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Chapter 6: Whispers of a Legend
The grand temple was still drenched in silence, the glow from Mickey's hand slowly fading—but the echo of power still pulsed in the air. Whispers began to creep through the crowd like a storm rolling over a quiet sea.
"Did he really…?"
"That crest… it's not in the archives."
"I've only seen something like that in ancient scrolls..."
The priest, who had been frozen in awe, finally stepped forward, his hands slightly trembling. He cleared his throat, trying to calm his voice, but even his most practiced tone couldn't hide the wonder.
"Mickey, son of Ken, from the noble house of Windgrace… has received—" he paused, glancing once more at the glowing symbol on the boy's hand, "—the Crest of Eternia. A legendary crest once wielded by the immortals of the First Era."
Gasps erupted across the temple.
"Impossible!"
"A myth!"
"Is he... one of them?"
But Mickey stood silently, his heart thudding in his chest. He didn't fully understand what was happening—only that he had received something extraordinary.
The priest continued, "This day shall be recorded in history. The boy who received the Immortal Crest... may the gods guide his destiny."
The altar lights dimmed, the ceremony concluded.
As Mickey stepped down from the sacred platform, a rush of noble children parted around him, whispering, gawking. He ignored them. His eyes searched the crowd.
And then he saw them.
His mother, Caroline, her mouth slightly open in awe.
His father, Ken, eyes wide and blinking in disbelief.
His older brother, Felix, staring at Mickey like he was seeing a stranger.
Mickey slowly walked toward them, unsure of what they'd say.
Caroline was the first to speak, rushing forward and kneeling to hug her son tightly.
"My baby… what kind of miracle are you…?"
Ken placed a hand on Mickey's head, unusually silent, his expression heavy with thoughts. "You're no ordinary boy anymore, Mickey… but no matter what, you'll always be our son."
Felix looked away, conflicted. There was a flicker of something in his eyes—was it envy? Fear? Or perhaps… pride?
"I-I didn't expect this," Felix muttered. "But you better not get cocky, little brother. Just because you got some shiny crest…"
Mickey laughed a little. "I won't. But… I think things are about to get really crazy."
Caroline wiped her tears and smiled. "Crazy or not, we'll face it together."
Just then, a thunderous voice echoed across the temple halls.
"Mickey Windgrace, heir of the Crest of Eternia!"
Everyone turned toward the entrance.
An armored knight stood tall, with a crest of the royal kingdom on his chest.
"In accordance with ancient prophecy, the Royal Academy of Magic formally invites you to become a student. A carriage awaits outside. You are to leave at once."
Mickey blinked.
"Wait—right now?!"
Ken chuckled. "Well… your life just officially changed."
Mickey looked at his glowing crest, then at the open temple doors leading to the unknown.
So this is the path of the greatest summoner with the weakest crest, huh?
Let's see just how far it goes.
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