The luxury car moved silently through the dimly lit streets of the Aurelian Empire, gliding past towering spires and grand estates that loomed beneath the glow of enchanted street lamps.
The district was quiet at this hour, its wealth shrouded in the kind of stillness only power could afford. Here, the problems of the lesser world did not exist.
But inside the car, Alistair Vaelthorne was anything but still.
His obsidian-black eyes reflected the passing cityscape, his thoughts a storm beneath his calm exterior. The battle against the Verdant Tyrant still lingered in his muscles—the ache of victory, the thrill of power pushing its limits—but his mind had already moved forward.
Because tomorrow was the day.
His Second Awakening.
A turning point for all Awakened—a moment where potential either soared to unimaginable heights or remained forever stagnant.
And Alistair had no intention of remaining stagnant.
Then, suddenly—
A flicker of golden light appeared before his eyes.
[Ding!]
A message.
His gaze sharpened.
The System – The Bridge Between Mortals and Gods
The System—a universal force that governed the Awakened—had existed since the dawn of mana.
For most, the First Awakening at age ten was a test of survival.
The body had to adapt to mana—or be consumed by it.
Those who endured gained access to the System, a tool that measured their rank, abilities, and status.
Those who failed?
They would never wield mana, forever locked in mortality's chains.
For nobles, success was all but ensured—endless resources, specialized training, the finest mana-infused diets.
For commoners?
Only those with raw talent and sheer willpower survived.
But even among the noble elite—
Few were like him.
Through the System, divine beings watched the Awakened.
They observed. Judged. Waited.
Most deities would grant minor blessings—small boosts in power, whispers of favor.
But the Second Awakening?
That was when everything changed.
Because that was when the Gods and Constellations made their true choices.
Avatars.
Unlike simple blessings, an Avatar was a deity's chosen champion—a mortal gifted with a fragment of divine authority.
They were stronger. Faster. More resilient.
They became extensions of their patron's will in Eldoria.
But it was a dangerous investment for the gods.
A deity could only have one Avatar at a time.
If an Avatar died, their patron suffered a devastating loss of power.
Which meant only a handful of true Avatars existed in the world.
And if everything went according to plan—
Tomorrow, Artemis would choose him.
As if confirming his thoughts, another golden message shimmered in his vision.
[The Goddess of the Moon Hunt smiles upon you.]
[She whispers: "Are you ready?"]
Alistair's fingers twitched.
He had received messages from Artemis before—brief glimpses of interest, subtle acknowledgments of his potential.
But this time?
It felt different.
This wasn't just a passing glance.
She was watching. Waiting.
For his Second Awakening.
For the moment she could claim him as her Avatar.
Alistair closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
Tomorrow, his path would be decided.
And he would embrace it without hesitation.
***
As the car passed through the grand iron gates, emerald runes flickered to life, recognizing the heir's return.
The Vaelthorne Estate rose in the distance, a sprawling fortress of elegance and power.
It sat atop a manicured hill, surrounded by ancient trees and enchanted flora, their vines subtly shifting toward the mana-rich atmosphere.
A legacy of their bloodline—a family blessed by nature itself.
The car rolled to a smooth stop before the grand entrance.
Alistair stepped out without hesitation, his battle-worn body aching, but his posture perfectly controlled.
Because tomorrow mattered more than pain.
And he wasn't the only one facing it.
A soft voice broke through his thoughts.
"Brother."
***
Standing at the top of the steps was a girl of silver-blond silk hair and emrald-green colored eyes.
Her features were delicate yet strong—a mirror of the woman who had once held them both in her arms.
Elaine Vaelthorne.
His twin sister.
The only person in the world who reminded him of their mother.
Elaine's gaze held none of the coldness he had adopted.
Where his eyes were an endless abyss—hers still carried warmth.
She smiled. "You're late."
Alistair met her gaze. "Dungeons aren't predictable."
She stepped closer, her sharp eyes scanning him for injuries—a habit from childhood.
"You pushed yourself again," she murmured. "You know you don't have to train so relentlessly."
Alistair's gaze didn't waver.
"Strength is everything."
Elaine sighed, but there was no arguing with him.
Instead, she simply said, "Come inside. Father is waiting.
The grand dining hall was dimly lit by floating mana lamps, casting a soft golden glow over the obsidian table.
At the head sat Patriarch Cedric Vaelthorne.
His presence alone commanded the room.
A warrior turned ruler, his raven-black hair was streaked with silver, the mark of years spent in war and politics.
His emerald-green eyes held the weight of a man who understood power better than most.
Beside him sat Lady Evelyn Vaelthorne, their stepmother—a woman of aristocratic beauty and careful neutrality.
She was not their true mother.
And she never would be.
Elaine took her seat beside Alistair as Cedric set down his wine glass.
"You're late." His voice carried authority, but no anger.
"The dungeon boss resisted more than expected," Alistair replied, pouring himself a glass of spirit-infused water, already working to restore his depleted mana.
Cedric nodded slightly. "You won?"
Alistair met his father's gaze with absolute certainty.
"I always win."
A flicker of approval flashed in Cedric's eyes before he spoke again.
"Tomorrow is your Second Awakening."
Elaine's posture straightened. "Yes, Father."
Cedric's gaze swept over both of them.
"This will determine your true path in life. Are you prepared?"
Alistair's answer was instant. "I will not fail."
Elaine hesitated for only a fraction of a second before nodding. "Neither will I."
Their father studied them for a long moment.
Then, he spoke.
"Good. Eat well and rest. Tomorrow, we shall see if the Goddess favors you."
And just like that, dinner resumed in silence.
Each of them aware that by the next sunrise—Everything could change.
Alistair finished his meal without hesitation, early and left for his room.
TO BE CONTINUE...