Family Inheritance

David stood tall with the World Tree Grimoire in his hands, the brilliant light of the awakening fire casting a glow on his face. The murmurs and whispers of the crowd grew louder, their astonishment evident.

"David, the rising genius," one parent whispered, nodding towards him. "He's achieved what many can only dream of."

"Along with the boy who got the Lightning Attribute," another parent added, pointing to Alaric, who still basked in the awe of his peers. "And the girl with the Titan of Hell grimoire. This year has truly been extraordinary."

As the candidates dispersed, David's achievement became the talk of the ceremony. Aizward's friends, gathered nearby, could not hide their reactions.

"Your son is something else, Aizward," one of them said, shaking his head in disbelief. "The World Tree Grimoire... it's beyond rare."

Aizward's laughter echoed once more, filled with pride and a hint of something darker. "He is my son, after all. Greatness runs in our blood."

Another friend leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "What's your plan now, Aizward? With David's potential, you could..."

Aizward's eyes gleamed with ambition. "This is just the beginning. My philosophy remains unchanged—power and control are everything. With David's new abilities, our path to supremacy is clearer than ever. We will nurture this power, and ensure it grows. The world will bend to our will."

Jake listened quietly, his expression a mix of admiration and concern. Alfred, ever the silent observer, stood by, his face unreadable.

Oscar stepped forward, commanding attention once more. "Before we conclude, I must provide crucial information for those who have awakened their grimoires." He gestured towards a large map displayed on a nearby board. "The school you will attend is located in the heart of Eldoria, a region known for its rich history and magical heritage."

He pointed to various landmarks on the map. "Eldoria is surrounded by the Enchanted Forest to the north, the Crystal Lakes to the east, and the Whispering Mountains to the west. The school itself is nestled in the central valley, protected and hidden from prying eyes."

Oscar continued, "The school has stood for centuries, a bastion of knowledge and training for those gifted with grimoires. You will be required to bring certain materials—basic magical texts, personal grimoires, and any necessary supplies for your specific elemental or specialist training."

The crowd absorbed the information, parents whispering to their children about preparations.

"Remember," Oscar concluded, "your journey has just begun. Use your powers wisely, train diligently, and uphold the legacy of those who came before you. Dismissed."

As the ceremony came to an end, David remained standing, the weight of his new grimoire heavy in his hands. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Aizward's intense gaze.

"David," Aizward said, his voice low and determined. "We have much to discuss. Your power is immense, and our plans must evolve to match it. The world is ours for the taking."

David just nodded.

...

The carriage rattled gently as it made its way back home, the cobblestone streets giving way to a smoother, forest-lined path. David sat beside Aizward and Jake, his mind still reeling from the events of the day. Alfred, their loyal butler, sat opposite them, his eyes ever-watchful.

"David, did you see the look on Oscar's face when you awakened the World Tree Grimoire?" Jake grinned, nudging his brother. "I've never seen him so surprised."

David smiled, still processing his achievement. "Yeah, it was... unexpected."

Aizward chuckled, his gaze shifting to Alfred. "You did well, David. But remember, power is only the beginning. We must ensure its growth and protection."

Suddenly, the carriage jolted to a stop. Shouts and the clanging of weapons echoed through the trees.

"Bandits!" the driver yelled, fear evident in his voice.

Aizward's expression darkened. "Alfred, take care of this."

Alfred nodded, stepping out of the carriage with an air of calm authority. David watched through the window, curiosity and apprehension mingling within him.

The bandits, a ragtag group armed with crude weapons, approached menacingly. Their leader, a burly man with a scar across his face, sneered at Alfred. "Hand over your valuables, old man, and we might let you live."

Alfred remained unfazed, his eyes narrowing. "Whispering Wind."

With a swift motion, he raised his hand, and a gentle breeze began to swirl around him. The wind picked up speed, disorienting the bandits. Leaves and dust danced in the air, creating a blinding vortex.

"Arrow of Dawn," Alfred intoned, his voice steady. The swirling wind coalesced into sharp, glowing projectiles that shot forward with deadly precision. The bandits barely had time to react before they were struck down, their cries of pain echoing through the forest.

David's eyes widened in amazement. "Incredible," he whispered. "I've never seen wind magic like that."

Aizward smiled, placing a hand on David's shoulder. "Alfred is a master of his craft. But there's more you need to know about our family's power."

As Alfred returned to the carriage, Aizward continued, his tone serious. "Our family, the Kaizen Clan, has a unique inheritance. It's called the God Seal."

Jake leaned in, his expression intrigued. "God Seal? What's that?"

Aizward nodded, his eyes reflecting a deep pride. "The God Seal allows us to seal creatures to our bodies and borrow their powers. It's an ancient technique, passed down through generations of our clan. Our ancestors were revered as seal masters, capable of wielding immense power."

David listened intently, his curiosity piqued. "How did it begin?"

Aizward leaned back, his gaze distant as he recalled the tale. "Long ago, our ancestors discovered a way to bind the essence of powerful creatures to themselves. They believed that by merging their own strength with that of these beings, they could achieve unparalleled power. Over time, this technique became the cornerstone of our clan's legacy."

"Your grandpa sealed the Kraken, the Warbeast of the Sea."

Alfred added, his voice calm and respectful, "The God Seal is not to be taken lightly. It requires immense discipline and control. But those who master it are capable of feats beyond imagination. With the help of giant beasts, Kaizen Clan Members dominated the battlefield for decades. But it's also the reason why the Great Kingdoms exterminated your clan. You guys are a threat."

"Too much information." David felt a surge of determination. "I want to learn it."

Aizward's eyes met his, filled with a mixture of pride and caution. "You will, David. But first, you must understand and master your own grimoire. The God Seal will come in time, when you're ready. At that time, we will go for revenge on those who participated in the extermination of our clan!"