Coemption Morning.
Golden sunlight crept gently into Orion's room, slipping through sheer curtains like a quiet intruder. The initial rays spilled over the shining floor, inch by inch, reluctant to invade the tranquility inside.
Seated cross-legged on the velvet mat, Orion wore a typical robe. His breath was calm, his presence unchanging—like a mountain not affected by wind or time. His breath was calm, each inhalation and exhalation tinged with intangible strands of mana. The air was tinged lightly around him—golden, peaceful, vibrant.
He'd been meditating since midnight.
Time had passed him by like a dream. He hadn't seen when the moon disappeared behind the horizon, or when the wind outside fell into a sleeping quiet. The mana inside him had throbbed in sync with the world, slow and strong, like the heavy beat of an ancient drum. And even though the sun had long since broken over Valeric City, Orion was still unmoved.
Until now.
A gentle beam of sunlight fell softly on his face, tracing over his closed eyelids.
His eyebrows fluttered.
A soft sigh slipped from him—like a zephyr blowing across quiet waters. Gradually, his eyes opened, peaceful and serene, like a great ocean of concentration.
He gazed down at his hands, stretching his fingers. The floor under him showed fine cracks, fine as spider webs, from the uncontrolled release of energy hours before.
"Five-Star Novice," he muttered to himself and "stable Foundation."
He had stepped into the fifth star before sunrise, but no jubilation was in his heart. No exultation. No burst of victory. Only a subdued, persistent contentment. Advancement. That was sufficient.
Orion moved slowly, flexing his limbs. His muscles adjusted with a slight creak, tighter now—stronger, more responsive to his will.
As he turned, the golden morning light revealed a veil of pills neatly lined on the nearby table—the ones he had bought from Laura's shop. A smile ghosted his lips, brief but content.
He went to the bathroom, the cold-water grounding him after hours of spiritual concentration. After freshening up, he put on a clean white-blue robe, embroidered with silver along the sleeves and collar. It glimmered faintly in the sunlight as he walked out into the corridor.
Today is the Hunting Tournament, he reminded himself as his footsteps echoed softly through the hall.
Not that he was particularly fond of it. The tournament was for Novices—a tradition to gauge potential of young cultivators, to create rivalries, and allow families to boast about their "rising stars." It was of little interest to someone who had once towered over kings.
Yet a spark of concern flared within him.
Edric… He thought about his encounter with him some days ago—at the training area—how he'd promised that he would be competing… despite sporting a mana suppression bracelet. A problematic assumption.
He sighed. "The best cultivators of the city organize the tournament," he chided himself under his breath. "Nothing ought to go amiss… yet if it were to—".
He didn't complete the sentence, only allowed it to fade on the air. His footsteps went on, measured and even, as he walked down the stairs.
A gentle voice drew him out of thought.
"You didn't emerge at all today from your room —not even for dinner!" Elara's voice came from the hallway, hard with accusation but tempered with worry.
Her Black hair bobbed lightly as she advanced, blue eyes slanting at her brother. "Wait… brother did you—?"
Orion smiled weakly. "Yes, I step into Five-star Novice with solid foundation."
Elara's mouth fell open. "You actually did it…"
Her voice softened, prouder than shocked at his brother achievement.
"I hit the fourth star last night,"
But she also said with proud and sparky bright blue eyes.
Orion arched a brow, truly impressed. "Well done, Elara. You're going to catch up to me at this rate."
A flush deepened on her cheeks as she looked away, attempting to conceal her smile. Her heart skipped a beat.
"I already told you brother, I never left anything behind you," she grumbled, though her voice shook with joy.
He smiled on her remark but he inwardly observed her with a contemplative stare. Her potential is not bad at all, Orion mused, studying her stance. Fast learner. Her cultivation speed… it's impressive.
When they could utter more, a voice floated in the hallway—graceful and calm.
"Children, it's time."
In hall Lady Celia and Lady Sera stood in the grand sitting hall, both attired in elegant noble robes. Sera had on a dark purple robe pinned with silver eagles, and Celia was covered in pale blue with golden thread. Their beauty was natural—glowing, but dignified.
Celia moved forward and presented them each with little leather pouches. "Your last preparations. Elixirs, healing pills, and warding talismans. Only use them if you absolutely must."
Orion lowered his head. "Thanks, Mother."
"Should we go to the main gate?" Sera stepped forward next spoke softly.
They all nodded. The mood changed.
The group left the estate as a group, entering the courtyard where guards in armor stood in formation and numerous gleaming carriages waited in line. Each had the emblem of the Vale family—an eagle with spread wings—glowed brightly on the doors of the carriage.
The location of the Hunting Competition had already been determined in the Southern Forest, which was the least threatening but still enigmatic area of Valeric City. The forest contained magical creatures that were as strong as novice to a one-star Apprentice, but never beyond.
The point of departure was the city's southern gate, where academies and families would gather to bid their participants farewell.
Ideal grounds upon which to put Novice farmers to the test against the wild—both environment and beast, both.
As they approached the carriages, as she approached the carriage, Sera looked around "It seems… this year again your father won't be coming." she muttered softly, a without any semblance of disappointment in her voice in place her voice fill with neutral and calmness.
But before her words could settle into place, a melodious voice rang out—smooth, collected.
"Lord Orion."
They turned.
Approaching them was Lysandra Voss, her silver-green armor shining in the morning light. A green cape trailed behind her, and a sheathed sword hung loosely at her hip.
Her classmates followed behind her. Only Edric and Arin walked close, both wearing polished black armor—no capes, but still intimidating.
Orion watched them with a tranquil regard.
His blue-white hair blew a little in the breeze. Celia and Sera stood behind him, stately and elegant. Elara, Black-haired and inquisitive, peeked out from his side.
Lysandra halted a few paces before them and bowed respectfully. "Lady Celia. Lady Sera. Lady Elara."
She turned to Orion, a twinkle in her eye. "Lord Orion."
Sera and Celia simply nod with smile and Orion greet her Elara follow his suit, "Greet Miss Voss."
Edric and Arin imitated polite bows. "Mother Celia, Mother Sera."
"Orion. Elara," Edric added, Arin did the same.
Their salutations were proper. Polite. Formal.
But Orion and Elara both knew better. Just words, lacking warmth.
Then Elara saw their armor and she cocked her head, brow furrowing. "Miss Voss… Brother Edric, Brother Arin—are you going back to Voss Imperial Academy today?"
It was a genuine question. Their complete armor had piqued suspicion.
Sera and Celia locked eyes, each thinking the same thing. But Orion said nothing, observing.
"No, dear Elara."
He smiled softly, voice oozing with charm.
Elara's eyes expression flinched at the word dear, but she did not speak.
"We're competing today."
Sera's brows creased.
"Edric, you know this tournament is only for Novice cultivators. How—?"
Edric smiled naively.
"I was given permission. I asked Father. He said we could compete with mana suppression bracelets."
Celia's face grew dark, her serenity fracturing.
"Lord Theo gave you leave…?"
Elara shifted to face Orion in bewilderment. He remained silent, simply observing. Eyes narrowed. Mind working.
Lysandra, having been quiet, parted her lips to speak—
Thump. A heavy, solitary footstep resounded in the courtyard.
Everyone halted.
Another step came.
The sound grew closer.
All eyes looked toward the estate gate, where a tall figure slowly walked in—