Chapter 61: The Awakening Bloodline (Recommendations and Favorites Requested)

When Bowen returned to his humble abode, he found Blake diligently cleaning, while Lilith was watering the small garden… Well, it could be called a “garden,” at least. The magical plants inside were almost taller than Lilith herself. Blake, who was outside, immediately noticed Bowen’s arrival and quickly stood up to bow slightly. Though still somewhat fearful, he was able to restrain his instincts.

“Sir, welcome back!”

His Common tongue was childish and awkward.

Hearing the commotion, Lilith hurried out as well, bowing to Bowen. “Sir, welcome home!”

Lilith, being a divine descendant, spoke with a clear, melodious voice that was pleasant to the ear.

Both of their Common speech was a bit unclear, reminiscent of children just learning to speak. This was due to their upbringing—they had rarely played or communicated with peers, and had no teacher; instead, they learned by secretly following others.

Years of hardship had taught these two early on about the coldness and warmth of the world, and made them realize that Bowen was the one who would decide their fate. Though they still felt a trace of fear standing before him, they could now mostly control their emotions.

Bowen was pleased by this; Lehman really did have a knack for things, managing to get these two divine and demonic offspring to adapt so quickly.

“What did Lehman ask you to do?” Bowen asked curiously.

The two glanced at each other, and finally Blake spoke. “Mr. Lehman told us to work for you, sir. He said to clean up and water the garden first, and then wait for your instructions when you returned.”

Heh…

Although child labor wasn’t illegal here, and was even considered merciful, Bowen still felt a bit odd about it.

Don’t be fooled by the current evil pollution in Nether and the rampaging goblins—those were minor issues. The land was still relatively peaceful.

Across the entire continent of Faerûn, war raged on. Places like Kalinsan and even distant Mulholland were still embroiled in conflict.

Warfare inevitably brought death, leaving behind countless elderly, women, and children. Few, like Lehman, had benefactors to help them along the way.

Blake and Lilith’s circumstances were quite rare. Divine and demon-blooded children weren’t common, and their youth and unusual appearances only made them targets for discrimination and persecution.

Most divine and demon-blooded children fell from grace because of the environment they grew up in.

Of the countless stray children, barely one in ten ever reached adulthood. Even then, many ended up as thugs, hoodlums, or criminals—like those in the East District of Seven Towns.

Being taken in and given work at least meant a meal and survival. Those not taken in relied on charity or resorted to stealing, often beaten and maimed, living day to day, unsure if they’d see tomorrow.

Lehman must have told them something. Blake nervously added, “Sir, we’re very useful, and we learn quickly. Please don’t send us away.”

“Yes, sir, we’re clever and can do many things,” Lilith chimed in.

As if to bolster her credibility, Lilith stretched out her hands, her adorable face utterly serious.

Bowen gradually suppressed his smile, his expression becoming solemn as he watched Lilith’s hands.

A small whirlpool began to form in her palms, consuming most of her strength—sweat dripped down from her ears.

Blake watched anxiously from the side, clearly familiar with Lilith’s display.

Just as the whirlwind was about to coalesce, it suddenly dissipated. Lilith’s face went pale, her eyes reddened, and she spoke in a trembling voice, “Si…Sir, please let me try again.”

Blake also lowered his head in disappointment.

The moment the whirlwind appeared, Bowen was stunned.

“Sir? Si…”

“Huh?” Hearing Lilith’s request, Bowen snapped out of his daze. “No, no need. You’re already incredible.”

“Really?” Lilith’s eyes widened, looking at Bowen with eager expectation.

“Yes!” Bowen crouched down and affirmed.

He then gently asked, “Lilith, tell me, have you shown this ability to anyone else?”

“No…no one else, only you and Blake know,” Lilith replied quickly.

She didn’t know whether her ability was good or bad, fearing others would treat her as a monster. If she hadn’t sensed similar energy in the garden’s basement, she might have kept it hidden forever.

Lilith hoped her power would help Bowen, making herself more valuable.

Bowen took a deep breath. What kind of hardships must these children have endured to develop such awareness without guidance?

“Remember, do not show this ability to anyone else—at least not yet!” Bowen said seriously. “You’ll understand when the time is right.”

“Mm!”

“Yes!”

The two nodded emphatically. Later, Bowen cooked a special dinner himself, winning over the stomachs of the divine and demon-blooded children and earning their trust.

Watching the two cuddle together in sleep, Bowen smiled slightly. The situation was far better than he expected; he thought it would take much longer to win them over.

He frowned in concern. He had assumed it would be years before the children awakened their bloodline, but now they were already exhibiting primal magic.

Sorcerers, also called bloodline spellcasters.

Ordinary people needed initial meditation, mental training, and connections to the Weave to gather magical elements.

Sorcerers, on the other hand, start with an immense advantage—they’re born with magic in their veins, no need for talent tests. When the time is right, their magic awakens on its own, and they instinctively master spells (or spell-like abilities). The closer their bloodline is to the original source (not human), the greater their potential, and it’s much easier to ascend to high levels and legendary status. (Legendary creatures and professions will be explained later.)

Generally, sorcerers begin manifesting primal magic in adolescence, as their bloodline stirs and the magic in their veins influences their emotions.

Their first spells are often cast subconsciously at this stage, and young sorcerers may lack control, sometimes causing danger.

Without understanding what powers they possess and lacking guidance, most experiment secretly.

The lucky ones learn to wield their powers well, recognizing their unique abilities and refining their techniques.

The unlucky ones are consumed by their own magic, suffering injury, death, or even harming loved ones.

Only a fortunate few receive guidance from elder sorcerers, learning how to use their innate power.

More commonly, fear from friends or misunderstanding from family leads to isolation, turning young sorcerers cold and withdrawn.

Since Lilith had awakened, Blake would soon follow. Bowen was already short on time, and now had to guide two children; it was a headache.

Yet this initiation was crucial—a good foundation could determine the entire course of a sorcerer’s life.

Bowen finally understood his grandfather’s feelings. Back then, the Earl spent an entire week doing nothing but teaching Bowen.

Because sorcerers’ magic originates from their bloodline, its influence is profound. Lilith was fine.

Divine-blooded!

Bowen speculated she was of subspace divine lineage, that holy aura likely the power of the Sacred Light!

Awakened magic affects one’s personality; Sacred Light leans toward the good alignment, so Lilith remained kind after awakening.

Blake, however, was demon-blooded. Despite his current obedience, awakening would let demonic or devilish power suppress his humanity (possibly from other fiends).

(Those in the know understand demons and devils are not the same, and they despise each other. Their battles—the Blood War—have shaped the entire multiverse. More on this later.)

In cultivation terms, it’s like succumbing to demonic influence—upon awakening, they lose all familial bonds, killing indiscriminately. When they regain their senses, they realize their hands are stained with family blood, fall into remorse, and spiral downward, ultimately defeated by the heroes…

Of course, some survive and become tyrants in Faerûn, serving as dungeon bosses.

…

(A slow writer, but please recommend my work. Thank you all for your support!)