The room was quiet, the fire crackling softly. Lunaris's mind was blank at the words "Thrones" and "Anathema." They sounded like names from scary bedtime stories. He pressed his lips together.
'I hope I never meet them until I am strong enough.'
As for Caelrisu, she was lost in her thoughts, hugging her knees, thinking and praying.
'What... could that one be? May [Time] aid me in overcoming this obstacle, and in fulfilling both my vengeance and that of my clan.'
The two children sat with eyes wide open, as though the weight of those names had pressed down upon them like heavy blankets, stealing their breath.
Silence lingered for a moment.
Then the voice continued.
"Now," Caelivisa said slowly, "I will tell you of its difficulties."
A pause.
"The reason why people stop."
Hearing this, the mood shifted as both children's faces twisted into puzzled expressions, their eyes brimming with wonder and confusion.
"Difficulties?" Lunaris asked, turning his gaze toward Caelrisu.
Their eyes met, brows scrunching in unison. To the two of them, children who believed anything could be achieved given enough time, backed by monstrous talent and the seemingly endless resources of their Clan, that single word felt almost absurd.
That was both the privilege… and the cost of being sheltered.
"Yeah," Caelrisu chimed in quickly. "Unless… unless they want to live a super quiet life, far away from fighting and scary things, why would they stop?"
As she spoke, the idea took shape in her mind. Hiding away in a meadow where no one could bother her. The scent of flowers in the air. Lying on the grass, gazing at the sky, enjoying a peaceful world untouched by complications and danger.
It sounded… nice.
But before she could sink any deeper into the thought, Lunaris shook his head, his lips pressing into a thin line.
"That would just make them a…" He frowned, tilting his head as he searched for the right word. "A sitting duck, waiting to be chopped at any time."
Caelrisu blinked at him, then giggled despite herself.
"Chopped?"
Lunaris's frown deepened, utterly serious.
"Yes. Like, like when a fox comes and eats the duck while it just sits there and does nothing."
The meadow in Caelrisu's imagination quietly disappeared.
Her laughter faded, and she grew quiet, silently praying in her mind so that she would never ever end up in the position of the duck.
"But… that means," Caelrisu whispered, her voice small, "there's something that stops people from growing, right?"
Caelivisa looked at the two of them with a faintly ridiculous expression, briefly wondering if the Clan should have let them suffer just a little more so they would understand the world better.
She sighed inwardly, then explained patiently.
"Not everyone is born with the talent you two possess," she said. "Nor do they have the resources of a Great Clan backing them. Eventually, they hit a roadblock in their martial arts, their magic, or their Awakened Ability, and they simply can't grow any further."
Hearing this, both children tilted their heads at the same time, deep contemplation filling their eyes.
It was… honestly quite cute.
Seeing their expressions, Caelivisa's gaze softened.
"You don't need to think too deeply about it right now," she said gently. "As you grow older, you'll understand what I mean."
Taking that as the end of the topic, Caelrisu's eyes lit up almost immediately, her curiosity flaring once more.
"So…" she asked eagerly, "how do we grow strong as Verdant Souls?"
"Master what you are given," Caelivisa replied without hesitation. "The only true requirement to reach the pinnacle of the Verdant Soul is mastery over your Awakened Ability."
She continued calmly,
"That's why humans develop so many combat techniques, to shape, guide, and refine what Awakening grants them. As your mastery deepens, your body itself will begin to change."
"C-Change?"
Both children spoke at once, confusion clear in their eyes.
"Yes," Caelivisa replied. "Your ability will reshape your body more than once, each change aligning with the nature of your power. The first transformation happens when you awaken. The second is when you advance from the low stage to the mid stage. And the final one occurs when you rise from mid to high."
She continued evenly, as if reciting something long familiar.
"Each transformation depends entirely on your ability. For example, an archery-related ability may enhance one's eyesight. A sword-related one might alter bone structure or muscle alignment to better suit the blade."
She waved a hand lightly.
"Second Elder Vermas will teach you more about this at the Academy. For now, let's return to the topic of mastery."
Her voice took on a note of quiet pride.
"We study Magic and Martial Arts as well, not as replacements, but as tools to support or counterbalance our abilities. For instance, I practiced magic and reached the Sixth Rank, ultimately specializing as a Wood Magician."
A faint smile touched her lips.
"Fire devours plants, yes. But once I understood precise control over both, my flames became broader or sharper at will, widespread destruction or focused precision, depending on my intent."
Caelrisu's mind raced, connections sparking rapidly.
'So Mother paired opposites to strengthen herself. If I gather enough knowledge and fit the pieces together… I'll always find the best path forward.'
A small smile tugged at her lips.
'And with my perfect memory, I won't forget a single thing. I'll build the strongest foundation, brick by brick, fact by fact.'
Caelivisa's tone grew heavier.
"But that changes once you reach Silent Judge… and beyond. I can't explain it properly because I haven't reached that realm myself."
Silence settled over them. The fire popped softly.
Then, with rare gentleness, Caelivisa added, "That is also why your gifts are so highly valued. Lunaris, your ability to see the Path of Mastery at only thirteen. And you, Caelrisu, with your perfect memory. Both are priceless beyond measure."
Lunaris's face lit up like the fire itself. He puffed out his chest, childish pride swelling in his heart.
'I'll protect Mother. And Cael. They'll never have to worry again.'
Beside him, Caelrisu lowered her gaze, her fingers curling tightly in her lap.
'Perfect memory… is it really that valuable?'
A quiet unease stirred in her chest.
'If I never forget anything, that means I'll never forget my failures either. Every mistake. Every sorrow. Even Father's death… I remember it perfectly.'
She inhaled slowly.
'But if this is the tool I've been given, then I'll use it. I'll remember every lesson. Every step. And when the time comes… I'll live.'
Firelight flickered across their small, resolute faces, while their mother watched them with an expression caught between pride… and sorrow.
As the flames burned lower, Lunaris leaned forward, his voice quiet but firm.
"What exactly happens during the Awakening Ceremony? Everyone keeps avoiding that question."
Caelrisu's crimson eyes turned to their mother, her voice soft but insistent.
"Yes, Mother… why won't anyone tell us?"
Caelivisa's expression changed.
The pride faded. The sorrow deepened. What remained was the weight of old scars. She lowered her gaze, her voice trembling with regret.
"I can't tell you," she said quietly. "The less you know, the safer you'll be. That… is the only answer I can give."
She paused, then added softly,
"I can only tell you this."
"You will succeed."
The fire crackled once more as the unspoken truth settled heavily into the silence.