The grand dining hall of House Calvier was lit with golden lanterns, bathing the carved walls and polished floors in a soft amber hue. A long table stretched across the room, set with fine silver, exquisite dishes, and aged wine—the kind opened only for rare, meaningful occasions.
The family had gathered in full, the seven children seated in order of age on one side, their parents opposite, beaming with pride.
The third sibling, still in his court robes, was seated at the center.
Their father raised his cup. "Today was meant to be a gathering to honor our third—whose wisdom now guides the empire. But fate has blessed us twice... for we also celebrate the healing and awakening of our youngest—our Seventh Star, Taryn."
The family raised their cups in unison, each nodding, smiling, or in the case of the fifth and sixth, grinning while nearly knocking their cups together too hard.
Laughter echoed.
The third chuckled. "Well, now I must share my spotlight, huh? Not that I mind. This boy has stolen everyone's hearts."
Taryn stood, bowing slightly. "I... I don't deserve such praise yet. But I promise I will try."
The eldest raised a brow. "Try? Try what, little brother?"
The second, ever sharp, leaned forward. "Yes, Taryn. Now that you've recovered... what do you plan to do?"
Their mother smiled softly, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
All eyes turned to him.
Taryn took a breath, his hand resting gently on the table before looking up.
"I'm going to join the Rike Sect."
The hall fell silent for a heartbeat.
Then—
"WHAT?!" said the fifth and sixth together, nearly falling out of their chairs.
The second blinked. "That's... not a bad decision, but bold."
The eldest laughed. "Ahhh, the Seventh aims high. Rike Sect, eh? A legacy sect, a powerhouse in the region—and also where geniuses collide."
The fourth, arms crossed, gave a rare nod of approval. "Their training is tough. Their standards, even tougher. But if you survive… you'll emerge extraordinary."
The third sibling tapped his fan against his palm. "He has spirit. And ambition. Good. Rike is a place that forges destiny—not one that coddles it."
Their father smiled proudly, though a trace of concern flickered in his eyes. "It will not be easy, Taryn. But if this is your choice, then we support it with all our hearts."
Their mother stood, walking over to him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. "Be brave. Be wise. But above all, be yourself."
The mood shifted from celebration to solemn pride—this was the first official step in Taryn's journey beyond the family walls.
The rest of the evening carried on with stories, advice, and cheers.
But for Taryn, one thought echoed most clearly:
Rike Sect... I'm coming.