Elara Ravengale watched in disbelief as Leon sat quietly in his meditative stance, his focus razor-sharp. It had barely been thirty minutes since the ceremony began, and yet, here he was—already on the verge of awakening his Arune Key. This was unheard of. Normally, the process took hours, with each student slowly guiding their energy through their body until it settled in their chest, ready to manifest. But Leon… he had moved through each stage effortlessly, far faster than anyone she had ever guided.
The faint glow beneath his shirt caught her attention. Elara stepped closer, her heart pounding, but she kept her face calm and composed. She had guided dozens of children through their awakenings, yet none had done what Leon was doing.
His breath hitched for a moment, and then it happened. The glow intensified, spreading across his chest. He pulled his shirt slightly aside, revealing the mark of his Arune Key—a trident-like symbol, glowing a deep gold, etched onto his skin like it had always been there, waiting to emerge.
Elara's breath caught in her throat. The symbol was clear, vivid, unmistakable. Leon had fully awakened his Arune Key, and faster than she had ever seen.
For a long moment, she simply stared, her mind racing to understand how this had happened. Leon was known for being diligent, hardworking, and calm, but this? This was beyond anything she had expected.
"Leon," she said softly, her voice even, though her thoughts were anything but, "you've done it."
Leon's chest rose and fell steadily, his eyes still closed, the symbol on his chest slowly dimming until it was just a faint imprint on his skin. He had done what most took hours to achieve—and without struggle.
Elara said nothing more. There was no need. The Arune Key was awakened, and his journey had only just begun.
"I should inform the higher-ups... though, whether he reaches that point or not is the real concern," Elara thought as she watched Leon. "Many geniuses have died before even reaching the First Floor of the Tower." Her gaze lingered on him. "Not to mention, one has to score high in the Tutorial if they want to awaken a truly powerful ability."
Awakening the Arune Key was just the first step in the process of becoming an Ascended. Right now, everyone in this hall, including Leon, had only reached Tier 0. They had just unlocked their energy veins and centers—what was referred to as the Arune Key. The real journey would begin when they entered the Tutorial Tower, where they would have to complete a series of challenges. Upon succeeding, their abilities would awaken, shaped by the nature of their Arune Keys.
"Leon," Elara spoke, breaking the silence, "you've awakened a trident symbol. This symbol is associated with many ancient myths, so I can't say for certain what your ability will be, but it's likely to be legendary." Her voice was calm, but her eyes held the weight of what this meant.
Leon looked at her with uncertainty, apprehension clear in his expression. He had never expected to stand out in such a way, and now, the pressure of what came next weighed heavily on him.
Seeing his cautious gaze, Elara chuckled softly. "Don't worry," she said, "I am from the Celestial Organization."
Leon visibly relaxed, sighing in relief. The Celestial Organization was known for being a force of order in this new world. They were like the police, but without corruption—every member was marked with the organization's artifact, a device that ensured they couldn't commit any severe crimes. The artifact would destroy their physical body and capture their soul if they violated the organization's guidelines.
The Celestials themselves had leaked this information to the public, ensuring everyone knew just how trustworthy they were.
Leon nodded, feeling more at ease as Elara continued. "But don't let it get to your head," she warned, her tone turning serious. "If you become arrogant, you'll die." Her words carried a heavy weight, and Leon knew better than to dismiss them. He nodded again, silently taking her advice to heart.
Standing up, he bowed respectfully to her. "Thank you for your guidance, Master Elara," he said.
Elara returned his nod, her expression softening slightly. Then she reached behind her and presented him with a sword. "Here is the promised sword," she said. "Take it, and prepare to enter."
Leon accepted the steel longsword, its weight reassuring in his hand. It wasn't ornate or magical, but it would be enough to defend himself in the Tutorial Tower.
With a deep breath, Leon activated his Arune Key. As he did, the trident mark on his chest flared briefly, and a golden magic circle appeared on the ground beneath him. The energy radiating from it was warm and steady, enveloping him in light.
As the light vanished so did Leon " Best of Luck" Elara mumbled as she focused on other children Leon was just one of the many she is guiding today after all.
****
As Leon opened his eyes , he appeared in middle of the Room, it was simple room with bed, sofa and study table , a chest and a shelf.
[Set your Avatar]
As he was looking around the small cozy room, also called the Room of Arune, by many, a transparent Blue screen in front of him.
Leon looked at it for a moment and pushed it aside as he opened another Screen, this time it was White and Golden full of holy feeling.
[Super Charity System]
[Congratulations Leon, you have been chosen by this great system]
As he opened it, a small fairy with golden butterfly wings , with lemon yellowy dress and red contrasting hairs and eyes came out as she looked at Leon and began introducing.
Leon looked at it, this was the other thing that awakened when he activated his Arune Key: something called the Super Charity System. He didn't know what this was, but he could feel its potential. It would make him unique and powerful in this world.