CHAPTER 61: ANCESTRAL AWAKENING: THE FORBIDDEN POWER WITHIN

Selene tilted her head and asked, "Do you even know what the WW game is?"

Alex shook his head, continuing to eat.

Frustrated, Selene clenched her fist but quickly took a deep breath to calm herself. "WW stands for Wardens’ Way. It’s a competitive game played between two teams—ten players on each side. Each team has different roles based on whether they’re attacking or defending."

She continued:

Attackers:Captain

Dashers – Fast but fragile.Blasters – Mid-range attackers.Shield Breakers – Use special skills to disarm defenses.

Defenders:Captain

Anchors – Hard to move, strong defense.Trappers – Set up zone-based damage traps.Reflectors – Risky defenders who can return attacks.

"You’ll have to train for both roles," she explained. "It all depends on the toss which side you’ll be on."

Alex scratched his head. "I thought it was just a simple game where one team attacks and the other defends... but this is way more complicated."

Selene nodded. "It’s much more complicated than that. And there are a lot more rules. But don’t worry—you’ll learn everything if you decide to join the club."

After class, Alex stood in front of a wooden door adorned with intricate golden designs. A small plaque hung beside it, engraved in elegant letters: Teacher: Emilia Aurelwyn.

Knock, knock.

Alex knocked softly and waited. The door creaked open, revealing Teacher Emilia in her usual attire—except today, an extra button of her shirt was undone, revealing a deep, snow-pale cleavage. She smiled at him warmly.

"Alex, how are you? Come in."

He stepped inside, with Hati padding along behind him. The office was neatly arranged: a wooden coffee table stood in the centre, surrounded by brown leather sofas, and further back, an office desk sat before half-drawn golden and white curtains. Everything was orderly and elegant.

Emilia took her seat behind the desk and gestured for Alex to sit.

With a wave of her hand, a glass of juice appeared before Alex, and a steaming cup of tea before her. She took a sip, set the cup down, and looked at him with a gentle smile.

"So, what can I do for you, Alex?"

Alex fidgeted with his fingers, glancing around the room. "Teacher Emilia... I want to ask something private."

She leaned forward slightly, voice calm and reassuring. "Don’t worry, Alex. Whatever you say will stay with me."

He gave an awkward smile. "Someone told me I’ve awakened something called ’mind space’... but I don’t understand it at all."

Emilia’s expression shifted. A slight frown formed on her face. "Are you talking about The Mind Space Awakening?"

Alex scratched his head. "I think so? I’m not really sure."

She sat back in her chair, expression thoughtful. "Tell me everything—start from the beginning."

Alex nodded. "The first time it happened, I was unconscious. I opened my eyes in a barren land... I didn’t have a body. Eventually, that land turned into a sea. I was stuck there for a month until I found a small patch of land. Later, when I was in the other dimension, the Mother Tree told me I had awakened my mind space. But I still don’t understand what it means, and I have no control over it."

Emilia’s eyes widened. Her hands clenched into fists as she stood abruptly.

"Tell me—when did you first awaken it?"

Alex flinched at her sudden tone but replied hesitantly, "It happened during the first test at the academy."

Emilia sat down again, deep in thought. "The first test... that was when you fought with nothing but sheer willpower, even while heavily injured..." Her eyes lit up. "Willpower... yes!"

She suddenly stood and raised a fist in triumph. "YES! That’s how you entered! WILLPOWER!"

Realizing Alex and Hati were staring at her, she quickly sat back down, her face flushing. She cleared her throat and composed herself, speaking confidently now.

"Congratulations, Alex. You are the first person below the Grandmaster level to awaken their mind space. This is no small feat."

She leaned forward, voice more serious now.

"Mind space awakening is part of a higher form of cultivation—mental cultivation. Once someone reaches the pseudo-saint realm, their strength relies heavily on mental energy. Without opening the mind space, people often get stuck at the seventh circle, no matter how high their comprehension is."

"You said you currently have a sea and a small island?" she asked.

Alex nodded.

Emilia took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "That means you’re on the threshold between the third and second stages of mind space. Only 10th circle sages can normally reach that point. But your elemental strength is still weak. Listen to me—don’t tell anyone about this. Promise me."

Alex was stunned, but nodded. "I promise."

She smiled. "Good. To enter your mind space, simply close your eyes and think about it. In there, you can practice techniques, enhance control over your element, and even begin to comprehend elemental laws more easily."

She paused to let him absorb everything.

"Your potential to become a 10th circle sage is extremely high. But that also makes you a target. If anyone finds out that a commoner like you possesses such talent, they won’t hesitate to kill you. Mind space cultivation techniques are top-secret within the Ten Clans. Even I was denied full access to them."

She leaned back, looking at him warmly.

"I know you must have many questions, but you’ve just given me a valuable clue. With your help, I believe I can finally open my own mind space. I’ll go into seclusion now—and once I return, I promise I’ll answer everything."

Alex expressed his thanks with deep respect and gratitude, then left the office with Hati tagging along behind.

Back in his room, he sat down in a meditative position, closing his eyes. A moment later, he appeared above a vast expanse of clear sea water, his form a wisp drifting in the air.

"So this is the Mind Space," he said aloud, his voice echoing as he floated above the calm surface.

Alex smiled to himself. At least now I know I’m a little stronger...

The pain I endured gave me something—something real. Something that will help me walk my path.

Knock. Knock.

The sound pulled him from his meditation. He opened his eyes and stood up, walking toward the door.

Who would be coming to my room now?

He opened the door—and froze.

Standing before him was a tall young woman with flowing black hair and striking emerald eyes. She wore tight emerald green clothing that hugged her elegant figure. Her smile was calm

"Hello, Alexander," she greeted, her voice smooth.

The moment their eyes met, Alex’s body tensed.

His eyes turned red, the pupils swallowed by an abyssal black. Blood began to drip from the corners of his eyes, and an overwhelming pressure surged from his body, flooding the room.

Serene staggered backward, her face turning pale. She could barely breathe.

It feels like a mountain’s pressing down on me... she thought, trying to withstand the invisible weight.

Her gaze fell on his bleeding eyes—then widened in horror.

"That’s not possible..." she whispered, her voice trembling. "A male... can’t awaken that bloodline..."

At that moment, Hati darted to the doorway, growling fiercely, his eyes locked on the stranger.

Serene’s emerald eyes glowed, slits forming like a serpent’s, and her aura surged. But something was off—her bloodline power felt restricted, and her elemental energy moved sluggishly.

Before she could react, the crushing pressure disappeared.

She looked toward the door. Hati stood there, baring his fangs at her. Alex lay collapsed on the floor, blood dripping from his eyes.

Serene glanced quickly down both ends of the corridor. Seeing no one, she stepped inside and shut the door.

Hati remained on guard, growling low.

Serene knelt down and spoke gently, "Don’t worry. I’m not going to harm my own nephew."

She lifted Alex in a princess carry, placed him on the bed, then sat on the only chair in the room. Hati climbed onto the bed and curled beside Alex.

Serene looked around, then asked, "Has this happened to him before?"

Hati shook his head.

What should I do? Serene thought, her heart heavy. He’s awakened the Feathered Snake bloodline. If Father finds out... he’ll dissect him piece by piece, just to understand it.

Alex stirred.

He opened his bloodstained eyes, wincing as pain shot through him like lightning.

"Keep your eyes closed for a while," Serene said softly. "They’re adjusting to the change."

Alex gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "Why are you still here?"

Serene sighed. "You don’t know much, and I can’t tell you everything. Knowing too much would only put your life in danger. But hear this—I’ll never harm my sister’s son."

She leaned closer, her voice serious. "You awakened the Ancestral Feathered Snake bloodline—just like your mother did, and in anger. Never speak of this. Never let anyone know. Not until you’re strong enough to protect yourself."

"If you slip up... they won’t kill you. They’ll torture you until you beg for death. You must learn to control your emotions—at least until you reach the level of a Sage."

She slumped back in the chair, exhausted, muttering, "I just came to ask about little Anna and your father, but..."

Alex’s voice, cracked and hollow, broke the silence. "They’re dead."

Serene’s eyes widened. "What did you say?"

"They both died... eight years ago."

She stumbled back, collapsing to the floor. Tears spilled from her eyes. "No... No, no, no. My sister won’t forgive herself—and I won’t forgive myself. They can’t be dead..."

Alex slowly opened his eyes, still ringed with dried blood. His voice was like ice. "Why do you care?"

Serene slowly stood, wiping her face. An emotionless mask fell over her features.

"Remember what I told you," she said, her voice cold and biting. "I don’t want everything my sister cherished... turned into dust."

SLAM.

The door shut.

Alex stumbled backward onto his bed.

"I need to get some sleep... this pain is killing me."

In a luxurious room bathed in emerald green decor—

Click.

The door opened, and Serene entered. She closed it behind her.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Her scream tore through the pillow, muffled but furious. Power surged from her, shattering the mirror, splintering the wooden table, and cracking the window.

Moments later, she collapsed onto a chair, panting. Her emerald eyes glowed in the shadows—like a serpent awakened to avenge its young.

Elsewhere, a girl—ethereal like a fairy—sat gracefully on a chair. She wore light blue clothes that shimmered softly, and her long, snow-white hair cascaded like silk. Her eyes, the color of frost, held a depth greater than any lake, and the way she sat made her elegant curves all the more captivating.

Selene sat in the Frostreign Club. In front of her sat a young man with black hair, brown eyes, and a calculating smile. He sat respectfully in the main chair across the table.

Selene spoke in a calm, cold voice, "President, it should not be your concern whom I sit with or what I do."

He replied with a silky voice, his smile not reaching his eyes, "But it is, Princess. Our Frostreign Club’s respect is tied to your actions."

Selene’s frown deepened, and with it came an even colder response. "What I do is my own decision. I don’t care about your concerns."

She stood before he could reply, grabbed the door handle, then turned her head slightly toward him.

"I think I won’t be joining the Frostreign Club."

SLAM.

The president, still in shock, sat motionless for a moment—until he heard footsteps echoing from the corner of the room.

Kaelan Ignis emerged, a deep frown etched between his brows. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Has she become stupid from spending time with that commoner?"

The president stood up and shouted, "I will not tolerate any disrespect toward the Ice Phoenix Princess in front of me! I helped you only because I wanted to support the Princess!"

He gritted his teeth and punched his desk.

CRACK.

Wood splintered and flew like shards of ice.

Looking at Kaelan, he hissed, "I was too stupid to believe your words. How could I ever think anyone could control the Ice Phoenix?"

Kaelan said nothing—just turned with a cunning smile on his brown face.

I’m not just thinking of controlling the Ice Phoenix... I’ll catch her. Capture her.

He closed his open palm, his eyes glowing with a sinister blue light.

She will be mine. Forever.

Selene slammed her door shut as she entered her room. She walked over to the window and stared out at the sea. The waves crashed violently against the cliffs.

"Mama was right... I have to act strong. These people think I’m weak just because I compromised at the camp—"

She clenched her fists.

"I’m the proud heir of the Ice Phoenix Clan. I can’t act weak in front of anyone."

A new resolve flickered in her frosty eyes as she muttered,

"Ice Phoenix’s pride is stronger than mountains and harder than million-year ice. I will follow my heart from this day on."

Selene sat beside Alex today, taking the seat on his right at their shared desk.

The classroom door opened, and the vice principal stepped in, walking toward the stage at the front.

With his usual goofy smile, he said, "Hello everyone."

He paused, placing his hands behind his back as he began pacing the stage.

"Your homeroom teacher is on leave for some time," he continued.

Raising his head, he looked out at the students, their eyes fixed on him.

"I’ll be your temporary homeroom teacher."

"Now, let’s take attendance first."

After a few minutes, he clapped his hands lightly. "That’s all for today, I think. Any questions before I go?"

As he moved toward the door, a hand rose.

He sighed. "Yes?"

Rina asked, "Where did Teacher Emilia go?"

The vice principal replied casually, "She’s in seclusion."

"Any other questions?" he asked, reaching the door and pulling it open.

When no one replied, he added, "Okay then. See you tomorrow," and stepped out, letting the door close behind him.

His last words lingered awkwardly in the air.

The class burst into laughter.

After classes Selene sat across Alex and Rina busy in her own thoughts, didn’t notice changes in Alex -

Elsewhere, in a cozy room lit only by candles...

A boy and girl sat across from each other, sharing a candlelight dinner. Their smiles were soft, their eyes full of warmth—two young hearts kindling something new.

Riven asked with a warm smile, "So... how is it?"

Lyra, cheeks flushed, glanced around. "It’s quite the surprise. I never expected this."

"I didn’t either," Riven replied, chuckling. "I never thought I’d do something like this for a girl... but here we are."

He looked into her eyes. "Do you like it?"

Her smile widened, eyes shimmering. "I love it."

"Then that’s enough for me," he said gently.

They ate slowly, talking and laughing, tucked into a quiet corner of the cafeteria’s private area. The candlelight flickered softly around them like a blessing.

As midnight approached, they walked together, and Riven led her to her dorm room.

The corridor was bathed in moonlight, shadows from the window stretching across the floor—just short of their feet. She reached her door and opened it.

Click.

Riven opened his mouth to say goodnight—

—but she leapt into his arms and kissed him, silencing him before the words could form. Her lips conveyed all she wanted to say, far more intimately than any sentence ever could.

He held her by the waist and kissed her back beneath the moonlight.

That same moon bore witness to their sincerity, shining down as if to bless the moment.

Two young lovers, embraced beneath the stars, exchanged their hearts in silence—fully, truthfully, and without fear.

Finally, she pulled away, still in his arms. Her violet eyes met his blue ones, speaking volumes without a single word.

Then she turned and ran inside, closing the door with a soft thud.

Riven remained standing in the corridor, a smile etched across his face. He looked up at the moon and whispered,

"I think I found something worth protecting."