The Ritual
As the weight of his new reality sank in, Jack's thoughts spiraled into frustration. "F*ck that great one!" His silent curse echoed through his mind. The Great One had dropped him into a world that should've been his dream—except it wasn't. He hadn't just been reincarnated into any character. No, it had to be the most unfortunate soul in the entire series.
"This can't be real," Jack thought, his small infant body tensing in disbelief. The worst possible twist had been forced on him. His new life wasn't some grand adventure—this was pure cruelty.
Tears welled up in his eyes, unbidden. He tried to stop them, but the pain was too deep, too sudden. "Why me?!" The helplessness of his situation hit harder than he could have ever imagined, and he hated it.
It just had to be when he already started picturing his new life.
A sob burst from him, his tiny body shaking as tears streamed down his face.
He was powerless. Worse still, he couldn't even understand the language his new parents were speaking. The sounds they made might as well have been gibberish. "I never read the first chapter," he remembered. "What if he was cursed from the start?"
His heart raced, uncertainty gnawing at him.
"Maybe I'm overthinking this," Jack tried to calm himself. "I'm a prince, right? That's got to mean something." He attempted to console himself. "Might as well enjoy the luxury while it lasts." He grinned inwardly, though it didn't quite reach his heart.
Maria and Arwen carried him gently, their faces a mix of concern and determination. Jack felt uneasy, his nerves sparking with every passing moment. 'Where are they taking me?' His mind couldn't stop racing, conjuring up worst-case scenarios.
Aldermond, the king, walked with purpose through the vast halls of the castle. With a mere gesture, a floating orb appeared before him, shimmering with magic. A square-headed figure flickered to life on the other side of the orb, awaiting the king's command.
"Frank, blow the trumpets, sound the drums. Let all within the city be informed of the ritual." The king's voice was calm, authoritative, yet Jack could sense an underlying tension.
Outside, the kingdom stirred. The sound of trumpets rang out through the air, and drums followed in a thunderous rhythm that reverberated throughout Neon City.
*THUUUM!*
The sounds were unmistakable, commanding attention from all who heard them. Citizens gathered in confusion, whispers spreading through the streets like wildfire.
"What's happening? Is it the Hubris season?"
"Could it be an angel's arrival?"
"No, no, it has to be the bloodline ritual."
Speculation buzzed through the crowds as more and more people rushed toward the towering castle at the heart of the city.
Meanwhile, Jack found himself being bathed in warm water, his body pampered and cared for as if he were a delicate treasure. He couldn't help but let out a tiny, contented sigh as his muscles relaxed.
"Maybe I'm worrying for nothing," he mused.
No matter how much he wanted to deliberate on it, there was no possible way one would be cursed from his very birth.
"I'm a prince, I'll have time to avoid whatever bad luck this body might bring. And I'll learn magic!' His heart fluttered with excitement at the thought. "I know how the story goes. I can change things."
His mind danced with the possibilities, the idea of mastering magic sending a rush of adrenaline through his small frame. The weight of his new identity lifted, replaced by the thrill of what was to come. "I can outsmart this world," he thought confidently.
His reverie was interrupted by Maria's voice. "My lady, the ritual will begin shortly. We should prepare."
Arwen, lost in thought, combed through her hair absently, her face pale.
"Oh… right." She snapped out of her daze, her smile forced as she moved toward her wardrobe, picking an outfit for the event.
At the same time, Aldermond ascended the long flight of stairs leading to the top of the tower. The higher he climbed, the denser the air became, though it did little to hinder him. The wind up here was fierce, tugging at his long green hair as he stepped out onto the balcony, overlooking the city below.
Two guards stood at attention by the entrance, their golden armor gleaming in the fading sunlight. "What of my lady?" Aldermond asked, his tone betraying a trace of impatience.
"She is on her way," one guard responded, his voice steady.
Satisfied, Aldermond stepped forward, addressing the crowd. His voice boomed across the horizon, carried by magic to reach every ear below. "People of Neon City!"
The murmurs ceased as the king's voice silenced the masses.
"Today, we gather to witness the bloodline ritual of my firstborn son!" His announcement was met with gasps of disbelief.
For years, rumors had swirled that Aldermond could not produce a male heir, that his line would end with him. But now, hearing the truth from the king's own lips, the people were stunned.
At that moment, Arwen arrived, cradling baby Asriel in her arms. The cool breeze tugged at Jack's tiny form, and though the height made his breath catch, Maria's magic kept him comfortable. He felt the wind brush his face, a strange sense of calm settling over him.
"Being a child isn't so bad after all," Jack thought, his anxiety easing. "After this, I'll dive into learning magic. No way I'm letting this chance slip."
But Aldermond's voice, resonating with power, brought Jack's attention back to the ritual. "The ritual will now begin!" The king's voice echoed, and Jack felt his tiny body being lifted from Arwen's arms.
Suddenly, Aldermond's voice turned into a low, intense chant. "My ancestors, hear my call, and grant your blood thy heavenly protection." Mana swirled around him, pouring out in waves as he continued.
A massive rune flared to life in the sky, its light bathing the city in an ethereal glow.
And then, without warning, Aldermond released Jack, his tiny body plummeting from the balcony.
"What the—?!"