Chapter 6: Unexpected Turn

Julius found himself lying down on the cold stone floor of the chamber. His mind was hazy, and he was barely cognizant. With his eyes still closed, he could recognize Edwin beside him. To his surprise could feel Edwin channeling mana into him, rejuvenating him, something he wouldn’t have been able to sense before.

Julius immediately realized it was nothing like what he did during his baptism. Whereas Julius’s manipulation was a violent tantrum, Edwin’s manipulation of mana was elegant and beautiful, likely refined over many years of practice.

Now that he had been baptized, he could see what Edwin meant. Before, it was like feeling mana through several layers of clothes. Now those layers were off, and he basked in the feeling of mana all around him. Using his perception ability, he sent out a small pulse to get a bearing on his surroundings, wincing at the slight headache.

He was still lying next to the pedestal, but the spectators were now discussing things with each other, talking animatedly. However, what caught his attention was the sound of a ding going off inside his head, and he felt something inside him. Focusing on it, a notification popped into his head.

Would you like to learn the skill [Sixth Sense]?

Julius was completely taken aback. What was this? Nothing he had experienced in the world so far suggested something like this. Nevertheless, after thinking for a moment, his curiosity got the better of him and he mentally confirmed.

Congratulations, skill [Sixth Sense] acquired.

However, that wasn’t the end of the notifications.

Would you like to learn the skill [Detect Life]?

He hesitantly confirmed it as well.

Congratulations, skill [Detect Life] acquired.

Would you like to learn the skill [Awareness]?

Congratulations, skill [Awareness] acquired.

Synergy detected. Would you like to evolve [Sixth Sense], [Detect Life], and [Awareness] into a single skill? Notice: This will remove existing skills.

Julius didn’t know the consequences of doing so, so he wanted to wait. To his relief, the second he decided to wait, the message disappeared. However, in the back of his mind, he knew that if he wanted to, it could reappear anytime.

Julius, full of so many questions, opened his eyes to look at Edwin. Edwin must’ve felt him shift because his eyes, which were focused on the others’ discussions, turned and looked down at him.

“I know you have many questions. I didn’t tell you because it is hard to explain unless you experience it for yourself. It is also why this ritual is so important. It not only awakens your mana, but it also opens you to the Words of the World. And I suspect you have a few notifications due to your perception ability. However, do not make any decisions yet. I will explain everything once we leave here and are alone.” Edwin whispered quietly into Julius’s ear. “For now, pretend to be unconscious. You don’t have anything to worry about. There is no way they are going to expel you after this.”

Edwin’s words calmed down Julius significantly. He was curious about why Edwin didn’t want to let the others know he was awake, but he must have a reason, so Julius played along.

Now that he was somewhat lucid, he could listen in on the conversation. Someone had just asked a question. “Did the child truly not receive any training during these years, Patriarch? Because I find it difficult to see how a child his age was able to achieve such a result.”

Julius didn’t see who asked that, but Edwin spoke up from Julius’s side and answered. “I can personally guarantee that neither I nor anyone else had taught Julius any techniques. There has been no violation of the conditions you and the others set. Every bit of his results is due to his own merit.”

Conditions? I didn’t know there were conditions. Just how much do I not know about my own circumstances, or about this world? I have more questions now than when I first arrived.

“I can confirm with Edwin’s, Julius has been isolated for these years without the possibility of learning outside what was available to him,” Lukas added. “Therefore, I recommend that we do not expel him; rather, we should cultivate his talent so that he becomes a more valuable member of the family, not wasting his talent. Does everyone agree on that?” Lukas proposed to others.

Everyone’s head nodded in agreement, and nobody offered any opposing opinion despite there being a few disgruntled expressions.

That was easy! I thought there would be more pushback. If I were to guess, that was what they were discussing when I was asleep, Julius thought to himself.

Unfortunately, his father decided to speak up at that moment.

“Well, now that has been settled, I will be on my way. I have some things I need to do,” Gregor said while already quickly making his exit.

Most of the people had forgotten that he was even there in the first place. Even Julius had completely forgotten that his father was present. He decided to take a quick peek around, and based on what reactions Julius could perceive from the others, it might have been better to stay quiet.

An older man with gray hair spoke up. “Gregor, I am afraid that while the child has been decided not to be removed from the house, I can’t say that goes the same for you,” the man said.

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“What do you mean? You all agreed that he is a valuable asset to the house.” Gregor boasted.

“It does not work that way. Twelve years ago, we decided to extend the vote on whether to expel Julius and you. Meaning, that just because we decided that Julius can stay, does not mean that we have decided that you get to stay alongside him.” The older man explained.

“You are not making any sense, Samuel. I am still his father.” Gregor insisted.