Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 159

Chapter 159 A New Path Begins 

Theodore let out a light laugh. “So why are you still just standing there?” 

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Finished 

Ava smiled timidly. “You haven’t officially accepted me as your apprentice yet. I didn’t want to be rude before you said yes.” 

Ysabel watched them with clear amusement. “Alright, Theodore, let’s make it official. Ava fits your preferences perfectly. You should be thanking me–if I hadn’t intervened, you would’ve overlooked a genuine prodigy.” 

Theodore gave his wife a resigned glance. “You’re way too eager to claim her, aren’t you?” 

“And why shouldn’t I be eager?” Ysabel replied easily. “Ava’s incredible. Of course I’m excited–and honestly, I’m happy for her. Ava, come here. Listen, Theodore can be blunt and awkward. If he ever snaps at you, tell me. I’ll deal with him myself.” 

They walked into the adjoining room. Everything had already been arranged. It was obvious that Theodore had prepared for either possibility–whether she passed or failed, there was a proper conclusion ready. 

A quiet solemnity filled the space. At the center stood a long wooden table, over three feet in length, with three white candles neatly arranged on top. A framed portrait hung on the opposite wall. Ava didn’t recognize the man in the photo, so she studied it with genuine curiosity. 

“First, we acknowledge the founder,” Theodore said calmly. “He was the first Awakened with wood elemental power–the one who laid the groundwork for everything we do today. All modern practices in our field trace back to his writings. 

“He’s the guiding figure we all respect. Every wood elemental power user follows his philosophy. Now that you’re stepping into this path, remember the first principle–mercy. Treat everyone with compassion- natural–born or artificial–born alike. Kindness comes first.” 

“When I talk about mercy, I don’t mean weakness,” Theodore continued. “It’s about valuing all life equally. Never lose respect for living beings.” 

He lit the three candles, placed a hand over his chest, and spoke with his eyes closed. “Mr. Wright, I’m Theodore Jones, today…” 

The seriousness of the moment made Ava straighten instinctively. She stood behind him, watching intently, afraid to miss a single detail. 

When Theodore finished, he turned toward her. “Your turn. Pay your respect to Mr. Wright.” 

Ava stepped forward quickly. She lit the candles again and placed her hand over her heart. “Mr. Wright, I’m Ava Morren. I have awakened with wood elemental power. Today, I formally take Mr. Jones as my mentor and make this declaration. I will follow your teachings, preserve your ideals, respect life, and protect life.” 

After that, she stepped back, and bowed deeply three times. 

After the pledge, they returned to the outer room. Ysabel smiled warmly. “Now that Mr. Wright has been informed, let’s complete the ceremony.” 

Theodore took the main seat. Ava knelt on a cushion in front of him. Margaret handed Ava a covered coffee 

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Chapter 159 A New Path Begins 

cup. Holding it carefully, Ava raised it with both hands. “Mr. Jones, please accept this.” 

Theodore accepted the cup and took a sip. 

* Finished 

Once he drank, Ava bowed deeply three more times. Theodore placed the cup aside and said evenly, “You can get up now.” 

Ysabel rushed over and pulled Ava up. “Alright, up you go. Kid, don’t bow so hard–you’ll hurt yourself.” 

Ava paused instead of standing fully. “Mrs. Jones, please sit beside Mr. Jones. I’d like to offer you coffee as well.” 

Ysabel’s grin widened instantly. She sat next to Theodore. “I’ll take the coffee, but don’t bow to me. I’m not into old–fashioned formalities.” 

Ava handed her the cup, smiling. As Ysabel drank, she quickly motioned for Margaret to help Ava to her feet. 

With the ceremony officially established, Theodore examined the girl before him. She was young, yet already far ahead of most people her age. Given enough time, he was certain–she would become a leading figure of the next generation. 

He didn’t doubt it for a second. 

“You were majoring in Pharmacogenomics, right?” Theodore asked. “Classes start soon. What are you thinking of doing?” Now that he was her mentor, it was his responsibility to guide her choices. 

Ava nodded. “Yes. I chose it because my grandpa was sick at the time, and I wanted to help him recover. But it’s not something I truly enjoy. Do you have any advice, Mr. Jones?” 

Theodore gestured toward a nearby chair. “Sit. Let’s talk.” 

“Compared to other elemental power users, wood elemental power users usually play support roles,” he explained. “Most people in our field either work in environmental zones or research labs. Those who reach the highest levels often become healers.” 

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