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Chapter 3 - Chapter Two: Traditions Of Konnectics and the Echo Process

In the vibrant and mystical world of the Konnectics, in the city known as Elementera traditions were far from conventional. Among their unusual customs, the process of choosing a life partner stood out as particularly unique. An annual community festival would take place, bustling with excitement and anticipation. Both eligible males and females would gather, engaging in conversations and building connections. As the days went by, couples would venture on several dates, nurturing their newfound bonds.

Once a male felt a deep connection with a particular female, he would make the pivotal decision to approach the high council. Seeking their approval, he would initiate a formal request for the hand of his beloved. The council, responsible for upholding ancient customs, would then contact the female's father. In cases where the father was absent, deceased, or non-existent, the mantle would fall upon the eldest male relative in the family. The next phase, however, delved into the unorthodox.

Instead of simple negotiations or arranged meetings, the males vying for the female's hand would engage in physical combat. This combat, designed to test their strength and mettle, would continue until one combatant surrendered or was incapacitated. The male who initiated the challenge had three opportunities to secure victory. If he failed each time, he would forfeit his chances to fight for the female's hand in marriage ever again.

Upon emerging triumphant from this grueling ordeal, the couple would progress to the next stage of their journey.

They would partake in the sacred bells ritual, a highly revered event steeped in tradition. The male, tasked with a perilous mission, would venture into the treacherous Flux meadows. Tucked away amidst dangerous creatures and countless traps, Fluxo Mountain awaited him. This formidable peak housed the coveted Flux fruit, the pinnacle of the meadows' offerings. Many Konnectic males had lost their lives while attempting to secure the fruit, highlighting the formidable challenges that awaited.

At the summit of Fluxo Mountain stood Head Honcho, an intimidating black cat bristling with menacing spikes. She fiercely guarded the largest seedbed of the Flux fruit. The male could either face her head-on in an attempt to subdue her, or take the riskier path of evading her and stealing the fruit stealthily. Once successful in this daunting expedition, the triumphant male would return to the city, his hands clutching the precious Flux fruit. He would hasten to the tower, presenting the fruit to the council.

This act would initiate the meticulous preparations for the Bell and Blood ritual, the apex of their wedding day. During the ceremony, the man and woman would exchange the traditional Konnectic's vows, expressing their deep commitment to each other. As the final testament to their unbreakable bond, they would consecrate their union with the Konnectic's traditional knife. With the blade intertwined with their vows, they would pierce their own flesh, creating a blood pact. The male would then press his wound against the woman's wound, merging their life essence.

This intricate and profound process would last for two intense hours, as the father of the couple, or a chosen authority figure, would break open the Flux fruit. Pouring its mystical juice into a specially crafted box, the wounds of the couple would miraculously heal, sealing their connection on a profound level. Once this transformative ritual concluded, the council would ring the bells, signifying the official union of marriage. But it was not only the obscure marriage customs that defined the Konnectics. From birth, these extraordinary beings showcased innate strength, intelligence, and athleticism. Every Konnectic baby was born with a unique mark adorning their body, serving as a testament to their extraordinary lineage.

As they reached the critical juncture between five and eight years old, Konnectic children would experience their first power surge. Each possessed elemental powers, though on extremely rare occasions, a child would manifest more than two. In order to nurture and harness these powers, parents and caregivers would enroll them in specialized schools. Within these schools, children would delve into the fundamentals of their abilities, exploring the art of A.T.M. (All Terrain Movement) Some pupils would display remarkable talent and become child prodigies, excelling across various fields. Others would display prowess in a specific power or excel in a particular area of expertise.

It was within these hallowed halls that Konnectic children remained until they reached the age of eighteen. At that point, as their teachers deemed them ready for the Echo, a momentous event would unfold. The Echo process symbolized the placement of Konnectics within society. Through a series of comprehensive tests, their aptitudes would be assessed, guiding their respective paths as doctors, mechanics, teachers, scientists, and more.

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