The sun rose crisp and bright on Kaien's eighth birthday, spilling golden light across the Vlorian estate. Dew glistened on the grass, and a soft breeze carried the scent of early spring blossoms.
Kaien woke before anyone else, his small frame sitting upright in bed. His black hair fell in messy tufts around his face, and his blue eyes shimmered with anticipation.
"Today…" he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. "Today, I begin the Awakening Rite."
"Happy birthday, little brother!" Jay's voice echoed from the doorway, accompanied by the sound of rapid footsteps.
Kaien blinked. "Jay… you're up already?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Jay grinned, sword slung casually over his shoulder. "So… what's my little brother getting for his eighth birthday? A sword? A medal? Or just a headache?"
Alora appeared behind him, silver hair cascading over her shoulder. She crossed her arms and smirked. "Knowing Kaien, he'll probably get all three—and complain about none of them being enough."
Kaien scowled, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "I'm not complaining!"
"You'll see soon enough," Alora said, teasing, her blue eyes sparkling. "Birthdays are about surprises… and tests."
Downstairs, Luca and Eren waited in the main hall, prepared to escort Kaien to the ceremonial grounds.
Luca looked at his son, calm but firm. "Kaien, today is important. Your birthday is special, yes—but it marks more than age. Today, you step toward awakening. Do not be distracted by celebration."
Kaien straightened, his fists clenched slightly. "I understand, Father. I will do my best."
Eren smiled and ruffled his hair gently. "Eat your breakfast first, little one. You'll need strength to face what's ahead."
Kaien nodded, quickly finishing his meal while Jay and Alora continued their playful teasing.
The ceremonial grounds were alive with activity. Children from middle-class families gathered, some nervous, some excited, others smug. Upper-class families observed from distant balconies, their presence quiet but imposing.
Kaien felt the weight of their gazes, but he stood tall beside his parents, taking careful note of every detail.
A boy from House Virel, tall with sharp green eyes, smirked at him. "Vlorian," he whispered to a friend. "The one who spends all his time reading. Let's see if he's as harmless as they say."
Kaien met the boy's gaze briefly, expression neutral. Let them talk, he thought. They haven't seen anything yet.
The ceremony began with formal introductions. Each child stepped forward, announced their name, age, and pledge, and bowed to the elders.
When it was Kaien's turn, he stepped onto the platform confidently. "I am Kaien Vlorian," he said clearly. "I pledge to dedicate myself fully to the Awakening Rite, to grow stronger, and to protect those around me."
Some children muttered under their breath. Some nodded with approval. And from a distant platform, Riven Draythar's crimson eyes flickered with interest.
Kaien returned to his spot beside Jay and Alora. He didn't need to boast. His composure alone drew attention.
The first trial began: focus and mental control.
A glowing platform appeared, pulsing softly. Children stepped onto it individually, each feeling the weight of unseen pressure—mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Kaien's turn came. He climbed onto the platform, his small frame tense. Immediately, a strange sensation pressed down on him, testing his ability to remain calm. Some children froze. Others stumbled.
Kaien closed his eyes and breathed deeply, recalling his father's lessons.
Steady… control… observe…
Slowly, he centered himself. The pulsing pressure became manageable, and the platform's light dimmed slightly—recognition of his composure.
From the sidelines, Jay muttered, "Not bad… he's calm."
Alora added softly, "That's our little brother… still quiet, but precise."
Kaien stepped off, cheeks slightly flushed, but his eyes bright with determination. No dramatic display of power. No miraculous show. Only control.
Next came physical agility trials.
Wooden obstacles, balance beams, and light sparring tested reflexes and coordination. Kaien stumbled initially, his small limbs struggling to keep up with older children.
"You're too slow!" a boy from House Virel shouted mockingly.
Kaien's jaw tightened, but he focused on reading the patterns of the obstacles, observing angles and timing rather than rushing blindly.
By the third attempt, his movements were smooth, deliberate, and flawless—though not yet fast enough to rival older children.
Even Riven Draythar watched, frowning slightly. Interesting… small, but observant, he thought.
After physical trials, Kaien rested beneath a large tree, wiping sweat from his brow.
Jay plopped down beside him. "You're not useless, little brother. Not bad at all."
Kaien stuck his tongue out. "I'm getting there."
Alora leaned against the trunk. "You have a long way to go, but don't let that get to your head."
Kaien smiled faintly, feeling warmth from his siblings' support, even amidst rivalry and teasing.
The final trial was strategy and observation.
Children were presented with magical constructs—puzzles, illusions, and moving targets. Their task: analyze, adapt, and act without panicking.
Kaien's eyes lit up. This was where he excelled.
Years of reading, observation, and curiosity now became practical. While other children hesitated, he moved with calm precision, anticipating sequences and solving puzzles. Observers murmured quietly, impressed by the small boy's clarity and composure.
Jay raised an eyebrow. "Not bad… really."
Alora smirked. "He might just surprise us yet."
As the day ended, Luca gathered the children. "Today was not a measure of strength," he said. "It measured potential, focus, and perseverance. Kaien Vlorian, you performed admirably. But remember, this is only the first step."
Kaien bowed politely. "Thank you, Father."
Jay nudged him. "You did well. Not enough to beat me… yet."
Kaien laughed faintly. "Of course. I wouldn't dream of it."
Alora shook her head. "Don't let him get too full of himself."
Kaien smiled softly, heart light with pride, determination, and warmth from his family.
That night, Kaien lay in bed, staring out the window at the moonlit estate.
He thought of the day's trials, the children who had mocked him, and the subtle glances of upper-class observers.
Tomorrow… and the years after… the real Awakening Rite awaits.
Beyond the barrier, noble families whispered about talent, power, and lineage. Rivals would be watching.
But for now, Kaien slept, dreaming of books, training, and challenges yet to come.
He was still a mortal child.
But the path toward awakening had begun.
And with it, the first quiet spark of something greater stirred within him.