The Awakening [2]

As Aurelia descended from the altar, the radiant aura of Solar Flare Radiance slowly subsided. The courtyard erupted into applause, with cheers and commendations for the newly acknowledged Genius Awakener. Ignoring the spectacle around her, Aurelia gracefully descended the steps and rejoined her brother, a satisfied smile gracing her features.

Adrian, beaming with pride, whispered to her, "See? I knew you could do it."

Aurelia blushed at her brother's praise but retained a newfound confidence.

"It's your turn now, brother."

"Yes."

Adrian replied. As he prepared to ascend to the altar, a loud voice cut through the celebratory atmosphere.

"Make way! Make way for the royals!"

The crowd immediately parted, forming a respectful path as everyone turned their attention to the approaching royal figures. Adrian tightened his grip on Aurelia's hand, silently preparing for the royal family's arrival.

From the back of the courtyard, King Edmund and Queen Seraphina entered, followed by two young princes and a princess. The air seemed to shift as the royals stepped forward, their presence commanding the utmost respect.

The elder prince, a charismatic young man with a confident demeanor, walked beside his younger sister, the princess, who exuded an air of elegance. The third prince, the youngest, trailed behind them, his eyes revealing a hint of mischief.

However, what caught everyone's attention was the figure that followed behind them, a young man with a sickly appearance. It was the crown prince, heir to the throne, who had been plagued by illness since birth.

King Edmund, his expression regal and composed, acknowledged the crowd with a nod as he made his way towards the altar. Queen Seraphina, a vision of grace, offered polite smiles to the gathered students and faculty.

The princess, delicate but with a sharp gaze, observed the Awakeners with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny. The elder prince, who seemed to carry the weight of responsibility, maintained a stoic expression as they progressed.

As the royals drew closer, a hushed silence fell upon the courtyard. Even the vibrant energy from Aurelia's awakening couldn't fully dispel the solemnity that accompanied the presence of the kingdom's rulers.

Adrian and Aurelia exchanged a cautious glance, uncertain of the impact the royal family's arrival might have on their plans and Aurelia's newfound recognition as a Genius Awakener.

"Congrats, daughter-in-law." The King Edmund spoke with a sincere smile. "It seems my kingdom is truly blessed by having the Lighthaven Family Geniuses. Your Father was a Genius too. Alas, he left us too early..."

"Oh, dear. Don't let the past overshadow this joyous occasion," Queen Seraphina added, her eyes holding a compassionate gaze. "Your performance was truly remarkable, Young Lady."

The elder prince, Prince Cedric, offered a polite nod, acknowledging their presence. Though it looked as if he didn't put them in his eyes. The princess, Princess Isabella, however, wore a curious expression. Her eyes lingered on Aurelia and Adrian as if trying to unravel a mystery. 

Aurelia, caught in the unexpected attention of the royal family, curtsied with a mixture of humility and 'gratitude'. "Thank you, Your Majesties. It is an honor to be recognized."

Adrian, standing by Aurelia's side, also offered a respectful bow like a true noble. "We are humbled by your kind words, Your Majesties."

King Edmund, gesturing toward the altar, addressed Adrian. "Now, young Awakener, it is your turn. Show us your potential."

"Thanks his Majesty, but I think it would be inappropriate to go before the Second Prince and the Crown Prince," Adrian replied while maintaining his calm and respectful expression.

Prince Cedric, the elder prince, raised an eyebrow at Adrian's response. It was uncommon for someone to refuse the royal order, and a murmur of surprise rippled through the onlookers. The courtyard, once filled with jubilant celebration, now held its breath in anticipation.

The king, King Edmund, regarded Adrian with a measured expression, his eyes studying the young man before him. "You speak with confidence, young Awakener. Why do you find it inappropriate to proceed?"

Adrian maintained a respectful posture but spoke with unwavering determination, "Your Majesty, out of respect for the royal hierarchy, it is customary for the Second Prince and the Crown Prince to undergo the Awakening first. I believe it would be more appropriate for me to wait for their esteemed demonstration."

Cedric's expression shifted, revealing a hint of interest in Adrian's response. The princess, Isabella, continued to observe with an amused glint in her eyes.

King Edmund nodded in acknowledgment of Adrian's adherence to tradition. "A wise perspective, young Awakener. Your understanding of protocol is commendable. Let it be as you say."

The crowd, though initially surprised by Adrian's response, now whispered in approval of his diplomacy. Aurelia looked at her brother with a mixture of sympathy and guilt for she knew what he did.

"Go, Cedric. Show what the Royal Family is capable of." Then the King ordered looking at his son.

"Yes, father. I won't disappoint you." Prince Cedric stepped forward, acknowledging his father's command with a confident nod. He ascended the steps of the Awakening Altar, the crystalline formations enveloping him in a shimmering cocoon. The crowd watched with heightened anticipation, eager to witness the awakening of the elder prince's magical abilities.

The crystals began to glow, revealing the two elements that Prince Cedric held mastery over – fire and air. The combination of these elements spoke of a potent and dynamic potential within the prince.

The next phase of the Awakening unfolded as the Aether Core formed beneath his heart. The ambient magic resonated with the chosen elements, creating a harmonious aura around the prince.

Then came the crucial moment – the awakening of his magical Ability.

In a burst of radiant energy, Prince Cedric unveiled his Ability - Stellar Inferno Cyclone.

A powerful fusion of fire and air magic manifested around him, creating a swirling vortex of celestial flames. The intense heat and force within the cyclone demonstrated the prince's exceptional ability, earning him a Stellar Tier Five Star Ability.

The courtyard erupted into applause, and cheers echoed for the prince's remarkable display. The faculty members nodded in approval, acknowledging the prowess of the royal family's heir.

King Edmund, with a proud smile, expressed his satisfaction. "Well done, Cedric. The Royal Family's legacy continues to shine bright."

Queen Seraphina and Princess Isabella offered genuine smiles, their eyes reflecting admiration for the prince's abilities. Even the youngest prince, though still wearing a mischievous grin, couldn't hide a glimmer of pride for his elder brother.

Though it was three stars below Aurelia's, it was still a powerful ability.

"The next is..."

As everyone heard the announcement, their eyes shifted to the sickly crown prince who was standing behind his family.

"Aurelius Avondale."