Elio's voice echoed in the vastness of the estate, his words carrying the weight of a thousand generations. "This is just a taste of the heavy burden you'll inherit, Jayden. As your father, I offer you a choice. You can live a normal life, wait until twelve to start your training, and have a childhood. Or, you can begin now, embarking on a path unlike any in history."

Jayden gazed across the sprawling landscape, the weight of Elio's words settling on his young shoulders. The responsibility of the family legacy pressed down, yet a spark of determination ignited within him. The idea of achieving something extraordinary overshadowed the fear of the unknown.

"Father, I choose the path less traveled!" Jayden declared. "I want to be strong enough to share your burdens, to carve my own destiny, and ensure our family thrives beyond compare!"

Elio's gaze softened, a flicker of pride momentarily chasing away the worry etched on his face. Yet, a twinge of guilt stabbed at him. He had burdened his son with an impossible choice at such a tender age.

"My son," Elio began, his voice low and heavy, "the path ahead is fraught with peril. It's a bumpy road, with enemies outnumbering allies. But remember, this place will always be your haven, a place where love and support await you, no matter the trials you face."

He met Jayden's gaze, his dark eyes hinting at unseen struggles to come. "Now, let's leave these heavy matters for a moment," he said.

He launched into a series of amusing stories. Tales of his youth and lighthearted family events that unfolded before Jayden was even born.

As they shared laughter, the bond between father and son deepened, the passive skill 'HeartGuard' subtly working its magic influencing Jayden's character.

A sudden curiosity flickered in Jayden's mind. "Father," he interjected, "why do I look different from everyone else?"

His dark purple hair and eyes stood out against the family's usual dark hair and blue eyes. He suspected his mother's unique features, a stark contrast to the Pentagons played a big role.

Elio stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Jayden," he began, launching into a history lesson, "our lineage stretches around millennia, making us one of the oldest known families on this planet. Not everyone bearing the Pentagon name is directly related. Over time, branches diverged, cousins became distant relatives, new families emerged..."

"I get it," Jayden interrupted, nodding in understanding.

Elio continued, a hint of solemnity creeping into his voice. "We have an ancestral rule – spouses must carry the Pentagon surname. This rule meant to preserve the bloodline, was followed religiously… until…"

"Until you broke it," Jayden finished the sentence for him.

"Indeed. You possess a unique blend – the Pentagon bloodline intertwined with your mother's Knight lineage. Ordinarily, this wouldn't happen, but the Knight blood is equally potent. Hence, your appearance."

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Elio's explanation left more questions unanswered than answered and Jayden sensed there was more to the story with potential repercussions of his father's actions. But for now, he knew better than to push.

"Since your decision is made," Elio announced, rising to his feet, "preparations are almost complete. Tomorrow, your daily lessons begin. You'll learn about the current state of the world, a harsh dose of reality opening your eyes to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

A thrill shot through Jayden. "I understand, Father. Let's head back now."

"Hold on," Elio said, unfurling a tattered scroll. "This is a skill scroll. The skill contained within any of these can decide victory or defeat in any battle. It dropped when you awakened, so it's yours, son." Elio emphasized the significance of the gift as they walked back to the mansion.

"Perhaps wait until tomorrow to learn the skill," he suggested. "If it doesn't suit you, give it to me, and I'll find you something of equal value."

Excitement danced in Jayden's hands as he grasped the scroll but upon closer inspection, his brow furrowed. The scroll looked bad and tattered, on the verge of crumbling at the slightest touch.

"Easy there," he muttered to himself, channeling his mother's pragmatism. "Appearances can be deceiving."

His mind buzzed with anticipation as they reached the mansion. Elio led him to his room, where Jayden couldn't resist focusing on the scroll.

Heeding his father's advice, Jayden decided to first decipher the cryptic inscription swirling across the aged parchment. As he poured his concentration into the scroll, the faded lettering pulsed with ethereal light, revealing the skill's name:

[Paradigm Shift]: Unveiling the Fabric of Reality.

A gasp escaped Jayden's lips. The description that materialized before him sent shivers down his spine:

[Paradigm Shift]: Unveiling the Fabric of Reality.

A unique ability that allows the user to manipulate the very fabric of reality itself. But be mindful, that such power can have devastating repercussions if not used wisely.

The words danced before his eyes. The power to alter the very laws of the universe, or so he thought– it was almost too much to comprehend. A tremor of excitement ran through him, quickly followed by a wave of apprehension. The scroll's warning echoed in his mind – misuse of this power could have catastrophic consequences.

He reread the description several times, his mind struggling to grasp the immense potential and the terrifying responsibility that came with it.

Lost in thought, Jayden barely registered Elio entering the room.

"Intriguing, isn't it?" his father remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Jayden looked up, his face a mixture of awe and trepidation. "It's… incredible, Father. But also scary. What if I mess up? What if I break something?"

Elio knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Haha, Jayden, you will soon learn that it isn't that easy to 'break' things, even though you possess a great skill, but the potential for destruction is certainly there," he admitted with his voice grave.

"But with great power comes great responsibility. You'll receive proper training to understand the intricacies of this skill, and to wield it with precision and control. It won't be easy, Jayden. It will demand immense focus, discipline, and a deep understanding of the consequences."

Jayden nodded. "I understand. I won't let this power control me. I'll learn to control it."

Elio smiled faintly. "That's the spirit, son. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, your lessons begin. You'll delve into the history of our world, the ongoing conflicts, and the delicate balance of power between Awakeneds and non-Awakeneds."

Excitement bubbled within Jayden. He was about to embark on a journey unlike any other, a journey that would not only shape his future but potentially the fate of the world. As he drifted off to sleep, the image of the swirling inscription on the skill scroll danced behind his eyelids, a constant reminder of the extraordinary power now at his fingertips.