Pride And Joy

Theron's main objective for today was to not let his family continue to be disrespected. 

As the hesitant and small chatters continued to unfold, Theron placed his sole focus on the tips of his fingers. He closed his eyes and deeply breathed in and out.

"Are you okay, Theron?" Noticing that there was something wrong with just a quick glance, Allyza was filled with worry when she saw the change in Theron's behavior. 

'I think this is because of the gossip…' Allyza uttered, her heart shattering into pieces with the thought that no one in the guests dared to speak forward. 

This was supposed to be a momentous event for Theron as he made his first appearance in front of the nobles, yet, unfortunately, it became like this. 

What have they done so wrong for their family and their son to be treated this way? 

Hearing no answer from Theron, Allyza's worry only grew. Theron remained sitting still, his eyes were closed, and his breathing was slow, yet deep. 

"My son, do you want to rest for the meantime? Are you tired?" Allyza was about to come closer to Theron, when he opened his eyes and made a sound. 

"Nya!" (No.) 

As Theron uttered his reply, a bright and determined smile flashed on his lips. He slowly raised his hand, catching the attention of the nobles who started watching him with judging eyes. 

'Just watch everyone and prepare to be amazed.' Theron thought, scoffing in secret. 

Theron's wobbly right arms straightened out as he felt an immense force in his heart, spreading to every part of his being. His fingers spread apart, forming a wide circle. And in his palm, a small orb of light, the same size as a coin slowly appeared. 

The room gasped, and the whispers stopped as everyone turned their attention to the glowing light on Theron's palms. 

"Nyahaa!" (Look at this, you fools.) 

Theron uttered in a high-pitched voice, chuckling cutely as if to signal to the people that what he was doing was merely a small feat. However, he knew it was anything but small.

In the Empire of Arcanis, gifted children who possessed the ability to use and wield magic wouldn't show their potential until they're at the age of 5. In some rare cases, it could be a bit earlier, but never this early.

Even in his previous life, he hadn't achieved such a feat. 

It was his experience from his first life that made all of this possible. He had retained the knowledge and understanding of magic, which allowed him to dive into his abilities far earlier than anyone could have. 

"Is what I'm seeing a reality?"

"How come at such a young age he was able to–"

"Dear heavens! This is a true blessing from the gods! 

The noises started reappearing as Theron moved his hand, the orb following every motion he made. It was as if the light were dancing through the air with fluid grace. The guests were entranced, their previous skepticism replaced by genuine wonder and admiration to the young Theron. .

The once-dismissive whispers transformed into awed exclamations. It was funny hearing all of them. 

"This child is a prodigy!"

"He could even control the light at such young age!"

"He must be destined for greatness!"

The atmosphere in the ballroom shifted dramatically. Awe and admiration replaced mockery and doubt. The nobles who had been whispering moments before now watched in stunned silence, their expressions filled with genuine wonder.

One of the highest-ranking nobles, a distinguished duke with silver hair, stepped forward. His eyes were fixed on Theron as he innocently looked around. He slightly bowed his head in front of Theron as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Such talent at such a young age," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. He was the first one to take the initiative to say his blessings for today's celebration. 

"It seems we have greatly underestimated the Xion family. For this noble child, I wish that you soar high and put your family back to its former glory."

Following his lead, other nobles began to step forward, each offering their blessings and words of praise to Theron. The initial reluctance and mockery had completely vanished.

As the applause and blessings continued, Theron glanced over at his side. There, he noticed his mother, Allyza, standing to the side.

Tears were continuously streaming down on Allyza's face. She was crying, but not from sadness—her tears were of pure amusement and overwhelming pride. She had never imagined that her son would accomplish something so extraordinary at such a young age.

She was very thankful to the heavens. 

Seeing Allyza's tears, Tyron, who had a cold aura earlier after hearing all the insults and disrespect, stepped forward. He gently placed a hand on Allyza's shoulder. His eyes, too, were wet with unshed tears. 

Tyron looked at Theron with a mixture of pride and awe. "You've made us very proud, son," he said, his voice almost breaking as he fought his tears from falling. 

Charlize, whose eyes were filled with pure amusement rushed over to Theron as the surge of people died down. She smiled with excitement as she jumped in the air multiple times. 

"Little Brother, that was incredible!" she exclaimed. "I knew you were special, but this… this was beyond anything I imagined!"

Theron's heart swelled with joy at their words. He was quite proud of himself. He had done more than defend his family's honor; he had given them a moment of pure pride and happiness.

Feeling a surge of confidence and love, Theron held his head up high. 

"Tha…nk y…ou," Theron's eyes widened in surprise as he realized what he had just said.

[Ding!] 

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