Chapter 4: Ranking Test
Axel's body sprang back to life, his eyes fluttering open. He found himself lying silently on the cold floor. He quickly stood, trying to assess the situation. The room was filled with the low murmur of voices; everyone else was already awake, watching him.
They must have had fewer statues to choose from, unlike him, who had to search endlessly to find the right one. But it wasn't time wasted; he was sure he had bonded with an awakened ability that would guarantee him an SS Rank.
"What took you so long, Prodigy?" Sarah teased, placing her hand on her hip and raising an eyebrow in a playful gesture.
Axel smiled, shaking off the lingering disorientation. "I bet he found a really powerful statue to bind with," William chimed in, shrugging with a hint of unease. "I'm not really sure about my choice, though."
Axel glanced at his friends, seeing the mix of anxiety and anticipation in their faces. "Don't worry," he said reassuringly, extending his pinky finger. "Anyone who gets the best Awakening will take care of the others. Let's promise ourselves that." The others mirrored his gesture, linking pinkies with gratified smiles.
The headmaster's authoritative voice cut through the murmur. "Now that you have all received your awakened abilities, it's time to determine your ranks and ability types." His words commanded attention, and the room fell silent. With a wave of his hand, he gestured for the newly awakened students to follow him. "This will determine your future," he continued as they walked. "Whether you become a highly ranked awakened who brings change or a failure with no purpose, I expect greatness from all of you. Inspire a new era of Awakened."
*Easier said than done,* Axel thought, clenching his fists. *The least expected rank is a C, but for prodigies like us, nothing less than A-Rank will suffice.* He adjusted the sleeves of his well-fitted shirt, trying to steady his nerves as they approached a large, arched wooden door.
The headmaster pushed the door open, revealing a vast stadium filled with underclassmen who had gathered to witness their seniors' triumphs or failures. Axel felt the weight of their stares, the expectant buzz in the air. The headmaster led them to a tall, crystal pillar in the center of the platform. This crystal would reveal their ranks and awakened abilities with a simple touch.
*According to the textbooks, the crystal was originally created by aliens to test human abilities at the dawn of awakening. They used it to identify and consume the strongest among us, cultivating their own strength. Now, it's a tool for us, and we've managed to secure a few of these before retaliating against the alien race. There are only a few in every country, and this is ours.*
"Step forward as I call your name!" the headmaster announced, unfurling a scroll from his pocket. He scanned the list briefly before beginning. "Rita, step forward to get tested."
Rita visibly shrank at hearing her name, her fear palpable. She walked towards the crystal with faltering steps, her heels clicking loudly in the hushed hall. Reaching the crystal, she placed a trembling hand on it. The crystal glowed white.
"Rita, B-Rank Awakened, Type: Body," the headmaster read aloud.
Rita's face lit up with relief and joy. A B-Rank was a respectable achievement, guaranteeing her a well-paid job and a measure of respect. She jumped up, cheering with delight.
"Whoa! That hot senior got a B-Rank!"
"I didn't expect that; she seemed so nervous."
"Lucky her, she's landed on the soft side of life."
As Rita returned to the crowd, her peers made way for her, their gazes filled with newfound respect. Axel watched her, feeling a surge of anticipation. *An S-Rank would command even more respect.* He couldn't wait for his turn, though he reminded himself that the greatest always come last.
The headmaster continued calling names, and the students stepped forward one by one. Most awakened with C-Rank talents, a few with A-Rank, and fewer still with B-Rank. Only two students received D-Rank, one of whom retreated to a corner, while the other stood defiantly in the crowd, a woman with an inscrutable expression.
Sarah awakened with an A-Rank, Elemental type, while William received a B-Rank, Body type. And then, finally, it was Axel's turn.
The headmaster called his name with a note of profound respect, expecting greatness. Perhaps even a rank beyond S. Axel felt a rush of pride and determination. He wasn't planning to disappoint. He approached the crystal confidently, with a calm that belied the excitement bubbling inside him.
*Body type, Elemental type, and Abnormal type are the three classifications of awakened abilities,* Axel mused as he placed his hand on the crystal. *Hades should be more of an Abnormal type, known for their vast range of unique skills that can rival both Body and Elemental types.*
As his hand touched the crystal, it began to glow, revealing his information.
"What the hell..."
"A prodigy is truly a prodigy!"
"Look at that rank! I thought he might get a bad one, but this guy is unbelievable!"
The headmaster adjusted his glasses, staring in awe at the crystal's display. The room buzzed with disbelief and admiration. He read aloud, his voice filled with wonder, "Axel Teras, SS-Rank talent, Type: Abnormal."
A self-assured grin spread across Axel's face. He had done it; he was the best student in his class. He glanced over at Sarah, seeing her beaming with pride. This achievement solidified their future plans together. They could marry, start a good life, and thrive alongside their best friend, William.
*Unlike my last life, I've made decisive choices. I'll marry Sarah and build a good life, with William by our side...*
The room's atmosphere suddenly shifted.
"What!"
"Holy shit, this is messed up!"
"Is that what I think it is?"
"I knew it! Things never go well for his type. Too proud, too heartless."
"Oh my God!" The headmaster's exclamation was the most alarming.
Axel's heart pounded in his chest. The energy in the room was palpable, a mix of shock and horror. He turned to look at the crystal, his eyes scanning the words that had caused such a reaction. His breath caught in his throat as he read:
**Name: Axel Teras
Rank: SS-Rank
Ability Type: Deceased**
"W-what! W...what does that mean?" Axel's voice trembled, his eyes darting around in confusion and fear. The crowd erupted into a frenzy, shouting insults and curses at him. His heart sank, a cold dread washing over him.
The headmaster's face twisted in pain. "Axel Teras, I'm afraid you have become the greatest shame to this academy, a husk with nothing but a void of darkness. Your ability has died."
Axel's world shattered. He stood there, numb, as the crowd's jeers echoed in his ears. His vision blurred, and a crushing weight settled on his chest. He had achieved the highest rank, but it was meaningless. His awakened ability was gone, dead before it even began.
The future he had envisioned with Sarah, the life he had planned to build, the respect he had hoped to earn—all of it crumbled in an instant. He was not just a failure; he was a void, an empty vessel with no potential. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, leaving him gasping for air.
Axel stared blankly at the crystal, his thoughts spiraling into despair. *Why? Why did this happen?* His mind raced, searching for answers, for a way out of this nightmare. But there was none. The world had turned its back on him, and he was left alone in the darkness, with nothing but the echo of his shattered dreams.