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"Wake up, sleepyhead. The sun is about to set, and it's time for you to get up. Are you feeling any better? The local pharmacist said you should be awake by now."
A voice, soft yet filled with warmth, pulled me from the depths of unconsciousness. My eyelids felt heavy, but I forced them open. Instead of the infinite white void I vaguely remembered, I found myself in a dimly lit room. The air carried a musty scent, and the wooden walls showed signs of age and wear. The only sources of light were a single flickering candle mounted on the wall and a small, grimy window that barely let in any evening glow.
I took a quick scan of my surroundings before focusing on myself. I was lying on a rough mattress placed directly on the wooden floor, covered in thin sheets that barely provided warmth. The room was simple—too simple. A wooden chair sat in the corner, a few scattered clothes on the floor, and a rickety dresser that looked like it had seen better days.
My gaze finally landed on the girl sitting beside me, watching me with a bright smile. She looked around sixteen, with short auburn hair and lively green eyes filled with amusement. Judging by her expression, she was the source of the noise that woke me up.
I needed information. If this was the usual reincarnation or transmigration scenario, then I had to play along. Feigning amnesia seemed like the best course of action, especially since I was supposedly recovering from an illness.
"Hello. Who are you? Where am I? Who am I?" I asked, making sure my voice carried the right amount of confusion. If memory loss was expected, I might as well use it to my advantage.
Her eyes widened briefly before she nodded, as if confirming something to herself. "The pharmacist did mention there could be some memory loss, but nothing too serious. We can help you recover it."
She took a deep breath and smiled before continuing. "Your name is Kaelus Kuon. You're fifteen years old and an orphan, living in an orphanage. You were the last of the boys to be chosen for the Awakening Ceremony, which will determine where you belong. There are four of us in the orphanage: me, Ivy Kurt; our eldest sister, Nadine Mayer; second sister, Mira Feit; and you, the youngest. Sister Kat, our caretaker, took us in when we were abandoned here. She's 87 now, quite old but still taking care of us. Tomorrow is your sixteenth birthday, which means your Ascension Pathway Ceremony will begin. It's a big day for you, so rest well tonight."
I processed the information. Kaelus Kuon—that was my new name. But was this truly reincarnation? Or was it transmigration? I couldn't be sure yet. For now, I had a place, people who considered me family, and an upcoming event that was clearly significant. The Awakening Ceremony—a defining moment in this world.
I was curious about my sisters' awakenings, but that could wait. Testing my abilities seemed more pressing. I tried to summon my energy, imagining how it worked in the novels I had read. Nothing happened. No surge of power, no warmth in my core. If I had some kind of cheat ability, I had no clue how to activate it.
Pushing my thoughts aside, I realized my stomach was empty. Prioritizing food over existential questions seemed wise for now.
"Sure, let's go, Ivy. I'm starving," I admitted.
Her eyes lit up, and she jumped up, rushing out as if she had been waiting for those words. With a sigh, I got up and changed into something decent before following her.
Dining Room
The dining room door creaked open as I stepped in. The room was modest but lively, with four people already seated around a worn wooden table. As I walked in, Ivy wasted no time in commenting.
"Did you get a makeover while you were sick? Seriously, why do you look so different? If your skin is this unique, I want it too. Waking up beautiful sounds amazing!"
Laughter erupted at her remark.
A young woman, likely eighteen, smirked. "Ivy, even a transformation like that wouldn't help you."
"Hey! That was mean, Nadine! I'm still growing!" Ivy huffed.
More laughter followed until an elderly woman, who I assumed was Sister Kat, gestured for me to sit down. Her presence radiated warmth, like a grandmother watching over her grandchildren.
"Kael, are you feeling better?" Her voice was gentle yet firm. "The doctor warned us about possible memory loss, but he said this is the best-case scenario."
"I feel fine now. Aside from the memory loss, I have no other issues. Thank you for taking care of me."
Sister Kat nodded approvingly. "That's good to hear. But, on a serious note, how did you change so much?"
The three girls mirrored her curiosity, their gazes scanning me with suspicion and fascination.
"Change?" I frowned. I had no idea what they were talking about.
Mira, the second eldest, leaned forward. "You should check the mirror in the restroom. You might be in for a surprise."
Following her suggestion, I stood up and walked towards the restroom. As I stepped in front of the mirror, I froze.
Staring back at me was not my original reflection. My once dark hair was now a striking shade of silver, and my eyes—a deep, ember-like silver—glowed faintly under the candlelight.
I touched my face, half-expecting it to be an illusion.
"Well… this is definitely new."
I turned my hand over, studying my palm, trying to see if there were any strange markings or signs of power. There was nothing. Just the smooth skin of a hand that did not feel entirely like my own.
Was this the effect of my Awakening? Or something else entirely?
"Kael?" Ivy called from outside. "Are you alright?"
I took a deep breath, forcing my thoughts into order. I needed answers, but I wouldn't find them standing here. I had to move forward.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I called back before glancing at my reflection one last time. "I guess this is my welcome to the new world."
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