Chapter 77: — Awakening (1)

A powerful, booming voice echoed across the plaza, its force vibrating through the chests of everyone present.

Eric had finally stepped onto the stage.

The lively chatter instantly died down as every gaze turned toward him.

“Greetings to the people of Korua.”

“On behalf of myself and everyone gathered behind me, I welcome you all to this year’s Awakening Ceremony.”

“I would first like to congratulate every family present today. This ceremony marks the beginning of a new generation, and perhaps among these children stands someone destined to become the kingdom’s future pillar.”

After a brief pause, Eric’s expression turned serious.

“Before we formally begin, I have a few announcements regarding the abnormal event that occurred yesterday.”

The moment those words left his mouth, the crowd fell completely silent.

Everyone, except Kael, listened with rapt attention.

“As you are all aware, an entire forest appeared beyond the town within only a few seconds.”

“I personally led the investigation alongside the town guards, yet we discovered nothing unusual apart from the newly grown vegetation itself.”

Kael remained outwardly calm.

Then…

He felt a pair of eyes resting on him.

Turning slightly, he met Emily’s gaze.

The dignified Archmage wore a gentle smile.

There was unmistakable amusement dancing within her silver eyes.

She said nothing.

She simply smiled…

A teasing smile that seemed to say,

“I know it was you.”

Kael immediately looked away, trying his best to maintain a composed expression, though inwardly he could only sigh.

Grandma really figured it out…

Meanwhile, Eric continued.

“We discovered that every plant within the forest is overflowing with an incredibly powerful life aura.”

The crowd erupted into frightened whispers.

Even Eric—the strongest mage most of them had ever met—was admitting the phenomenon exceeded his understanding.

Realizing he had frightened everyone, Eric quickly continued.

“However, there is no need for panic.”

“After assessing the situation, I requested assistance from the Royal Court.”

“I am pleased to announce that the Court has accepted our request. Investigators from the capital will soon arrive to examine the anomaly.”

The mention of the Royal Court immediately calmed the townsfolk.

Emily looked calmly at this as they would most likely come to ask her opinion first On this.

To ordinary citizens, the capital represented absolute security.

“Furthermore,” Eric added, “we have yet to encounter any actual danger. It is entirely possible that a powerful mage simply lost control of a spell.”

His explanation sounded reasonable enough.

The anxious atmosphere gradually eased.

Eric smiled.

“Now then.”

“Let us leave behind such serious matters and proceed to the reason everyone has gathered here today.”

“Please welcome the honored elders who have traveled from the Royal Capital to oversee this year’s Awakening Ceremony.”

As his voice fell, three hooded figures walked onto the stage.

Kael knew these were the Elders—specialized mages capable of stimulating the dormant potential in young children.

In this world, there were two types of magic users: those who required external catalysts to awaken their mana affinity and reserves, and those who were naturally endowed, like Kael himself.

The crowd erupted into loud cheers.

Rather than taking their designated positions immediately, the three elders first turned toward the private viewing pavilion.

Without the slightest hesitation…

All three bowed deeply.

“We greet Lady Emily.”

“It is an honor to see that you are in good health.”

Their respectful voices stunned the audience.

These were elders of the Royal Court…

Yet even they treated Emily with the utmost reverence.

Emily merely gave a slight nod.

“You may dispense with the formalities.”

“Thank you, Lady Emily.”

Only then did the three elders straighten and move toward the awakening platform.

Eric waited until they were ready before speaking once more.

“And now…”

“I shall call upon every child who has reached the age of awakening this year.”

As he prepared to announce the names, Emily suddenly spoke.

“Elders.”

Her calm voice instantly drew everyone’s attention.

Kael looked toward her.

She smiled gently.

“There is no need for Elder’s to help in my Grandson’s awakening.”

“I shall do it myself.”

The moment those words left her lips…

Silence descended over the entire plaza once again.

The three elders exchanged startled glances before immediately bowing.

“If Lady Emily wishes to personally conduct the young Master’s awakening…”

“We would be honored to step aside.”

Not a single one of them dared object.

After all…

Having the Kingdom’s Archmage personally oversee an awakening was an honor that no ordinary mage could hope to rival.

Kael inwardly smiled wryly.

As Eric began calling out the names of this year’s participants, Kael rose from his seat.

Emily looked at him with a gentle smile.

“Go.”

Kael nodded.

“I’ll be back soon, Grandma.”

Emily simply smiled and watched him descend from the pavilion.

The countless eyes of the crowd immediately followed him.

Many still couldn’t comprehend why the Kingdom’s Archmage doted on the young boy so openly.

As Kael reached the gathering point, Kyro waved enthusiastically.

“There you are!”

The moment Kael arrived, Kyro grinned.

“You know… I’m actually really happy for you.”

Kael blinked.

“Hm?”

Kyro rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.

“Grandmother has always cared about everyone in the family…”

“…but she never really spoiled any of us.”

He chuckled.

“Seeing her treat you like that… I won’t lie, I’m a little jealous.”

“Just a little.”

“But honestly…”

“I’m happier than anything.”

Kael smiled warmly.

“Thanks.”

Kyro shrugged.

“You deserve it.”

Just then, Kael noticed a familiar girl quietly making her way through the crowd toward the other participants.

“Kira.”

She stopped and turned around.

Her long dark hair swayed gently as she looked at him.

“…Kael.”

“Are you participating too?”

She gave a small nod and answered in a meek voice.

“Yes.”

Both Kael and Kyro looked surprised.

Kyro frowned.

“But Aunt Lyla never mentioned you were awakening this year.”

Kira tilted her head innocently.

“…You never asked.”

The two boys were speechless.

Isn’t it like a big thing to attend this, so aren’t you supposed to let people know your child is going to attend the ceremony this year?

Kael could only smile helplessly.

Fair enough…

“Come on,” he said with a smile.

“Let’s go together.”

Kira nodded softly.

“…Okay.”

The three of them walked toward the center of the stage together.

As they approached the awakening platform, Kael discreetly observed the three Royal Court elders.

Hopefully Grandma can hide the fact that I’ve already awakened…

He wasn’t worried about Emily.

If anyone in the kingdom could conceal the truth from everyone present…

It was the Kingdom’s Archmage.

‘You can always kill them all… hehehe…’

A familiar voice suddenly echoed inside his mind.

Kael froze mid-step.

That voice…

It was that mysterious demoness again.

Or whatever she truly was.

Either way…

Her appearance was never a good sign.

“Hey, Kael.”

Kyro’s voice snapped him back to reality.

“Why’d you stop? Come on, we need to move to the center.”

Kyro grabbed his wrist and gently tugged him forward toward the awakening platform, where the three Royal Court elders stood waiting.

Kael had no choice but to follow.

At the same time, he silently began chanting the mantra the Dragoness had taught him.

One chant…

Two chants…

Three…

The oppressive feeling inside his mind gradually weakened.

Then, just before disappearing once again, the demoness’ teasing laughter echoed one last time.

“Hehe… kid… you won’t be able to hide behind those chants forever…”

“Hahahaha…”

“Hehehe…”

Silence returned.

Kael let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

She’s gone…

For now.

Unlike the other children, whose faces were filled with nervousness and anticipation…

Kael remained calm regarding the awakening itself.

His only concern was making sure nothing unusual slipped through during the ceremony.