Alan had just finished freshening up when he heard a soft knock on his door. A sweet, familiar voice called out, "Alan, come have some lunch and get ready for school." It was his older sister, Lucy. She rarely came home these days, as she was a student at one of the top ten powerhouses in the world. Her rigorous training under a renowned teacher kept her away most of the time. Despite her busy schedule, she always made time to check on her younger brother.
Lucy's love for Alan was well-known in the Johnson family. She doted on him, and her influence was one of the reasons Alan lived such a luxurious life. No one dared to mock Alan for his lack of ambition or achievements, knowing full well the consequences of upsetting Lucy. Her presence was a shield that protected Alan from the judgmental eyes of the world.
"Yeah, I'll be there in a minute," Alan replied. He took a quick shower, dressed in fresh clothes, and made his way downstairs to the dining room. As he entered, he saw his parents seated at the table, with Lucy sitting elegantly across from them. The room was filled with the aroma of a freshly prepared meal, but the atmosphere shifted as everyone turned to look at him.
Alan's appearance was strikingly different today. He carried himself with an air of confidence and elegance that was entirely new. His parents exchanged glances, clearly surprised by the change in their son. Even Lucy, who had seen Alan at his laziest, was taken aback. She had grown accustomed to seeing him lounging around the house like a carefree teenager, but today, something about him seemed… different.
"Alan, is something wrong?" his mother, Rossy, asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"No, it's just that I'm seventeen this year, and today is the Day of Awakening at school," Alan replied matter-of-factly. In this world, most people awakened their supernatural powers around the age of sixteen, but Alan was a year behind his peers. His delayed awakening had been a source of quiet concern for his family, though they had never pressured him about it.
As Alan took his seat beside Lucy, his father, George, studied him intently. George was a man of few words, but his sharp eyes missed nothing. He had noticed faint fluctuations of aura around Alan, something that hadn't been there before. "Did you experience something strange today?" George asked, his tone calm but probing.
Alan hesitated for a moment before answering, "Yes."
A flicker of excitement crossed George's face, though he kept his expression neutral. His hands, however, betrayed his emotions, trembling slightly as he clasped them together. "Perhaps you'll awaken your supernatural powers today," George said, trying to sound casual.
Lucy's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Then let's all go to his school today to see his awakening," she proposed. Despite her busy schedule, she was eager to support her brother on this important day.
George, though he had important matters to attend to, nodded in agreement. "Is that okay, son?" Rossy asked, turning to Alan.
"Okay," Alan replied simply. He wasn't as excited as his family, but he understood their enthusiasm. What they didn't know was that Alan's powers were far beyond anything they could imagine. He had already awakened, and the sheer magnitude of his abilities was staggering. If he were to unleash even a fraction of his power, it could obliterate an entire continent. This world was vast—each continent was as large as Earth in his previous life, and there were a hundred such continents, each with its own hierarchy of power. The Johnson family's continent ranked eleventh in terms of overall strength, and within it, the Johnsons were a dominant force, controlling an entire country.
The Johnson family's influence stemmed from their heroic contributions 250 years ago during the Beast Tide, a catastrophic event that had threatened to destroy their nation. The family's ancestors had risen to the occasion, displaying unparalleled strength and courage. Their legacy had cemented the Johnsons' position as one of the top two most powerful families on the continent.
As Alan sat at the table, his mind wandered to these details about the world he now inhabited. He was still adjusting to the enormity of it all. The power system, the political dynamics, the sheer scale of everything—it was overwhelming. Yet, he knew he had to tread carefully. His powers were a double-edged sword, capable of both protecting and destroying.
"Alan, is something wrong?" Lucy's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about our family history," Alan replied.
Rossy smiled warmly. "Oh? So you want to become powerful like our ancestors?" she asked.
"Maybe," Alan said calmly.
George nodded approvingly. "It's good that you have a goal, but to achieve it, you'll have to work hard," he advised.
Alan acknowledged his father's words with a nod. He knew that his journey would require more than just raw power. It would demand discipline, strategy, and a deep understanding of the world he was now a part of.
---
The family finished their meal and prepared to leave for Alan's school. The Day of Awakening was a significant event, not just for Alan but for all the students who had yet to unlock their powers. The school's grand hall was filled with anticipation as families gathered to witness the momentous occasion.
As they arrived, Alan couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. He already knew what his family didn't—that his awakening had already occurred, and his powers were beyond comprehension. But he played along, knowing that this was an important ritual for his peers.
The ceremony began with a series of speeches from the school's faculty, followed by demonstrations from students who had already awakened their powers. Finally, it was time for the new awakenings. One by one, students stepped onto the stage, their nervous energy palpable.
When Alan's name was called, he walked up with a calm demeanor that contrasted sharply with the anxiety of the others. The instructor placed a hand on his shoulder, preparing to guide him through the awakening process. But before the instructor could begin, a faint glow emanated from Alan's body.
The room fell silent as the glow intensified, filling the hall with a radiant light. The instructor stepped back, clearly startled. Alan closed his eyes, focusing on controlling the energy within him. He visualized a fraction of his power, allowing it to manifest in a controlled manner.
The ground beneath him trembled slightly, and the air crackled with energy. The audience watched in awe as Alan's aura expanded, revealing a power that was both majestic and terrifying. Even Lucy, who had seen countless powerful beings in her training, was left speechless.
When the light faded, Alan opened his eyes to find the entire hall staring at him in stunned silence. The instructor, regaining his composure, announced, "Alan Johnson has awakened!"
The room erupted into applause, but Alan's mind was elsewhere. He had successfully showcased a fraction of his power without revealing its true extent. His family rushed to the stage, their faces filled with pride and relief.
As they celebrated, Alan couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility. He had taken his first step into a world of limitless possibilities, but he knew that his journey was just beginning. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with his family by his side and his powers under control, Alan was ready to face whatever came his way.