Blessings

“If it’s a blessing then it’s not a misfortune and if it’s a misfortune then it’s unavoidable”

Apart from the people watching the scene in the temple’s main hall a few others were also watching secretly, the king was watching from his palace through a magic mirror while all five utmost exalted elders were in another room within the temple also watching through a magic mirror, despite the difference in location they all had one thing in common and it was their stunned expression.

Sword-saint Predator was feeling amazed at first when eight runes lit up but couldn’t help but feel a bit worried when ten runes lit but then all of a sudden twelve runes lit up and now he didn’t know if he should laugh or cry.

While everyone was stunned all twelve runes glowed brightly like a miniature sun then all of a sudden the runes went off, it was at this moment everyone snapped out of their daze, something wasn’t right, there was no rune projection or ability impartation which was supposed to occur before the altar went dormant, instantly the surrounding crowd broke out into a noisy chatter, in the palace the King wore a deep frown as he had never heard of such a thing happening before, in the secret room the utmost exalted elders were whispering amongst themselves.

The most confused people were Marcus and the chief priest, Marcus has heard several stories of how people got their blessings and gifts so he was shocked when the altar suddenly went off without anything happening and the chief priest was even more surprised as something like this had never occurred in this kind of situation, the only times such things occurred was when a superior Hunter was to become a supreme Hunter or when a supreme Hunter was to become a Predator and the Hunter god deemed the person insufficiently skilled to be promoted and in that kind of situation those involved will just and practice more but this situation at hand was quite strange as this was a child who was here to receive his first blessings and he was rejected despite the fact that he possessed the legendary twelve rune talent.

The Chief priest thought for a few moments before concluding that the problem was from the altar or something else so he conducted the ritual again, this time as Marcus blood was dropping on the alter he began chanting some strange words but the results was the same as all twelve runes lit up brightly before abruptly turning off, unwilling to accept the result the chief priest conducted the ritual one more time only to yield the same results, this let to the crowd chattering excitedly as this was the first time the ritual will be conducted more than one and the first time such a situation will be occurring to young Hunters but amongst the crowd two people had unsightly expression as they stared at the altar with eyes that could spout fire

“Cough……cough” The chief priest cleared his throat and the entire hall went silent not daring to even breath too loudly

“This is indeed a strange phenomenon, the kid’s talent is indeed the one spoken off in legends but for some reason the Hunter god has deemed hi unworthy of his blessings and as such this child will be without any gifts.” The chief priest said one word at a time, it took a few moments for people to digest what they had just heard before instantly breaking out into a noisier chatter and at that moment the chief priest vanished like he was never there.

“Did you hear that, the kid didn’t receive the blessings of the Hunter god?”

“I bet he’s the first person in history not to be blessed.”

“I’ve always felt that kid was strange but I’ve just realize it’s far worse than that.”

“Maybe it has something to do with his eyes, it’s different from everyone else’s.”

“He looks creepy, we really should avoid him in the future lest we get affected by bad-luck.”

“I’ve been guessing for a while but I think it is confirmed now, that child is not a pure blood.”

“The heck do you know, if he wasn’t a pure blood Hunter the altar will not even react to his blood.”

“You know what I think, I think he’s possessed.”

“Arrrgh….. you’re such an idiot.”

“Hey I think I once heard a rumour about Hunters with white eyes like his.”

“What about them?”

“I heard that the only two times they ever appeared, they almost wiped out the entire race.”

“The heck…. Is that even possible?”

“What do you know, I overheard my great grandpa talking about it with my father.”

The crowd began to discuss amongst themselves spiritedly, Genevieve had an ugly expression and Eric’s face was already darker than coal as rage welled within him.

“SILENCE!!!” He roared and a visible shockwave emanated from him and spread outward stunning everyone in the hall, at exactly that moment Genevieve took a leap and landed on the altar, she grabbed Marcus and jumped into Eric’s shadow instantly disappearing from view.

Not waiting any moment longer Eric also stormed out of the temple with imaginary steam coming out of his head.

*** In the secret room***

The Utmost exalted elders were all silent for a while having witnessed everything that just happened in the main hall, Sword-saint Predator waved his hand and the scene on the mirror changed from the main hall to the royal palace, a few moments later the king appeared in view.

“Long live your highness.” They all said with a bow and the King nodded in approval, the golden crown on his head and royal garb he had on made him more domineering that he appeared last time

“Your highness, we believe you already saw what just happened, what are your decisions?” Thousand-night Predator asked calmly

“What do you all think?” The king replied emotionlessly

“These subjects wouldn’t dare to guess your majesty’s thoughts.” They all said in unison and the King sneered inwardly

‘Like I would trust your words, just yester night you were all cussing each other but look at you all acting formal now’ he thought to himself

“We were all expecting him to receive something really powerful before taking care of him but it seems we won’t need to stress ourselves about it as the Hunter god has come to our aid, Marcus Fault is no longer a threat to us Hunter.” The King declared and all five elders bowed in response. 

*** In Marcus’ Home***

Genevieve could be seen sitting on the sofa with Marcus curled up in her arms, his eyes were bloodshot from crying, Genevieve rubbed his hair while trying to console him, suddenly the door burst open and Eric stormed in, his expression was still ugly but upon seeing his son’s pitiful face he instantly softened up

“Marcus, I…” Eric wanted to say something but the words got stuck in his throat

“I’ll never be like you or mom.” Marcus said weakly and Eric felt his heart shatter

“Who said you can’t be strong like your father?” a domineering voice suddenly came from the door and a hexagonal magic array appeared in the air and a figure walked out of the array which just served as a portal.

“Grandpa!” Marcus yelled in excitement as he saw who it was, he jumped out of his mother’s hands and ran to meet him.

“What do you mean I can be strong like dad?” Marcus asked

“Dad we know you mean good but….” Genevieve tried saying but her voice trailed off

“Sighs… you really didn’t notice, the Hunter god actually gave you three gifts but it seems you all were ignorant.” Sword-saint Predator said with a sigh

“Really???” Marcus asked in excitement and stars seemed to appear in his eyes

“Yes, first he gave you the legendary twelve rune talent, with such talent becoming the most powerful Hunter is not impossible, then he gave you the gift of life, without it you would have died already as several people were already envious of your talents and would have killed you instantly if you were given any other gift and lastly you have me as your grandpa.” Sword-saint Predator said in a profound manner and both Eric and Genevieve were left jaw dropped

‘Father-in-law, I know you’re really great when it comes to battle skills but who knew you were also perfect when it comes to twisting logic in such a way, I bet you’re the only one who would explain this situation in this manner.’

‘Father you make so much sense now that even though I wish to rebuke you for misleading the child I am short of words on how to do so.’ Eric and Genevieve thought to themselves but didn’t dare say anything out loud as they noticed that Marcus’ mood had significantly improved as he had started to skip round his grandfather

“But without any active abilities no academy will accept him.” Eric said with a sight tactfully choosing his words so as not to ruin the mood

“Nonsense, with me around who needs a filthy academy let by a bunch of untalented Hunters.” Sword-saint Predator harrumphed and Marcus only grew more excited and both Eric and Genevieve could only shake their head as a smile wormed its way into their formerly gloomy faces.