The first light of morning sun poured over Valeric City, coloring the sky in gentle shades of amber and gold. The city hummed with activity, its inhabitants still reeling with excitement from yesterday's Blessing Ceremony. But in the peaceful gardens of the Vale estate, where dew refused to leave the leaves and flowers danced lazily in the wind, a different sort of energy moved.
Orion stood by himself in the courtyard where training took place, his bare feet stamped solidly on the chilled grass. His bluish-white hair shone under the morning sun, cutting the outline of his pointed, angular face. His piercing blue eyes grew narrower with every deliberate swing of his sword.
Whoosh!
The blade cut through the air with a deadly precision, its edge shining like liquid silver. Orion's muscles were tensed, his body soaking wet with sweat, yet he felt alive—alive as never before. His motions, once robotic from sheer practice, now bore a new strength. Yesterday's ritual had stirred something deep in him.
His breaths were ragged, chest heaving as he swung his sword down in fury that even he was caught unawares by. But he embraced it. This energy. it was intoxicating.
He continued training, every strike sharper, more powerful, the earth beneath his feet shuddering slightly as his body grew accustomed to the new power. His breathing was coarse, but his eyes glowed with uncompromising will. The swordsmanship he used was not of this time, but much older—one that had been lost to the ages. The Void Edge Art.
His muscles cried out for rest, but Orion went on. He had learned the hard way that power came with sacrifice, stamina, and more than anything else, sheer devotion.
When he arrived back at his mansion, the sun had climbed high into the city's sky, its heat driving off the morning's chill. His body was drenched in sweat, his hair disheveled untidily, but his eyes held a contented spark.
He bathed himself and put on a clean change of clothes before heading downstairs. As he came into the living room, the soft sounds of his mother's carried to him, their laughter light and unfettered.
Celia and Sera were seated by the open window, drinking tea as they chatted in a merry manner. The sunlight cast its glow on their refined features, adding a beauty to them that was nearly otherworldly.
The instant he walked in, both women looked in his direction.
"Oh, Orion," Celia's voice was silky and soothing, her green eyes sparkling with love. She invited him to sit with her on the couch.
He did so, his muscles relaxing into the soft cushions as Celia stroked his hair with a gentle hand.
"Son, I heard you were out training early this morning without having anything to eat. That's not healthy for you," Celia said, her voice filled with motherly concern.
"She's right, dear." Sera chimed in from the side, her violet eyes showing real concern. "What if you get sick from overexerting yourself?"
Orion looked over at the two women, whose concerned faces brought a heavy sense of guilt on his conscience. A wave of guilt washed through him, recalling that his doing so had gotten them worried.
"Sorry, Mother. Sorry, Mother Sera," Orion murmured low, his head cast down with sincere remorse. "I won't do it again."
This time, however, it was Sera whose hand stroked his hair with gentleness, her touch affectionate. "We know that you're overjoyed, dear. Well, you have worked so long for your blessing, after all. But don't think for a moment that you should pay no attention to your health either. We merely want your well-being and your happiness."
"Indeed, dear, she is right," said Celia with a gentle, loving smile.
Orion's eyes fell. Gratitude filled his chest. In his former life, maternal love was something he had never experienced— in his former life his mother had died when he was only five years old. But fate had given him this second existence, blessed with not one, but two loving mothers.
He breathed deeply, giving himself permission to bask in the warmth of their love. "I see. Thank you. both of you."
Lady Celia and Lady Sera both smiled at his words alone. While they talked, the discussion turned to more lighthearted subjects until Orion mentioned offhand, "Mother, regarding the resources. From what I heard during the ceremony, those who were given their blessings need to retrieve their resources from the arena today."
Celia caught Sera's eye and then responded, "Actually, dear, the servant is already on his way. You and Elara won't have to go arena yourself."
It was as if on cue that the sound of footsteps grew louder, and the three of them moved to see Butler Walton standing in the doorway, respectfully waiting. Four servants followed him, each of them carrying two round, black pots wrapped in velvet.
"Good morning, Lady Celia, Lady Sera, Young Master Orion," Walton bowed in greeting.
"Walton?" Sera looked surprised. "Why have you come in person?"
The professional yet friendly smile of the middle-aged man was unmistakable. "It's the Lord's command, Madam. He wanted me to pass on a message to Young Master Orion. And as I was coming anyway, I thought I'd personally bring the resources for Young Master Orion and Young Miss Elara."
The gravity of his words weighed over the room like a chilly fog. Celia and Sera looked at each other in confusion, and Orion's eyes narrowed. His father had personally sent him a message? Why?
"What. what is the message?" Celia asked, her voice quivering slightly.
Walton's smile did not change. "Lord Viscount wishes to meet with Young Master Orion. In person."
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 glared at the man, his mind already spinning with possibilities. What does that man want from me?
He drew a breath and said, "Very well. I will meet him tomorrow."
Walton's smile grew wider. "I shall tell the Lord. And young master, do use the resources wisely. Now, if you'll excuse me."
With a final bow, Walton departed the room, leaving the air heavy with tension and unanswered questions.
Orion's gaze stayed focused on the door well after the butler had left. Something was going on. Something he couldn't put his finger on. But whatever it was, he was determined to discover it.