Family Dinner IV

"But didn't our awakening method come from the beastmen? So how were we able to use this power to fend off these... Comets, yet they weren't able to?" Asher asked.

Arnold looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't you already learn that in your studies?"

"I did," Asher replied, "about how this method was more suitable for us humans. But that can't be entirely right. After all, if it was, we should have been able to awaken on our own, without any outside help."

Arnold nodded thoughtfully. "You're both right and wrong. Yes, this method was indeed most suitable for humans, and we might have eventually discovered it on our own. But by the time we figured it out, it would've been too late. Our lands would have already been conquered. The leaders back then had the wisdom to set aside their pride and negotiate with the beastmen. In exchange for giving up a small continent to them, we gained the method we needed to awaken."

Asher nodded, taking in the explanation.

"It's all about making better choices in life," Arnold continued. "At the end of the day, what truly matters? Pride? No, the most important thing is life and dignity."

"Remember, Pride and Dignity might seem the same, but they aren't. Pride is thinking you're the best at everything and never accepting even the smallest insult. Dignity, on the other hand, means knowing you're not the best at everything. It's understanding that you've mastered something, but there may always be someone better. When that happens, you should set aside your ego and learn from them. Pride will only blind you and lead you to make foolish decisions."

Arnold's gaze sharpened. "But never compromise your dignity. You should never be a slave to anyone. That's what our heroes taught us. They died fighting on the battlefield but never bowed their heads when those Cometis bastards offered protection in exchange for submission to their planet. They fought for our right to stand tall and remain free."

Arnold's voice carried a cold edge as he spoke the last line, a scornful sneer curling his lips.

Asher and other two nodded, "Now, lets talk at what level our Magnus family stands among those ten Supreme families"

"Do any of you know?" Arnold asked with a grin as all three of the younger generation—Asher, Ryan, and Clare—raised their hands.

Arnold chuckled and nodded. "Of course, you all know, but you're still here, listening to the ramblings of an old man, ahaha!" His laughter echoed warmly through the hall.

Asher and the other two kids got stunned by his sudden change in mood while adults smiled but remained subdued, recognizing Arnold's sudden shift in mood. They had all grown used to his antics, especially during this yearly gathering when a new batch awakened their abilities. This was a tradition, and Arnold always had his way of breaking the seriousness of the moment.

'Old man, once again you're ruining the serious mood,' Ryder thought, though he kept quiet, knowing better than to say anything out loud. Arnold would throw a fit if he interrupted.

"Anyway," Arnold continued, his tone regaining its seriousness, "our family stands out among these Ten Supreme Families thanks to our Blood Ruler ability. Among the Supreme Families, we're mostly known as 'Amplifiers.' You see, when a Blood Ruler ability holder and someone from another Supreme Family have a child, there's a 50% chance that their offspring will inherit both abilities at the highest level."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"This makes our family crucial to maintaining power across the alliances. The Blood Ruler ability can perfectly blend with other abilities, creating new, stronger powers, and that's why we've kept our place at the top for generations." Arnold's voice carried a mix of pride and duty, his eyes sweeping across the younger ones at the table, silently reminding them of the responsibility that came with their heritage.

"Remember, our Magnus family is the trump card of our world, Valeriosa. That's why we have this fortress—to help keep our numbers strong," Arnold said, his voice steady with authority. "You three have awakened powerful abilities, which is why there's 'Terror' in your names. But enough of that, let's talk about your next steps."

He rang the bell, signaling for the dishes to be changed. As the maids swiftly brought in the next course, Arnold continued, "Now, as you all have awakened, your next journey will take you to the World Academy—a prestigious institution where everyone is a genius. No one gets in without being exceptional."

Arnold looked at each of them carefully as they nodded, absorbing his words. "During your first week there, you'll all have to create your energy veins. For most geniuses, that's the minimum time required. Of course, there are always exceptions... like Asher here." Arnold's jovial tone returned as he gave Asher a light, almost playful pat on the back.

Asher nearly choked on his food, by the sudden not so light pat on his back. He looked at his grandfather speechlessly, thinking of how the maids had warned him about Arnold's strict personality. Now, he could see it for himself. What he once thought was just exaggerated gossip now felt like an encounter with a slightly senile but lovable elder.

"The competition at World Academy is fierce, and only 100 students make it to the age of 18, when you will all undergo your second awakening," Arnold said, his gaze sweeping over the three of them. His voice carried a weight of seriousness, pressing the gravity of the situation into the air.

Clare, curious and a bit uneasy, asked, "What is the number of admissions?"

Arnold smiled faintly, his eyes sharp. "1,000. Which means only 10% will graduate by the time your second awakening comes around."

Clare nodded slowly, the challenge ahead becoming clear.

"But don't worry," Arnold added, this time without the warmth or joviality from earlier. "There has never been a case of a Terror dropping out before the final graduation."

His voice carried a cold edge, a warning. If they failed or were expelled before completing the course, the consequences would be severe. Asher and the other two exchanged silent glances, fully understanding the unspoken threat hanging over them. Failure was not an option.

Arnold broke the heavy silence with a hearty laugh. "Hah! Why so serious? Enjoy the feast!" His sudden shift back to humor didn't lift the mood as much as he might have hoped. The kids remained quiet, feeling the pressure weighing down on them. The adults shook their heads with knowing smiles, familiar with Arnold's way of balancing lightness and gravity.

'This old man is literally holding a blade to our necks, then asking why we're so serious,' they all thought, except for Selene, who remained unfazed. In her mind, she expected nothing less from their lineage.

'That much is expected for the Terrors,' she thought, quietly firm in her resolve.