A feast took place at the Phoenix house that day.

People from all over the province came to celebrate the awakening of Phoenix clan's fourth son.

Elijah Phoenix beamed as he welcomed each esteemed guest into the house and over dinner he explained with gusto how his son, who was well past the Age of Finality had awakened. They all had a truly excellent time listening fervently to the tale that Elijah told.

"...and he then knocked out Noah's spear out of his hands, they thought they were alone, but I was watching them and when I saw Levi fall to his knees I rushed out from my hiding sp- Ehm! I mean my observation area, but just before I reached I heard Noah announce that he had finally awakened", Everyone looked in awe at Levi, a boy awakening after his Age of Finality, it was almost unheard of.

After everyone had ate and drank to their fill, it was time for the main event. Elijah clinked his glass to get everyone's attention, the chattering toned down. The large and spacious main hall of the Phoenix family, capable of holding almost 15,000 people, became pin - drop silent.

Elijah cleared his throat, "As the esteemed guests who have gathered here know, it is time for the 'Awakening Ritual' ", He said. The crowd grew restless, it was finally here, the event that tested the mettle of the newly - awakened warriors.

'Awakening Ritual' was an ancient tradition that has been fervently practiced by the 7 major clans for centuries. In this age - old custom the newly awakened warrior of the family would have to accept the challenge of warriors who would wish to test him/her. The fight would go on until the awakened is defeated or until there are no challengers left. Usually nobody lasted more than 2 or 3 rounds, mostly because the experienced warriors sometimes went all out to teach the greenhorns a lesson.

"And I would like to invite those brave enough to challenge my Levi, to please come forward", Elijah chuckled. The crowd started to get more and more excited. The atmosphere was electric, it was the raw joy of watching two men attempt to cut each other down. The thrill of bloodshed which cause people to fight each other, the very same thrill was running through each and every person seated there, men and women alike.

There was a raised platform in the center of the main hall. It was prepared for the upcoming ritual, four flame pillars stood at each corner. The platform was adorned with the most beautiful carpets that would allow for ease of combat.

Levi took a deep breath, grabbed a training sword ( he hadn't been issued an official one ) and walked out on the platform. His heart was thumping in his throat. The crowd let out an enormous cheer when they saw Levi walking out on to the platform.

"So, who would like to have the first go?", Elijah asked. Everyone looked among themselves, the first challenger usually would be an unawakened youth, the veterans preferred to wait and observe the capabilities of the awakened warrior.

"I will go first", someone spoke up. All eyes turned towards the person who had just spoken. It was a young man, around 25 years of age, with a chocolate coloured skin and hazel tinted eyes. He had jet black hair that fell with an easy grace onto his forehead. A gasp ran through the crowd. People began to whisper among themself.

"Hey, isn't he Lee Hyuga, one of the sons of the White Tiger Clan?", someone said.

"Seems like it, wasn't he the runner up in last year's martial tournament?" A woman replied to the man's query.

"It's said that he had already learned every single one of the White Tiger's special techniques", another one said.

"Shit", Levi thought to himself, he was practically shivering down there, "Why did I have to pull one of the best upcoming warrior from the 7 clans", a cold sweat trickled down from his brow.

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"Oh! Look who we have here" Exclaimed Elijah, "If it isn't one of the kittens from the White Cat clan" Guffawed Elijah, the crowd joined with gusto in his laughter. Lee threw a cold glance towards Elijah, he then turned towards Levi and gave him a smile that said, "You are dead meat", he mimicked slitting his throat and pointed at Levi

"I'm dead", Levi mumbled to himself, he said a silent prayer to the heavens to at least spare his remains.

"Oho, praying to Gods now, are we?" A female voice erupted in his ears.

"Freya..." Levi began.

"Don't worry, I wanted to guide you through the battle but I have other things to do, so I have thought of a perfect gift for you", she smiled. The symbol on his hand started to glow and a searing pain erupted through it.

"Hello master, I will be your guide and partner from now on", a female voice chirped in his ear. Levi almost fell over in surprise, it earned a huge laugh from the crowd and a few rude snickers as well.

"Do not worry Levi, this is Esther, I have personally assigned her to help you on your journey, she is a highly intelligent fairy and do not worry, I will always be here for your help, just do not speak of Folkvanger to anyone else. Farewell", and with that Freya completely disappeared from his mind. Levi tried to reach her but there was no response but he knew it was not going to be the last time he ever saw her.

" Do not worry master, nobody but you will be able to see or hear me", Esther said, she was what Tinker Bell would look like if she actually existed ( Esther claims Tinker's her distant cousin ) with pretty blue eyes and blonde her, she was no bigger than Levi's palm.

By this time Lee had made his way down to the platform, the crowd were on the edge of the seats urging and egging both of them on. Lee brought out his own sword, it was emblazoned with the White Tiger clan's symbol, it was a sleek, wicked weapon which gleamed in the moonlight. Lee raised his sword and said.

"Since you are just a recently awakened warrior I will go easy on you, try to live up to my expectations", Lee said, the crowd drew their breath, this was going to be really interesting, Levi could already feel them brimming over with anticipation.

"Thank you for your concern Lee, but I don't need it. I am strong and proud enough to cut you down with my own strength", Levi said. The crowd went mad, the newly awakened boy was beyond their expectations, to be able to call out one of the strongest warriors in the new generation during his Awakening Ritual, he must be truly a monster. The truth however, was a bit different. Levi was scared stiff and shocked at his own words, he had just made the whole ordeal more difficult for himself, Lee shot him a cold smile, the air around him turned electric.

"So be it, wonder boy", Lee said. Wonder boy? Levi mentally cringed at his new nickname. He didn't want to be wonder boy. He looked towards his father. Elijah shot him an encouraging smile and a thumbs up. Besides him Noah gave a curt nod.

Levi turned towards Lee and readied his stance, he felt energy surge through him. Being awakened was truly as awesome as they said it was, Levi smiled to himself.

"Let the ritual begin!" The coordinator indicated. The crowd gave a loud cheer as both the warriors rushed towards each other.

"He is fast", Levi thought to himself as Lee's sword clashed against his, sparks flew, the crowd gasped and cheered. Lee pulled back and attempted to scythe Levi on his right side but Levi had already anticipated it, he blocked it and tried to shift Lee's weight onto his opposite leg, but Lee let go of his weapon. Levi looked up in surprise. Lee readied his leg and launched a bruising kick to Levi's stomach. His leg was like a blur of lightning, Levi saw Lee's leg glow blue.

"Dammit, White Tiger's kicking technique. I forgot about that", Levi cursed. He was not in a position to block Lee's nor was he able to dodge it, his sharp mind worked at an even faster rate to formulate a plan. Within a second he was able to create a whole new counter attack.

First he pulled his body back to cushion the blow as much as was humanly possible. The impact was softened still the breath got knocked out of his lungs. He then took hold of Lee's leg with his free hand.

"Huh?" Lee's face erupted in confusion. The audience drew their breath, this was getting surprisingly nerve racking. Elijah was gripping the railing of his private viewing station, his knuckles had gone white from the pressure he was putting on them.

Levi pulled on Lee's leg to throw him off balance, as Lee began to slip Levi knocked the side of his head with the blunt edge of his sword. Lee gave a yelp of pain. Levi then began to pour all his concentration into his right elbow. He took a careful aim and plummeted it into Lee's solar plexus.

Spittle flew out of Lee's mouth as he fell to the ground, knocked unconscious. The crowd remained silent, watching in shock. Levi looked at his father, he smiled at him.

"The winner is Levi Phoenix", the coordinator announced. The crowd burst into applause.

He had won.