Chapter 305: Tales of the Past (2) (1/2)

”Younglings!” The silver-furred bulky humanoid-shaped creature exclaimed in a booming voice, startling the lined-up children and shushing all ongoing murmurs as well.

”You are at the age to take on your first trial. The Trial of Ascension is a trial that will give you the answers you seek. It will judge you fairly. In front of it there are no difference between the kin of a hunter, a gatherer, or our protectors. It doesn't care about your past nor about your future. What it cares about is your potential future, your talent, your affinities.” The figure explained with the same volume and fervent power in his booming voice.

As he did, his eyes slowly wandered matching each of the attentive children's gazes, ultimately landing and resting on the son of the Grand Protector, the short, black-haired boy with distinct draconian features all over his body.

”Boy.” After a momentary pause, he addressed the startled but still, clearly expectant-looking child. ” Are you ready to test yourself?”

Without hesitation the black-haired boy nodded, his eyes shining with the spark of determination.

”Yes, Master Dor'Kalatha! This one is ready to test himself!”

”Very well. Come with me. You will be the first.” Satisfied with the answer, Master Dor'Kalatha nodded at the boy, then turned around and stepped towards a light green-colored door behind him.

Stepping to the side, he pointed with his right arm towards it.

”Step through the door and touch the crystal to begin. Remember to clear your head and let the energy course through you. Let it explore the deepest, darkest parts of your soul. Do not resist, and everything will be fine.”

Intently listening to the Master's explanation, the boy nodded, his focus already on the frame of the green, thin-looking door. Unlike most of the buildings, it seemed to be made of some sort of plant, the frame was relatively thin. The color was also not done with any painting, it was probably the color of the plant itself.

Taking a deep breath, determination shined in the boy's golden eyes once more. Steeling his resolve, he gulped as his hand reached for the handle and pushed the door open.

Unfortunately for Aiden, the memory segment began to fade to black once again, this particular scene was deemed completed before giving him a chance to get a glimpse of the so-called Ascension Trial.

However, just like previously, before he could have the chance to voice his complaint, the searing pain surged once more, tormenting Aiden's mind. The memories began to rapidly flip and flash in front of Aiden's eyes again. Although they were fast, it seemed that his mind slowly started getting used to the sensation, he was able to process the gist of what they showed.

It showed the life of the young, black-haired boy, the son of the Grand Protector of the strange village. Aiden saw as he walked out of the trial building with a bright smile on his face, holding a small vial of light green fluid in his right hand. He was basically rushing back to his mansion atop the small hill, yelling from halfway towards his mother happily.

Then he saw as he began his training with the silver-furred teacher and learned the basics of combat. In his early years, he was mostly taught the art of combat, without delving deeper into the theoretical subjects.

Those types of lessons started once he turned into a bright and handsome teenager. At that point, his hair also grew slightly longer, reaching down to his shoulders. He had a chiseled face, with a lean and toned physique. The two small stubs on his back sprouted into a pair of golden scaled, leathery wings, his short, cute tail now almost reached the ground.

His nails also turned darker, slightly sharper.

What Aiden found strange was that as the boy continued to develop, and got his yearly vials of strange essences, he morphed, changed into a form more and more similar to himself. Albeit there were still differences between the boy in the memories and himself, but the resemblance was clear.

'Just who is he?!' Starting to grow numb to the constant pressure he felt in his mind, he muttered mostly to himself.

The mature voice of his System Guide abruptly spoke to his mind.

'[It is as you suspect Aiden. What you see is the past of your people. One of the last settlements of Primals back in an ancient time, before the Great Disaster. The young boy is special. I'm sure you already have your theories, but just continue processing the memories. You will learn more.]'