Awakening [part 2]

Ticka. Ticka. Ticka. Ticka. Ticka. Ticka.

The hooves of horses, donkeys, tamed beasts, and various other creatures fill the air with a vibrant rhythm, giving this place a lively atmosphere.

You might be wondering what's happening, but we're currently in Pliheld Square, one of the most renowned towns in Ironica. It's not just popular; it's also home to the Elves' Awakening Tower, a place with an exceptionally high concentration of Mana.

As we make our way, we notice several chariots and carriages heading in the same direction, accompanied by people on foot walking alongside the road.

"Tsk, these pompous nobles. Even their queen doesn't have as many guards protecting her," Marilyn mutters, peeping out of the window. She gazes at a flashy carriage, surrounded by imposing guards with massive physiques.

"Heh, I never cared for this sort of thing even when my husband was alive. Besides, Adrian could easily take down all those guards with a swing of his sword. Not to mention, I'm currently the strongest mage in Ironica, which is why I became the ruler after my husband's passing," Mom says casually, her voice carrying an air of indifference.

Mom is a straightforward person, I think to myself as I steal a glance at her.

Suddenly, Mom's attention shifts towards the flashy carriage, a curious expression on her face.

"That emblem... It's the royal emblem," Mom murmurs.

"Yeah, you're right," Marilyn affirms, confirming Mom's observation.

"That's my sister! T-that's her carriage!" Mom exclaims in a hushed tone.

Hearing her words, I raise my head.

"Is that Gustav's mom? Did you forget that today is Gustav's awakening ceremony?" I ask.

"No, I didn't forget. Valindra isn't the type to care about her children as much as I do. So, I expected Gustav to be brought by some butlers. But there she is... and she didn't even bother to inform me," Mom replies, her voice tinged with discontent.

"What's wrong, Mom? She's your sister, but I've never seen you two together," I remark, appearing clueless.

"SIGH...."

"It all began when the elf monarch, who is your father, fell in love with me instead of my older sister, who had a crush on him and even used to draw his pictures in her free time. After your father and I started dating, I got pregnant the first time we had sex. Consequently, your dad married me since we both eventually fell in love with each other.

However, my sister was devastated to the point of almost committing suicide. Fortunately, she met a wealthy noble merchant and married him. But ever since then, my relationship with my sister has remained strained," Mom explains, wearing a sorrowful expression.

Her words now make a lot more sense to me.

"I see... But it shouldn't have reached the point where your relationship with your sister turned sour," I remark, shaking my head.

"Yeah, you're right, Alex. I've tried to mend our relationship many times, but Valindra seems to despise me," Mom replies, releasing a soft sigh.

______________________________________________________________

After a while of traveling, we reach a crowded place teeming with people and their children. Regardless of their social class—rich, middle class, or poor—everyone has the same goal today: to witness their children awaken or experience their own awakening. Most children have come alone, without their parents or guardians, and they all seem to be around ten years old, just like me.

As we enter a vast parking lot, the stationed guards bow their heads, signaling us to park at a designated spot when they realize it's the queen's carriage.

Without wasting any time, we step out of the carriage and make our way towards a grand and lavish hall, escorted by Adrian and a few other guards. Across from the hall stands an immense tower that stretches high into the sky, emanating a powerful aura that sends shivers down my spine. This tower is where the awakening ceremony will take place, infused with an intense concentration of magic. However, for some reason, everyone is converging towards the hall.

As we approach the hall, our path is blocked by a figure.

Looking up, I see a woman donning an exquisite, long, purple gown with a stylish turtleneck collar that accentuates her graceful neck. Her facial features are stunning, complementing her elongated ears adorned with precious gemstones and earrings. She bears a resemblance to my mom, but her expression is more mature and stoic compared to my mom's constant cheerfulness.

Moreover, she possesses the same well-endowed chest and curves as my mom, sculpted to perfection as if crafted by a divine artist. Every aspect of her exudes opulence.

Beside her stands a young elven boy around my age, wearing a frown on his face. He appears far from pleased. Like the woman, he possesses handsome features with elongated ears that are unusually long for an elf. It's evident at a glance that he is her son.

"Gustav," I say with a small smile as our eyes meet.

Gustav remains silent but offers me a smile, despite his apparent annoyance.

My mom and the woman, who happens to be her sister, exchange glances for a few moments before bowing to each other briefly. Following suit, Gustav and I also exchange a small bow. It's a customary display of royal etiquette during public appearances.

"Valindra, let's proceed inside the hall to avoid unnecessary attention," Mom suggests, and Valindra nods in agreement, instructing her guards to remain behind.

In the next moment, we make our way towards the hall. As we draw closer, a tall masked man steps forward, respectfully halting everyone's progress.

"Apologies for the interruption, but this year's ceremony will unfold in a unique manner. Only the guests will be allowed inside the hall to await the proceedings, while the participants will remain outside," the man's voice resonates across the area, clear and loud.

An eruption of chatter ensues from the crowd, swiftly silenced by the guards restoring order.

Without further delay, Gustav and I part ways from our parents, well aware of the changes in this year's ceremony.

Some time later, after the guests have entered the grand hall, only the participants stand outside with the masked man, who hasn't budged for about ten minutes.

Suddenly, the man removes his mask.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Zilch, your inspector for this year's awakening ceremony. As you can see, this year's ceremony deviates from what you've heard or seen before. However, there's more in store... Now, I'll teleport all of you to that tower," Zilch announces, reaching into his pocket to retrieve a small jar containing a white substance.

That... substance is hydra's bone marrow.

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