The Void Heart Devourer

Chapter 3: The Altar of Destiny

The gates of the Elarion Sacred Hall opened slowly.

Thousands of eyes were instantly drawn inside. White stone pillars towered along the length of the hall, while a round altar stood majestically in the center of the room. Above it hovered a giant blue crystal, radiating a soft, ethereal light.

"That’s the Awakening Crystal."

"I can finally see it with my own eyes."

Whispers of awe could be heard everywhere.

Participants began entering the hall according to their assigned numbers. In the upper galleries, nobles occupied the seats of honor, while commoners stood in the back. Today, all of Elarion was witnessing the birth of a new generation.

Akseli walked along with the other participants.

Cynical gazes immediately followed him.

"There he is."

"The boy without an Aether Heart."

"To think he still has the nerve to show up."

He did not turn his head.

To him, such mockery had long since become a part of life.

"All participants, gather before the Awakening Altar!"

An elder stepped into the center of the hall.

Dozens of youths quickly formed lines. Some looked confident, while others swallowed hard, nerves showing. Many parents were praying from the galleries.

At the center of the altar, the Awakening Crystal continued to rotate slowly.

It was said that this artifact had been used for thousands of years. No one had ever been able to replicate it or create a new one. The entire continent of Elarion possessed only one.

"Father..."

A participant gripped the hand of the man beside him.

"What if I fail?"

The man laughed softly.

"As long as you have given your best, the Armas family will always be proud of you."

Similar conversations echoed throughout the hall.

Some were given words of encouragement.

Some were embraced by their mothers.

Others made promises to bring home glory.

Only Akseli...

stood all by himself.

He took a piece of bread from a small pouch at his waist.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"At least..."

he whispered quietly.

"...there is still someone who believes in me."

Just as he bit into the bread—

"Move aside."

A cold voice cut through his thoughts.

A young man in a red cloak strode past him without a glance. The black dragon emblem on his chest made several participants quickly scramble to clear a path.

"That’s Kael Draven."

"The number one genius of the Draven Clan."

"I heard he’s been mastering Aether since he was fifteen."

Kael paused briefly in front of Akseli.

"I’ve heard your name."

Akseli raised his head.

"Is that so?"

Kael looked at him fleetingly.

"What a pity."

"People don't know you for your strength."

"But for the pity you inspire."

He left immediately, not waiting for an answer.

Akseli let out a short sigh.

"It seems everyone is fond of managing my life today."

The remark caused several participants to stifle a laugh.

Not far away, Edrik offered a cynical smile.

"Even Kael doesn't consider you worth his time."

Eveliina stood beside him, silent.

Her gaze, however, was fixed on Akseli.

For some reason...

she felt the man was far too calm.

"Is something wrong, My Lady?" Edrik asked.

"No."

"Are you still thinking about him?"

Eveliina shook her head.

"I just want today to be over with."

"Relax."

Edrik smiled.

"Once the results are out, he will finally realize his place."

Before Eveliina could reply, the entire hall suddenly fell silent.

Seven men in luxurious robes entered the room through the main doors.

Every step they took radiated a pressure that made breathing difficult for the participants.

"Patriarch Draven."

"Patriarch Laakso."

"Patriarch Kallio."

One by one, the people stood to pay their respects.

No one dared to remain seated before the leaders of the Seven Great Clans.

A moment later, an old man with a white beard walked toward the altar.

The crystal staff in his hand touched the floor.

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

The hall went deathly silent.

The old man looked over the participants before speaking.

"Today..."

"...you will learn whether the heavens acknowledge your existence."

Not a soul moved.

"Today..."

"...some will become the pride of their families."

"Others..."

"...will return home with regret."

He raised his staff.

The runes on the altar glowed in unison.

The Awakening Crystal spun faster and faster until its blue light filled the entire hall.

"The Awakening Ceremony..."

"...begins!"

A golden scroll floated in the air.

The first name slowly appeared.

Before the elder could even read it—

the entire hall erupted in cheers.

The golden scroll floating beside the Altar Keeper slowly unfurled. The blue light from the Awakening Crystal reflected off its surface, forcing the hall back into silence. All the participants held their breath, waiting for the first name to be announced.

"The first participant," the Altar Keeper said in a calm voice. "Ronan Armas."

A brownhaired youth jolted. He took a deep breath before stepping onto the altar. In the family gallery, a middleaged man stood up, clenching his fists.

"Don't be nervous, Ronan!"

"Show them you are worthy of the Armas name!"

Ronan nodded slowly. He placed his palm on the Awakening Crystal and closed his eyes. A few seconds passed in silence before a blue light suddenly engulfed his entire body.

Whoosh!

The runes on the floor lit up simultaneously. A pillar of light soared toward the ceiling, forcing many participants to shut their eyes against the glare.

"EarthTier Aether Heart!" the Altar Keeper proclaimed.

Applause echoed immediately. Ronan’s father laughed in relief, while the elders of the Armas family nodded to one another.

"Excellent."

"The Armas family still has a worthy successor."

Ronan bowed to the Altar Keeper before stepping down. He could no longer hide the smile on his face.

The Altar Keeper looked back at the golden scroll.

"Next participant."

"Livia Meren."

A petite girl stepped forward. Her face was pale, and she kept her hands tightly clasped.

"Mother... I’m afraid."

A woman in the gallery gave a gentle smile.

"We don't care about the results."

"Just come back safely."

Livia took a deep breath before touching the Awakening Crystal. The light appeared again, but it was much dimmer than before.

"HumanTier Aether Heart."

The atmosphere cooled slightly. There were no cheers, only polite applause from a few. Livia lowered her head, struggling to hold back tears as she stepped down.

Akseli watched it all without a word. In a short span of time, he had witnessed two vastly different fates. One was celebrated for their talent, while the other had to accept the reality that their dreams were not as lofty as their hopes.

"Only one touch..." he murmured softly. "And your entire life is decided."

The remark was heard by someone standing nearby.

"Hmph."

Kael Draven glanced at him before letting out a soft grunt.

"That is how the world works."

Akseli turned his head.

"You seem very certain."

Kael crossed his arms over his chest.

"Because the strong are born to stand at the top."

"While the weak..."

He paused for a moment, then looked at Akseli from head to toe.

"...only serve as stepping stones."

Akseli offered a faint smile.

"Then what happens if, one day, that stepping stone collapses?"

Kael frowned.

But before he could answer, the name of the next participant was called.

One by one, the youths climbed onto the altar. Some succeeded in awakening an EarthTier Aether Heart, while others only managed the HumanTier. Each result was met with cheers or sighs of disappointment, making the tension in the hall grow.

In the honor gallery, the Patriarchs watched without much comment. They occasionally exchanged glances when they spotted a talented participant, but none showed any excessive emotion.

The Altar Keeper opened the golden scroll again. His gaze paused for a moment before he read the next name.

"Eveliina Laakso."

Cheers instantly filled the Sacred Hall.

"The Princess of the Laakso Clan!"

"It’s finally her turn!"

"I’m sure she’ll reach the HeavenTier!"

Eveliina stepped out of the line calmly. Her face remained composed, even though thousands of eyes were now fixed upon her. As she passed Akseli, her pace slowed.

"I hope... you also get the results you desire," she said softly.

Akseli only smiled slightly.

"I hope so."

The short reply left Eveliina silent for a moment before she continued toward the altar.

She stood directly in front of the Awakening Crystal. The Altar Keeper nodded as a signal.

"Please."

Eveliina raised her right hand and slowly touched the surface of the crystal.

A split second later...

BOOOOOOM!!

An explosion of blue light filled the entire Sacred Hall, far brighter than any of the previous participants. Even the Patriarchs, who had been sitting calmly all along, finally rose from their seats.