I woke up to loud banging on my door. Quickly standing up, I opened it to find Nadine waiting outside.

"Wake up. It's time to get ready for your awakening ceremony. You don't want to be late for your big day, right?" she said, her red eyes gleaming with amusement.

As I looked at her, I finally noticed just how stunning she was. Compared to the people in my original world, she surpassed most top models with ease. Her black, slightly coiled hair framed her face with effortless elegance, a single mole just beneath her lips adding a touch of allure that made her beauty even more striking. Even in casual wear, she carried an air of sophistication that required no effort.

Realizing I had been staring, I quickly looked away before I seemed creepy. "I'm sorry, Nadine. Today was the first time I really saw you clearly, so I was just surprised, that's all."

She smiled, a breathtaking sight. "I understand, Kael. No need to overthink it. Also, drop the 'sister' act and formal tone when you talk to us. Just call me Nadine or Nad. Mira is just Mira, and Ivy is just Ivy. We're family. There's no need for formality. It only makes us feel distant, and we don't want that."

She tapped my shoulder, signaling me to get ready. Taking the hint, I retreated back into my room and prepared myself for the journey ahead. As I changed, I pondered her words. It made sense. Families didn't address each other so formally. I needed to make things more natural between us.

Ten minutes later, I stepped out of my room and walked downstairs, where Nadine, Mira, and Ivy were already waiting. They were dressed in casual outfits, standing together in an easy camaraderie.

"Hey guys, I'm ready now. Let's go," I said, trying to sound more casual than before.

As I was about to step forward, Mira grabbed my hand, her lips curving into a teasing grin. "Now that's just rude, Kael. A gentleman should always compliment the ladies when he sees them. It leaves a good impression, you know?" She leaned in slightly, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Go on, flatter us."

Taking a moment to think of the best compliment, I finally said, "You all look… uh, really nice. Like faries stepping out of a painting." I cringed. Smooth, Kael, I thought to myself.

It felt awkward coming out of my mouth, and I braced myself for their reaction. But to my surprise, the compliment had an effect. Mira beamed, Nadine remained indifferent, and Ivy—well, she seemed quite content with the praise.

"Oh my, Kael, that was quite sweet. I didn't know you had such a way with words!" Mira said playfully, wrapping her arms around me in a hug. "I bet you'll be quite the heartbreaker with that charming face of yours. Right, Nadine? Ivy?"

Ivy looked away, clearly uncomfortable, while Nadine simply let out a small sigh. "Enough of your games, Mira. We have more important things to do than teasing Kael. Let's get going."

Sensing the finality in her voice, Mira let me go and straightened herself. Without further delay, we headed out.

As we stepped outside, the cityscape unfolded before me—a medieval-style scene straight out of a historical fantasy. Horses trotted down cobbled streets, smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the air was filled with the bustling sounds of merchants shouting, bartering, and townsfolk going about their day. It was lively, vibrant, and filled with an energy I had never experienced before.

Observing my fascination, Mira took it upon herself to explain. "I see you're curious, Kael. Guess that's natural, considering your lack of memories. Right now, we're in the Market District of Stel City, located in the southern part of Cogia Kingdom. It's one of the largest trading hubs in the region, always busy—but today, it's even more crowded because of the awakening ceremony. Mira steered me past a spice merchant's stall, her voice sharpening. "Awakening Day's the only time gutter rats like us get to rub elbows with nobles. It looks quite fun right?"

"Yeah, it looks fun. I want to explore it," I admitted, still looking around in wonder.

She chuckled and ruffled my hair. "Silly boy. You have an awakening ceremony to attend—one that will determine your future. Once that's done, we'll bring you back to explore, alright?"

"Alright, Mira. But you didn't have to mess up my hair to say that," I muttered under my breath.

We continued walking through the busy streets until we arrived at a grand cathedral, its towering spires casting long shadows over the bustling square. A long line stretched out from the entrance, people waiting for their turn, the air filled with murmurs and anticipation. The sight of the never-ending queue made me sigh.

"How long are we going to have to wait? It looks like this line won't move for hours," I asked Nadine.

She glanced at me and smirked. "We won't be waiting. The Holy Church of the Broken grants priority awakenings to those under their care. Since our orphanage is affiliated with them, you get to skip the line."

Relief washed over me, though I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. It was unfair to those who had been waiting here for hours. But at the same time, it would be hypocritical to refuse the privilege. This world wasn't fair, and pretending otherwise wouldn't change anything.

Ivy must have sensed my thoughts because she spoke up. "Don't stress over it too much, Kael. This system has existed long before us. Nothing you do will change it. Besides, think of it this way—most of the people in that line have parents and a stable life. This is one of the few advantages we orphans get, so take it."

Ivy's words were pragmatic, but they settled the storm in my chest. "Right," I muttered. "Let's go."

As we walked, their stares burned worse than the sun. I wanted to apologize, to explain—but what would I say? 'Sorry your life is harder'? Hypocrite. I knew I was also enjoying this priveledge. 

Putting these musing back to myself, we made our way to a side entrance where a priest in a white robe was stationed. As we approached, he held out his hand. "Please show me your badge."

Nadine reached into her pocket and produced a circular emblem, its surface engraved with strange symbols surrounding a triangle at its center. Nadine placed the badge into the priest's palm, her scarred wrist twitching. He squinted at the emblem's triangle—a symbol that felt like a spider on my skin—and grunted approval.

"You may enter."

Incense choked the air, masking the iron tang of old bloodstains. The saints in the stained glass glared down, their jeweled eyes tracking my every step. He led us through the cathedral's grand halls, past rows of intricate stained-glass windows depicting holy figures and ancient battles.

"You have to wait at the lobby for those who are not actually participating in the awakening ceremony" the guide who was leading us directed this comment to Nadine, Mira and Ivy.

"We will be waiting here for you Kael. Do not stress yourself n matter what you end up with." Mira siad with both nadine and Ivy nodding to show their agreement. 

"We'll leave our brother to you then, priest. " nadine said to the guiding priest and then with Mira and ivy they went to the looby. The priest led me deeper into the cathedral's belly, his robes whispering against stone. Every stained-glass saint glared as we passed.

Eventually, we arrived at a vast chamber where a massive floating crystal hovered in the center, glowing faintly with an ethereal light. Several priests and priestesses stood around it, along with officials from other departments. At the forefront, an older man—likely in his forties—watched us with a keen gaze.

He gestured toward the raised podium. "Step forward and place your hand on the crystal."

Taking a deep breath, I approached. My heart pounded in my chest as I extended my hand, pressing my palm against the cool, smooth surface.

The moment I did, a blinding light engulfed my vision.

For a heartbeat, three figures flickered—a woman crowned with dying stars, a shadow clutching a shattered sun, and a girl with hollow moonlight eyes. Then... darkness.

Everything faded away.