Chapter 11 the truth we weave
Before we could start planning our next moves, our parents called us.
It made sense—until now, they had been busy discussing techniques and our futures. But the curiosity they'd held in check was finally catching up to them. We all expected this moment and had prepared a shared story. When it came to explaining the truth, we had chosen to walk together—united in what we would say.
Liora and I were the first to be summoned.
We entered our father's office, where both he and mother sat waiting. A wide table separated us, making the room feel more like a war room than a family discussion.
"Take a seat," Father said calmly. His expression was serious but not unkind.
We obeyed without a word.
"Normally," he began, folding his hands, "asking someone about their secrets is improper—even shameful. But as a parent, I can't stand idly by if those secrets endanger you."
His eyes hardened slightly.
"Because for a child to wield what you do, there are only two possibilities. Either someone powerful beyond our world granted it to you… or you cultivated it yourselves. If it's the first, I will fight to the death to protect you from whoever stands behind it. If it's the second, then you are in grave danger—because using a Spirit before the age of five has ended in tragedy before. That's why no one dares risk it."
I nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Father. It's the latter. But our spirits aren't active yet—they're sealed. Like eggs in the dark. They won't awaken until the ceremony. For now, all we can do is prepare. So by the time we awaken, we'll be stronger."
Mother's voice broke in gently, "Are you absolutely sure? Don't push yourselves too hard. You're still children."
Liora smiled. "We're okay, Mother. We've been careful."
Father leaned back with a sigh. "This… this is all new. Perhaps it's the will of the Goddess. Maybe you were sent to help this kingdom in its time of need. I won't hold you back—but if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Father," I said sincerely. "Actually, could you tell us more about the Awakening Ceremony?"
His brows lifted slightly. "Why?"
"Simple curiosity," I answered smoothly.
He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "The child touches an ancient stone pillar. No one knows where it came from—only that it predates our kingdom by ages. When the child's hand connects, energy from the pillar dives into their core. Then, from within, a light emerges and the spirit takes form. That's it. No incantations, no catalysts. Just touch."
"What's the pillar made of?" I asked. "How do you build something like that?"
Father shook his head. "We don't know. The pillars were remnants of a lost civilization. They can't be destroyed, and they emit no energy unless touched by a child. It's a mystery even now."
I gave a polite nod. "Thank you, Father. That's all I wanted to know."
"If that's all, you may go," he said. "And enjoy your last day of freedom. From tomorrow… the studying begins."
"Yes, Father," we replied in unison.
Then we left the room, and the act ended.
---
A week before we had shared the cultivation techniques, I overheard two soldiers near the outer grounds. They weren't being secretive. Just tired.
"There's another colossal gate forming," one muttered. "It's the same as the last war… and it hasn't even been a decade. We barely survived then. Will we make it this time?"
The words struck me cold. Another war. So soon?
I called an emergency meeting in our group chat.
> Azren: Everyone, we may not have years. A gate's forming. Soldiers are panicking. We need to act faster.
> Neris: Then we give them the technique now. Even if we get less than 1% karma payout from each person… if enough people use it, we'll earn enough to support ourselves and help others.
> Meilin: But… how do we explain it to our parents? That kind of technique doesn't just appear out of nowhere.
> Elira: We say we made it. We do have dormant spirits, and we can cultivate with our cores. But to actually use spirit-based power, we need awakening. So we participate in the ceremony. It all lines up.
A moment of stunned silence.
> Everyone: WOW.
> Lysandra: Eliraaaa~ Who knew you were hiding that brain of yours? Seductress and strategist?
> Elira: flustered emoji I just… didn't like lying to my family. This way, we're not hiding anymore.
> Azren: Then it's settled. We'll release the technique and say we crafted it ourselves. But let's pretend we spent a week researching. No need to look too suspicious.
> All: Agreed!
---
And so, our plan began to unfold—each of us closed ourselves in our rooms with purpose. We would "research" during the next few days, consult a few books, and then approach our parents with the truth—but our version of it.
The world was shifting faster than we expected.
The looming war would not wait for us to grow up.
But we were no ordinary children.
We were the Seven Paths.
And our path had already begun to shine.