Chapter 4: Awakening (1)
Selene sat alone in the dining hall. Her slender fingers tapped against the polished mahogany table in a slow, rhythmic beat.
Tak. Tak. Tak.
Her violet eyes gleamed in the dim candlelight.
"Don't you think my baby has matured?"
A voice—emotionless and unseen—responded from the shadows.
"Yes, my lady. The young master has shown… different colors today."
Selene's lips curled into a soft smile.
"I knew he would come back to me. Didn't you see how he hugged me? The way his eyes looked at me… so full of love?"
But then—her gaze hardened.
The temperature in the room plummeted.
Frost crawled across the table in an instant, devouring it in jagged, crystalline ice. The air itself felt sharp enough to cut.
"Find them all."
The voice from the shadows remained silent.
"Those who whispered behind his back. Those who made my own son distance himself from me for years. Bring them to me."
The walls groaned under the weight of the cold. The very air seemed frozen in place.
Anyone below S-rank would be dead in minutes.
"As you command, my lady."
And just like that, the frost melted. The room returned to its elegant warmth, as if nothing had happened.
Selene sighed, her expression softening.
"Tomorrow is a big day for him."
She tapped a finger against her lips, her voice suddenly light, almost playful.
"I wonder… what kind of gift should I prepare?"
⸻
Noah walked through the estate, his steps measured, his expression calm.
But inside?
He was anything but.
"System, scan everyone I pass. Find someone with at least 50% affection for me—rank C or lower."
[Understood.]
And so, the hunt began.
Noah moved through the training grounds, where knights trained under the moonlight.
Nothing.
He visited the library, its towering shelves filled with ancient tomes looking for a lucky encounter.
Nothing.
He passed through the gardens, the maid quarters, the knight barracks—everywhere.
Still nothing.
Hours passed.
Noah stood alone in the courtyard, the blue moonlight casting long shadows around him.
His fingers curled into fists.
"This is ridiculous."
He knew his predecessor had been an arrogant fool, but was he truly so hated?
A low chuckle escaped him, bitter and cold.
"You really screwed me over, huh?"
He lay back on the cool grass, staring up at the endless night sky.
For a moment, he thought about his past life. The world he left behind.
And then—
Rustle.
Noah sat up instantly. His sharp silver eyes scanned the darkness.
"Who's there?"
A shadow moved near the bushes. Noah tensed—then froze.
A small black cat padded into the moonlight, its sleek fur glistening.
It had piercing purples feline eyes, glowing with intelligence far beyond that of a normal animal.
"A… cat?"
The creature stared at him for a long moment, then gracefully approached—nudging against his leg.
[Ding! Target found.]
Noah's breath hitched.
"What?"
He snapped his head around, expecting to see a hidden figure nearby.
Nothing.
"System, what do you mean?"
[The target is the creature before you.]
Noah blinked.
Then blinked again.
"Come again?"
The cat tilted its head, its bright purple eyes sparkling with delight as Noah's attention focused on her.
"Isn't she just a cat ?"
[She is a divine beast's offspring. This is just her base form — once grows strong enough, she will take human shape.]
Noah crouched down, his hand instinctively moving to pet her.
The cat purred.
"Scan her."
A translucent panel appeared before him.
⸻
Name: Neko Neko
Race: Divine Beast - Ba'astara
Rank: C
Titles: None
Affinity: Ice (S-rank)
Talent: Child of Ice (S-rank)
Physique: Divine beast's Ba'astara physique (S level)
Bloodline: Divine Beast's Ba'astara bloodline (S level)
Affection Level: 75%
[Note: She has liked you since the day you were born. Your beauty charmed her, and she has watched you from afar ever since.]
⸻
Noah stared.
Then let out a short, stunned laugh.
"I knew someone had to fancy me… just didn't expect a cat and seriously where do you even come from."
But the thought barely lingered before his focus sharpened.
"System, can I share her talent?"
[Yes.]
A grin spread across his face.
He scooped the small cat into his arms. She let out a soft meow, then nestled against him.
"Alright, Neko. You just saved me."
Without wasting another second, Noah ran back to his chamber.
⸻
Noah sat cross-legged on his bed, Neko curled up in his lap.
"System, do it."
[Ding! You have formed a Bond with Neko.]
A strange warmth spread through Noah's chest. A tether—a link—connected him to the small creature in his arms.
She felt it too. Her blue eyes softened, and she snuggled closer.
"Now, share her talent and affinity."
[Ding! Applying the x10,000 effect.]
[You have gained the Ice Affinity (SSS-rank).]
[You have gained the Talent: Sovereign of Ice (SSS-rank) – Unawakened.]
Noah exhaled slowly.
He expected something to change—his body to surge with power, his mind to expand—but instead, he felt…
Nothing.
"System, why don't I feel anything?"
[Your awakening has yet to occur. Once it does, your talent will fully manifest.]
Noah nodded. His silver eyes gleamed as he gazed out the window.
The stars shone brightly. The blue moon bathed the world in cold light.
A slow grin spread across his face.
"SSS-rank, huh?"
He leaned back, his fingers idly stroking Neko's soft fur.
"Well, that changes everything."
And this was just the beginning.
—End Of Chapter 4—
A/N:
Thank you for reading