councils will review it. Please keep us updated."

The call ended. Waiting anxiously, the Mammys were advised to pack up the Children's Dorm—the trio would soon be rehomed in the Awakened section of the Academy. The Mammys complied, resetting the Dorm as found, then returned to wait with the Head Masters for Chaos and Bane's return.

They had only been gone for two hours, with at least two more hours remaining before the enlightenment ended. Morgranna requested permission to use the kitchen to prepare meals for the Children, knowing they would need nourishment after what they had just experienced.

Permission was granted, and Morgranna was escorted to the nearest kitchen to prepare the food. Morgana stayed where she was, waiting for their charges to return. After an hour and a half, Morgranna came back with the meals ready and stored for the Children to enjoy later. Both Mammys stood guard, awaiting their charges' return.

After another three hours, Bane and Chaos emerged from their enlightenment state. Servants entered to lead them back to the teleportation circle, signalling that the Awakening ritual was complete and the live stream ended.

Chaos and Bane reappeared in the teleportation chamber at the Academy's Admissions building, stepping out to greet the Head Masters and their Mammys. The Mammys quickly scanned the pair to ensure there were no injuries or signs of distress.

The Head Masters congratulated Chaos and Bane on their successful Awakening and informed them they would now be moving to the Awakened section of the Academy. Here, they would spend the remainder of the year gradually mastering their new abilities before transitioning to the Junior Academy upon turning ten.

Their Mammys received the details of the new dorms, and after expressing their gratitude to the Head Masters, they left the Admissions building. Morgranna brought the carriage around, and once everyone was settled, they set off toward the new Dorm at a comfortable pace. They had been granted time off for the Children's Stats to stabilise and for the rest of their information to become accessible, which would allow the necessary updates to their student files.

During the carriage ride, the Mammys took in Chaos and Bane's transformed appearances. Chaos retained his waist-length metallic silver hair, though its tips were now a rich, metallic deep violet that matched Bane's Class colour. His horns had transformed into a regal, four-tipped crown, while three large silver fire orbs hovered between each horn, their ends blazing with deep violet flames and joined by a shield-like bone structure.

His eyebrows, lashes, and eyes remained unchanged, except for the intense inner fire blazing within his gaze. Beneath the outer corner of his left eye was a deep violet Rune symbolising Bane's name. Both sets of upper and lower fangs had elongated to five inches, remaining elegantly slender.

He possessed the twin sets of arms characteristic of all merged Twin Demons, along with unique Runic tattoos that warranted further study—over his heart glowed a deep violet Oath-sigil, striking against his black skin tone.

He stood taller and more muscular than ever before, and the crystals on his throat and sternum glowed brightly, with the navel crystal emitting a dim light—perhaps an indicator of his cultivation level. Notably, his Battle Skirt was distinctive: the back extended to his ankles rather than ending at the knees, while the front stayed knee-length, all adorned with a shimmering silver Runic motif.

Turning to Bane, they saw his halo was now wreathed in silver flames. A Rune beneath the outer corner of his right eye signified Chaos's name, and like Chaos, Bane's eyes burned with an inner light. His fangs had grown by an additional inch, and his physique, along with new silver Runic tattoos, reflected his increased power.

Bane's top sported a silver Runic motif identical to Chaos's, and his Battle Skirt now matched Chaos's style and design. No other visible changes were apparent for now.

Morgranna promptly handed them their meals so they could eat during the ride, knowing it would take at least another half hour to reach the Awakened section. The pair quietly thanked her and hungrily devoured the food, nourishing bodies still in need after the ritual. They finished within ten minutes and began sipping the hot chocolate Morgranna had prepared as a post-Awakening treat.

The Mammys asked if they wanted any changes in the new Dorm's decoration, to which Chaos and Bane replied that they preferred it to be just like the old Dorm, including the curtains between the bathing and sleeping areas, as those created a more atmospheric feel for them.

Notably, the Mammys observed the pair seemingly communicating telepathically, but decided not to intrude. For now, their priority was simply to ensure the Children were settled and properly fed, noting that even after their meal, their hunger was far from sated.

Meanwhile, online discussions remained as vibrant as ever, with conspiracy theories abounding, awe at the ritual's details, and widespread curiosity about why Chaos and Bane's new appearances bore little resemblance to their previous Classes.

@TransfigWatcher: Does Chaos's new horn crown blow anyone else away? That bone shield and those fire orbs make him look like some kind of demon royalty!

@RunicDecoder: Did someone capture those new tattoos up close? That patterning doesn't match any known demon script—could this be the beginning of a new trend?

@Oathist: That violet Rune under his eye—Bane's name. Isn't that something only seen between soul-bonded mates? The glowing Oath-sigil over his heart is just mesmerising.

@GymFiend: Seriously, the muscle gain is unreal! Chaos looks like he could lift a building, and Bane's bulked up, too.

@FashionCritique: Those Battle Skirts! Chaos's design is so unique and dramatic, and now Bane's matches. Are we witnessing next season's inspiration?

@BrightEyes: I noticed the glowing crystals at their throats, sternums, and even navels—I thought that typically after an Awakening, only a single level was gained? 

@FireObsessed: The silver flames on Bane's halo are such an upgrade! If I recall, silver fire symbolises both rank and purity in tradition.

@ClassWatcher: It's wild how their new looks break with their old Classes. What are we supposed to call their forms now?

@TattooEnvy: I'd love to see a breakdown or documentary on those Runic tattoos—there must be a story hidden in them!

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