The Celestial Arena towered above the academy grounds.
White marble pillars circled the massive structure.
Divine runes glowed faintly across the walls.
Thousands of students filled the stands.
Above them, balconies held noble guests and academy officials.
The air buzzed with excitement.
Today was the Blessing Ceremony.
The day where future heroes revealed their destiny.
Taro leaned over the railing excitedly.
"This place is insane."
The arena floor stretched far below.
At its center stood the Divine Altar.
A massive stone pedestal carved with ancient symbols.
Golden light shimmered faintly around it.
That was where blessings awakened.
Lysander stood quietly beside him.
Watching.
Observing.
Trying to remain unnoticed.
But the energy in the arena was overwhelming.
Everyone was tense.
Because the next few hours would reveal who held true potential.
Across the arena floor, priests in white robes prepared the altar.
At the highest balcony sat the noble families.
House Valerian.
House Moonveil.
House Frostborn.
House Drakensoul.
Each noble house watched carefully.
Their heirs would soon step forward.
A high priest raised his staff.
The arena slowly quieted.
His voice echoed across the massive structure.
"Today… the gods will reveal their chosen."
A ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd.
The priest continued.
"Each student will approach the altar."
"If the gods deem you worthy…"
"Your blessing shall awaken."
The ceremony began.
Students stepped forward one by one.
Some returned disappointed.
Others caused bursts of divine light.
A young noble stepped forward.
He placed his hand on the altar.
Blue light erupted.
The priest announced loudly:
"Blessing of Nereus — God of the Ocean!"
Applause echoed.
Another student stepped forward.
Fire exploded around the altar.
"Blessing of Pyros — Flame God!"
More cheers followed.
Then a familiar name echoed across the arena.
"Leon Valerian."
The crowd instantly paid attention.
The heir of House Valerian stepped forward confidently.
Leon placed his hand on the altar.
For a moment nothing happened.
Then—
The entire arena exploded with golden light.
The sun symbol appeared above the altar.
Gasps spread through the audience.
The priest raised his voice.
"Blessing of Solareth — The Sun God!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
Leon scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"…Guess that worked."
Next came another name.
"Elara Moonveil."
She walked forward calmly.
Elegant.
Composed.
The moment her hand touched the altar—
Silver starlight flooded the arena.
The priest spoke with clear respect.
"Blessing of Astraea — The Star Goddess."
The noble balcony buzzed with approval.
House Moonveil looked proud.
Several more students followed.
Then another familiar name appeared.
"Taro Stormfang."
Taro grinned widely.
"Alright!"
He stepped forward confidently.
Wind exploded across the altar.
Lightning crackled through the air.
The priest announced:
"Blessing of Tempestus — Storm God!"
Taro pumped his fist.
"Yes!"
More names passed.
More blessings awakened.
Then finally…
The priest called another name.
"Lysander Vale."
The crowd barely reacted.
Just another student.
Just another name.
Lysander stepped forward calmly.
He stood before the altar.
Placed his hand on the stone.
And waited.
Nothing happened.
No light.
No symbol.
No divine reaction.
The arena remained silent.
The priest frowned slightly.
Then spoke neutrally.
"…No divine resonance detected."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Blessingless?"
"That's rare…"
Some students whispered quietly.
Lysander simply nodded.
"…Understood."
He turned away from the altar.
But at that exact moment—
The world around him vanished.
Darkness.
Silence.
Endless void.
Lysander stood alone in the darkness.
Then a presence appeared.
Ancient.
Vast.
Watching him.
A voice echoed across the void.
Calm.
Deep.
Amused.
"Of course the altar rejected you."
The voice continued.
"…because you already belong to me."