Chapter 163: Hall of the Eternal Crystal

Lukas picked up a piece of still-warm bread, feeling the heat against his fingers. The butter melted across its surface, creating a golden sheen.

However, his mind remained elsewhere. His gaze seemed to pass through the table, the wall, and the city, fixed on something only he could see.

The Eternal Crystal. What would the moment be like? Would the crystal truly reveal everything he possessed? Or only part of his abilities? The books he had read in the Hark Castle library mentioned that the Crystal revealed a person’s innate abilities, those that were part of their very essence.

But he had something different, abilities inherited from his beasts. How would that be interpreted?

Judite, on the other hand, could barely remain seated. Her body moved constantly, unable to stay still. She nibbled on a piece of bread. Took a sip of juice. Looked toward the door. Then she went back to swinging her feet anxiously.

"Can we go already?" she asked for the third time, her voice filled with impatience.

Clavor calmly raised his eyes, wearing the look he used whenever he wanted to remind someone who was in charge.

"Judite."

She froze, her mouth closing instantly.

"The hall operates all day. There is no priority line."

"...Okay." Her voice was small, defeated.

"Then at least finish half your breakfast before you start complaining."

The girl sighed dramatically, her shoulders drooping.

"Fine..."

Aurora smiled as she stroked her hair, her fingers gently running through the brown strands.

Lukas simply watched his sister. It was curious. She seemed even more anxious about his Awakening than he was. The concern, the anticipation, the excitement, it all seemed magnified within the girl who could barely contain her energy.

That brought a faint smile to his face.

Some time later, after they had finished breakfast, Ronan approached them again. His steps were firm, his presence imposing.

The large man placed one hand on Lukas’s shoulder, its weight conveying a sense of reassurance.

"Good luck today, boy." His voice carried sincerity, a genuine wish that everything would go well.

During the past few days, the two had talked several times. Lukas had discovered that Ronan also had a son around his age. The boy had awakened a few weeks earlier and was now training in the capital, following in his father’s footsteps.

"The Eternal Crystal..." Ronan said, looking directly into the boy’s eyes, his expression serious.

"The crystal sees what exists within the essence of every person. Don’t worry about what will appear. Just trust it."

His smile softened into one of encouragement.

"Trust it."

Lukas nodded, feeling the weight of those words.

"Thank you."

A few minutes later, the carriage was already waiting in front of the inn. The horses stamped their hooves against the stone pavement impatiently, their breath forming small clouds of vapor in the cool morning air.

This time, Clavor personally took the reins. He knew this was an important moment and wanted to be the one in control.

As soon as everyone boarded, the carriage began making its way through the wide avenues of Great Rock City.

The morning sun fully illuminated the city, bathing the streets in golden light that made everything seem more alive.

Shops were beginning to open their doors, their storefronts revealing themselves beneath the morning light. Blacksmiths lit their forges, the glow of the fire reflecting across their sweat-covered faces.

Bakeries filled the air with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and cakes, a scent that made stomachs rumble even after breakfast. Merchants loudly advertised fresh fruit, their voices blending together into a symphony of offers.

A small group of musicians played flutes and lutes in a nearby square, their cheerful melodies echoing between the buildings. Children ran through the streets playing with one another, their laughter ringing like silver bells.

Lukas watched everything through the window. Perhaps it was nervousness. Perhaps anticipation. Every detail seemed far more vivid that morning, as if the world itself were celebrating the occasion.

After approximately forty minutes of travel, the carriage finally left the commercial district. The streets became wider, and the buildings more imposing.

Soon after, a monumental structure appeared before them. Even though he had visited the place years earlier to witness Judite’s Awakening, Lukas still felt a shiver run down his spine.

The Hall of the Eternal Crystal.

The building had only one floor. Even so, it radiated an imposing presence that was difficult to describe. Thick columns of white marble supported the entire structure, each carved with stories of heroes and gods. Golden runes subtly traced the ceiling, glowing with a light of their own.

There were no large windows. Only small openings near the top that allowed natural light to enter without exposing the interior. Its entire architecture inspired reverence, a blend of power and mystery.

Above the enormous double doors of dark wood, a white marble plaque reflected the morning sunlight. The engraved words glowed faintly.

"Hall of the Eternal Crystal..." Lukas murmured quietly as he stepped down from the carriage. His eyes traveled across the facade, taking in every detail.

Last time... he had only watched. He had stood in line, waiting while Judite underwent her Awakening, observing the crystal’s radiance from afar. Today... it was his turn.

A small line had already formed. Around fifteen families waited patiently, speaking in low voices while their children looked around with wide eyes.

Each family had a child around five years old. Some jumped up and down with excitement, unable to contain their energy. Others hid behind their parents’ legs, shy before the unknown. Some looked ready to cry, clinging tightly to their mothers’ skirts.

Compared to the other children, Lukas immediately stood out. He was much taller, his head rising above most of the other boys and girls. Much broader, his shoulders displayed a frame the others lacked. His body seemed to belong to a boy of eight or even nine years old.

Whispers spread through the line. The parents looked at him curiously, some quietly whispering among themselves. The children stared at him with a mixture of admiration and intimidation.

"I hope I awaken a sword ability!" said a red-haired boy, gesturing enthusiastically.

"I want to become a mage like my aunt!" replied a girl beside him, her eyes sparkling.

"I hope I can help my father on the farm!" murmured another child more quietly.