After observing Alice and Zhao Shi for a while, Spark appeared bored, yawning continuously. He took a quick nap in the gazebo while Alice continued her training.
However, it didn't take him long to open his eyes and stare at Alice with a slightly amused gaze.
Alice was still seated on the mat in the same spot, her small frame a picture of concentration. However, faint flickers of light began to surround her, casting an ethereal glow.
Seeing this, Zhao Shi had already made some distance and watched from the side. As he continued to observe, his usually stoic showed a change of expression and his eyes widened at the sight before him.
As a traveler, although he had not witnessed it for himself, he had read many records explaining ascendants, awakenings, and the phenomena surrounding them. This, in front of him, was undoubtedly a phenomenon preceding an awakening. Zhao Shi, who had been watching intently, marveled at this unexpected development.
When attempting an awakening, a person would go through a ceremony and find a suitable place with protection from all sides to avoid being disturbed.
Zhao Shi cautiously looked up at the clear sky, sighing in relief. Because after an awakening, a thunderous test from above would follow. Without proper preparation, passing the test would be difficult, and this open, visible place was not suitable for such an event.
Zhao Shi turned to Spark to say something but stopped, seeing Spark's nonchalant expression. He continued to focus on Alice.
The surrounding air had turned cold, and small icicles began to form around Alice, continuously forming and melting back. Seeing this, Spark's lips curved into an amused smile. "Oh, an ice attribute."
A child's innate attribute talent often depends on their parent's attributes. Seeing the icicles surrounding Alice, it was apparent to Spark that this attribute was from Alice's mother.
As time passed, the flickers of light surrounding Alice grew brighter, as if a larva breaking through a cocoon to become a butterfly. It kept getting brighter.
However, a sudden sound of glass breaking was heard and the lights surrounding her suddenly dimmed down.
The surrounding phenomenon disappeared. Alice, who had been sitting on the mat, began to sway and fall back.
"Little miss," Zhao Shi said in a worried tone, stepping forward.
Most individuals spent years, even decades, preparing for this moment. They endured grueling regimes, consumed rare and expensive concoctions, and meticulously planned their awakening ceremony in a well-protected environment. Despite all this, many still failed. Alice, with no such preparation, had instinctively touched the threshold of awakening.
"It was unexpected," Spark admitted.
Sophia knelt beside Alice, gently brushing her hand across the child's forehead. "This is serious. She could have been seriously harmed. Awakening is not something to be taken lightly."
Sophia's hand glowed green, and the radiance enveloped Alice's whole body. This was his mother's special attribute talent, Healing Grace—one of the rarest attributes in the empire. It was said to heal any kinds of injuries and diseases. Even a person on the brink of death could be saved as long as they had a slight spark of life remaining.
Of course, performing such a miracle required reaching the pinnacle of the attribute, which Sophia had not achieved.
Within moments, Alice's breathing became normal, and her expression softened into one of peaceful slumber.
Sophia finished treating Alice and then turned to Spark, her eyes filled with both concern and reprimand. "You should have stopped her earlier. How could you let her continue?"
Spark averted his mother's gaze, his voice low. "I didn't realize she would suddenly reach the awakening state."
Sophia's frustration was palpable as she vented her worries. "You must be more vigilant."
Before leaving, his mother gave him an earful scolding, her words echoing in the garden long after she had left.
As the afternoon sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the garden, Spark remained by Alice's side. He sat in the gazebo, watching over her. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing symphony that eventually lulled him into a state of relaxation.
Spark yawned, his eyelids growing heavy. He soon found himself drifting off. As he succumbed to sleep, the two of them lay together in the gazebo—Alice from exhaustion, and Spark from boredom.
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A:N - Ah yes, usual ice attribute talent. Btw, Do you guys want POV from other characters? Like some old monsters etc, etc. [well, i would be adding it anyway, just wanted to know you guys opinions]