Hearing her brother's words, Tanya's eyes lit up as she excitedly spoke, "Does it mean that we can become like father!?"
Jin paused briefly before excitedly replying, "Yes, it's possible!"
However, in his heart he added bitterly, 'For you, not for me…'
Although he still had hope, his study of supernatural powers forbade him from hoping that he would receive a relatively useful power.
Supernatural powers are inexplicable, unpredictable and come in all forms. Even if he did awaken one, the question of whether it was useful was another matter all along.
If he's lucky, he would have the power on par with the so-called Master Class from the get go. If he's less lucky, he would have a useful power which could be improved over time. But if he's unlucky, then he would be able to fart flames.
As simple as that…
* * *
The next day…
It was the day of the Awakening Ceremony. All children who became 10 years old would be able to attend it and activate their energy core.
"Jin! Tanya! Are you done?" Leo called out from the living room.
He had taken a leave of absence from work to accompany his children in the Awakening Ceremony. He knew how important this event was for them, especially for Jin.
Being born with no energy core and energy circuits, Jin's hope relied solely on the supernatural power one might acquire during the ceremony.
"We're ready, Dad!"
Leo heard his children's voice as he saw them get down the stairs.
"We'll go say goodbye to your mom first, okay?"
The siblings nodded in reply to their father's words.
Following that, they went to the prayer room to pray for their mother and bid farewell to her.
Then, they departed and went to the Center Plaza where the Awakening Ceremony would be held.
* * *
At the Center Plaza of Cabanary Fortress…
The Cabanary Fortress was a home to nearly 10,000 people, essentially forming a town within its walls.
The Center Plaza was located at the heart of the fortress. This is where public events and occasions were held.
"What do you think your talent would be?"
"I think I would have talent in aura and be a warrior like my father!"
"I'm kind of nervous. My parents didn't have any talent in worldly energies at all…"
"Don't worry Evan! You're the smartest among us so you'll be fine!"
…
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and nervousness. Children were clamoring amongst themselves and some were nervously holding their parent's hands.
Leo felt his son's trembling hands. He turned to look at Jin and said, "It'll be fine."
Jin nodded with difficulty.
This caught Tanya's attention. She tilted her head confusedly and said, "Why are you nervous, Brother? Don't worry, we'll be like Dad and train together!"
"Thank you, Sister." Jin smiled at Tanya.
She didn't know what it was but something about her brother felt off.
"Welcome! Aspiring professionals! We are gathered here today…"
Before Tanya could think any further, a booming voice was heard across the Central Plaza, catching the attention of everyone in the vicinity.
The host was holding a microphone-like magic artifact which strengthens his voice.
"To start off with this grand event, please welcome the castellan of the Cabanary Fortress, Lord Axton Celerino!"
Woahhh—
The people cheered as avaliant-looking middle aged man walked on the platform. He stood at the center as waves of aura could be felt from him.
While others could only feel some wind brushing up on their skin, Jin was seeing another world altogether.
'Monster…' Thought Jin as he stared at the unimaginable amount of aura contained within the man's body.
'So this is what a Master Class Warrior is like huh…'
"Aspiring professionals!"
Lord Axton's words were loud without the use of any magic artifacts and had a special feeling to them.
However, Jin could see how he utilized his aura in order to strengthen his vocal chords. He could even feel that he would be able to replicate this technique if he only had aura.
"The Awakening Ceremony marks a significant transition in your lives, a symbolic awakening to the boundless potential that resides within you. It is a moment of transformation, where you embrace your true calling and step into the realm of future professionals…"
The Awakening Ceremony was a truly special event, for it held the power to determine the very fate of humanity.
It was an occasion of utmost importance, one that captured the attention and reverence of the entire human kingdom.
As a result, it would come as no surprise that the highest official of the place where the ceremony took place would attend.
"…That would be all. I wish the best to all of you!" Lord Axton went down the platform as he finished his speech.
The host spoke again, "Thank you for your encouraging speech, Lord Axton! Without further ado, the Awakening Ceremony has officially begun!"
He then pointed at the three tents on the side of the platform and said, "As you can see, there are three tents at the side of the platform! Children would enter each tent one at a time. There would also be officials that would record everything inside the tents. Parents and guardians, please wait in the tent designated as the waiting area to wait for your children.
Following that, children formed three lines with each line aligned to a tent. Then, one by one, children entered each tent.
"I'll be at the waiting area. So go look for me when you're finished, okay?" Leo said to his children.
The siblings nodded obediently at their father.
"You got this, okay? Good luck!" Leo reassured his children with a thumbs up before going to the waiting area for parents.
Tanya and Jin looked at each other and giggled, thinking that their father was silly.
Jin placed Tanya infront of him and said, "You go first, okay?"
"Kay!" Tanya answered brightly.
Jin and Tanya were in the middle part of the second line. He counted the people in front of them and discovered that they would be the 26th to enter the tent.
'Mom, I'm scared. Please guide me…' Jin thought in his heart nervously while maintaining a calm expression.