Alexander walked through the bustling streets of Arboury City, Melina still keeping pace beside him. As they headed toward the Awakening Platform, the towering buildings and advanced technology around him held his attention. His eyes were drawn to a massive screen on one of the buildings, broadcasting the latest news.
"Famous Genius Luna has broken through to the Astral Core Realm, forming a Moon Core with the potential to create a planet," the reporter's voice echoed.
Alexander's brow raised slightly at the mention of such a feat. He had heard of Luna before—a prodigy with talent that outshone many in their generation.
The news continued, "Azure Lord has reached the Astral King Realm, even entering the 5th Heaven Space, and has acquired an ancient arrow with the power to shake an entire kingdom."
Another incredible achievement. Alexander's interest was piqued as the broadcast went on.
Finally, the report closed with, "The Vylis Alliance announces the launch of the Lost Realm, a great opportunity for all aspiring individuals."
Alexander's expression remained unreadable, but internally, he knew that such news could change the direction of many lives. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The Lost Realm could be the perfect place to test his newfound abilities once he awakened his talent.
As they continued walking, he noted Melina's gaze fixed on the screen as well, her eyes sparkling with ambition.
"Seems like we're stepping into a world where legends are made," Alexander muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
Alexander and Melina soon reached the Awakening Platform, where the ceremony for individuals to awaken their talents was taking place. The area was crowded with excited youngsters, many accompanied by their families or mentors. At the center of it all stood the revered World Stone—a mystical artifact that emitted a soft glow, drawing everyone's attention.
The World Stone was essential for awakening, but it wasn't something easily acquired. It was born naturally within the depths of Astral Mines, producing only one stone each year. For commoners, obtaining a World Stone was a distant dream, as these mines were typically controlled by powerful families and prestigious academies. However, the Azure Kingdom hosted an annual awakening ceremony for commoners, overseen by the respected City Lords in each major city.
Today was that day in Arboury City, and many had gathered for the chance to awaken their talents. Among them were not just commoners, but also the young masters and mistresses of various influential families, here to flaunt their status and superiority.
"Look at that," Melina muttered, glancing at a group of well-dressed individuals standing to the side. Their clothing alone was enough to signify their wealth and background.
"They're here to show off," she added, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Alexander nodded slightly, his eyes scanning the area, taking in the different faces. He noticed the subtle arrogance in the way some of the elite youths carried themselves. It didn't bother him much, but he could feel the tension in the air as everyone prepared for the awakening process.
The platform itself was surrounded by guards, keeping the excited crowd from pushing too close. A long line of participants had already formed, each waiting for their turn to touch the World Stone and see what fate had in store for them.
"I guess we wait our turn," Alexander said calmly, stepping into the line. Melina followed closely behind, her usual confident demeanor returning.
"Let's see who awakens what," she murmured under her breath, her curiosity piqued as she watched the others go through the process.
Several individuals had already taken their turns on the Awakening Platform. A middle-aged man stood at the center, guiding the participants and announcing their talent levels using his Identification Skill, a unique ability reserved for those with extensive knowledge and experience in cultivation.
As each person touched the World Stone, the man would briefly close his eyes, his hand hovering over the participant, before calling out their talent level.
"F-grade talent," he announced for the first person, a look of disappointment crossing the youth's face as they stepped down.
One after another, participants ascended the stage, placing their hands on the World Stone with hope in their eyes, only to hear results ranging from F to E-grade talents. Each time, the crowd murmured with mixed reactions—some offering words of encouragement, others unable to hide their dissatisfaction.
After a few more participants, the middle-aged man's voice rose again. "D-grade talent," he said for a girl who had just touched the stone, her face lighting up with excitement. Although not an extraordinary level, D-grade was considered above average among commoners.
Then, the atmosphere shifted. A young man with an air of confidence stepped onto the stage, his clothes and demeanor instantly setting him apart from the rest. The crowd buzzed in recognition—he was a young master of one of the great families in Arboury City. His appearance alone drew attention, and everyone waited with bated breath to see what talent he would awaken.
The young master touched the World Stone, and the Identification Skill was activated once again. After a moment of silence, the middle-aged man's voice rang out, louder than before.
"B-grade talent!" he announced, a rare excitement in his tone.
A gasp went through the crowd. B-grade talents were incredibly uncommon, especially for someone so young. The young master's expression remained calm, though the flicker of pride in his eyes was undeniable. He stepped down from the stage, basking in the attention, while whispers filled the air about his bright future.
Melina, watching from behind Alexander, clenched her fists, determination flashing in her red eyes. "B-grade, huh?" she muttered to herself. "Let's see how far I can go."
Alexander remained quiet, observing the proceedings with a calm expression. The talent levels being called out didn't seem to faze him much, but he couldn't help but wonder what the World Stone would reveal about him.
As the young man stood before the World Stone, he took a deep breath, his heart racing with anticipation. His average looks and nervous demeanor belied the fierce determination simmering within him. He thought of his parents, their pain, and the struggles he had faced.
"This is my first step to revenge, Mom, Dad," he whispered under his breath, his resolve strengthening. "Those who brought pain to you, to me, and to my sister—I will definitely slaughter them."
In that moment, he pressed his palm firmly against the cool surface of the World Stone. A bright flash of light enveloped him, momentarily blinding the onlookers. A moment later, a shimmering screen materialized in front of him, displaying vital information about his identity and potential.
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Name: Zarin Blackthorn
Cultivation: 3rd Stage of Body Tempering Realm
Bloodline: Netherbark Bloodline (???) (thin trace)
Physique: None
Talent: Tenuous Power (F-grade)
Legacy: None
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A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as they took in the details. The middle-aged man, having activated the Identification Skill, looked surprised yet sympathetic.
"Tenuous Power," he announced, a slight frown creasing his brow. "F-grade talent."
Zarin's heart sank even further as he processed the revelation of his F-grade talent. Disappointment washed over him, leaving little room for reflection on the unknown grade of his bloodline. He walked down the stage, his head low, when a young man with B-grade talent called out, laughter lacing his voice.
"Zarin, a F-grade talent? So much for the brother of Lyra Blackthorn! You're a shame. You should just die!"
The crowd around him echoed the sentiments, adding fuel to the fire of humiliation.
"Lyra Blackthorn! Her talent was awakened just a few hours ago—S-grade! She was personally escorted to Crimson Dawn Academy. But her brother? Just an F-grade!"
"There's no comparison! She was a genius from the start, while he's still at the 3rd stage of Body Tempering."
"I heard her sister gave all her resources to him to practice!"
"Really, what a waste!"
With each taunt, Zarin felt the pressure building in his chest. He gripped his fists tightly, resisting the urge to retaliate. His sister had offered him her resources, her hard-earned gains, but he had never accepted them. He had wanted to carve out his own path, to succeed on his own terms.
Ignoring the jeers, Zarin turned away, pushing through the crowd with a heavy heart. The laughter followed him, a bitter reminder of the expectations placed upon him. He needed to find a way to rise above this moment, to prove everyone wrong, including himself.
As he stepped away from the stage, determination replaced disappointment. Zarin vowed silently to himself that he would not let this define him. The whispers faded behind him, replaced by the bustling sounds of Arboury City.
As the commotion from Zarin's awakening continued, Alexander and Melina exchanged glances.
Alexander thought to himself, Well, isn't this the son of luck? What a sight. He maintained a bored expression, but his eyes revealed a flicker of interest in the boy who seemed to be caught in the whirlwind of his family's expectations.
Meanwhile, Melina's thoughts raced with excitement. No way, I actually met a fellow Protagonist! Her wide red eyes sparkled as she took in the scene, eager to witness the unfolding drama. But her fascination was short-lived; her gaze quickly shifted back to Alexander as she realized his turn was approaching.
"Time to see what you've got, Mr. Boredom," she muttered under her breath, anticipation bubbling within her.
As Alexander stepped toward the stage, the weight of the moment settled on him. The crowd's murmurs faded into the background as he focused on the world stone, ready to discover his own potential.
To be continued...