"Which package would you prefer, the standard awakening costs 15 gold coins, and basic awakening costs 3?" the Log Keeper inquired as he began to jot down the details over parchment.

"Hmm," Aldric's brow furrowed, his fingers tapping gently on his chin as he contemplated his financial situation.

Aldric, who had been aware of these categories beforehand, had managed to save a few gold coins for his son's awakening and his academy fees, along with other expenses. His gaze shifted toward Ethan a flicker of concern crossing his eyes. However, he had already spent a gold coin the previous day to pay for food, which had put a dent in his pocket.

His voice softened as he looked at Ethan and said, "Ethan, find a place to sit, clear your mind, and ready yourself through meditation. The awakening will begin shortly," Aldric directed, not wanting his son to witness his miserable state.

"Okay, Dad," Ethan agreed, slowly moving away and finding a seat in a nearby space.

Aldirc's eyes fixed on the Log Keeper, his gaze steady and addressed the question. "I want to have a standard awakening for my son," he began his voice carrying a bit of unease, "but there's a situation."

Just as he was about to elaborate, the log keeper's voice cut through and he interjected "In that case, you can opt for basic awakening."

Aldirc's fingers twitched involuntarily, a fleeting moment of frustration passing over his features. "No," he said, "Can you please accept this sword and the magic ring as payment?" His eyes flickered toward the mentioned items. He then continued, "I had initially prepared the correct amount but an incident occurred yesterday that left me short"

The memory of yesterday's mishap was still fresh an unwanted intrusion on his plans. Aldric knew the worth of his belongings and understood the gravity of his proposal. Aldric extended the sword and magic ring along with a few gold coins, a glimmer of hope in his eyes that they might accept his offering.

However, the Log keeper's words fell like a heavy blow, shattering his expectations. "Sorry, but we are unable to accept these items as payment. Perhaps you could consider selling them at nearby vendor shops."

While the suggestion to sell at nearby vendor shops held promise, the early hour cast a shadow of doubt. Earlier in the morning when they made their way here, the majority of shops lining the path were closed.

Moreover, the looming prospect of missing today's awakening ceremony weighed heavily on Aldric's mind, each passing second edging closer to potential repercussions for his child's future.

During magic awakening, the threshold for the basic awakening, set at a value of three gleaming gold coins was a sacrifice that many commoners willingly made pooling their hard-earned savings, each piece a beacon of hope for a brighter destiny for their child. Since everyone knows that herbs used in awakening are costly, an investment in their offspring's potential.

Similarly, the path of Standard Awakening demanded a significantly steeper price: a sum of 15 gold coins. Aldric's lifetime effort manifested in this pooled wealth, drawn from his earnings and diverse household income sources.

This route was predominantly favored by nobles and individuals of higher standing who could comfortably bear the expense. For someone like Aldric, however, it was a luxury he willingly embraced, a testament to his unwavering commitment.

Desperation tightened its grip on Aldric's heart, his shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of his predicament. As Aldric's thoughts swirled with the realization of his dire situation, Ethan, who had been quietly observing the exchange from his seat, rose to his feet and approached his father.

His voice held a soothing reassurance as he said, "Dad, don't worry. I'll opt for the basic awakening." Ethan's interruption came before Aldric could even voice his inclination toward the standard awakening.

Just as Ethan's words filled the air, the high priest, who had been seated in close proximity and attentively following the conversation, interjected with a mild curiosity, "So, what happened yesterday that led you to consider selling your items?"

The High Priest's inquiry prompted Aldric to recount the events of the previous day. Slowly and deliberately, he shared the story of the mysterious individual they had encountered at the hotel. This mysterious figure, draped in a black robe had exhibited an insatiable appetite consuming a staggering amount of dishes.

In an instant, the High Priest's eyes flickered, a subtle quiver suggesting a swift comprehension of Aldric's account. Yet, he maintained his attentive posture, allowing the narrative to unfold uninterrupted.

With seamless fluidity, Aldric continued describing the stranger's departure from the hotel, the person gestured in their direction and left without paying for the food. At this point, Ethan interjected, adding a vital detail, "As the person left, I caught a glimpse of silver hair and noticed the exposed skin around the nose. She looked like a woman."

Aldric, perplexed by this revelation, inquired, "Ethan, how did you discern that it was a woman without seeing her face?"

Ethan responded confidently, "The person in the black robe looked like a woman while leaving." As he spoke, he gazed at the memory as if reliving the moment.

The High Priest sighed, his expression sagely knowing. He addressed the Log Keeper, his voice resonating with authority, "Do not charge them any fees. I will personally oversee the rituals today." His tone conveyed both firmness and compassion.

Turning to the Acolytes, he issued clear instructions, guiding their actions as they prepared for the upcoming awakening ceremony. The Acolytes bustled around, the soft shuffling of their robes punctuating the air.

Ethan's curiosity remained unabated, urging him to pose a question to the High Priest. "Your Holiness, may I know the identity of that person?" In response, the High Priest maintained his stance, declining to share the secret.

Accepting the fact that, the High Priest won't reveal any details regarding the person, Aldric chimed in, "But Your Holiness, we cannot possibly accept this for free."

"It's alright," the High Priest assured, his words soothing and reassuring, indicating that the matter had been settled.

Ethan contemplated the situation, his mind running on the possible status of the individual to merit such distinctive attention. However, he had to release those thoughts, for there were more pressing matters that demanded his attention.

"Thank you, Your Holiness," both Ethan and Aldric expressed their gratitude in unison, their voices echoing with appreciation knowing very well that the High Priest himself would overlook the ritual.

During the awakening ceremony, a mystifying yet integral part of a twelve-year-old's journey, the process begins with immersion into an herbal bath. This bath was a concoction of ten select high-quality ingredients, a blend that played a central role in crafting the Arcane Nexus within the body. Each herb resonated with a specific element and the final touch of Harmony Lily ensured the delicate balance among the elemental forces during the awakening.

Upon entering the bath, the awakening would mold the course of their distinct affinity's trajectory. While they retain the freedom to select the elements they wish to master for their future, the awakening guarantees proficiency in at least one specific affinity.

The Divine healer adept in the art of divine blessing magic would cast a healing spell that would facilitate the formation of the nexus. As the herbs concentrate mana within the body—sometimes causing discomfort—the healing magic would gather the dispersed mana and solidify the nexus.

Amidst these intricate steps, the High Priest assumed a role of most importance. His presence during the awakening was more than symbolic—it carried a weight of spiritual guidance and authority. While the Acolytes and the healer executed the tangible aspects of the ritual, the High Priest held the role of spiritual overseer. Usually, these tasks would be carried out by Acolytes itself.

He stood as a conduit between the mortal world and the realm of magic, invoking blessings from the Mana Beings and invoking the divine forces to converge with the awakening process. His prayers, laden with centuries-old wisdom and sacred incantations, served to infuse the ceremony with spiritual energy.

His hands held ceremonial garb, and gestured in a rhythmic dance, guiding the flow of energies and weaving them seamlessly into the awakening's fabric. Through his actions, the High Priest channeled the power of the divine into the ritual, ensuring the nexus's formation resonated not just in the body, but in the soul.

As the herb mixture was being prepared, the room was imbued with the earthy aroma of the concoction. Ethan watched as a gentle steam rose from the tub, swirling and carrying the faint fragrance of the herbs. he stood at the edge of the tub, his heart pounding with anticipation, as the healer, draped in a white robe adorned with symbols of healing magic, gestured for him to proceed.

With a steadying breath, Ethan undressed, the cool air brushing against his skin as he stepped into the tub. The liquid, a mixture that appeared deceptively simple, embraced his body, and he felt a tingle as the herbs made contact with his skin.

The sensation was startling—a myriad of tiny pinpricks, like delicate feet of insects seemed to dance across his skin as the mixture seeped into his pores. Ethan bit his lip against the initial discomfort his fingers clutching the edge of the tub.

He followed the healer's guidance, slowly immersing himself until the liquid reached his shoulders. With a deep breath, he dipped his head beneath the surface, his senses momentarily overwhelmed by the scent and texture of the concoction.

Time seemed to blur as he remained submerged, the steam enveloping him, a cocoon of fragrant warmth. The minutes stretched into moments of reflection, of introspection. Gradually, a gentle heat began to bloom within his chest. It started as a spark, then spread a warmth, reaching his limbs and fingertips. Ethan's heartbeat synced with the rhythm of the awakening, his connection to the elements deepening.

As the High Priest's voice resonated in solemn prayer, invoking the blessings of the Mana Beings, Ethan's senses attuned. Beside him, the healer channeled divine magic.

Within his body, the Arcane Nexus began to take shape. It was a gradual unfolding, a symphony of mana coalescing and converging. Threads of energy, once scattered, now gravitated toward this center. Eight nodes, manifested one by one. Each node held a distinct purpose, a connection to the Arcane Nexus that would anchor and amplify his magical abilities.

With each emerging node, Ethan felt a surge of Mana, the nodes affixed themselves to key points—his heart, mind, palms, feet, and astral. Amidst this symphony, the High Priest's and healer's words acted as a guiding melody. Their blessings, like warm currents of energy, cascaded over him, infusing his being with their intent.

As the incantations began to reverberate in his ears, their echoes resonated through Ethan's consciousness, leading him into the depths of his own mind. Memories that had long lain dormant surged forth with sudden clarity.

In this rush of recollections, Ethan revisited moments from his past—the memories of his mother, and his father's beatings. Vividly, he recalled the fateful day when a bullet pierced his chest on the terrace, a stark image of his own mortality etched into his mind and dying with regrets from the past.

His entire body began to experience a warmth emanating from the developing Arcane Nexus within, amplified by the intensity of his rekindled memories. It was almost as if he was surrendering to the embrace of the darkness within him.

In his efforts to regain consciousness, and amidst the struggles his attempts proved futile. Within this internal darkness, he caught a glimpse of a distant destination—a vast expanse that seemed to call him.

As the darkness folded before his eyes, he found himself in the midst of this vast expanse, stepping into an unfamiliar place. In every direction he looked, he encountered an unending black terrain. Devoid of sound or any tangible presence, the surroundings seemed to envelop him in emptiness—an infinite void.