Ascension of the Forsaken

Lucian had always been a fast learner. Even as an infant, his mind worked tirelessly, absorbing information, analyzing patterns, and forming conclusions.

But this world was unlike anything he had ever encountered.

He understood science—physics, biology, chemistry. But cultivation? That was something entirely new. Energy that strengthened the body and mind? Power determined by bloodline?

It was strange. Unreal. But not impossible.

And if this world followed rules, he would learn them.

His mother’s presence was a constant in his early life.

Though their interactions were limited, he quickly noticed something important—she cared.

Unlike his father, who only saw him as a potential asset, and his brothers, who saw him as competition, his mother showed genuine warmth.

She would often hold him close, whispering soft words as she cradled him.

“You are strong, my little one. You just need time.”

Lucian wasn’t sure if she was trying to reassure him or herself.

But she was wrong about one thing.

Time wasn’t a luxury he had.

One evening, as he lay in his crib, he heard his mother speaking to someone.

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A servant, perhaps.

“His brothers began showing their affinities within weeks of birth.”

“Even the youngest?”

“Yes. Their energy responded to them naturally. But this one… there is nothing yet.”

Lucian remained still, feigning sleep.

Then, something else caught his attention.

His mother exhaled softly. And then…

He felt it.

A subtle shift in the air. A presence—something invisible yet tangible.

It was faint, like a ripple in still water. But it was there.

Lucian kept his breathing steady, his mind racing.

That was it. That was energy.

It was different from anything he had known in his past life. It wasn’t heat, light, or magnetism. It was something more.

And if it could be controlled…

Then he had a way forward.

The conversation ended. His mother left, unaware of what had just happened.

But Lucian lay awake in the darkness, his heart pounding with quiet excitement.

He had found the first clue.

Now, he needed to figure out how to make that energy respond to him.

He had less than a year.

Failure wasn’t an option.