Guardian spirits are divided into five levels, from one-star to five-star. One- and two-star spirits are considered low-level.
Usually, only people without talent awaken spirits at those levels.
That's only natural, since spirits exist from the moment a noble child is born. A child's talent and potential determine how strong the spirit within them will be.
Those who awaken such spirits are regarded as extraordinary genius-monsters, appearing only once in two hundred thousand.
In other words, only one out of every two hundred thousand noble children can awaken a five-star spirit.
Keep in mind, each spirit awakening ceremony is attended by no more than ten thousand noble children.
This means it would take nearly twenty ceremonies for even one child to awaken a five-star spirit, showing just how rare they truly are.
And now, the little girl had actually awakened a five-star spirit before her, leaving Linda unsure how to react.
Meanwhile, Livia and Ardhis beside her were just as stunned.
"A five-star spirit?" Ardhis' mouth hung open. "Linda, are you certain this ice bird is a five-star spirit?"
His heart raced as he looked at Linda with worry.
No one had awakened a five-star spirit in decades. As far as he remembered, the last person to do so was the current Holy King—Vargan Solayne.
If this news spread, he was certain the palace would come at once to confirm it. A five-star spirit was a national asset and had to be protected.
"Yes, it is a five-star spirit," Linda said firmly as she extended her hand toward the ice bird.
Sensing her movement, the ice bird grew cautious. Its eyes locked coldly onto Linda.
The surrounding temperature dropped, and the falling snow thickened.
"Don't be like that, Sylvia," Catrine scolded with displeasure. "Aunt Linda is a good person. She won't hurt you—she just wants to check on you."
At those words, the coldness in Sylvia's eyes faded, and the air around them returned to normal.
'What a wonderful bond,' Linda murmured in surprise.
Normally, the relationship between spirits and their masters had to be built slowly. After all, as she had mentioned, spirits carried great pride—especially five-star spirits.
It usually took a master tremendous effort and a long time to soften their spirit's heart.
But with Catrine and her five-star spirit, that wasn't the case. The supposedly arrogant spirit seemed unusually obedient—even fearful of her.
Honestly, it was a sight Linda had never witnessed in her life.
She placed her palm on the ice bird, and sure enough, it was a five-star spirit, just as she had anticipated.
'What a powerful spirit,' she whispered. 'Her potential is immense.'
The ice bird was still small, yet the power within her was terrifying. If nurtured properly, it wouldn't be impossible for her to become the most powerful spirit in the history of the kingdom of Aldoria.
"How is it, Linda?"
Livia's nervous voice pulled her out of her thoughts. Linda withdrew her hand from the spirit and turned toward her.
"Don't worry," she said in a soothing tone. "That ice bird is indeed a five-star spirit. Moreover, she's still small and holds unlimited potential. I'm sure…"
She glanced back at the bird before turning to Catrine. "Catrine will become an outstanding figure in the future. Keep her safe from any harm."
Hearing that, a wave of relief washed over Livia. She stroked Catrine's head affectionately and replied softly, "Of course, we'll take care of her carefully and won't let anyone bother her."
"Yes," Ardhis answered solemnly. "We can guarantee her safety here, Linda. Thank you for the reminder."
Even if Catrine had only awakened a one- or three-star spirit, Ardhis would still love her and protect her—including from his foolish son.
Fortunately, his son had come to his senses and changed for the better. And now that Catrine had awakened a five-star spirit, she had to be watched over even more carefully.
"Father, Mother, Aunt Linda, and Catrine."
A soft, childish voice suddenly came from behind them.
In unison, they turned and saw Merlin opening his eyes.
"Merlin?" Livia's face lit up with joy. She hurried over, helped him up, and gently brushed the dust from his clothes as she asked, "Did your awakening process go well, my dear?"
Merlin smiled and gave a small nod.
"Don't worry, Mother. The process went smoothly—I've successfully awakened my spirit."
"Oh?" Ardhis leaned forward with curiosity. "Can you show it to us?"
Livia, Linda, and Catrine all turned their curious gazes toward him.
Merlin met their eyes with a meaningful look, then slowly opened his right palm.
"Show yourself… Lyserra."