Gregoria witnessing the overwhelming display of power, murmured in astonishment, “He really has transcended the Grand Mage realm…”
Regina, still in shock, turned to her mother-in-law and asked, “But how? How is this even possible?” Her voice was filled with both wonder and concern, struggling to comprehend what she was seeing.
Gregoria shook her head slowly, her eyes still fixed on Julian. “I don’t know how,” she replied, her voice filled with bewilderment. “This level of power… it’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen.”
Eva, confused, glanced at Eleanor and asked, “Why are you bowing?”
Eleanor, still kneeling, looked up and replied, “I don’t know… it just feels like I need to. His presence… it’s like it holds power over the very element I wield. I can’t explain it, but I feel compelled to bow.”
Everyone was stunned by Eleanor’s words. The idea that Julian now held such authority over lightning, an element that ran through their own veins, was overwhelming. The air in the room grew thick with awe and disbelief, as they all realized that Julian’s power had surpassed anything they had ever imagined.
As they glanced at the transformed Julian, a profound sense of reverence washed over them. His glowing white hair, the crackling lightning around his armor, and the calm yet overwhelming aura he exuded made him seem like the very embodiment of the god they had always prayed to. The sheer presence he commanded left them in awe, as if they were in the presence of divinity itself.
Alden, who had always prided himself on his strength, felt an unfamiliar shiver run down his spine as he looked at his son. The sight of Julian raising his hand, effortlessly commanding the skies to calm, sent waves of unease through him. The ominous stillness was broken by the crackling sound of a single, massive lightning bolt that formed in Julian’s hand, pulsating with raw, untamed power.
The sheer intensity of the energy radiating from that bolt made every person present freeze in their place. Even the seasoned warriors and mages of the Easvil family, who had faced countless battles, could not suppress the chill running down their spines. They knew that this was no ordinary spell. The lightning in Julian’s hand held the destructive potential to obliterate not just one person but the entire Easvil family—perhaps even the land itself. Alden’s confidence faltered as he stared at the force in his son’s grasp, realizing this was beyond anything he had ever imagined.
Julian’s voice boomed like thunder, resonating through the air, sending shivers down the spines of everyone present. “What will you do now, Father?” he challenged, his white hair crackling with energy, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly intensity.
Alden, feeling the weight of his son’s power pressing against him, took a deep breath. The confidence he had exuded moments ago began to wane as he acknowledged the overwhelming force before him. “I admit my defeat, son,” he replied, his voice steady but laced with respect. “You have surpassed me in ways I never imagined possible. This power… it’s not just raw strength. It’s an authority that commands the very essence of the elements.”
The crowd fell silent, tension filling the air as they absorbed Alden’s words. He continued, “I have trained you, guided you, but I see now that you have carved your own path—one that leads to greatness. The lightning you wield, the control you have… it is something I cannot compete with. You’ve transcended what it means to be a mage, and I can no longer consider you my son in this moment; you are a force of nature.”
Alden’s admission hung in the air, leaving everyone in awe. The weight of his father’s words struck a chord within Julian. He stood tall, lightning swirling around him, embodying the very essence of power.
With a wave of his hand, Julian returned to his normal form, the brilliant lightning dissipating into the air as the surroundings shifted back to their previous state. The awe-inspiring energy that had enveloped the training grounds faded, leaving behind an air of disbelief and wonder among the onlookers. Julian touched down lightly on the ground, a grin spreading across his face.
“Let’s go eat; I’m very hungry!” he announced, his casual tone breaking the tension that had gripped everyone moments before. Laughter erupted from those gathered, relief washing over them as they followed Julian back towards the castle, eager to celebrate his remarkable achievement. The families, still buzzing with excitement, began to chatter animatedly about the incredible display of power they had just witnessed, all while looking forward to the feast that awaited them.
Julian settled into his seat at the grand dining table, the aroma of a lavish feast wafting through the air. He wasted no time, piling his plate high with a variety of delectable dishes—succulent roasted meats, vibrant vegetables, and rich sauces that promised to tantalize his taste buds. As he dug in, the chatter around the table began to subside, everyone eager to enjoy the meal after the thrilling events of the day.
“Did you really just go toe-to-toe with Father like that?” Eva asked, her eyes wide with admiration as she took a bite of her food.
Julian chuckled, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “I just wanted to see how far I’ve come. Besides, he always likes a good challenge.”
Alden, sitting at the head of the table, grinned proudly. “You certainly gave me a run for my money. I’m impressed, son.”
The atmosphere around the table shifted from awe to camaraderie as family members shared stories and laughter, celebrating not just Julian’s newfound power but the bonds that tied them together.
Julian noticed a distinct change within himself as he enjoyed the meal—his senses were heightened, and an unfamiliar surge of desire coursed through him. It was more intense than anything he had experienced before, leaving him both surprised and slightly bewildered. He glanced around the table, noticing his family members in a new light, which only added to his confusion.
“Hey, system,” Julian called out, eager to understand this shift.
“Yes, host,” the system replied promptly.
“Why do I feel even more lustful than before? Shouldn’t a god have controlled emotions?” Julian asked, trying to reconcile his newfound power with the feelings that seemed to overwhelm him.
