Primordial's Legacy

Chapter 01 "Awakening Ceremony"

In the darkness of the skies of unknown planets, two mysterious eyes, comprised of pupils that seemed like a black hole where no light is visible, glanced upon the living beings of these planets. Yet, the inhabitants of the planets remained unfazed by the quick glimpse of the mysterious being—it was as if they couldn't even perceive the mysterious event unfolding in the skies.

A deep voice echoed through the void, "Time is running out…"

After a moment, the eyes withdrew, as if disappointed, unable to find what they were searching for.

-

Planet Kepler, Cygnus constellation.

1342 of the Celestial Calendar.

In the Verona Kingdom of the central continent, there existed the Sylvester family, a prominent ducal household. They commanded hundreds of powerful mages and thousands more magic warriors, standing as one of the pillars of the kingdom's might.

A fifteen-year-old boy with cold white skin and black hair, styled in a low fade, lay on his bed. His jade-green eyes, a distinctive trait of the Sylvester bloodline, reflected his anxiety. Noah Sylvester, the third child of the family's patriarch, was restless. Tomorrow was the Awakening Ceremony—the moment he had spent his entire childhood preparing for.

Standing beside his bed, a middle-aged maid spoke in a soothing tone, "Young Master, there is no need to worry about tomorrow's awakening ceremony. With the grace of the God of Light, Aither, you will surely acquire a talent befitting the descendant of the Hero, Sylvester Arcadia."

Noah exhaled deeply. "I know, Mia. I've trained for this moment since I was a child."

Mia nodded. "Then rest well. We leave early in the morning." With that, she bid him goodnight and left the room.

Still feeling the weight of anticipation, Noah clasped his hands together in silent prayer. 'Please, Aither, grant me a High-Grade mana vein. I want to be an Archmage, just like my father, Duke Alfred Sylvester.'

After a moment, exhaustion took over, and he drifted into sleep.

-

Early in the morning, Noah prepared for the Awakening Ceremony—a sacred tradition held each year when a noble child reached fifteen years of age. He donned a black greatcoat, the golden maple tree emblem of the Sylvester family embroidered on his left chest.

The ceremony would take place in the main hall of the Sylvester Castle.

As all princes and princesses of the family lived in the outer courts until a successor was appointed, Noah had to travel to the main estate in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by his maid.

The carriage rumbled to a halt outside the grand estate. As Noah stepped out, his eyes were drawn to the colossal white castle, its towering walls gleaming under the morning sun. At the main gates, an intricate golden maple tree pattern adorned the massive doors, guarded by two Black Knights clad in obsidian armor.

As the carriage approached, the gates swung open.

Inside the castle, Noah followed Mia to the main hall, in the main hall children of collateral family were also present but there a crimson-robed figure stood on the elevated stage. His presence alone was enough to command absolute silence

Noah immediately recognized him. 7-Star Archmage, Sir Leo. One of the most loyal Magic Generals of the Sylvester family.

The Archmage's piercing gaze landed on Noah for a fleeting moment before shifting away, uninterested.

Finally, Sir Leo spoke. "Gather in a single horizontal line and sit in the lotus position."

The children quickly formed a row and sat.

Sir Leo continued, "Some of you already know the process, but I will explain it once more to ensure no one is left behind."

"As you all are aware, the Sylvester Breathing Technique must be used during this ritual. When I introduce my mana into your bodies through your backs, focus on guiding it through your mana veins using your breathing technique. If you fail to control the flow, your veins may rupture, leading to severe internal injuries."

"Once you complete the first cycle, I will withdraw my mana. Then, you will begin drawing mana from the atmosphere. Slowly absorb it and circulate it through your veins. When you feel the mana within you, guide it through your mana veins."

"The grade of your mana veins will determine your mana quality and the speed at which you could form your Magic Circle in future. There are three common grades Low-Grade, Middle-Grade, and High-Grade. However, there is also the Mythical-Grade, unseen since the birth of the 7th Royal Verona Emperor. Even the probability of a High-Grade mana vein is one in a hundred million—it depends on both lineage and genetic mutation."

"Now, prepare yourselves. I will begin from the right."

Sir Leo started the awakening process with Amor Sylvester, the fourth son of the collateral family head from the southern border. Placing a hand on Amor's back, the Archmage slowly infused his mana.

"Control your breathing and focus on mana," Sir Leo instructed.

Amor's breathing steadied. Slowly, he guided the foreign mana through his veins. When the first cycle was complete, Sir Leo withdrew his mana and nodded. "Now, focus on attracting mana from the atmosphere."

Next, it was Eli Sylvester's turn, the second daughter of the collateral family head from the western border.

Like this Sir Leo continued the ceremony, while Noah's mind raced. 'Father has a High-Grade mana vein while Mother has a Middle-Grade mana vein that means I have a good chance of obtaining at least a Middle-Grade vein... or maybe even a High-Grade one!'

After half an hour, it was Noah's turn.

Sir Leo said, "When I introduce my mana, control your breathing and focus on my mana. Then guide it through your mana veins. Understood?"

Noah replied, "Yes, Sir Leo."

As Sir Leo introduced his mana, Noah focused and guided it through his veins using his breathing technique. Minutes passed, and the first cycle was complete. He felt his mana veins activate as Sir Leo retracted his hand.

Sir Leo said, "Now, begin attracting mana from the atmosphere."

Noah remained silent, focusing on his breathing. Slowly, colorful orbs of mana appeared around him and began entering his body. As time passed, he absorbed mana until exhaustion set in. When he finally opened his eyes, the others had already completed their awakening.

Sir Leo announced, "Now, we will measure your mana vein quality." He retrieved a device with a mirror-like dial.

Sir Leo said "Flow mana through your veins after placing your hands on the device"

One by one, the children placed their hands on it, starting with Amor.

Amor's results flashed "Middle-Grade mana veins."

Sir Leo nodded. "Congratulations on getting Middle Grade mana veins."

Amor was ecstatic, it needs to be remembered that having a Middle-Grade mana veins means the potential of reaching 7-star, becoming an Archmage.

Then, it was Noah's turn. He placed his hand on the device. A few seconds later, the words formed: "Low-Grade mana vein."

Sir Leo frowned. "This… You've acquired a Low-Grade mana vein." His tone was cold as he moved to the next child.

Noah remained stunned.

'How is this possible? Both of my parents have high-quality mana veins…'

Low-Grade mana veins are the most common in existence, and most people with them tend to become magic warriors.

His hands trembled slightly as he clenched them into fists. He had dreamed of becoming an Archmage, following in his father's footsteps, but now…

Was his future already decided?

murmurs of other children filled the hall, some casting glances at him—pity, relief, amusement.

"I knew it… Not everyone can be talented."

"So even the Duke's son isn't guaranteed greatness."

Whispers of quiet conversations reached Noah's ears, each word like a dagger to his pride. He didn't know which was worse. He swallowed hard, forcing his expression to remain neutral, though his mind raced with uncertainty.

As the ceremony concluded, children were dismissed, their excited chatter fading as they left the hall. Sir Leo turned without hesitation, heading to report the results to Duke Alfred Sylvester, Noah's father.