I walked past Annika without even noticing her, lost in my thoughts. My awakening ritual had gone successfully; I had eaten that fish rich in spirituality that the old man left me. But after discovering what my corresponding ritual for the next rank would entail, a wave of anxiety washed over me.

My aspect is deeply connected with the Time pathway. The fifth rank ability I received allowed me to perceive the world in slow motion for a very limited amount of time. And the subsequent ritual requires me to—

“Not even going to greet me, are you?” Annika scoffed, her tone playful yet tinged with mock disappointment. “And here I thought the great Termian wouldn’t forget me after completing his awakening.”

Wh—? How long had she been here? I blinked, momentarily disoriented by her sudden presence.

“N-No, it’s not like that! I didn’t notice you,” I replied impulsively, my voice catching slightly as I turned to face her.

I look up into her eyes, her blue eyes deep like the ocean, her golden hair falling down her shoulders her lips curled into a smile.

I realize i had been fooled, I realize that she was joking with me. I sighed in relief. She laughed, her laugh beautiful as ever.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough! It’s not that funny,” I said, trying to sound serious but failing miserably.

In response, she laughed even harder, the sound brightening the dim corridor we stood in. After a while, her laughter quieted down, and she looked at me with a hint of concern in her voice. “So how did it go?”

“Good,” I replied, feeling a swell of pride mixed with lingering anxiety. “Since my aspect is related to the Time pathway, it took a whole three days just to stimulate the spirituality in my body. But it also developed an ability along with it—it was a real surprise to say the least.”

“Do you have any idea how worried I was?” she exclaimed, her expression shifting to one of genuine concern. “I thought that you had failed the ritual and died. I couldn’t sleep at all these three days.”

Only then did I notice the dark circles under her beautiful eyes—evidence of sleepless nights spent worrying about me. The realization hit hard; all I ever seemed to do was make her worry.

“I... I’m sorry; I really—”

She stopped me with a gentle wave of her hand. “No, I’m sorry! It isn’t your fault. I just couldn’t wait to see you and didn’t know what to say,” she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

Stolen story; please report.

“That’s besides the point! We should celebrate this,” she added, brightening again.

“Celebrate, is it?” I asked, amusement creeping into my tone.

“Isn’t it common for people my age to awaken? Matter of fact, it’s expected.”

She looked at me as if I were crazy. “No! You just turned twenty and you’ve already awakened! Even among the great clans, that’s extraordinary! The Royal Family doesn’t expend resources on the unworthy,” she scolded playfully.

“You find me worthy, do you?” I asked with a grin.

Her cheeks flushed pink at my question, but embarrassment wouldn’t have much effect on her for long.

“If you don’t awaken soon,” I teased dramatically, “I—a peerless talent—might just have to stop seeing you.” But before I could finish she punched me.

“An unparalleled talent!” she scoffed mockingly.

“I might just drop you! If I beat you right here right now, you won’t ever be able to be arrogant with me again, you brat!”

We both burst into laughter again, the sound echoing off the walls like music.

“So where are we going to celebrate?” I asked after our laughter subsided.

“I thought a peerless talent such as yourself would be embarrassed to celebrate something so trivial,” she replied with a teasing smirk.

I scoffed lightly. “Didn’t you suggest it? Besides, I want to make it up to you for making you worry these past few days.”

“You can start by walking with me to the river,” she said with an inviting smile.

I agreed without hesitation.

As we walked through the fields with the sun shining down on us and the warm wind blowing at us i couldn't help but appreciate every moment spent with her, her very presence made the world more beatiful. She was light itself. How did i get so lucky for such a perfect girl to love me I thought, but we made small chat about all kinds of stupid things on the way to the river. About all kinds of things i would never even consider, how the Sun eluminates the World for example how everyone considers it a given but what if one day it doesn't?

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I woke up with tears streaming down my eyes.