The Blessings

The first rays of dawn slipped through the tall windows of House Blade, painting the marble corridors in shades of gold. Servants hurried from one hall to another, polishing ceremonial weapons and decorating the grand hall with the crimson banners of the family. Today was not an ordinary day. Today was the Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Every child in the Kingdom of Mystic, upon reaching the age of fifteen, awakened the blessing bestowed upon them by the world's mana. Some inherited abilities similar to their ancestors, while a rare few awakened powers never before seen. For the House of Blade, however, there had never been any uncertainty. For generations, every heir had awakened the family's signature blessing—the power to manipulate weapons. Echo stood before a full-length mirror as a servant adjusted the collar of his ceremonial uniform. "You look nervous, Young Master," the servant said with a gentle smile. Echo scratched the back of his head and laughed. "Who wouldn't be? By this evening, everyone will expect me to swing a hundred swords at once." The servant chuckled. "I have no doubt you'll make the family proud." Echo smiled, though his heart beat a little faster. He had dreamed of this day ever since he was a child. His father was known throughout the kingdom as one of House Blade's greatest warriors. Every story he had heard, every lesson he had learned, and every expectation placed upon him pointed toward a single future. He would inherit the blessing of weapons. He would become the next pride of House Blade. Outside, bells rang across the estate. The ceremony had begun. Echo took a deep breath. "...Time to see what destiny has in store." With one last glance at the mirror, he stepped out of his room and walked toward the Grand Hall, completely unaware that before the sun set, he would no longer have a home to return to.