Chapter 13. The first day of treatment.

Lustos was gently placed into the tranquil embrace of the Oblivion Lake. The matriarch of the Despair clan stood steadfast in the waist-deep water, cradling the child in her arms with only his face above the water's surface.

The lake stretched out vast and serene, its crystalline depths revealing a scattered mosaic of rocks and the occasional swaying of delicate aquatic plants. Once a roaring waterfall, the passage of time had transformed it into this placid expanse. No creatures dared to venture near its shores; it was a sacred sanctuary untouched by the presence of animals or fish.

In this hushed sanctuary, the air was laden with a serene stillness, offering solace for contemplation and reflection. It was a place where one could escape the tumult of the world, where the mind could find respite amidst the gentle lull of the water's rhythm.

The Oblivion Lake held a revered place within the realm of the gifted, occupying a significant portion of their territory. Along its verdant banks stood pavilions, noble family estates, and revered temples, their splendor immortalized in the artistry of painted canvases that captured the essence of their beauty. It was hailed as the cradle of mana, the lifeblood of the gifted, its sacred waters cradling the legacy of the great families and their descendants.

Rarely did anyone dare to disturb the sanctity of the lake's waters. It was deemed sacred, reserved only for the ceremonial rituals of the immortals who would occasionally cleanse themselves in its depths and offer prayers to the heavens.

Yet, amidst this sacred stillness, a miracle unfolded. As Lustos was immersed in the cool waters, a shiver coursed through the matriarch's body, the chill seeping into her bones and testing her resolve. But as she held the child, she felt a warmth gradually enveloping him. His tiny form seemed to radiate with an ethereal glow, as if trying to ward off the disease.

The treatment of Energy Imbalance presents a formidable challenge, fraught with arduous efforts, numerous obstacles, and often yields uncertain outcomes. This affliction traces its origins back to the era of the weak resettlement and the interbreeding between the gifted and the weak.

Studies have illuminated the diverse outcomes observed in the offspring of such unions. Frequently, the interplay of genes—too potent to be suppressed yet too feeble to harmonize—manifests as an imbalance within the child's physiology. In contrast to the infected, who possess the capacity to absorb both mana and dark energy, individuals afflicted with Energy Imbalance harbor untreated energy within their bodies, rendering them incapable of assimilating any form of energy.

The primary impediment to energy processing in these children stems from their bodies perceiving mana and dark energy as foreign pathogens, triggering a rejection response that precludes absorption.

A secondary issue arises from the stagnation of energy within the body. Bereft of fundamental energy processing capabilities, their prospects for survival dwindle precipitously. In the Clan of Despair, every ninth newborn succumbs to mana before drawing their first breath.

Those born with the gift are given only a week to assimilate the absorbed energy, a trial by fire to demonstrate their worth to the elders. During this time, they live virtually destitute, surviving solely on absorbed energy. After this ruthless selection process, only 10 out of 1,000 babies survive.

Conversely, those born without the ability to absorb mana or dark energy from birth are relegated to a dire fate. Deemed feeble from infancy, they wither away in the grip of hunger and cold, unless consigned to be sacrificial offerings in the grisly rituals for the Master of the Oblivion Lake. Energy stagnation afflicts them even in the womb, inflicting thrice the agony upon pregnant mothers during childbirth. Despite their internal struggle, these children exhibit no outward anomalies, camouflaging their silent suffering.

The third determinant of Energy Imbalance lies in heredity—a pervasive factor that underscores the intricacies of this malady.

Who could have foreseen that the heir of the Clan of Despair would be afflicted with such a malady? Mana was meant to course through his body, purifying his insides in preparation for future cultivation—not stagnate within his bones, hindering his progress.

As Lustos's body grew warmer, Iris's breath misted in the frigid air, a testament to the biting cold. His lips began to take on a bluish hue, and even the artifact supporting his weight showed signs of strain, its surface cracking under the pressure. Unable to continue, Iris clutched the baby to her chest and, with wobbly legs, began her journey back to shore.

Cradling Lustos to her chest, Iris sensed his body emanating warmth, a stark contrast to the frigid air enveloping them. With each step, a dull ache reverberated through her head as she relived her recent conversation with the Head:

"It is imperative to awaken the bloodline of a Great Family. The Oblivion Lake will serve as the catalyst for this endeavor. Since we cannot administer drugs or forcibly expel mana from his fragile bones without risking harm, we must infuse him with pure energy. Should his cries pierce the air, do not let your heart falter—for his sake. Time is of the essence; if the Imbalance persists another season, Immortality may forever elude him."

The preceding day...

Throughout the night, Iris gazed at the starry expanse, grappling with the weight of her newfound responsibility. At dawn, they delivered Lustos to her care. Outwardly, he bore no signs of infirmity, save for the heaviness within his bones.

Enfolding him in her embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks, Iris realized one immutable truth: she would be a witness to his suffering.

If only she could shoulder his burden, bestow upon him a healthy body—but such wishes were futile. Resolute in her determination to alter her adopted son's fate, she led her servants to the shores of the Oblivion Lake that afternoon.

Hundreds of elders prostrated themselves, beseeching the heavens, while the lake emanated waves of mana in silent communion. Immortals traced intricate runes in the air, while Martial Artists purged the remnants of dark energy from the vicinity.

Lustos stirred slightly at the mesmerizing sight before him. The picturesque scene, painted in various shades, seemed almost surreal. Lifting his plump hand, he caught a glimmering wisp of mana with his tiny fingers, quietly watching it melt upon contact with his skin, like a delicate snowflake dissolving into warmth.

Little did he know that this captivating beauty would mark the beginning of his agony.

With measured steps, Iris waded into the lake until it reached her ankles. Above her head, a barrier of hundreds of intricately linked runes and circles materialized, shimmering with ethereal energy. A cold wind swept from all directions.

Thus, the first day of treatment began.