Celestial Bloodline Chapter 1: Late Again
In a vast open field covered solely in grass, a muscular middle-aged man with golden hair shot furious glares at a black-haired youth, enraged because the boy had shattered his son's teeth with a single punch.
The youth with black hair went by the name Kyle. He had just turned 15 a couple of weeks back and had awakened his talent earlier that day.
Talent served as the key factor deciding one's potential; the instant someone awakened theirs, they stepped onto a fresh journey. This journey brimmed with wondrous and supernatural powers.
Kyle shot a glare right back at the golden-haired man, then cast a chilly gaze toward the 15-year-old golden-haired youngster lurking behind him.
'Why on earth should I say sorry? It's all Sen's doing.'
Kyle's father, Baron Ohan, stood next to him, watching with concern. The golden-haired fellow before them answered to John.
John was far beyond what they could challenge. He operated in a completely different league from theirs.
Baron Ohan possessed nothing more than the pointless 'Baron' title he'd earned by aiding certain nobles.
'I mustn't allow any harm to come to Kyle.'
Wearing a fretful look, Baron Ohan bowed his head and offered an apology, too feeble to voice any objection.
Kyle's eyes grew wide at his father's move, but soon understanding hit him. He faced John with a neutral expression.
'Ah... they hold real power. We're powerless against them.'
He had overlooked the reality that their world bowed to the mighty. In this realm where strength reigned supreme, he remained nothing but a commoner.
Wearing a vacant look, Kyle placed a hand on Baron Ohan's shoulder.
"I'm the one who struck him. I'll take responsibility and apologize."
Kyle dipped his head and said sorry to the golden-haired boy behind John. His hands balled into tight fists, and his gaze turned icy cold.
Sen eyed Kyle with contempt before departing alongside his father. As they walked away, he threw Kyle one more look and muttered quietly.
"Tsk, pathetic ants."
Baron Ohan regarded Kyle anxiously.
"Kyle..."
Kyle shook his head, face devoid of emotion. Ultimately, his impulsive behavior could have endangered his family.
"I'm okay, Father."
He seemed alright, yet the vibrant spark in his dark eyes faded away.
'An ant.'
The term 'ant' echoed relentlessly in Kyle's mind, for he realized that no amount of effort or diligence would ever bridge the divide between him and Sen.
'Why bother with rage or overthinking when I can't even reach him in this lifetime.'
ONE YEAR LATER;
Nyan city;
In a spacious, respectable home, a black-haired middle-aged man sat in the dining room with his two elder sons.
It was Baron Ohan, sharing a meal with his family following a hectic week.
The dining table had four seats, laden with simple yet tasty breakfast fare. Sadly, even as Baron Ohan neared the end of his meal, one seat remained unoccupied.
Shortly after, a young lad shuffled into the room, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
Like his father, the boy sported black eyes and deep black hair, though oddly enough, the tips of his locks shimmered silver.
The boy was Kyle, the youngest child of Baron Ohan.
After giving his father a quick nod, Kyle headed to the table and dug into his food without a second thought.
Baron Ohan eyed the silver strands in Kyle's hair and let out a soft sigh. Just last month, parts of Kyle's dark hair had unexpectedly turned silver.
Initially, the Baron fretted over the peculiar shift, but after inquiring around, he uncovered no issues with Kyle's well-being.
'As long as he's healthy, it's all good.'
Baron Ohan smiled warmly at Kyle.
"Late again, huh."
"Sorry, Father, I slept in."
Spotting Kyle's sluggish demeanor, Baron Ohan's oldest son, Ray, furrowed his brow.
Ray sighed and shook his head, as Kyle showing up late for breakfast was nothing unusual. He frequently missed meals thanks to his indolent ways.
As Kyle munched on a slice of bread, his second brother Neon grinned slyly at him.
"Kyle, the Royal Academy's running a talent scout test tomorrow. You ought to give it a shot!"
'Royal Academy' rang familiar to nearly everyone across the East Continent, thanks to its esteemed reputation and ancient legacy.
It earned the title of top academy in Kingdom Escalante, with its principal being the kingdom's mightiest figure.
Each year, the academy conducted a test to spot promising youths for training. Anyone aged 16 to 17 could join, provided they weren't outlaws.
Kyle had reached 16 this year, which prompted Neon to urge his participation.
Kyle nearly sputtered on his bread and stared at Neon, his look screaming,
'You mean me?'
He set the bread down and blinked in surprise.
Even Ray, who had unlocked an (A)-Rank talent, failed the Royal Academy exam. How could he, stuck with a mere (B)-Rank, possibly succeed?
On this enchanted world dubbed 'Blue Planet,' where various races coexisted, talent defined one's future strength, as greater talent meant greater power down the line.
All races—humans, elves, dwarves, and more—could awaken talents post-15. Ranks spanned from the base (F)-Rank to the pinnacle (SSS)-Rank.
Every rank split into three tiers: (F-), (F), and (F+).
Kyle had only stirred a (B)-Rank talent, so he shunned paths to warrior or mage.
In fact, he aimed to steer clear of anything combat-related by miles!
Ray noted Kyle's dazed face and smirked, jumping into the talk. He figured his idle sibling needed a dose of hardship.
"Solid idea. Kyle, join in. Sure, you'll flop, but at least you'll gain some useful insights."
Baron Ohan appeared puzzled, yet upon catching Ray's sly glance, he nodded along readily.
As a prosperous trader and (B)-Rank himself, he understood the harshness this power-driven world inflicted on the frail.
His elder sons had faced their share of knocks, but the baby of the family stayed indolent and untroubled. He hoped Kyle would mature and venture beyond their walls.
Baron Ohan recognized the Royal Academy trial's toughness, but he stayed calm since, unlike others, it never saw a single fatality in its entry exams.
Their trials outmatched any rival academy in difficulty, yet they ensured every contender's survival.
Kyle glanced from his father to his brothers, on the verge of tears at their solemn faces.
He pulled a sullen look toward his father to signal his displeasure, but it went right over their heads.
Kyle turned his ire on Neon, the source of his woes!
Years prior, Neon had also awakened a (B)-Rank talent like his, opting for the nearby academy over the royal one.
'Why force me into the Royal Academy's brutal trial?'
Kyle griped to himself. He cherished the calm, laid-back days with his kin.
From early on, he'd never been one for rivalry, and his mother's passing only deepened his withdrawal.
Later, Kyle awakened a (B)-Rank talent, surpassing his hopes, but it ranked lowest among his peers.
Thus, they began scorning him, making him their butt of jokes.
'They weren't even real friends—just fleeting faces.'
Eventually, Kyle cut ties with them all, embracing a simple existence with his family.
He drilled basic sword forms under his big brother's persistent prodding, but stopped there. Effort felt too much of a hassle.
Why sweat when he knew his boundaries?
He simply yearned to idle through life. In time, he'd launch a modest venture in the city and enjoy ease.
Kyle heaved a sigh. His visions of ordinariness crumbled, thanks to that meddlesome brother shoveling food across from him.
'I hope you choke on what you're gobbling.'
Neon, mid-bite, suddenly shivered. He shot a look at the prime suspect, Kyle!
"I bet you're badmouthing me in your head?"
Kyle batted his eyes all innocent-like and feigned bewilderment. He peered behind.
"Who, me?"
Neon itched to sock Kyle but inhaled deeply, steadied himself, and resumed eating.
'I'll watch him squirm tomorrow for sure.'
Meanwhile, Kyle fixed Neon with a squint. He was inwardly ranting once more. Looked like he had zero say here.
'Passing isn't happening anyway. So, giving it a whirl for the lesson won't hurt much.'
'The real issue's making sure my limbs hold up through the whole entry trial.'