5 years later part 3

In the magical land of Aurelia, the lives of children were shaped by three significant events. At the age of 5, there was the Mana Initiation, where an older mage transferred a portion of their mana to the child, establishing a connection to the mystical forces of the world. This initiation marked the beginning of their journey into the realm of magic.

When the children reached the age of 10, they underwent the Blessings by the Church. In the sacred Temple of Divinity, devout followers gathered to channel divine energy into the altars of various gods. This ritual allows the young ones to obtain various blessings from the gods theys followed the blessings ceremony was in fact a lottery even with minimal talent and effort if one gets a good blessings he can walk the path of mage or warriors much easier than his peers.

Finally, at the age of 14, the Rite of Adulthood took place. This marked the transition from childhood to adulthood and carried great significance. It represented a milestone in their magical and personal growth, as they embarked on a new chapter of their lives, filled with responsibilities and challenges.

These three events intertwined magic,luck, and personal development, shaping the lives of the children in Aurelia and preparing them for the intricate world they were destined to navigate. Agnes Pov Agnes as she was on her way to the duke's study for an audience as tomorrow was going to be a special day for her after all it was the day when mana initiation ceremony was going to be for her beloved young master.

She knew that there was a very slim chance for Arthur to awaken his mana core due to poisoning but she didn't want to take any chance of something unexpected happening to Arthur hence she requested an audience with the duke,as she was was approaching the duke's study her eyes caught the sight of Edmund the head butler of the duke's estate.

Edmund Kensington, a 60-year-old former knight, now serving as the confidant of the duke. Having fought in battles against the savage tribe inhabiting the northern region, he is a stern and muscular man whose experiences have shaped him.

However, his journey as a knight came to an end when he sustained severe injuries to his mana heart inflicted by one of the tribal chiefs.As the head butler, Edmund carries himself with a sense of dignity and authority. His weathered face and graying hair reflect the hardships he has endured throughout his life.

Despite his physical limitations, he exudes an aura of resilience and unwavering loyalty. His towering presence and unwavering gaze command respect from those around him.Edmund's unwavering allegiance to the first wife faction stems from a strong belief in the importance of tradition and stability within the realm.

Edmund presence was already bad sign but still I greeted him formally with a heavy heart as anything here can jeopardize. Agnes: Good afternoon, Edmund. I hope you're well. I'm here to see the duke.

Edmund: Ah, Miss Agnes. The duke has been anticipating your arrival. However, do remember that the words you choose reflect not only yourself but also those you hold dear. They have the power to shape their lives. the young master's already bad situation.

Agnes (with frustration): I am well aware, Edmund. Thank you for the reminder. May I proceed to the study now?

Edmund: Of course, please proceed. The duke awaits you.

[Agnes clenches her fists and enters the study for her audience with the duke.]. As Agnes enters the duke's study she saw him sitting behind a large desk, signing some documents after a moment of silence she greets him formally.

Agnes: Your Grace, I extend my formal greetings. I have come to request the presence of an experienced mage for Arthur's mana initiation ceremony.

Duke: Ah, Agnes. I regret to inform you that Arthur has already been poisoned with the blood root Elixir. His mana core cannot be awakened.

Agnes: If Arthur cannot become a distinguished mage, then perhaps a skilled knight would suffice. He can still serve with honor and bravery.

Duke: I have no resources to waste on a cripple, Agnes. All our mages and knights are currently on active duty. Even if Arthur were to awaken, he would amount to nothing.

[Agnes's mind snaps, her hope shattering. She bites her lips till they bleed, bowing her head to conceal her distress.]

Agnes (softly, with a quivering voice): Arthur is your son, Lord Duke.

Duke: I have more than one son, Agnes. Agnes:I thank you for your audience lord grace. Duke:if there is nothing else you can leave. Seeing no hesitation and sympathy from the duke Agnes leaves the study with a heavy heart.After arriving at her place Agnes calls the other maids for a meeting in her madam's room. Agnes: my dear sisters. I have just returned from the duke's chamber, and I regret to inform you that he has refused to assist Arthur in his mana initiation ceremony.

Matilda: (enraged) How dare he! That heartless man! We cannot let Arthur suffer because of his cruelty!

Eleanor: (calmly) Matilda, please calm down. We knew deep down that this outcome was likely. It was a false hope to believe the duke would listen.Even though she was saying that her eyes were gleaming dangerously and she had a hard time controlling her emotions.

Beatrice: (determined) We must take matters into our own hands. We can conduct the ceremony ourselves, in secrecy. Agnes, you are the most experienced mage among us. You have collected the necessary ingredients, correct? Agnes: Yes, I have gathered all the required elements for the ceremony.

Beatrice: Excellent. Tomorrow morning would be the ideal time. The first wife's lackeys are most relaxed during that period. We shall proceed then.

Eleanor: Agnes, are you prepared to take on this responsibility?

Agnes: I am ready, my friends. We shall not let Arthur's potential go to waste. Tomorrow, under the veil of secrecy, we will awaken his mana core.