"Wh-who's there?" Jake's voice trembled as he scrambled away from the fallen monster. His eyes darted around the dimly lit cavern, searching for the source of the mysterious voice. "Did you save me?"
A harsh, grating laugh echoed off the stone walls. "Save you? Hardly! I am the Trial Master, and I'm here to test you!"
Jake's brow furrowed in confusion. "Test? What kind of test?"
He tried to stand but his legs wobbled beneath him. The Trial Master's voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.
"It's a trial to determine if you're suitable to be the king's vessel."
"Vessel?" Jake's heart raced. "What does that mean?"
"Don't ask too many questions," the voice snapped. "Time will reveal all answers. Now, finish off the monster."
Jake gritted his teeth, forcing himself to his feet. The creature before him was more terrifying up close than any story had prepared him for. Its scales glistened with an otherworldly sheen, and its massive jaws hung open, revealing rows of dagger-like teeth.
With trembling hands, Jake picked up a jagged stone from the cavern floor. He approached the motionless beast, each step an effort of will against his fear. Taking a deep breath, he brought the stone down hard on the monster's head. Again and again he struck, until he was certain it wouldn't move when time resumed its normal flow.
Suddenly, the air shimmered, and a mechanical voice rang out: "Beep! Monster above your level defeated. You have leveled up!"
Jake blinked in disbelief. "What the... Should I say 'Status' or something?"
As if in response, a translucent blue screen materialized before his eyes:
```
Level: 4
Strength: 21
Stamina: 140
Mana: 30
Agility: 18
Remaining stats: 6
Title: None
Skills: Rock Throw (40% increased critical chance with rock weapons)
Class: None
```
---
Jake mulled over his newfound abilities, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through him. After intense deliberation, he decided to distribute his remaining stats:
```
Level: 4
Strength: 24
Stamina: 140
Mana: 30
Agility: 20
Remaining stats: 0
Title: None
Skills: Rock Throw (40% increased critical chance with rock weapons)
Class: None
```
With a final glance at the monster's corpse, Jake stumbled away, his legs still shaky from the ordeal. He found himself in a nearby park, collapsing onto a worn wooden bench. The cool night air helped clear his head, but questions swirled relentlessly.
"So I've become a hunter," he murmured, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "But what does that even mean?" Frustration bubbled up inside him. "That Trial Master didn't explain anything! Some test this is."
As exhaustion overtook him, Jake's eyes grew heavy. His last thoughts before drifting off were of the bizarre turn his life had taken.
The next thing he knew, a child's excited whisper pierced his consciousness. "Mom! Look at that guy!"
Jake's eyes fluttered open, squinting against the morning sunlight. Park-goers strolled by, some casting curious glances his way. "Oh, it's already morning," he groaned, stretching his stiff muscles. A new resolve settled over him. "Okay, time to register as an awakener."
After freshening up at a nearby water fountain, Jake set off toward the Awakener Association. As he walked, he pondered what little he knew about awakeners. They were revered in society, protectors with extraordinary abilities. But until last night, he'd never imagined he'd be one of them.
The Association's headquarters loomed before him, a sleek skyscraper of glass and steel that seemed to touch the clouds. Jake's jaw dropped as he craned his neck to take it all in. The building's facade was adorned with intricate carvings depicting famous awakeners in action.
Taking a deep breath, Jake pushed through the revolving doors into a bustling lobby. Marble floors gleamed beneath his feet, and the air hummed with activity. Awakeners of all types moved purposefully about, some in elaborate uniforms, others in casual attire.
He approached the reception desk, where a stern-faced woman sat behind a holographic display. "Ah, hello," Jake said, his voice wavering slightly. "I'm here to register."
The receptionist's eyes flicked up to him, a hint of irritation in her gaze. She tapped at her screen before producing a small, glowing ticket. "Room number 3," she said curtly. "Go there for your test."
"Three, got it," Jake nodded, but before he could ask for directions, the receptionist cut him off.
"Now move along. Can't you see the line forming?"
Flushing with embarrassment, Jake hurried away from the desk. He navigated the crowded lobby, eventually finding his way to a corridor lined with numbered doors. As he approached Room 3, nervousness gnawed at his insides.
Every awakener had to take this test after their awakening. It was a rule set by the Association to prevent awakeners from abusing their powers or turning to crime. Jake, who had never even dreamed of being an awakener, now stood on the threshold of a new life.
He raised his hand to knock, hesitating for just a moment. What kind of test would this be? Taking a deep breath, Jake steeled himself and rapped his knuckles against the door.
"Enter," a muffled voice called from within.
As Jake pushed open the door, he stepped into a stark white room. In the center sat a single chair facing a large, blank screen. A disembodied voice spoke, seeming to come from everywhere at once.
"Welcome, potential awakener. Please, take a seat. Your test is about to begin."
---