A short while later, Lukas returned to his own room. His steps were slow and thoughtful as he walked down the familiar hallway.
As soon as he opened the door, he found his companions exactly where he expected them to be. Tilbo was sleeping peacefully on the enormous bed, occupying nearly half the mattress with his gigantic black body. His breathing was slow and deep, his antennae relaxed.
Prata remained hanging from her web in the corner of the room, completely motionless. Her eyes were closed, her legs tucked in, the perfect posture for resting.
Astra was resting atop one of the cabinets, hiding her head beneath her wings. Her body was warm, her breathing gentle.
As for the little mouse, it remained inside the wooden nest that Lukas had prepared especially for it. Only its tiny nose was visible, sniffing the air as it slept.
He smiled faintly, feeling the warmth of that familiar presence. Then he walked over to an old chest hidden beneath the bed, his hands finding the metal handle.
He pulled it out. The chest was heavy, filled with something that made a soft sound whenever it moved.
As soon as he opened the lid, thousands of meters of carefully coiled silver threads appeared before his eyes. Sunlight streamed through the window, reflecting off the threads and creating a silvery glow that illuminated the entire room.
Months and months of work. Every time Prata produced new threads, he stored part of them inside that chest. Every strand of silk she created using her own mana was kept there as well. Now there was a true fortune inside.
Lukas ran his hand over the rolls of gleaming silk, feeling their soft yet durable texture beneath his fingers. The work of months was there, accumulated, waiting.
"It’s about time..." he murmured to himself, a decision taking shape in his mind.
"To sell all of this."
He closed the lid again, the sound of the wood fitting into place echoing softly. He pushed the chest back beneath the bed, hiding it once more.
Then he slowly lay down on the mattress, feeling the weight of his body relax. He stared at the ceiling for a few moments, his eyes tracing the cracks in the wood.
"Hmm..." His expression became a little more serious.
"I really hope... Asmon stays safe."
He closed his eyes, finally feeling the day’s exhaustion catch up to him.
"And now... all that’s left is to wait for my Awakening. I can’t wait to find out what my abilities will be."
With that final thought, he fell asleep, his body relaxing completely.
And time continued to move forward.
...
Days. Weeks. Months. Even years. Time flowed like water, carrying away the days and the seasons, transforming the world around him.
Like leaves carried by the wind, the days passed, each one bringing small changes that gradually accumulated into great transformations.
Without realizing it, Lukas grew quickly. His body became stronger with each passing season, his muscles developing, his height increasing. His constant training, proper diet, and active lifestyle all contributed to his growth.
And now... only a few days remained until he turned five years old.
That morning, he woke up even before the sun had fully risen. The light was still dim, filtered through the curtains. Still sleepy, he walked over to the small mirror hanging on the bathroom wall.
He stopped in front of it. He carefully observed his own reflection.
He looked very different. He now stood approximately one meter and thirty centimeters tall. Well above average for a child who was almost five years old. Any stranger would easily believe he was seven... perhaps even eight.
His white hair remained short and completely messy. He never cared much about combing it. In fact, if Aurora didn’t insist every morning before he went out into the forest, he would probably spend the entire day looking like that.
His violet eyes seemed even more vibrant, shining with an intensity that naturally drew attention. His face had lost much of its childish appearance, his features becoming sharper and more defined.
Lukas crossed his arms, studying himself for a few more seconds. Then he let out a quiet sigh.
"I’m getting handsome..." He scratched his head, feeling a little embarrassed for thinking that.
"Almost as handsome as Mom."
Even though he knew beauty meant very little in this world... he still couldn’t help but smile.
At that very moment, a shout echoed through the hallway.
"Lukaaaas!" It was Aurora, her voice clear and lively even so early in the morning.
"Breakfast is on the table! Come quickly! We need to leave for Great Rock City!"
Lukas opened the bathroom door, his smile still present.
"I’m coming!"
He quickly put on his violet tunic, which matched his eyes perfectly. He took a deep breath, feeling the excitement of the day ahead.
Then he smiled. Only a few days remained. Just a handful of days until his Awakening Ceremony.
Lukas finished putting on his tunic and hurried down the wooden staircase, breathing in the pleasant aroma that had already filled the entire mansion.
Breakfast was already served.
Freshly baked bread, eggs, sliced fruit, fresh cheese, and a steaming teapot occupied the center of the table. Aurora was arranging the last few dishes while Clavor finished a cup of tea. Judite was already seated, swinging her legs beneath the chair, clearly excited about the trip.
"Finally." Aurora smiled when she saw him arrive.
"I thought you were going to spend another hour in front of that mirror."
Lukas coughed awkwardly, feeling a little embarrassed.
"I was just getting ready."
Judite let out an amused giggle.
"I’m sure you were."
The four of them began eating in a very relaxed atmosphere. The conversation revolved mainly around the trip to Great Rock City and everything they needed to take care of there.
Clavor talked about a few business matters, while Aurora mentioned the ingredients and fabrics she intended to buy before they returned home.
Lukas simply listened in silence, replying occasionally. His thoughts, however, remained fixed on the ceremony that would take place in just a few days.
His Awakening.
With every passing moment, that day seemed closer.
When they finished the meal, Aurora was the first to stand.
"Let’s go. If we leave now, we’ll arrive before nightfall."
Clavor nodded in agreement, and everyone headed outside the mansion.
The carriage was already waiting in front of the main entrance, the horses prepared for the long journey.
With everything ready, Clavor snapped the reins.
The carriage slowly began rolling along the dirt road, leaving the Dmond Mansion behind as it headed toward Great Rock City.
Only a few days remained.
At last... the Awakening Ceremony was about to begin.