Scene shifts as Kazuki's eyes slowly opened in the normal world — though for everyone else, it had only been a moment after he touched the holy book. In his soul realm, however, he had spent what felt like thirty minutes talking to the holy spirit and facing down the Chaos spirit.
Now, as his vision adjusted, he saw a radiant spirit manifestation floating in front of him — the same holy spirit he had encountered in his soul realm. The spirit's presence bathed the room in a soft, calming glow.
Emperor Shang's eyes widened in awe. "What? He… he got the daughter of the Right Hand of Julius?" Shang turned to Angel Levi, half in disbelief. "Is this what you were hinting at, Levi?"
Levi grinned knowingly, his wings folding gracefully behind him. "Exactly this, my friend."
Scene shifts to one day later. The entire royal capital was alive with excitement. Emperor Shang and Empress Isabela had announced a grand royal party to celebrate the unprecedented results of Kazuki's ceremonies. Nobles, high officials, and emissaries from different races — elves, orcs, goblins, and more — arrived at the royal palace.
While Kazuki's eldest brother, Arthur, couldn't attend due to his duties as Head Knight of the Empire, the rest of Kazuki's siblings made it to the party. Inside Kazuki's room, his eldest sister Ezabela knelt down to match Kazuki's height, placing her hands gently on his small shoulders. She spoke in a teasing, affectionate tone — the way elders often did with children.
"Ohh, I heard you shattered all the records in the ceremonies. And you did that without inviting your big sister? That's very naughty, Kazuki! Do you even remember me after I've been gone for a whole year?"
Kazuki kept his act up flawlessly, tilting his head with innocent, adorable eyes. "I remember you, sister Ezabela," he replied softly, making her laugh and ruffle his hair.
Scene shifts to the royal dining hall where Kazuki and his siblings sat around one large table, the room filled with chatter and the clinking of cutlery against fine plates. Kazuki was unusually quiet, still acting like an innocent five-year-old.
Ezabela leaned over and asked, "What happened, Kazuki? Why aren't you eating?"
Kazuki looked up and then, remembering his role, started nibbling on his food shyly, making everyone at the table smile.
Finally, the scene moved to the royal announcement hall. The entire hall was packed with high nobles, foreign dignitaries, elite warriors, and spirit masters. Emperor Shang stood tall and proud on the dais with Kazuki by his side.
In a booming voice, Shang declared, "This child, my youngest son Kazuki, has shown unmatched potential in the spiritual ceremonies. He will be a prodigy — the next hope of our nation alongside his elder siblings. Bless him, my people, with all the blessings you carry in your hearts."
The crowd erupted into cheers, and a thousand blessings rained upon Kazuki in words and thoughts. But deep inside, Kazuki knew — this was only the beginning.