A searing pain shot through the sleeping Rowan's head waking him up instantly.
Rowan's head throbbed as if a thousand spikes had pierced his body, yet it vanished in an instant.
And then something changed. Something he couldn't explain. A clarity sharper than anything he had ever felt surged through him. It was overwhelming, almost too bright, yet thrilling in a way that made his chest tighten with excitement.
He opened his eyes and the world looked different. Colors exploded around him, blues, greens, yellows, whites, even shades he couldn't name. Tiny motes of light danced in the air, chaotic yet somehow organized. His senses were flooded, each one screaming for attention. Rowan's mind struggled to process it all.
In his panic, his hand shot out instinctively. He knocked a delicate vase off the table. His heart jumped. For a moment, he expected it to shatter.
But then, as if guided by instinct, he waved his hand again. The vase stopped midair and hovered gently, suspended by an invisible force.
Rowan froze, staring at it. The sheer power in his hands was intoxicating. If anyone had been watching, they would have been speechless. A fourteen-year-old boy who had awakened his mana core only a day before was now manipulating pure mana outside his body. Effortlessly.
A grin spread across Rowan's face. Waves of energy pulsed from him, responding to his every thought. The Master of Mana trait had awakened.
For the first time, he felt it, the raw, unrestrained power of mana. The sensation was dizzying and exhilarating. Everything he had ever imagined about strength, speed, skill, and possibility seemed suddenly within reach. Rowan could feel the infinite potential stretching out before him, and his heart raced at the thought of what he could do.
This was only the beginning.
First Awakening was the term given to the partial stirring of a trait. In this world, after a person awakened their mana core, some were granted access to traits, innate abilities bestowed by the world itself.
But the traits were not immediately usable. Only after the mana core matured, and the body and mana had been trained over time, could a trait be fully awakened and wielded. For ordinary people, this process could take months of careful practice.
As research into mana cores and traits progressed, scholars discovered something surprising: traits actually began awakening roughly twenty-four hours after a person's mana core awakened. It was a partial awakening, subtle and almost imperceptible. Not strong enough to be used, but enough to leak a unique energy.
This energy could be detected and measured, allowing the nature of the trait to be determined. Knowing the type of trait in advance made full awakening far easier. Someone with a swordsmanship-related trait, for instance, could train directly with swords, accelerating the awakening process rather than relying on blind practice.
At the same time, this discovery shattered a long-held myth: the training done in the time between a mana core awakening and the full awakening of a trait did not determine the trait's rank or power.
Traits were innate. Hard work could refine the body and mana, but it could not change what trait you possessed.
To standardize the process and collect reliable data, the empire established the Trait Identification Ceremony. As long as a person had awakened their mana core, they could participate, and the nature of their trait could be identified immediately.
To make this possible, the Pillars of Awakening were created. Massive stone structures build from rare, mana-sensitive stone and covered with intricate runes, the pillars were capable of reading and analyzing the energy leaked by partially awakened traits.
Over the years, they had collected vast amounts of data, allowing them to identify not only the type but also the unique characteristics of each trait with astonishing accuracy.
Now Rowan stood in the Royal Hall of Awakening, staring at the four majestic pillars arranged around the center of the hall. Each pillar was a different color, their surfaces etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly with mana. Blue, crimson, gold, and silver the hues shifted subtly as if alive, resonating with the energy in the room.
The sheer size of them was intimidating. Each pillar towered above the assembled nobles and mages, carved with symbols older than any history Rowan had read. Despite the grandeur, the air was quiet, almost reverent. Mana hummed faintly around the pillars, reacting to the presence of those who had awakened cores.
Today is the day, huh. The day my fate shifts into something even I don't fully understand. Rowan sighed as he looked around the Royal Hall of Awakening.
The assembly before him was staggering. High nobles, royal knights of the Knight Order, mages from the Mage Tower, officers from the army and navy ,everyone who mattered in the empire was here.
This was the biggest trait identification ceremony in the empire, the Royal Trait Identification Ceremony.
Well… not exactly. Most of the participants had already gone through the process and knew their traits.
In reality, it's more of a Royal Trait Flex Ceremony than an awakening.
The elite had gathered not to discover traits but to showcase them. To display the strength of their heirs and promising prospects in front of the king and the other powers of the empire. It was a demonstration, a subtle contest, and a way to measure the might of the generation that would shape the future.
Rowan was moving to banner of House Wavecrest with his father brother and Alfred.
Wait… other kids my age? To his surprise, there were indeed other children here, many of whom he recognized as the sons and daughters of minor nobles and even some of his cousins.
"They're the promising prospects serving under House Wavecrest," Alfred explained, reading Rowan's unspoken question.
I see. The explanation cleared his doubts.
As Rowan stepped into the designated spot for House Wavecrest, the youths greeted the Duke and Eric. His father and brother left, leaving Rowan with the children.
"Greetings, Young Lord," most of them said, offering curt bows.
Looking around, Rowan recognized many of them from memory, heirs of counts and barons, children of knights, even the children of House Wavecrest's servants. He nodded politely in acknowledgment.
These must be my lackeys, Rowan thought as they began chattering excitedly about what awesome trait he might awaken.
The people at the bottom, always licking the boots of those at the top. It's the same everywhere, he noted, irritation rising. If it had been the previous Rowan, he would have laughed arrogantly and let his pride swell.
But the present Rowan, burdened with the weight of the world, found it nothing more than a nuisance.
Then he noticed three children walking toward him. Out of all the kids, only these three didn't bow or fawn.
Two boys with the signature crimson Wavecrest hair and one girl with striking blue hair came forward. The boys, Harry and Andrew, were his cousins, part of House Wavecrest. The girl, Erina Waterflower, was the daughter of Marquis Waterflower, a loyal ally of the Wavecrests.
Out of all the children, Rowan considered only these three his friends. He had always been a staunch supporter of noble supremacy, a belief hardened further by his mother's death. He looked down on anyone of lower status and only allowed himself friendships with those of similar standing.
Erina's blue hair shimmered faintly under the hall's lights, her gentle waves framing a small, delicate face. Her eyes were a bright, clear blue, and a small, nervous smile tugged at her lips, giving her an innocent charm.
"Took you long enough," she said. "I was starting to think you'd sleep through the ceremony again like that one ball."
Unlike her deceptively cute appearance, Erina's manner toward Rowan was sharp and teasing as it always had been. By now, Rowan was well accustomed to it. He snorted softly and replied in the same tone
" "Then complain to father and Eric. They're the reason I showed up late."
She crossed her arms, the corner of her mouth twitching in amusement."Classic Rowan," she said. "Always finding someone else to blame."
Before Rowan could fire back, his two cousins arrived, cutting into their banter.
"Cousin Rowan, aren't you nervous today?" Harry asked, grinning as he nudged him lightly.
As if I could be nervous, Rowan thought, though a small thrill ran through him anyway.
Andrew chuckled. "Don't tell me you're scared of a bunch of pillars and a crowd of people."
The teasing was light, familiar, the kind that came from years of growing up together. No pressure, no expectations, just the comfort of family who enjoyed poking fun at each other.
Rowan smirked arrogantly. "Why would I, of all people, be nervous? Today's the day I'll show just how great I am and awaken the best trait here."
Harry and Andrew exchanged quick, amused glances. Harry let out a low laugh. "Of course, of course. That's our cousin. Always so full of confidence."
Andrew grinned, nudging Rowan in the ribs. "Just don't trip over the pillar or faint in front of the nobles. That would ruin your big show."
Rowan shot them a mock glare, but the corners of his lips twitched.
Erina, standing slightly apart, arched an eyebrow and gave a small, amused smile. "The best trait, huh? Bold words for someone who is going to get humiliated." she said, her tone teasing, confident, but not unkind.
Rowan acted mock-hurt, placing a hand over his chest. "Even you too, Erina? I thought at least you would believe in me."
Erina raised an eyebrow, amused, but didn't back down.
Around them, a few nobles who had overheard the exchange turned their heads, casting glances at Rowan that seemed to mix curiosity with thinly veiled mockery.
Even his father and the king, deep in conversation about who knew what, briefly looked over, their expressions unreadable but clearly aware of the boy's words.
Seriously, Rowan thought, not a single person here believes I'll awaken a gold-ranked trait. Perfect.
He smirked, inwardly delighted. The more they doubt me, the sweeter their reactions will be.
Erina, watching Rowan make his exaggerated faces, tilted her head and let a teasing grin spread across her face. "Look, man," she said, her tone confident but playful, "I know you're still sulking about your engagement getting canceled and all, but surely it shouldn't have affected you this much, right? Honestly, I know a doctor who specializes in treating… mental patients like you. Maybe you should visit him sometime."
Rowan blinked, caught off guard.
His lackeys, who had been listening to the conversation, let out quiet chuckles. That stopped abruptly when Rowan shot them a sharp glare.
Yeah, that's exactly why I need to show a gold-ranked trait, Rowan reminded himself.
With his Master of Mana trait already fully awakened, he could manipulate the mana within himself to conceal his traits. His hidden abilities could remain undetected unless someone of higher than a 7th Order awakening happened to be present. Looking around the hall, Rowan noted that the empire's only two Sages ,both Eight-Order Awakeners , were absent.
He wanted everyone here to take him seriously. Showing one of his golden-ranked traits publicly would achieve that.
In roughly three years, the Cult of Abyss would attempt its greatest operation. If Rowan could intervene, the resurrection of the Abyssal Dragon could be delayed by more than six months. Participation in that event required a golden-ranked trait. Being recognized publicly would make entry feasible and far easier.
Revealing a public golden trait also came with another crucial advantage: the protection of the strongest empire itself. That alone would be invaluable for executing his plans, giving him leverage and security against the cult.
This isn't arrogance. It's strategy, Rowan thought. If I play this right, showing one of my golden traits today won't just prove myself , it will secure the opportunities I need to save the world.
A small, self-satisfied grin tugged at his lips. I've always wanted to hear people praise me for being brilliant… might as well enjoy it when it happens.
Rowan's thoughts were abruptly cut off by the deep, commanding voice echoing through the hall.
"Let the ceremony begin."
King Vaelric Velyndral stood at the center of the Royal Hall of Awakening, an imposing figure radiating authority. Tall and broad-shouldered, his presence alone silenced the murmurs of the gathered nobles. His hair, black with streaks of gray, was swept back perfectly, revealing a high, sharp forehead.
Piercing cobalt eyes scanned the assembly, sharp and unyielding, yet carrying the quiet weight of experience. His strong jawline and angular features gave him a sculpted, almost imperious look, complemented by the deep blue and gold robes of his house that trailed majestically behind him.
Even at his age, his posture and calm demeanor spoke of someone who had ruled with both wisdom and iron will for decades. Every movement, every gesture, conveyed precision and command. When he raised a hand to signal the start of the ceremony, the hall seemed to hold its breath.
Rowan felt a shiver run down his spine. This is it, he thought. Everything I've been preparing for comes down to this moment.
The hall seemed to grow taller, the vaulted ceilings echoing the anticipation of hundreds of onlookers. Every noble, every young heir, every mage present had their eyes fixed on the king — and by extension, on the young aspirants standing before the Pillars of Awakening.
Time to prove them all wrong, Rowan mused internally, his smirk returning. No one here expects me to awaken a golden-ranked trait… and that's exactly why today will be unforgettable.
According to the ancient tradition of the ceremony, the demonstrations were always conducted in a strict order, symbolizing the hierarchy and honor of the realm. First, the royal family would showcase their seeds, setting the tone for the entire event.
Next would come the esteemed Knight Order, followed by the renowned Mage Tower, then the disciplined Royal Army, and the formidable Royal Navy. Only after these demonstrations would the assembled nobles be granted the privilege to present their skills, a testament to their standing in the court.
Today, the ceremony began as expected. The grand hall shimmered with banners of gold and sapphire, and the air was thick with anticipation. The eyes of every attendee rich commoners, knights, and high-ranking nobles alike were fixed on the ceremonial dais at the center.
The herald stepped forward and announced, his voice echoing through the hall:" First, as tradition dictates, the demonstration shall be performed by the royal family. Presenting, Her Highness, the Second Princess… Princess Aurelia Velyndral!"
A ripple of murmurs spread through the audience. Princess Aurelia, known for her grace , stepped forward with poise. Her flowing silver-blue hair caught the light, and her sapphire eyes gleamed with quiet confidence. Every movement she made was elegant as if she was a fairy who had escaped to the mortal world.
Although 14 now, she had the makings of a great beauty.
I can't blame the old me for falling so hard for her, Rowan nodded to himself as if he was agreeing to his past self's decision.
[
Name: Aurelia Velyndral
Age: 14
Awakener Rank: First Order
Mana Core: Gaseous Gray
Traits:
Inferno Mastery (Gold): Grants absolute control over fire-based mana. The user can generate, shape, and manipulate fire instinctively, creating flames of any size or intensity with precision. Enhances reflexes, agility, and combat intuition while using fire. Fire or fire related techniques are automatically optimized for efficiency and destructive power, allowing the user to overwhelm multiple opponents or defend effortlessly.
Royal Command (Silver): Grants natural leadership and charisma, enhancing the strength, speed, and precision of allies under the user's influence. Additionally, it can dominate the mind and body of opponents with weak willpower, bending them to the user's commands or disrupting their actions in battle.
Ember Veil (Silver): Provides resistance against heat, fire, and explosion-based attacks, while subtly enhancing the user's speed and agility in fiery environments. Fire-based attacks directed at the user are partially absorbed or dissipated automatically, making her extremely difficult to harm with flame.
]
As expected, being one of the main heroines of the novel, Rowan couldn't help but recall the story.
She was an absolute monster when it came to fire mana arts, devastatingly skilled, precise, and terrifying in combat. But somehow… her appearance and personality didn't match her abilities at all, Rowan thought, raising an eyebrow.
Blue hair, sapphire eyes, a cold, detached demeanor… she looked like she belonged to an ice element rather than fire, he muttered under his breath. She should be freezing opponents with frost, not setting them ablaze.
Rowan leaned back slightly, trying not to laugh. At least it makes her unpredictable. No one would ever guess fire could come from someone who looks like she could freeze a pond with a glance.
Then his mind took a sharp turn, and a chill ran down his spine. Wait… if I demonstrate my gold-ranked trait and if the engagement isn't canceled … does that mean I'll have to marry her? His eyes widened in sudden horror.
Erina, sitting nearby, noticed the change in his expression but didn't say a word.
Hell nahh, Rowan thought fiercely, almost clenching his fists. I'd rather bathe in lava than marry her. Only someone like Lucien could handle a girl like that.
When it came to girls, Rowan had a type and it wasn't the icy, untouchable kind. Sure, he could understand why some people were drawn to girls who gave off that cold, distant aura, but personally? He preferred someone cheerful, bubbly, and full of life. Someone who laughed easily, teased playfully, and made the world feel warmer just by being around. Not an ice queen who looked like she could freeze you with a glare at any given moment.
He shook his head, trying to push the thought aside. Focus, Rowan. The ceremony is today. The engagement is irrelevant for now. Just… survive this without embarrassing yourself or worse, making her hate you before it even starts.