The sun had never shone brighter on the household of the Ironcrest family. Regarded as one of if not, the strongest force of the human race.
For centuries the human race have warred against beasts, fiends, celestials and even their kind. Since then, power was the only truth in the world of Geon. Every human at the age of 15 years awakened their affinity for Aura, by the soul seal they manifested. Those who succeeded were qualified to be Ascendants. Those who failed remain mortals.
The grade of one's soul seal is the testament to their talents and potential, as follows; Mortal grade, Spirit grade, Earth grade, Heaven grade, Sacred grade and Divine grade.
For the Ironcrest family, the worst talent they've had were Heaven grades, which were outstanding for the average Ascendant forces. Sage grade were more acceptable prodigies in the clan and Divine grade were the top tier geniuses, rare to find even for top tier Ascendant forces like them.
On this day, was the awakening ceremony of the younger generation of the Ironcrest family. Every member was present to witness the occasion. The Patriarch Marcus Ironcrest observed the future Ascendants, his stalwart figure filled with pride. They were the future of the Ironcrest family, destined to bring it to greater heights.
"It's been a while since we've experienced this," said another member, Julian Ironcrest, "I'm sure they'll be better than we were then."
"I thought you'd still be practicing in seclusion,"Marcus replied with a smile, which Julian returned as they shook hands.
"Tell that to our Father. He's the only one expected to miss it."
"And Magnus. Only the heavens know where he is now. Missing his own son's awakening, can you imagine that?"
"So Alexander's a part of them," said Julian with a faint smile." I hope he shines like his father did."
"He's shown the most potential among our children. Even us at his age cannot compete with him."
"He's said to be a natural talent for combat," said Vale Ironcrest, another Ironcrest clan member. He had seen the progress of the Ironcrest progeny as they've been trained in various arts, from martial arts to arcane arts to other aspects of knowledge.
" He's destined to shine in the awakening."
"Vale," Marcus replied.
"Patriarch", Vale replied with a plain face. He'd always been known for such facial expression.
"Cut the crap brother," Julian said. "It's too early for official bullshit."
Both brothers, Vale and Julian shook hands like friends who haven't seen each other in a long time.
All four brothers of the Ironcrest clan, Marcus, Magnus, Vale and Julian were powerful experts in Geon, as well as worlds beyond that. They together with their father Regis Ironcrest have been the main foundation of the Ironcrest clan, excluding the branch clan members of the family.
They stood looking at the younger generation as they proceeded to awaken their soul seals. The six of them stood side by side, awaiting to be called.
Ronan Ironcrest, Lucius Ironcrest, Celestine Ironcrest, Lydia Ironcrest, Darius Ironcrest and Alexander Ironcrest.
Ronan Ironcrest appeared confident at the same time anxious, which wasn't really surprising or a 15 year old. They all were. His burly physique made him appear like an 18 year old.
Lucius on the other hand had a lean athletic build, his eyes bright with intelligence and mischief.
"Hey Lucius," he said with a smirk"let's spar after the awakening shall we?"
"If you don't mind getting your ass kicked I agree," Lucius replied returning the same smirk.
"Is there anything you too love more than fighting?" Celestine asked shaking her head helplessly as if regarding them lost causes.
"If you're so interested in fighting, challenge those three then." She pointed at Lydia, Darius and Alexander with a playful smile.
"I'll pass," said Ronan as his morale decreased after seeing them. Lydia didn't appear gentle like Celestine. Her cold demeanor sent chills down his spine, Darius appeared ruthless and violent, which he was. Alexander on the other hand appeared peaceful. He carried himself like someone born into legacy, yet untouched by arrogance.
He stood tall for his age, with a naturally straight posture that spoke of discipline rather than pride. His build was lean but well-defined — not yet the physique of a warrior, but clearly honed through training. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, long limbs built for precision rather than brute force.
His features were sharp and refined.
A strong jawline framed a composed expression, high cheekbones giving him a quiet nobility. His skin was smooth, lightly sun-kissed from outdoor training. Dark hair fell neatly, slightly tousled in a way that seemed effortless rather than careless.
But it was his eyes that drew attention.
Deep, steady, observant — the kind of gaze that made others feel as though they were being measured without judgment. There was no visible hunger for power in them, no arrogance, no impatience. Only calm awareness.
He dressed in traditional clan robes — dark navy with restrained gold lining — worn cleanly and properly, never flamboyantly. The clothing suited him not because it was ornate, but because he wore it with natural composure.
His movements were economical. Controlled. Intentional.
He didn't fidget.
He didn't boast.
He didn't seek attention.
And yet attention followed him.
Among the younger generation, some admired him. Some envied him. Some disliked him for no reason they could articulate. Alexander never reacted to any of it.
He spoke little, but when he did, his voice was even and steady — confident without aggression. He listened more than he talked. Observed more than he acted.
To the elders, he was promising.
To his peers, he was unsettlingly composed.
To himself, he was simply preparing.
He did not yet know what slept within him.
But there was something about him — something subtle — that made the air around him feel just slightly more still.
'If only my father could witness this moment.' he thought. He was only an infant when his father went missing. He never met his mother. He always felt lonely within the Ironcrest household. He stood with the rest filled with anticipation to awaken his soul seal.
He stood with the others as they gazed upon the aura gathering formation laid before them, to enable them absorb aura for the first time.