Chapter 4: Baptism Ceremony
Cutting through that serene morning, the city guards noticed the approaching convoy and quickly opened the gate for us.
Above the gate, the city's name, 'Avalonia,' proudly stood.
The horse-filled convoy galloped along the cobblestones, capturing everyone's attention.
Strong, gallant knights escorted the carriage.
As the convoy passed, the people let out gasps of admiration, astonished by the grand arrival of the nobles.
Their astonishment turned to cheers when they saw the royal family crest on the banner held high by the flag bearer.
Merchants and tradespeople lined both sides of the road.
"It's been five years since Prince Archie's birth!"
"Today must be his baptism ceremony!"
"Congratulations, Your Royal Highness!" The bystanders cheered in unison.
While the convoy continued its journey, Archie joyfully reflected, "I've finally realized that I've truly become a prince, and these people are now my subjects."
The grand cathedral came into view, and the carriage came to a halt.
The massive church exuded a refreshing presence.
The royal family disembarked and made their way towards the entrance, where they were warmly greeted by the bishop and various nobles.
Duke and Duchess Blackthorn were the first to step forward to greet them.
"Your Majesty, it's wonderful to see each other again," remarked Rowan Blackthorn, a kind and burly man.
"Indeed, Your Majesty," added his wife, Thalia Blackthorn.
"It's good to see you again. Let's continue our conversation inside," Henry suggested.
As they moved in, their children followed them. A girl of the same age as Archie playfully poked him with a smile.
Archie thought, 'Why is this kid touching me?'
"Auntie, is he my cousin?" asked the five-year-old.
"Who else would he be, Rose?" Reina replied with a smile.
They continued walking to their seats.
…
Several noble children underwent a baptism ceremony to awaken their mana, measure their quality, and determine their magic compatibility.
In front of the rows of seats, there was a gray stone.
When a person placed their hand on the stone, it infused them with mana, awakened their mana circuit, and determined their magic abilities.
"We shall begin with Cedric Ironheart," announced the bishop in charge.
"Here!" Cedric exclaimed as he walked towards the stone.
From the age of four, a child's body that's open up towards the sky begins to close.
From then on, the child's mana ability stays stagnant, it takes a great deal of effort to evolve it from there.
And the ceremony that takes place where such kids are gathered to determine their magic ability is right here, the baptism ceremony.
"Ooh, it's fire! Fire! Judging from the light emitted from the stone, it's of great quality." Someone from the audience remarked.
"As expected of the Ironheart family, what amazing talent." added someone.
"It's an attribute well suited for a swordsman, focus on channeling the fire forth." Advised King Henry.
"Next, from the Moonstone family, Elera Moonstone," the bishop continued, as a girl approached the stone.
Archie observed, "I understand the concept now, the brighter the light shines indicates mana purity, while the stone's color reveals the mana's attribute. That's how this world evaluates talent."
"Will there be another prodigy from the Moonstone family?" someone wondered.
"Well, they are the Moonstone family for a reason, they are a marquise household," added another.
Archie couldn't help but notice how the people here highly valued talent.
'Hopefully, I'll receive something useful and powerful. This new life of mine is truly something,' he thought, feeling content.
The baptism ceremony continued.
"Next, from the Blackthorn family, Rose Blackthorn," the bishop announced.
She jumped off her bench, walked to the stone, and placed her hand on it. Mana enveloped her, and her mana circuit opened, revealing her ability and purity.
Mana rushed inside her, and a bright golden-red light shone.
"Wow! A powerful fire prodigy is born!" cheered the audience.
"It looks like the Blackthorn Dukedom has a prosperous future," someone commented.
'Woah, that light was definitely powerful, can I even achieve that?' Archie wondered.
"Okay, lastly…"
"Your Royal Highness Archie Avalon, Crown Prince of Avalon, please come forward," declared the bishop, capturing everyone's attention.
'That damn bishop is making things worse! What if I get humiliated?' Snickred Archie.
I stood up and walked towards the stone. My family was cheering me on, wishing me luck.
"Phew."
As I laid my hands on the stone, a storm was brewing up. I felt an enormous amount of energy rushing towards me, like a sea wave washing over me. I felt refreshed, and just like that, my mana circuits were opened up.
Golden purple light raged the room, all everyone could think at that moment was, 'What is this light?'. In awe.
Two different lights started to manifest, Golden and Purple lights, as if two different abilities had descended.
"D-Dual Ability!" Exclaimed the bishop in surprise.
"No way!" the audience exclaimed.
'This hasn't happened since Merlin Avalon, our ancestor!' murmered Henry.
As the light settled down, I felt two different abilities visible in my body.
Creation and lighting magic.
"Creation and lightning magic? He's definitely worthy of being the crown prince." Said someone.
"Dad! Why didn't I get something like that?" complained Emily.
"Yeah, we are older than him!" Added Danae.
"Fate isn't fair, that's how the world works." Shrugged their father.
"You two should be content with what you currently have, it's not all about abilities if you can't master either of them." Added their mother, smiling and comforting them.
As Archie stood there, he thought to himself, "I'm really the protagonist!" He said it with a gleeful smile.
With that being the end of the ceremony, we headed back home to the palace.
On a mountain far away, an elderly man sat on a futon, watching all of this unfold.
'Hohoho, what a wonderful ability for a future ruler.' Thought the Sage in the cave, his gaze piercing through mountains and trees towards the church.
…
[Ding! Achievement Reward Received]
[Unlocked Magic Rewards: Celestial Foundation Method and Territory Map]
[Celestial Foundation Method: This cultivation technique allows you to inscribe runes on your magic circles, significantly enhancing your skills and foundation. It will make you unmatched within the same realm as your peers.]
[Territory Map: With this perk, you gain free access to the coordinates of potential hostiles within your territory. If they are in your line of sight, they will be highlighted.]
Archie exclaimed, "Oh, these are quite valuable. They'll help me identify spies and protect my family."
On our way back, I decided to test my newfound abilities.
"Fire!"
'???'
Archie's mouth twitched, "Dad, why isn't fire coming out?"
"You need to channel the mana within your root circle, then concentrate on that specific magic spell." His father explained.
The disappointment in Archie Avalon's heart began to fade.
"It can't be that difficult since it's just a household spell you're trying to use." Emily taunted.
The corner of Archie's mouth twitched, "As if you got it on your first try."
"Hmph." Emily turned her head, looking into the distance and ignoring him.
After concentrating for a while, Archie connected to his magic circle, drawing out mana. "Fire!"
Heat emanated from his hand, resembling the size of a candle flame.
"..."
Disappointed by its size, Archie complained, "Why is it so small?"
"That's because it's a household magic spell, designed for everyone's use. You'll need fire affinity to cast something larger," Reina explained.
"Sigh." Archie was left speechless.
"You'll need to practice with your lightning and creation abilities to become proficient," Reina consoled her son, giving him hope.
Upon returning home, Henry introduced, "This is Lilly Starfall, from the Starfall County household. She will serve as your personal maid and protector from now on. Take good care of her."
An 18 year old girl, with brown hair, blue ocean eyes, and maid outfit bowed down.
Lilly said, "I will do my very best in my duties, Your Royal Highness."
Archie responded, "There is no need for all these formalities. Just call me Archie."
"Yes!" She nodded.
'Finally, I have my first subject!' Archie thought happily.
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