Chương 13: Vol. 1 - Baptism Preparations

The day of the baptism finally came. I finally learnt that this ritual of being blessed by gods was called 'baptism'. It is said that most kids don't live up to 5 yeas old. This actually includes babies of all races, elves, dwarves, beast men and humans alike. And because of the low birth rate, babies are very treasured in this world. That's why it is a custom to celebrate your growth and give praises to the gods for allowing you to live past the age of five.

It seems that we would be able to use status magic and acquire skills after praying to the gods. Generally, we not only celebrate but also pray at the sacred ages of 5, 10, and 15. My father had saved more than enough money to get me some clothes for the nobles, as well as some fancy accessories. I quickly slipped into them and adjusted them in front of the mirror. Ah, look at that handsome figure. I look exactly like a prince!

"I am Hoshikawa, Prince Of Fire, The Prince who melts one's heart,". I recited domineeringly, trying to impress my mirror self. I swiftly picked up a comb from the table and started to style my hair.

"There you have it," I told the mirror.

"The love of your life is here," Then I clicked my tongue.

"Clink" My fingers hit something on the table. I look down to see… a spray bottle? No… this is a perfume bottle. Yes… I remember now, mama said she bought me some expensive merchandise on discount yesterday from a merchant from the great city of Celestara. Let's try it.

"Psssh" Ahh, the fragrance, this is so rich and magnificent… the smell of lavender brings me back to the days back in the palace garden with her…

"Kawa-Kun, are you ready to go out?" The door was knocked and Liora entered the room.

"Yeah, I'm almost done, just give me a minute," I replied. Liora nodded and left the room.

"「Stone Pendent」" I murmured. On the stone pendent formed a face of a girl." You loved lavenders, didn't you? I'm sorry, but our love ends on Earth. You would've said, 'New beginnings ask us to love again, with a heart unburdened by the past." In my past life, I had someone I cherished… yet her last lesson to me was to love someone else in the life to come. With that, I tucked her into my pocket and stepped out of the room. Already outside the door, my father, mother and Lexi were waiting."

Sorry to keep you waiting." I bowed to everyone and apologised for the delay. Father laughs and waves his hand back. My mother covered her mouth with her newly bought fan and laughed. Lexi just giggled, her mouth slightly twitching upwards. Everyone was on their best attire. My mother's hair was in a new hairstyle, her auburn hair tied into a half up half down hairstyle." Hoshikawa, you look so elegant, just like a prince,"" Kawa-kun, so cute!"

Looking at my handsome pearlescent, my mother couldn't help but pinch my cheeks." Thank you mother," I replied honestly with a smile and bowed once more. I could see that the carriage was ready. A man dressed in a suits stepped out and opened the carriage door for us.

"Please""Thank you" I muttered as I climbed up the carriage. Father and Mother sit at the back, while Lexi and I sit opposite them. Now that I think about it, I've never seen status magic before… hmm… If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it." Sensei, what does status magic look like?"" Eh? You've never seen before?" I shook my head." Come, let me show you,""Status Open" Right in front of Lexi, a translucent glass screen emerged.

Status [Name] Lexi Everis [Race] Human (Everis) [Gender] Female [Age] 27 [Astral Core] Dark Orange [Title] Daughter Of Everis [Affinity] Water and Healing [Skill] Echo Memory and Soul Mend [Blessing(s)] Eiralis Water Godess" Wow, Sensei. You're so cool! But how do skills work?" I asked, quite curious on this matter.

"Skills help to enhance or support you. There are only three skills per element: Fire = Will / Passion / Destruction Incite Will – Ignite inner drive, boosting courage or raw determination. Consume Essence – Break down energy/matter into raw power. Phoenix Pact – From destruction, restore vitality (burn one thing to heal another). Water = Adaptation / Flow / Memory Echo Memory – Surfaces memories from objects, places, or people.

Fluid Shift – Adapt body or energy to withstand different environments (breathing, resistance, etc.). Collective Stream – Link thoughts/emotions between allies for shared awareness. Wind = Freedom / Speed / Intuition Mind's Current – Heightened intuition, sensing unseen dangers. Phase Step – Move outside of normal perception, appearing to blur. Liberation Call – Break mental or spiritual restraints (illusions, fear, control).

Earth = Stability / Endurance / Growth Anchor Soul – Resist being displaced physically or mentally. Vital Bloom – Channel dormant potential into growth (training, recovery, plants, etc.). Endless Foundation – Draw upon hidden reserves of strength, almost limitless stamina. Shadow = Fear / Secrets / Illusion Veil of Truths – Hide knowledge, memories, or one's presence. Nightmare Vision – Force others to face their inner fears. Echo Doppel – Create false images or illusions from the target's own shadow.

Healing = Restoration / Harmony / Balance Soul Mend – Repair broken spirit, not just flesh. Harmonic Field – Balance conflicting energies in a body or area. Sacrifice Bind – Transfer wounds or burdens from one person to another. Most people only get 2 skills per element at most. Blessings are even harder to get, as it depends if you are important enough to catch the eyes of the gods." Lexi explained. It took about 30 minutes to get to the church.

We immediately got off the carriage and headed towards the reception area. Lexi said something about wanting to buy a new hat, and disappeared among the crowd.

"It is Renar Hoshino. My son just turned 6 yesterday, and we're here for the baptism. The priest should already been informed," Father told the receptionist." Yes, the priest knows. Please, this way…" She gave a polite bow, then showed us inside. The receptionist then opened a door and led us inside.

"The altar is being prepared. Please wait here." Then a nun came to give us some tea.

"The time is almost here, Kawa-Kun. Please be on your best behaviour." My father smiled as he ruffled my head. My mother put her hands on my shoulders and started rubbing them, " Ara~ ara~, someone is so tensed up here! Kawa-Kun, it's not like this is a huge exam, calm down." My mummy comforted. Mama is just the best! The three of us continued chatting away till there was a knock on the door. A nun peeked in and said, "Renar-sama, Liora-sama, Hoshikawa-sama, the altar is ready, please follow me."

We followed the nun to this majestic room with an altar right at the end. This almost looks like those catholic churches in my old world. A priest was waiting in front of the altar. Behind him were seven statues, one for each god. The one in the middle had a slightly longer beard than the rest. Sunlight was shining through the beautifully painted windows, making the room sparkle as if it were a galaxy of stars.

"Sorry to have you wait, Sir Hoshino. Now then, let us begin the baptism ceremony for Hoshikawa Hoshino. Please step forward." Renar nudged my back. I walked forward with long, cool strides, keeping my elegance and making sure each step was perfect till I reached the priest. I stopped and went down on one knee, almost like proposing to him. I sure don't want that, so I placed my right hand over my heart and looked down solemnly.

"Hoshikawa Hoshino, the seven Gods of Aetherion, this world, celebrate thine baptism. May you continue to live a faithful and peaceful life." The priest then turned around to face the statues and also went down on one knee, his hands clasped together in prayer." O, Gods protecting Aetherion, please grant Hoshikawa Hoshino status magic. May you also grant him your skills and blessings." Then, the world was swallowed by whiteness.