Chapter 3: Gifts
The opulent halls of the Salamander Estate echoed with the joyous melody of "Happy Birthday to Newt," sung by Jake and Sienna Salamander. In the midst of the celebration, Newt, with a sense of grace beyond his years, stood poised to cut the birthday cake. Nearly 200 guests, adorned in lavish attire, had gathered to partake in the festivities.
Newt, adorned in a simple yet striking ensemble of a white shirt and pants, basked in the attention. His porcelain-like skin added to his allure, capturing the gaze of those in attendance.
Amidst the sea of gazes fixed upon him, Newt maintained an air of indifference, focusing solely on the task at hand. He behaved like any child would, offering a fleeting smile that subtly hinted at the elegance within.
Approaching him was an old man, his presence commanding respect. Benedict Salamander, a distinguished Rank 3 Martial Artist, wore tight-fitting clothes—a red shirt and pants beneath a blazer. His aura conveyed authority as he uttered, "Happy Birthday, Newt," with genuine warmth.
"Thank you, Grandpa," Newt replied, his smile widening. Benedict, with a prideful demeanor, pulled a gift from his storage ring and presented it to Newt.
Jake and Sienna joined the scene, each bearing a gift for Newt as they wished him well on his special day. Jake, attired in red with a distinct design, emanated a magnetic presence. Sienna, in a blue dress that accentuated her beauty, exuded elegance and grace.
The guests, observing the exchange, soon followed suit, presenting their gifts and engaging in conversations with both Benedict and Jake. The allure of the party lay not just in the celebration of Newt's birthday but in the prominence of these two influential figures.
The festivities at the Salamander Estate lingered, yet an invisible barrier separated Newt from the other children who cautiously kept their distance, having witnessed his stern reactions to their mischievous antics before.
Surveying the pile of gifts before him, Newt yearned for the party's conclusion, eager to delve into the treasures awaiting unwrapping.
Newt's birthday celebrations unfolded with lavishness, featuring exquisite cuisine and extravagant gifts.
From delectable delicacies to coveted items, every aspect of the occasion exuded opulence and generosity. Guests were treated to a feast for the senses, indulging in culinary delights and reveling in the joyous atmosphere.
The occasion was marked by opulence and generosity, as friends and loved ones presented Newt with the finest offerings, creating a memorable and indulgent affair for all in attendance.
After a few hours, the guests bid farewell, extending congratulations to Jake and Benedict before turning their attention to Newt, showering him with birthday wishes before departing one by one.
Once the guests had left, the maids swiftly transported the gifts to Newt's room. Anticipation danced in Newt's eyes as he unwrapped his father's gift—the coveted Storage Ring. Slipping it onto his finger, he attempted to communicate with it, only to be met with silence.
"Does it require Aura to function? I was hoping to experiment with it. How does this small ring hold so much space?" Newt pondered aloud, conducting futile experiments.
"Well, I should learn Aura from tomorrow onwards," he resolved, crafting a plan in his mind.
Inspecting his mother's gift, Newt discovered a robe enchanted with magic. "It's good," he remarked before turning his attention to the remaining gifts. Benedict, his grandfather, had gifted him a training manual for aura, while others contributed toys, clothes, and various trinkets.
Choosing to retain the gifts from his family, Newt instructed the maids to throw the others in the storeroom.
"Aura is omnipresent, existing in every space."
The guide to sensing and manipulating Aura revealed itself as a precious heirloom crafted by the hands of Newt's own grandfather.
"After a single breath, the elusive touch of Aura may elude you, for sensing it demands patience and perseverance," Benedict's words echoed through the aged parchment. "It took me a hundred tries to sense its subtle currents. My grandson, Newt, embrace calmness, and in time, you shall unveil its presence."
The manual beckoned Newt to traverse the intricate journey of Aura manipulation. "Following the rhythmic pattern below, draw Aura into your body," Benedict instructed, laying out the steps that led to an elusive understanding.
"Subsequently, harbor the collected Aura within a sanctum hidden deep within yourself. A secret known only to you," the guide whispered. Benedict cautioned of the fragility of this sanctuary, warning that a breach would render one bereft of Aura, a weakness endured for weeks.
"Within your body, fashion this stored Aura into a core, a foundation for future mastery," the words continued, unveiling the simplicity beneath the intricate process. Benedict's hope for Newt's future as a Martial Artist resonated through the pages, a poignant conclusion to the guide.
As Newt absorbed the teachings, he couldn't escape the acknowledgment that patience and innate talent were rare companions on this journey. "Most lack the perseverance, unlike you, me, and your father," Benedict's words hinted at the exclusive nature of this pursuit.
The final lines of the manual held a heartfelt wish: "Hoping to see you become a Martial Artist next year." The authorship rested with pride beneath the name of Benedict Salamander, a grandfather extending his legacy to the promising hands of Newt Salamander.
Satisfied with the knowledge gained, Newt seated himself on the bed to breathe Aura.
The early morning sun cast its gentle glow, illuminating the room where Newt remained seated on the bed. Having delved into the intricacies of Aura sensing, he embarked on further experiments.
Contemplating the rhythm of his breath, Newt pondered. 'Adjusting the rhythm accelerates the process, while altering it slows down the absorption rate.' Lost in thought, he mulled over the methods best suited for his forthcoming endeavors.
"Nevertheless, I've succeeded in forming an Aura core within my body," he acknowledged with satisfaction.
With a mere thought, he summoned the manual, guiding it effortlessly into the confines of the storage ring, where it vanished from his grasp.
Newt continued his experiments for a while, exploring the capabilities at his disposal. Satisfied with his progress, he stowed the manual away and exited the room, ready to face the day.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone