The Last Celestial Tamer

Chapter 5

The first light of dawn had barely touched the mountains when the roads leading to the Royal Ascension Grounds became crowded. 

Carriages decorated with noble crests rolled along the wide stone roads one after another, while horses clad in polished silver armor pulled wealthy families toward the capital. 

Merchants eagerly opened colorful stalls beside the streets, calling out to passing travelers as they displayed charms, food, and lucky trinkets for the thousands of visitors expected to attend.

Today was unlike any other day.

Today was the Soul Familiar Ascension Ceremony. It was the day that decided a young person's future.

A single awakening could raise a common child to greatness, while a single failure could shatter generations of noble pride.

For every eighteen-year-old across the kingdom, this ceremony was far more than a celebration. It was a judgment that would shape the rest of their lives.

Lucien rode in the last carriage belonging to the Ashcroft family. Not inside. Outside.

He sat beside the driver, exposed to the cold morning wind while the nobles rested comfortably behind thick velvet curtains.

The driver barely spared him a glance before speaking. "You should feel lucky."

Lucien turned toward him. "Lucky?"

The driver gave a dry laugh. "Most servants aren't even allowed this close to the ceremony."

Lucien looked quietly toward the road ahead. "I'm not a servant."

The driver snorted with open contempt. "Then what are you?"

Lucien opened his mouth, but no words came. He had no answer.

The question lingered in his mind for the rest of the journey, following him like a shadow he could never escape.

Several hours later, the capital finally appeared on the horizon.

Its enormous white walls stretched farther than the eye could see, while magnificent golden towers pierced the morning sky. Colorful banners fluttered proudly from rooftops, and countless people filled the bustling streets below. Children laughed as they chased one another through the crowds, street performers entertained visitors with dazzling tricks, and priests offered blessings to young participants preparing for the ceremony.

The entire city overflowed with excitement.

The Ashcroft carriages passed through the eastern gate without delay. The guards immediately recognized Lady Eleanor's family crest and saluted respectfully as the convoy entered.

Power always recognized power.

When the carriage stopped, Lucien quietly climbed down.

The moment his boots touched the ground, whispers began spreading through the nearby crowd.

"That's the Ashcroft family."

"I heard Cassian will awaken something legendary."

"They say he's one of the greatest talents of this generation."

"What about the other boy?"

A brief silence followed before someone answered. "Oh...That's the bastard."

The whispers spread quickly from one group to another.

Lucien lowered his head and continued walking several steps behind the Ashcroft family.

Just like always.

Before long, they reached the Royal Ascension Grounds.

Lucien stopped walking. His eyes widened in astonishment as he took in the breathtaking sight before him. He had never imagined anything so magnificent.

The ceremony arena was larger than ten castles combined, with thousands of stone seats rising in perfect circles around a massive platform. Noble banners fluttered proudly in the cool morning breeze, each displaying the proud crest of one of the kingdom's great houses.

Yet none of those sights captured Lucien's attention for long.

High above the center of the arena floated something that seemed impossible.

An enormous crystal altar hung effortlessly in the sky without chains, pillars, or any visible support. It was taller than a house, and brilliant golden light flowed through its transparent surface like an endless river. Ancient symbols drifted gracefully around it, spinning through the air in slow, elegant circles.

The crystal looked less like something crafted by human hands… And more like a small star that had descended from the heavens.

Everyone who looked upon it gradually fell silent as awe spread across the arena.

Even Lucien could only stare.

For a brief moment, every sound around him faded away. "So that's...the Sacred Crystal."

An elderly man standing nearby smiled proudly as he noticed Lucien's amazement. "It has floated there for more than two thousand years. It is the one that chooses every Soul Familiar."

The old man's grandson looked up at the crystal with wide, innocent eyes. "Does it ever make mistakes?"

The old man chuckled softly before shaking his head. "Never."

Lucien quietly listened. That single word settled deep inside his heart. “Never.”

A sudden blast of trumpets echoed across the enormous arena, bringing every conversation to an immediate end.

A man dressed in flowing white robes stepped onto the platform beneath the floating crystal. His long silver beard reached nearly to his waist, while intricate golden runes shimmered across his robes with gentle magical light.

When he finally spoke, magic carried his powerful voice to every corner of the arena. "Welcome. I am High Summoner Aldric. Today, another generation shall meet the companions destined for their souls."

Thunderous applause swept through the audience.

High Summoner Aldric slowly raised one hand, and the cheering gradually faded until complete silence returned. "The familiar you awaken today is far more than a beast. It is your partner. Your strength. Your future. It reflects your heart, your spirit, and your destiny. No person may choose their familiar. The Sacred Crystal chooses for you."

Lucien listened to every word without blinking. His chest tightened with quiet anxiety.

Would the Sacred Crystal truly reveal his destiny? Or would Lady Eleanor find a way to ensure that he never received one at all?

The ceremony finally began.

One by one, young heirs stepped onto the platform beneath the floating crystal. Each participant placed a hand against its glowing surface while thousands of spectators watched in breathless anticipation. Then the crystal answered.

Magic erupted across the arena.

The first awakening belonged to a noble girl dressed in elegant blue robes.

The Sacred Crystal burst with brilliant light as a towering pillar of icy energy shot into the heavens. A freezing wind swept across the arena, and snow began falling despite the warmth of the morning sun.

A powerful roar echoed through the air.

From the heart of the frozen light emerged a massive white wolf. Its thick fur shimmered like untouched snow beneath moonlight, while blue lightning danced between its razor-sharp fangs.

"It is a Frost Storm Wolf!"

The crowd erupted into cheers.

The girl's parents embraced each other with tears of joy streaming down their faces.

The majestic wolf lowered its head affectionately and rubbed against its master's shoulder before dissolving into countless glowing particles that gathered into a magical crest upon her hand.

The next awakening proved even more spectacular.

A young heir from House Varen stepped forward and placed his hand upon the Sacred Crystal.

The ground trembled beneath everyone's feet.

Golden flames erupted skyward, forming a blazing pillar that illuminated the entire arena. Moments later, a magnificent bird spread enormous wings of living fire across the heavens.

It was a Phoenix.

Gasps spread through the audience as people rose from their seats in disbelief.

"A Phoenix!"

"Incredible!"

"It has been decades!"

The legendary bird soared gracefully above the arena before releasing a beautiful cry that echoed across the distant mountains. 

Children pointed excitedly toward the sky, while even the proudest nobles struggled to hide their admiration.

Another heir soon approached the crystal.

This time, dark mist slowly spread across the platform, swallowing the brilliant light beneath an eerie veil of shadow. Soft hissing echoed from every direction until a giant black serpent emerged from the darkness. Its scales reflected no light at all, and its crimson eyes glowed with an unsettling intensity.

"Shadow Serpent!"

Several spectators instinctively stepped backward as chills ran through the crowd.

The enormous serpent calmly coiled itself around its master's shoulders before dissolving into dark light and disappearing into another glowing crest upon the young heir's hand.