The next morning, as usual, Déon had done his morning training. Normally, according to his schedule, he would go to the library to read some books, but today he had other plans.
He had to visit Alexia to return the clothes she had lent him the day before. Moreover, Déon needed to focus on a special training he had devised himself to increase the level of his innate skill. Sure, Alexia had given him her word that she would help him find ways to block his senses, but he didn't want to rely too much on a promise.
At that time, Nox had already left to fulfill his duties. And his mother was getting ready to leave, as she did every morning, to the village hospital where she worked. But just before leaving, she called him.
"Déon, the coming-of-age ceremony is in two weeks. Yesterday, your father and I forgot to talk to you about it. You're undoubtedly very strong, but it would be best to increase your level even more before the big day. If you need anything, don't hesitate to let us know. Understood?"
Déon was stunned by the news. The date of this ceremony changed every year and depended on certain conditions that only a few knew. According to what he had read in books, the coming-of-age ceremony was almost mandatory in the world of Eridoria.
...
After turning sixteen, before declaring themselves adults, young men and women, depending on their gender, had to take part in a series of trials chosen by the elders to test their worth. The trials focused on values such as: willpower, courage, empathy...
But after the arrival of the system, this tradition was replaced by another. From now on, at the age of sixteen, the system grants each user a reward based on their potential and efforts.
The ceremony's process was simple: one just had to infuse divine mana into the participants' bodies to trigger what is called a divine miracle.
The result was spectacular, as this was the only time celestial beings interacted with humans to grant rewards in the form of blessings or gifts. The value of the rewards determined each individual's potential.
Only high priests or paladins could preside over this ceremony, since they were practically the only classes to possess the divine attribute. However, this ceremony could still take place in their absence if one had divine stones.
These are stones filled with divine mana. Natural divine stones are very rare, which is why only a few rare figures possess them.
...
After receiving the news, a glimmer of hope appeared in Déon's eyes. If he managed to evolve quickly in rank or if he improved his innate skill to Rank S, he was sure he would get an enormous reward from the system during this ceremony.
Now that the stakes were clear in his mind, there was no question of holding back. Swallowing his pride, he asked his mother for advice on his concerns.
"Mother, do you know an effective way to block or blur my senses?"
Tilda smiled upon seeing Déon asking for advice.
"Something to block or blur the senses... Ah yes, there's this," she said as she took out some potions from her spatial ring.
Tilda's expression grew serious as she continued.
"These potions won't block your senses, but by using them, you'll fall into such an extreme weakened state that none of your senses will function properly. Don't use them recklessly."
"Understood, Mother," he said, taking the potions from her before she left.
After she was gone, Déon didn't waste time getting ready to go to Alexia's house.
...
Alexia had already taken the blindness scrolls she had asked her tutor for the day before. Now that she had them in hand, what should she do? She was facing a dilemma.
Alexia's mind was a little agitated.
"Should I go to his place to give him these scrolls? Or should I wait here? Will he come today? After all, we didn't set an appointment, did we?"
She was pacing back and forth when someone knocked on the door.
"Déon?"
No one usually came to her place, so apart from Déon, no one else came to mind. Quickly, she grabbed a mirror nearby to adjust her hair and her face before heading to the door.
"Oh! You're here," she said with a smile, signaling him to come in.
"Yes, actually I came to return the clothes you lent me yesterday. Thanks again."
Déon didn't ask if she had found the blindness scrolls. After all, he already had his mother's potions. He didn't even know why he allowed himself to come inside.
He had already given what he came for, so he had no reason to stay. Yet, his whole being screamed at him to stay.
"Damn hormones. Well, I'll stay a few minutes before leaving. I have things to do," he muttered before trying to find a topic for conversation.
"Déon, here, these are the blindness scrolls I promised you yesterday."
Déon was a little surprised to see the scrolls. At first, he thought they would be inconvenient rolls of paper, but they were actually just small slips of paper.
"Thank you very much. I really didn't think you'd manage to get them."
"Do I look that unreliable?" Alexia didn't take Déon's remark well.
"No, it's not that. Since you told me you were going to ask your tutor, I thought there was a chance she wouldn't give them to you. You see what I mean?" he replied, trying to explain. It must have worked since Alexia immediately apologized for her behavior.
"You don't have to apologize, I'm also at fault for speaking carelessly. How about helping me with my training? It might help you too, who knows..."
"You're right. The coming-of-age ceremony is approaching; I should maybe improve a little more."
"Uh, where are we training? Don't tell me..."
"No, not here. I know a safe place near the forest. Follow me."
And so, once again, Déon began another wave of intense training. He knew that if he wanted to enjoy a good life in this world where the law of the strongest ruled, he had to become strong. And to gain true strength, there were no shortcuts—you had to train to your limits.