Eldora—a land awash with endless wonder and enchantment. Rich green forests swept far out into the horizon, their emerald crowns gently swaying beneath the caress of an enchanted breeze. Snowy peaks thrust their way towards the sky, their tops capped with glistening white that sparkled like silver beneath the dawn sun. Mana-filled rivers glimmered in shades of blue and purple as they twisted through valleys, irrigating the land and its inhabitants. Magic was the blood of this world, coursing unseen through the air, blending with all living things. It was power, fate, and the very fabric of survival.
But most of all, Eldora belonged to one woman—Empress Shia Eldora.
To the subjects, she was not merely a ruler or Empress; she was a goddess to citizens of Eldora who had ruled for centuries with unchallenged authority. Her name was spoken in reverence, her control absolute. Her reign brought the world prosperity, and yet the burden of power was heartless—it segregated humans into those endowed with magic and those who were destined for servitude. Without the blessing of the Will of Eldora, one was nobody.
And in the southern territories of Eldora, in nature's lap, there lay Valeria City,—a thriving commercial and cultural hub. Its streets paved with stone were alive, from merchants who sold exotic merchandise to travelers in search of adventure. Colorful banners waved in the wind, scented with the aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted flesh, and unusual spices. The children's laughter with the steady beat of horse hooves creating a tune that belonged only to flourishing cities.
At the very center of Valeria was situated the magnificent villa of Viscount Thorne, the aristocratic overlord of this land. The villa itself was a piece of art of architecture—splendid white marble walls with verdant gardens outside, four different mansions around the central manor in crescent shape. Every mansion served to accommodate the different members of the viscount's family, but in the garden of a certain mansion of the villa, beneath the beam of the Evening sun, was a solitary moving figure with exquisite movement and step.
Enclosed by high fences and painted with immaculate gardens, the estate was designed into four manors, each a reflection of aristocratic lineage. And in one of these beautiful manors, in a hidden and stunning garden, the golden colors of the day sun soaked the garden in a lovely light. Beautifully colored flowers danced in unison with the breeze, their scents blending with the earthy smell of the soil. A young man, seventeen years old, stood under an ancient tree, his shoulder-length bluish-white hair glistening like the winter morning sky. His chiseled features, smooth complexion, and deep blue eyes exuded a charm that could leave any woman's heart pounding. He is Orion Vale, viscount vale's third and scandalous son.
But in this instant, he was not concerned with any of these things.
With a good-looking sword in hand, he swung elegantly, his movements smooth and controlled. Each strike carved through the air with intent, his muscles tightening and loosening in perfect harmony. Sweat beads dripped down his body, glinting in the fading light of day, only serving to enhance his dashing figure.
Swish! Swish!
The sword carved through the air, followed by the gentle rustle of leaves.
As he was about to prepare another swing—
Click. Click.
Footsteps.
Orion paused, his grip firm on the hilt as he turned toward the sound.
And there she was.
A young lady, poised and elegant, stepped forward with cautious steps. Her black locks tumbled down her back, as smooth as silk in the night air. Her deep blue eyes, just like his, sparkled with warmth, and her pale skin appeared to radiate under the golden glow. Her build was fragile yet sophisticated—not too slender, nor too full.
Her loveliness was natural, spontaneous.
A melodious, gentle voice cut through the stillness.
"Brother, are you still practicing?"
She smiled, a gentle curve of her lips that carried both admiration and concern.
Orion, still catching his breath, wiped the sweat from his brow and offered a small, calm smile.
"Yeah, Elara."
His only sister, Elara Vale.
She frowned slightly, stepping closer. "But, Brother… tomorrow is the Blessing Ceremony. What if you exhaust yourself and perform poorly?"
Orion grinned, shaking his head. "I'll be okay. Tomorrow is your ceremony as well, by the way."
Elara hesitated, biting her lip before moving in closer. "I know. but I just—" She lowered her head, voice softer. "I want you to be successful this time."
Orion reached out and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry. It will be okay."
Her scowl relaxed into a smile, believing his words.
The sky had already started darkening, the remnants of light dissipating. Orion let out a quiet sigh, his eyes fixated on the horizon. "Come on, let's go in. I need to wash up before dinner."
Elara smiled, her fear temporarily set aside. "Okay!"
The two walked together toward the tall Vale Manor, its high rise throwing long shadows across the estate.
They separated at the door. Orion went up to his room. His room was large but plain, with a rich blue carpet, wooden bookshelves laden with old books, and a large window looking out over the sprawling estate. There was only one sword rack in the corner, holding swords he never got to use in actual combat.
With a gentle sigh, Orion entered his bathroom, removing the sweat-drenched clothing. As warm water rained down on his body, his mind drifted.
Orion's bedroom was spacious, but plain. A big bed, a bookcase filled with dusty books, and a window facing the city. The gentle flame of candlelight danced against the darkened walls as he entered.
With a sigh, he pulled off his shirt and stepped into the bathroom, allowing the cool water to wash away the sweat and exhaustion.
As he stood against the stone wall, his mind drifted.
In Eldora, power was the only thing.
Those who were blessed by the Will of Eldora were able to tap into mana, cast spells, and mold their own fates. Those that failed. never had a future. They would either be protected by others or fall victim—slaves to those who held power.
His two stepbrothers were already blessed, chosen to study at the prestigious Voss Academy of Magic and Sword, something of which was unheard of among academies. They scoffed at him, mocked his lack of awakening. Their words did not leave him alone.
"You'll never be one of us."
"A failure like you should just disappear."
I've already failed twice… Each individual in this world was given three opportunities to be blessed by the Eldora Will—at the ages of 15, 16, and 17.
Orion had already failed twice.
Tomorrow would be his last opportunity.
Tomorrow was Orion's last opportunity.
Without it… he'd never be able to farm, never use mana, never feel the power that whirled so freely about him in the air.
He ended his shower, wearing clean robes, and made his way downstairs and go straight to dining for dinner. Within the dining hall, a gorgeous woman waited for him. Celia Vale, his mother—the Viscount's second wife. She was not older than her late twenties, her bluish-white hair and blue eyes exactly like his own. Her elegance was serene, her beauty beautiful. and a cultivator at the Peak Apprentice Level.
As soon as she saw him, she stepped forward, cupping his cheek gently asked, "Son, are you hungry?"
Orion smiled. "Yes, Mother."
She smiled in return. "Good. I'll send a maid to call your stepmother and sister."
Moments later, two figures entered.
One was Elara, his ever-supportive sister.
The other was Sera Vale, his stepmother, and Celia's elder sister—the Viscount's first wife. and she also a cultivator at the Peak Apprentice Level like his mother, Celia. More stunning than even his mother, Seraphina carried herself with a grace that turned heads. Her deep blue eyes were filled with wisdom, and although her shape was more voluptuous, there was power in her presence.
As they sat down, she smiled at Orion. "Dear, how was your day?"
Orion gave a small smile. "Good, Mother. And yours?"
Sera laughed lightly. "My days are always good when my children's days are good."
Dinner went on with light hearted chatter. But half way through the meal, Celia's voice turned soft.
"Son… tomorrow is your last Awakening Ceremony. Are you ready?"
A moment of silence ensued.
Orion's hand tightened around his cutlery before he deliberately relaxed. He nodded. "Yes, Mother."
Celia's eyes faltered with concern. "Even if you're not given a blessing… nothing will change. You will remain my son."
Sera smiled in affirmation. "Your mothers will always have your back, Orion. Always."
Elara leaned forward, determination in her eyes. "Brother, don't be afraid. I know you'll get it done this time!"
Orion's heart grew warm. Thankfulness.
"Thank you, Mothers… Elara
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Tonight, standing at his window, Orion looked out at the moon.
His blue eyes turned dark, far away.
If tomorrow he failed. there would be no place in this world for him.
But beyond the ritual, beyond the shame that he had endured for so long, another fire burned in his chest. An old one.
A name. A memory. A betrayal.".
His lips opened, his voice a mere whisper on the wind.
"I said I was calling you my star, my light in darkness… yet it was you who plunged me into the void."
His fingers flexed into fists.
"Shia. was I nothing to you?"
The wind wailed, but there was no response.
Then, with unbreakable determination ringing in his voice— "No matter what… tomorrow, I will receive the blessing. I will get strong. And I will return for you."
With that, he rolled onto his side and went to sleep.
Tomorrow… everything would change