Episode 4: Astral pacts

As the ceremony went on, everyone started to make a contract with the astral beings. It is called an 'Astral pact'. It allows the astral beings and incarnates to communicate. It also restricts the incarnate from forming a pact with another astral being and allows the astral beings to share a portion of their powers with the incarnates.

The vanity was filled with mixed emotions. Some were extremely happy with the result, while others who had gotten lower-ranking sponsors were sad.

One of the people who had been sponsored by a Luminous 'Gleaming apprentice' walked towards an incarnate who was sponsored by a celestial named 'twin serpents', the Astral being with the lowest rank.

"Hey, don't be so sad; you still did way better than the failure standing over there who didn't even attract a single astral."

Kaito heard all of this, and yet he couldn't do anything about it. 'I mean, he is not wrong. I am a failure because I did not attract even the lowest rank astral after all.' He thought this as his expression turned sad and full of disappointment.

At the same time, Hikari was about to form his pact with the 'Eternal Judge of Fire' Michael. Even Frostblade was excited. 'This is the second time witnessing a pact between Nebulous and an incarnate. I think it has been over a decade since last Nebulous sponsored an incarnate from this village.'

Soon, Hikari and Michael formed their astral pact. Everyone was surprised to see this incredible accomplishment. Hikari seemed very happy as well.

After that, Frostblade started to monitor other incarnates and make sure that the pacts were made properly.

"Everyone, I congratulate those who have already made their pacts. And for those who still haven't, I would encourage you to do it quickly, before the spell runs out."

She continued to monitor the pacts. Suddenly, she stopped after seeing Kaito. Looking at the situation, she quickly realised that Kaito hadn't attracted any astral beings. She was surprised. 'I thought he was pretty strong for someone without an astral pact; I thought that he would be swarming with the astrals interested in sponsoring him.'

She approached Kaito and asked, "Have you really not met any astral beings yet?"

Kaito was surprised to see Frostblade.

'Where did she come from?' he thought to himself.

"I-I should have trained more, I guess." Kaito replied, feeling embarrassed.

"It's not that you are weak; maybe fate had a different route for you, that's all. Remember your goals, and do not give up on them. I have seen many strong warriors without any sponsors."

Kaito remembered his past and how he decided to become stronger in order to protect those he cared about. And to find out more about the mysterious man, Amano Yasha.

"Thanks Your Majesty, I guess this is a good reminder for me." Kaito bowed his head in gratitude.

Frostblade had a feeling that he would eventually overcome his struggles. After all, this was the first time ever that her sponsor, Nebulous rank Chiron, had praised an incarnate like this.

After that, the ceremony came to an end. Everyone returned to the living realm at the same place they had gathered before.

"Everyone, I would like to congratulate you all for getting your new sponsoring beings. And even those who did not get what they had expected, I would like to tell every one of them that your journeys have only begun. One with enough dedication can overcome their limitations and even accomplish things that might not seem possible at the moment. You should accept what fate has decided for you and move on with your life. You cannot control what powers you receive, but you can control how you use those powers."

Everyone who was sad seemed to have their mood lifted by this speech.

"And with this, I would like to wish you all good luck on your adventures. Remember, this is only the beginning; there are still many things that you all will learn in your journeys, so remember to keep in mind that whatever fate has chosen for you might be for the better of your own life."

Everyone thanked the frostblade and the empire of Theia and returned to their homes.

Kaito also decided that he would go back home. On his way back, he hears the voices of two incarnates.

"Hey, look at this; I made a pact with a luminous 'Lucid warrior'. The unique spell allows me to summon a sword already imbued with astral energy."

"Wow, that's good. That would be so powerful with my spell, don't you think so?"

"indeed."

Hearing all of these people be happy with their abilities made him sad. But he decided that this would not stop him from achieving his dreams.

After a while, he returned home.

"Hey, Kaito, how did it go? Knowing how strong you already are, you must have pulled many ephemeral ranks, haha!"

"Sorry, Akuma, I failed you. I could not interest any astral beings at the ceremony, not even a celestial rank."

Akuma was surprised after hearing this. 'But he is strong enough to fight even those with celestial beings. Even if they're the lowest-ranking incarnates, the difference between one with an astral pact and one without is simply huge. With this much power, I wouldn't even have been surprised if he had interested a Nebulous Could it be that? ' He wondered about this.

"It is fine; there are many strong warriors without an astral pact, and I believe that you will become one of them. I have faith in you. It might have been better for your own good." He comforted the young man.

"Thanks a lot, Akuma. I promise you that I will become strong enough to challenge even those with the strongest sponsors. I will not make you regret training me." His expression suddenly changed after hearing the words of the old man. It was as if he had found a new hope. Akuma could clearly see the dedication in the eyes of the boy.

He smiled and replied," I never doubted you, not even for a second. Now go and take a rest. You have been through a lot today."

Kaito smiled back and walked towards his room to sleep.

-Midnight

Kaito is sleeping on his bed. Suddenly, a mysterious man wearing an outfit that hides his face appears at the window. It seemed like he was carrying a sword with him.

'So this is that guy." He said it with an ominous smile.