“Yet I’d read the entire Royal Library in one sitting if it meant that no arrogant Awakened can destroy in one minute the family it took me years to build.

“The tattoo potions are a great idea for a soldier or someone who can afford to turn around and run. For me, however, they are not enough. I don’t want to feel so helpless ever again.”

“Well put, Dad.” Rena said. “Sign me up too, Lil Bro. What about you, dear?”

“Of course, I’m in.” Senton nodded.

“Two things.” Lith raised his hand for silence before someone could ask to join the growing group of wannabe-Awakened. “One, Awakening is no miracle. Even if you start today, it will take years of rigorous discipline before you see any results.

“Second, the stronger you get, the more training you’ll need to have a safe breakthrough. This means that even with Invigoration, you won’t have much time to do the things you love.

“Dad, you would go from being a farmer to a landowner who oversees the work of his farmhands. Rena, Senton, your days at the Proudhammer Works would be over. Magic is a full-time job that you either love or hate.