Eldoria: The Awakening

Chapter III

始まり

Lucian woke up, his mind groggy and disoriented. He blinked against the harsh fluorescent lights above, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled his nostrils. As he shifted slightly, a sharp pain shot through his side, causing him to wince.

"Where... where am I?" he muttered to himself.

The door creaked open, and Master Kael entered the room, her face a mixture of relief and concern. "You're awake," she said softly, moving to his bedside.

"How long have I been here?" Lucian asked, his voice raspy and weak.

"About a week now," Master Kael replied, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Lucian frowned, trying to sit up, but the pain forced him back down. "Are the tests complete?"

Master Kael nodded. "Yes, they are. The Seishin Pages are still deliberating. They need time to assess everything."

Lucian sighed deeply, feeling a wave of disappointment wash over him.
"I did my best..."

"I know you did," Master Kael said, her voice reassuring. "You pushed yourself harder than anyone expected."

Lucian tried to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Where's my father?" he asked, his voice tinged with bitterness.

"Your father has been busy," Master Kael said carefully.

"Too busy to see me?" Lucian snapped,
"Of course. Too busy as always."anger flaring in his eyes

Master Kael remained silent, her expression sympathetic but resigned. Lucian's father, the head of the clan, had never been there for him. Lucian had everything he could ever want luxuries, games, training but the one thing he truly desired, his father's love and attention, had always been out of reach.

The last conversation Lucian had with his father was on his thirteenth birthday. It was brief and formal, more like a business transaction than a celebration. Since then, his father had been a distant figure, more concerned with clan affairs than his own son.

"Lucian," Master Kael said gently, "I know it's hard. But you need to focus on your recovery now. The Seishin Pages saw your potential. That's what matters."

Lucian clenched his fists, trying to suppress his anger. "I just... I wanted him to be proud of me."

Master Kael's eyes softened. "He is proud, in his own way. But sometimes, people have a hard time showing it."

Lucian sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and sadness. "I just wish things were different."

Master Kael squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "Rest now. You've been through a lot. We'll deal with everything else when the time comes."

A WEEK LATER

Lucain returned home with Master Kael the moment they stepped through the grand entrance,The household came alive.Servents,maids and other staff greeted them warmly

Their face lit with genuine relief and happiness.Lucian couldn't help but smile, Though a part of him felt the weight of the empty halls and silent rooms