TBATE: PRIMORDIAL ASCENSION

Chapter 33: Ellie's Awakening

ARTHUR LEYWIN'S POV:

As I arrived at the Helstea Mansion and stepped through the grand entrance, the maid who greeted me informed me that my mother, along with Ellie and Aunt Tabitha, had gone out shopping and would be back before lunch. While Dad and Uncle Vincent are outside busy with work.

I nodded, understanding that they'd likely be busy for a while. Given that I had some time to myself, I decided to head to my room to settle in.

Before heading upstairs, I asked the maid, "Could you please bring something to eat to my room? And also if you could also arrange some meat for Sylvie?"

The maid smiled warmly and assured me she'd take care of it. With that, I made my way to my room, looking forward to the quiet time and the chance to unwind before the rest of the family returned.

It was almost noon and I had already settled into my room, changing into more comfortable clothes and letting the quiet of the mansion envelop me.

Suddenly, I was interrupted by the sound of voices coming from below. The familiar tones told me that my mother, Alice, Ellie, and Aunt Tabitha had returned from their shopping trip.

I could hear their laughter and chatter growing louder, and a smile tugged at my lips. It had been far too long since I had heard these voices in person. I quickly tidied up a bit and decided to head downstairs to greet them.

As I descended the grand staircase, their conversation became more distinct, filled with warmth and familiarity. When I reached the bottom, I saw them—the sight of my mother, Ellie, and Aunt Tabitha laughing together brought a rush of warmth.

Ellie was the first to spot me. Her eyes lit up, and she broke into a sprint toward me, her small feet pattering against the floor. "Brother!" she exclaimed, launching herself into my arms.

I caught her easily, lifting her into a hug. "Hey, El," I greeted, ruffling her hair.

Mom and Aunt Tabitha smiled at the sight, their arms laden with shopping bags. "Arthur, you're here!" Mom said, her voice full of warmth.

"Yeah, I decided to surprise you all," I replied, still holding Ellie close.

"Well, it's a welcome surprise," Aunt Tabitha added, setting her bags down. "Is Lilia here too?"

I shook my head, "She's busy with student council work, but she said she'll come next week."

Aunt Tabitha's expression faltered slightly upon hearing that Lilia wouldn't be coming, but Mom quickly reassured her, reminding her that Lilia would visit next week.

Suddenly, I felt a strong pulse of mana being drawn in from somewhere close by. My senses sharpened, and I quickly realized it was coming from Ellie. The energy was unmistakable—

"Ellie," I said, my voice steady but urgent, "come with me to the backyard right now."

She looked up at me with wide eyes, sensing the seriousness in my tone. "Is something wrong, Brother?"

"Nothing's wrong," I assured her, "but we need to get outside immediately."

Mom and Aunt Tabitha exchanged concerned glances but didn't ask any questions because of the urgency in my tone. I gently set Ellie down, took her hand, and led her out to the backyard, feeling the pulse of mana growing stronger with each step.

As we stepped into the backyard, the mana pulse around Ellie grew even more intense, almost palpable. I could see the concentration on her face as she tried to make sense of what was happening.

"Ellie, just focus on your sternum," I said gently, kneeling to her level. "Don't fight it, let it flow naturally."

Ellie nodded, her small hands clenched into fists as she tried to concentrate. I kept a close watch, ready to step in if needed. The air around us seemed to hum with energy, and I could see the faint glow of mana beginning to envelop her.