Chapitre 243: Name to Carry Forward
The morning sun bathed the Sanctum of Eternity in golden light as Lyrus stood before Tyren, his expression calm yet thoughtful. The boy, now officially his ward, looked up at the Eternal Sovereign with a mixture of awe and determination.
"You have chosen to walk a path of strength and responsibility," Lyrus began, his voice resonating with authority. "But to do so, you must leave behind the remnants of your old life. A new name will mark your new beginning."
Tyren's breath caught. "A new name?"
Lyrus nodded. "Names carry power and meaning. From this day forward, you will be known as Kaelion, a name that signifies strength, resilience, and the ability to rise above any challenge. Carry it with pride."
The boy—now Kaelion—knelt before Lyrus, his small frame trembling with emotion. "I won't let you down, Father."
The word hung in the air, surprising even Lyrus. Though he had taken the boy as his ward, the use of "Father" struck a chord deep within him. He placed a hand on Kaelion's shoulder, his golden eyes softening. "Rise, Kaelion. Your journey begins now."
Kaelion's first day at the Amber Academy, the most prestigious school in the empire, was met with both excitement and scrutiny. The academy, located near the heart of Emberhaven, was where the empire's brightest minds and strongest warriors were trained. As the ward of the Eternal Sovereign, Kaelion's arrival did not go unnoticed.
Whispers followed him as he entered the grand hall. Students, nobles' children, and commoners alike stole glances, their curiosity mingled with envy.
"Is that him?" one boy whispered. "The orphan the emperor took in?"
"He doesn't look like much," a girl scoffed. "Why would the Eternal Sovereign choose him?"
Kaelion felt their stares but kept his head high, remembering Lyrus' words: Strength is more than power—it is also the ability to endure.
His first class was combat training, where he faced a series of challenges designed to test the students' abilities. Though smaller and less experienced than many of his peers, Kaelion refused to back down. He dodged, countered, and adapted with a determination that surprised even the instructors.
"Impressive," one instructor remarked. "The boy fights as though he has everything to prove."
By the end of the day, Kaelion had earned a mixture of respect and resentment. Some admired his resolve, while others saw him as an outsider who had yet to earn his place.
During his free days, Kaelion explored Emberhaven under the watchful eyes of Lucidus and the guardians assigned to protect him. The boy was awestruck by the grandeur of the empire, from the golden spires of the city to the bustling markets filled with goods from every corner of Amber Heavens.
As he walked through the streets, merchants and citizens greeted him warmly. "Young Kaelion!" a merchant called out, offering him a ripe fruit. "A gift for the ward of our Eternal Sovereign."
Kaelion smiled shyly, bowing in thanks. Despite his growing confidence, he struggled to reconcile his newfound status with his humble origins. The weight of being associated with Lyrus was both a blessing and a challenge.
In the quieter corners of the city, Kaelion found himself drawn to the stories of ordinary citizens. He listened to blacksmiths, farmers, and traders, learning about their lives and their hopes for the future.
"You listen well for someone so young," an elderly woman remarked. "Your father chose wisely when he brought you here."
Kaelion blushed but felt a sense of pride. He promised himself he would honor the trust placed in him, not just by Lyrus but by the people of Amber Heavens.
Life in Amber Heavens was not without its difficulties. While many welcomed Kaelion, others resented his presence, particularly among the nobles and their children.
During an advanced combat lesson, Kaelion faced a boy named Varyon, the eldest son of a powerful noble family. Varyon, tall and confident, sneered as he stepped into the ring. "Let's see if the emperor's pet can fight."
The match began, and Kaelion quickly found himself on the defensive. Varyon was skilled and relentless, his strikes precise and powerful. But Kaelion's determination burned brighter. He recalled the lessons he had learned in the academy and from Lyrus' example: patience, adaptability, and focus.
When Varyon overextended on an attack, Kaelion seized the opportunity. With a quick sidestep and a well-timed counter, he disarmed his opponent, leaving the audience stunned.
As Varyon scowled and stormed off, the instructor clapped. "Well done, Kaelion. You fight with the heart of a true warrior."
That evening, Kaelion returned to the palace, where Lyrus awaited him. The boy recounted the day's events, his voice tinged with both pride and frustration.
"You will face many like Varyon," Lyrus said. "Not everyone will see your worth. But remember this: your actions will always speak louder than their words."
Kaelion nodded, his resolve strengthened. He was no longer the orphan lying half-dead beneath a tree. He was Kaelion, ward of the Eternal Sovereign, and he was determined to prove himself worthy of that name.
The days ahead would be filled with challenges, but Kaelion embraced them, knowing he had the guidance of Lyrus and the support of Amber Heavens to shape his future.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone