The Awakening ceremony part 1

The morning sun was already high, casting a warm glow over the Asura Clan's grounds as Lucas finally woke up. Today was the day he had been waiting for—the day of his awakening ceremony. It was a tradition in the clan for children to undergo their awakening at the age of five, marking their first step toward uncovering their potential and taking on their future roles.

Today felt different, a mixture of excitement and nerves making Lucas's heart beat faster than usual. Unlike his regular mornings, he hadn't woken up early for training. Last night, his father, Dorian Nightshade—the clan's patriarch and one of the most powerful figures in their world—had advised him to sleep in, to be fully rested and at his peak condition for today's ceremony.

Rubbing the last remnants of sleep from his eyes, Lucas prepared himself, carefully dressing in the ceremonial clothes laid out for him. The soft fabric was deep blue, the color of the Asura Clan, with silver embroidery representing strength and wisdom. He took a moment to study his reflection in the mirror.

He had grown quite a bit over the past few years, becoming stronger and sharper than the other children his age thanks to his intense training. His eyes, a vibrant shade of blue that seemed to reflect the depths of an ocean, stared back at him. His hair was a striking mix of silver and blue, blending together in a way that was both unusual and captivating. Lucas had to admit, he looked quite remarkable—otherworldly, even, especially compared to others in the Asura Clan, who generally had a more reserved appearance.

Just as he was admiring his reflection, he was snapped out of his thoughts by a sudden noise. The door to his room burst open, and in ran Emily, his twin sister. She was already dressed and ready, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Lucas!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with energy. She made an adorable, scrunched-up face as she looked at him standing there, smiling to himself in front of the mirror. "You look weird when you smile like that," she teased.

Lucas chuckled and reached out to tousle her hair, but Emily quickly dodged, giving him a playful glare before grabbing his hand.

"Come on! Mom and Dad left early to prepare everything, and they're waiting for us with the clan elders," she said eagerly, tugging him toward the door. "Let's not be late!"

Her words reminded him of the importance of today. His parents—Dorian, the powerful patriarch, and his mother, seraphina, clan elders — all would be attending. They had left early to ensure that everything was perfect for the ceremony, along with the elders who guided the clan. It was rare for them all to gather like this, and it signaled just how significant the day's event was.

As they made their way across the clan's grounds, Lucas could feel the weight of expectations in the air. The Asura Clan elders were all there, each a powerful figure in their own right. They watched Lucas with anticipation and pride. His father, standing at the forefront, was calm but carried an unmistakable air of authority. Dorian Nightshade was not only his father but also a formidable leader, respected and even feared by many. To the clan, he was the epitome of strength and wisdom, an example Lucas hoped to live up to someday.

Emily squeezed Lucas's hand, bringing him back to the present. Her smile was filled with excitement, a reflection of her pride in her brother.

As they reached the ceremonial grounds, Lucas took a deep breath, steadying himself. This was it—the moment he had trained and prepared for. He glanced at his father, who gave him an encouraging nod, and his mother, who smiled warmly at him. The elders whispered among themselves, some even commenting on Lucas's potential.

"He's going to surpass all of us," one elder murmured. "Look at the strength in his eyes."

"And the way the other children look up to him," added another. "He's already a leader among them."

Dorian's expression softened slightly as he listened to the elders. He was immensely proud of his son and had high hopes for him. He stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Lucas's shoulder. "Today marks the beginning of your journey, Lucas," he said in a low voice meant only for him. "Make us proud."

With a determined nod, Lucas took his place in the center of the ceremonial circle, surrounded by the clan's symbols of power and history. He was ready to face whatever the future held. The awakening ceremony awaited, and with it, the true beginning of his journey.

**************

Author's Note:

Welcome to the world of Orion, the setting of our story and the novel world where Lucas has been reborn. Formerly known as Earth, this planet was forever changed by the arrival of mana and the opening of portals that brought forth diverse species from distant realms. Together, these beings renamed the world Orion, symbolizing their unity and strength in the face of a rising demon threat.

With this transformation, Orion grew fifty times larger, giving rise to a year now spanning 16 months. Here's how the calendar unfolds:

1. January

2. February

3. March

4. April

5. May

6. June

7. July

8. August

9. September

10. October

11. November

12. December

13. Aegnor – Named by the Elves to honor new beginnings and the birth of life.

14. Dracul – Chosen by the Dragons, signifying strength and resilience.

15. Gimli – Named by the Dwarves, honoring their first and legendary king.

16. Gronthar – Named by the Orcs, celebrating their respect for warriors and valor.

Despite the addition of months, the weeks and the days within each month remain unchanged.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Orion! I promise you an adventure filled with excitement, discovery, and, of course, lots of fun.