The dust of my Awakening still hung in the air, motes of gold drifting like fireflies in the twilight of the Spirit Hall.
The murmurs started first — soft as a ripple across a pond, then swelling like a storm tide as nobles, emissaries, and warlords gathered their wits. Their eyes weren't filled with admiration. No, it was the sharp, predatory gleam of men and women who'd seen monsters born before and knew the danger I now represented.
Shin Tempest.
A name no one in Aeloria would forget now.
The great banners of ancient clans and powerful kingdoms hung overhead, but for the first time in centuries, they meant nothing. Every gaze — cautious, calculating — fell on me.
A tall figure in crimson robes and a laurel circle stepped forward. A crown of Eldrith royalty. His voice carried the weight of long-honed diplomacy.
"Lord Tempest," he began smoothly, bowing just enough to preserve pride without supplication. "The Kingdom of Eldrith offers its unwavering alliance. Our veteran legions, our mines, and autonomy within your lands."
He was offering a kingdom's might on a platter. No doubt expecting to clasp a leash around my neck while I accepted the prize.
I smiled, polite but unreadable. "I appreciate the offer. But I have other plans."
A flicker of irritation passed through his eyes. The first chip in his mask.
Another delegation advanced — cloaked in violet. The Empire of Venshira was a land of archmages and shadowy politics. A pale, regal woman stepped forward, curtsying with flawless grace.
"Lord Tempest," she purred. "Your awakening is unparalleled. Might we propose… a more permanent alliance? My daughter, Lira, is of age, untouched, a wielder of Spirit Flame. She would make a suitable consort for one of your… pedigree."
Lira blushed, soft pink in her cheeks, though her downcast gaze couldn't fully conceal the curiosity glimmering in her eyes.
They're already offering daughters. Pathetic.
I was about to speak when the air shifted, like wind before a coming storm.
From the shadows, a silver-haired elf woman stepped into view, her emerald eyes sharp as a predator's. She wore the leaf-woven green silks of the Forest Alliance.
"Lord Tempest," she said softly. "The Verdant Accord offers its ancient forests, its elder artifacts, and its loyalty — if you would favor old blood over steel."
Her voice was like mist over a blade, beautiful but dangerous.
Their words were different, but their intentions were identical.
Control.
They saw the Gold Core and scrambled to tether me before I rose too high. Chains, whether made of silk, steel, or smiles.
Kaelen leaned close, muttering, "Damn, Shin. They're treating you like a king already."
I smirked. "They're not offering loyalty. Just prettier shackles."
Then, a voice rang out — smooth as silk, sharp as a whipcrack.
"Ara ara… my, how popular you've become, dear."
The crowd parted like mist before the wildfire.
Seraphina Tempest.
My mother.
Wings of midnight stretched behind her as she strode forward, crimson eyes gleaming with unspoken menace. Every step she took radiated the effortless dominance of a predator who knew none of these peacocks could stop her if they dared try.
She placed a hand on my shoulder, possessive and proud.
"Let my boy finish his Seven-Day Trial," she purred, "and then he'll decide whether he'll take your daughters… or your kingdoms."
The threat in her voice was velvet-wrapped steel.
At the far side of the hall, my father, Draven Tempest, watched in silence — golden eyes smoldering like twin suns, a quiet storm in waiting.
"If any of you think to use my son," he rumbled, his voice low and lethal, "you'll learn how heavy the Tempest name truly is."
Silence fell like a guillotine.
The predators bowed, retreating with whatever dignity remained.
Seraphina leaned closer to me, her voice a soft, dangerous whisper. "Grow strong, my darling. The world is already yours — you need only claim it. And remember… any woman who seeks your heart must be more than a beauty. She must be fierce. Capable. Worthy to stand at your side and strengthen our bloodline."
She cast a glance toward the gathering of noblewomen, her lips curling into a sly smile.
"I'll be watching."
And then she was gone, vanishing into the shadows like a tempest before dawn.
⸻
The Gardens of Fate
Kaelen and I made our way to the ceremonial gardens, the tension in the hall fading with every step.
"Man," he muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "That was… intense. I thought those old bastards were gonna tear each other apart."
"They'll get their chance soon enough," I said, eyeing the distant tree line.
The land I'd been granted stretched beyond the horizon — sun-drenched grasslands, a winding river like a silver snake, and dense forests heavy with the promise of beasts and secrets. It was… perfect.
A true lord's domain.
Kaelen exhaled, shaking his head. "Lucky bastard. You landed the best territory."
I smirked. "Luck had nothing to do with it."
The moment the thought crossed my mind, the System Interface bloomed before my eyes, listing my abilities.
⸻
Lord Core — Tempest Awakening
[Core Color: Gold (Natural Born)]
[Core Potential: Unknown Limit]
Abilities Unlocked (5/10):
• Storm Command: Mastery over wind and lightning, summon natural disasters.
• Territory Blessing: Accelerates growth and yields rare resources in grasslands, rivers, and forests under your rule.
• Dominion Aura: Lowers enemy morale, increases ally loyalty, and grants the ability to recruit enemy soldiers after battle.
• Hero's Resonance: Heroes summoned gain a permanent 10% boost.
• Summoner's Right: Summon a world beast once every 30 days.
5 Abilities Locked — Requirements: Territory Expansion / Deeper Awakening
⸻
I blinked at the list. Storm Command. Territory Blessing. Dominion Aura — the power to turn enemies into loyal followers. It wasn't just strength. It was sovereignty.
Kaelen noticed my distant look. "More god-tier abilities?"
I laughed. "You could say that."
⸻
New Blood
As we strolled further, two figures approached the garden path — both young women.
The first was a raven-haired warrior with striking amber eyes, clad in simple yet well-forged armor. A massive greatsword rested against her back.
She offered a salute. "Lord Tempest. My name is Raine Calder. I request the honor to join your trial forces."
I raised an eyebrow. There was a fire in her gaze. Not submission — ambition.
The second was altogether different. A slender, silver-haired girl with heterochromatic eyes — one sapphire, one gold. Clad in scholar's robes, a spellbook at her hip.
She dipped her head. "I am Lyra Voss. A mage of a minor house. I heard of your awakening and… I wish to pledge myself to your banner."
Interesting.
I smirked. "You're both bold to approach me without permission."
Raine shrugged. "The strong follow strength."
Lyra smiled faintly. "And the wise, opportunity."
I chuckled, glancing at Kaelen. "What do you think?"
He grinned. "Take 'em. You're gonna need a harem army anyway."
I shot him a glare, but he wasn't wrong.
From the skies above, a teasing voice rippled through my soul.
["Choose well, darling,"] Lilith whispered. ["Only the fiercest, strongest, and most loyal are worthy of your bed and your banner."]
["And remember,"] Tiamat's deeper, sultry voice added, ["When you stand upon the World of All Races… you won't just be a Lord. You'll be a god."]
A storm was coming.
And I would be its eye.