The first rays of morning sunlight spilled over Valeric City, painting the sky in soft hues of amber and gold. The city buzzed with life, its people still brimming with excitement from yesterday's Blessing Ceremony. But in the quiet gardens of the Vale estate, where dew clung stubbornly to the leaves and flowers swayed gently in the breeze, a different kind of energy stirred.
Orion stood alone in the training courtyard, his bare feet pressing firmly against the cool grass. His bluish-white hair gleamed under the morning light, framing his sharp, angular features. His intense blue eyes narrowed with each calculated swing of his sword.
Whoosh!
The blade sliced through the air with a lethal precision, its edge glinting like liquid silver. Orion's muscles strained, his body drenched in sweat, but he felt alive—more alive than ever before. His movements, once mechanical from endless practice, now carried a newfound power. Yesterday's ceremony had awakened something deep within him.
His breaths came out ragged, chest heaving as he brought his sword down with a ferocity that startled even himself. But he welcomed it. This surge of energy... it was intoxicating.
He resumed his training, each strike sharper, stronger, the ground beneath his feet trembling slightly as his body adapted to the newfound strength. His breath was rough, but his eyes burned with relentless determination. The sword technique he wielded was not from this era, but something far older—one that had been lost to time. The Void Edge Art.
His muscles screamed for rest, but Orion continued. He had learned the hard way that power required sacrifice, endurance, and above all, absolute dedication.
By the time he returned to his mansion, the sun had risen high above the city, its warmth coaxing the morning chill away. His body was coated in sweat, his hair tousled messily, but there was a satisfied gleam in his eyes.
He washed himself and changed into a fresh set of clothes before making his way downstairs. As he entered the living room, the gentle voices of his mother's drifted toward him, their laughter light and carefree.
Celia and Sera sat by the open window, sipping tea as they engaged in cheerful conversation. The sunlight bathed their elegant features, enhancing their beauty in a way that was almost ethereal.
The moment he entered, both women turned their gazes toward him.
"Oh, Orion," Celia's voice was soft and warm, her green eyes glimmering with affection. She gestured for him to sit beside her on the couch.
He complied, his body sinking into the comfortable cushions as Celia's hand gently caressed his hair.
"Son, I heard you were out training early this morning without eating anything. That's not good for your health," Celia said, her tone laced with motherly concern.
"She's right, dear." Sera added from the side, her violet eyes reflecting genuine worry. "What if you fall ill from pushing yourself so hard?"
Orion glanced at the two women, their worried expressions weighing heavily on his conscience. A pang of guilt swept through him, knowing his actions had caused them worry.
"Sorry, Mother. Sorry, Mother Sera," Orion said softly, his gaze lowered in genuine remorse. "I won't do it again."
This time, it was Sera's hand that ran gently through his hair, her touch filled with tenderness. "We know you're excited, dear. After all, you finally received your blessing after so much hard work. But that doesn't mean you should neglect your well-being. We only wish for your safety and happiness."
"Yes, she's right dear," Celia added, her smile gentle and filled with love.
Orion's gaze lowered. Gratitude swelled within his chest. In his previous life, motherly love was something he had never known— in his past life his mother had passed away when he was just five years old. But fate had granted him this second life, blessed with not one, but two loving mothers.
He took a deep breath, allowing himself to cherish the warmth of their affection. "I understand. Thank you... both of you."
Both Lady Celia and Lady Sera smiled on his words only. As they spoke, the conversation shifted to lighter topics until Orion casually mentioned, "Mother, about the resources... From what I heard at the ceremony, those who received their blessings must collect their resources from the arena today."
Celia exchanged a look with Sera before replying, "Actually, dear, a servant is already on the way. You and Elara won't need to go arena personally."
As if on cue, footsteps approached the living room, and the three of them turned to see none other than Butler Walton standing respectfully at the entrance. Four servants accompanied him, each holding two round, black jars covered in velvet.
"Good morning, Lady Celia, Lady Sera, Young Master Orion," Walton greeted with a polite bow.
"Walton?" Sera's surprise was evident. "Why have you come here personally?"
The middle-aged man's smile was professional yet warm. "It's the Lord's order, Madam. He wished for me to deliver a message to Young Master Orion. And since I was already coming, I thought I would personally deliver the resources for Young Master Orion and Young Miss Elara."
The weight of his words settled over the room like a cold mist. Celia and Sera exchanged puzzled glances, while Orion's eyes narrowed. His father had sent a personal message for him? Why?
"What... what is the message?" Celia asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Walton's smile remained unchanged. "Lord Viscount wishes to speak with Young Master Orion. Personally."
The silence that followed was thick and unsettling. Orion's don't think any reason why his indifferent father, who had always ignored them, now wished to speak with him?
"Why?" Orion's voice was calm, though suspicion simmered beneath the surface.
"I am not aware of to the Lord's thoughts," Walton replied with a polite nod. "But he specifically requested your presence."
Orion stared at the man, his mind already racing with possibilities. What does that man want from me?
He took a deep breath and replied, "Very well. I will meet him tomorrow."
Walton's smile deepened. "I shall inform the Lord. And young master, do use the resources wisely. Now, if you'll excuse me."
With a final bow, Walton left the room, leaving the air thick with tension and unanswered questions.
Orion's eyes remained fixed on the door long after the butler had departed. Something was happening. Something he couldn't quite place. But whatever it was, he intended to find out.