Rebirth of the Fallen Zenith.-Chapter 32: Coemption Morning.

Coemption Morning.

Golden sunlight crept gently into Orion's room, slipping through sheer curtains like a silent intruder. The first rays spilled across the polished floor, stretching inch by inch, hesitant to disturb the stillness within.

On the velvet mat, Orion sat cross-legged, draped in a usual robe. His breath was steady, his presence unmoving—like a mountain undisturbed by wind or time. His breath was steady, each inhale and exhale laced with invisible threads of mana. The air shimmered faintly around him—golden, tranquil, alive.

He had been meditating since midnight.

Time had slipped past him like a dream. He hadn't noticed when the moon vanished behind the horizon, or when the wind outside settled into a slumbering hush. The mana within him had pulsed in harmony with the world, slow and powerful, like the deep thrum of an ancient drum. And though the sun had long broken over Valeric City, Orion remained unmoved.

Until now.

A warm beam of sunlight landed softly on his face, brushing against his closed eyelids.

His brows twitched.

A quiet sigh escaped him—like a breeze skimming across still waters. Slowly, his eyes opened, calm and clear, reflecting a deep ocean of focus.

He looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers. The floor beneath him bore fine cracks, thin like spider webs, from the uncontrolled surge of energy hours earlier.

"Five-Star Novice," he murmured to himself and "stable Foundation."

He had step into the fifth star before dawn, but there was no celebration in his heart. No joy. No outburst of triumph. Only a quiet, steady satisfaction. Progress. That was enough.

Orion rose slowly, stretching his limbs. His muscles shifted with a faint crack, tighter now—stronger, more attuned to his will.

As he turned, the golden morning light revealed a veil of pills neatly lined on the nearby table—the ones he had bought from Laura's shop. A smile ghosted his lips, brief but content.

He moved to the bathroom, the cold - water grounding him after hours of spiritual focus. After freshening up, he donned a clean white-blue robe, embroidered with silver along the sleeves and collar. It shimmered faintly in the sunlight as he stepped out into the corridor.

Today is the Hunting Tournament, he reminded himself as his steps echoed softly through the hall.

Not that he cared for it much. The competition was designed for Novices—a tradition meant to test potential of young cultivators, foster rivalries, and let families flaunt their "rising stars." It held little interest for someone who had once stood above kings.

Still, a flicker of concern stirred within him.

Edric... He recalled his meeting with him at the training grounds a few days ago—how he'd said he would be participating... while wearing a mana suppression bracelet. A troublesome notion.

He sighs. "The city's best cultivators oversee the tournament," he reminded himself quietly. "Nothing should go wrong... but if it does—"

He didn't finish the thought, only let it dissolve in the air. His steps continued, measured and calm, as he descended the stairs.

A soft voice pulled him from thought.

"You didn't come out all day from your room —not even for dinner!" Elara's voice echoed from the hall, sharp with accusation but softened by concern.

Her Black hair bounced slightly as she stepped forward, blue eyes narrowing at her brother. "Wait... brother did you—?"

Orion gave a faint smile. "Yes, I step into Five-star Novice with stable foundation."

Elara's jaw dropped. "You really did it..." Her voice grew softer, prouder than surprised for his brother achievement.

"I reached the fourth star last night," But she also added with proud and sparky bright blue eyes.

Orion raised a brow, genuinely impressed. "Well done, Elara. At this rate, you might catch up to me."

A deep blush bloomed on her cheeks as she turned her face away, trying to hide her smile. Her heart fluttered.

"I already said brother, I never left much behind you," she muttered, though her voice trembled with happiness.

He smiled on her comment but he inwardly watched her with a thoughtful gaze. Her potential isn't bad at all, Orion thought, observing her posture. Quick learner. Her cultivation speed... it's impressive.

Before they could say more, a voice drifted through the hallway—graceful and composed.

"Children, it's time."

In hall Lady Celia and Lady Sera waited in the main sitting hall, both dressed in refined noble robes. Sera wore a deep purple robe clasped with silver eagles, while Celia was wrapped in soft blue with golden embroidery. Their elegance was effortless—radiant, yet dignified.

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Celia stepped forward and handed each of them small leather pouches. "Your final preparations. Elixirs, healing pills, and protective talismans. Use them only if you must."

Orion bowed his head. "Thank you, Mother."

"Shall we head to the main gate?" Sera stepped forward next said gently.

They all nodded. The atmosphere shifted.

The group exited the estate together, stepping into the courtyard where armored guards stood in formation and many polished carriages waited in line. Each bore the emblem of the Vale family—an eagle with wings outstretched—shimmered boldly on the carriage's doors.

The Hunting Competition's venue had already been set in the Southern Forest, one of Valeric City's least dangerous yet still mysterious regions. The forest was known to house magical beasts with strength comparable novice to a one-star Apprentice, but never more than that.

The starting point was the southern gate of the city, where families and academies would gather to send off their participants.

Perfect grounds to test Novice cultivators against the wild—both terrain and beast alike.

As they neared the carriages, as they neared the carriage, Sera glanced around "It seems... this year again your father will not be attending." she said quietly, a without any trace of disappointment in her voice in place her voice fill with neutral and calmness.

But before her words could settle, a melodic voice rang out—smooth, composed.

"Lord Orion."

They turned.

Walking toward them was Lysandra Voss, her silver-green armor gleaming beneath the morning sun. A green cape flowed behind her, and a sheathed sword bounced lightly at her hip.

Behind her strode her classmates. Only Edric and Arin followed close, both clad in polished black armor—no capes, but still imposing.

Orion observed them with a calm gaze.

His bluish-white hair ruffled slightly in the wind. Celia and Sera stood behind him, regal and poised. Elara, Black-haired and curious, peeked from his side.

Lysandra stopped a few paces ahead and bowed respectfully. "Lady Celia. Lady Sera. Lady Elara."

She turned to Orion, a glint in her eye. "Lord Orion."

Sera and Celia just nod with smile and Orion greet her Elara follow his suit, "Greet Miss Voss."

Edric and Arin followed suit with polite bows. "Mother Celia, Mother Sera."

"Orion. Elara," Edric added, Arin followed suit.

Their greetings were proper. Polite. Formal.

But Orion and Elara both saw through it. Just words, void of warmth.

Then Elara noticed their armour and she tilted her head, brow furrowing. "Miss Voss... Brother Edric, Brother Arin—are you returning to Voss Imperial Academy today?"

It was an honest question. Their full armor had raised suspicion.

Sera and Celia exchanged glances, sharing the same question. But Orion remained silent, watching.

"No, dear Elara." He smiled softly, voice dripping with charm.

Elara's eyes expression twitched at the word dear, but she said nothing.

"We're participating today."

Sera's brows furrowed.

"Edric, you know this tournament is for Novice cultivators only. How—?"

Edric smiled innocently.

"I received permission. I asked Father. He allowed us to participate using mana suppression bracelets."

Celia's face darkened slightly, her calm breaking.

"Lord Theo gave you permission...?"

Elara turned toward Orion in confusion. He said nothing, merely watched. Eyes sharp. Mind calculating.

Lysandra, who had remained quiet, opened her mouth as if to speak—

Thump. A single, heavy footstep echoed through the courtyard.

Everyone froze.

Another step followed.

The sound grew louder.

All heads turned toward the estate gate, where a tall shadow slowly approached—