The students felt uncertain and adrift after the teachers left, but not Michael. He already knew his path ahead and what he needed to do for that. His first priority was to register at the Supers Association, and the second was to inform his aunt about his awakening.
Fortunately, Michael was already familiar with the Supers Association. Even before he got transmigrated into this world, the original owner of the body had a basic understanding of it—common knowledge among the natives.
The Supers Association was an organisation that operated under the Federation. It was established by the new government after the apocalypse. The world now had only one ruling authority—the Federation, and beneath it were countries, states, and cities, all part of this new global order.
The Supers Association was tasked with managing all supernatural beings in the Aurora Realm. Ordinary humans had to reach the level of a rank one Cultivator before they could register, whereas Awakeners were required to register immediately upon awakening, as their transformation into supernatural beings occurred the moment they awakened.
The Supers Association's mission was threefold: to protect the general public, oversee supernatural beings, and provide them with various benefits.
Michael made his way out of the school compound and onto the bustling street. After a moment, he spotted an empty taxi that happened to pass by and hailed it.
"To the Supers Association!" he said as he slid into the back seat.
"That'll be a dollar," the driver replied.
"Okay."
The Supers Association was far from Woodstone Public School. On foot, the journey would have taken Michael close to an hour, but by taxi, it would take no more than twenty minutes.
After settling into the passenger seat and the taxi rumbled along, Michael pulled his phone from his pocket. Normally, if the school were still in session, it would have been tucked away in his backpack. But with the college exams approaching and no formal need to attend classes, he had left most school-related items behind, aside from his school uniform.
Most of the senior high students who had come to school today had solely come for the awakening ceremony. After this, the school would likely feel noticeably emptier until exams concluded.
Though the technology in this world was more advanced than Earth's, it retained some familiar elements. The wealthy used floating cars, while the less well-off relied on traditional wheeled vehicles.
Holographic-display watches replaced phones for the wealthy, while others were content with traditional phones. Despite the world being a mix of old and new technology, somehow it all blended seamlessly—into a strange yet harmonious system that didn't feel out of place.
Michael decided to text his aunt instead of calling her. She worked as a cook at a fairly upscale restaurant, so she was likely still busy.
Keeping it brief, Michael sent a short message: I have succeeded in my awakening.
Just as he was about to set his phone aside, an incoming call lit up the screen. It was his aunt.
Michael immediately answered the call.
"Aunt, aren't you at work?" Michael asked immediately. It was unusual for his aunt to answer so quickly, even on her days off.
"I still am," Aunt Mia replied. "I just happened to be on a short break when your message came through."
Michael believed her—he could hear the background noise confirming it.
"Mic," his aunt called, her tone hesitant as if she had something on her mind but wasn't sure how to say it.
"Ma?" Michael replied with a smile, already guessing what was it that she wanted to ask.
He understood her disbelief—most parents were left in shock when their children awakened on their first try, let alone Michael, who had even less of a chance.
"Your message," Aunt Mia began slowly, then paused before continuing, "is it true?"
"It is, Aunt Mia. Today's my lucky day, haha," Michael chuckled softly.
Aunt Mia let out a small squeak of joy, clearly trying to keep her excitement in check.
Knowing she was still at work, Michael decided to wrap up the conversation so that she could get back to her work. "I'm on my way to the Supers Association now, Aunt. I'll talk to you when you get home."
"Okay, okay, okay! I'll transfer some money to you now. Grab something to eat for yourself and save a little for Lily when she gets back from school. I might be home a little late today."
"Yes, Aunt."
After exchanging a few more words, they ended the call.
Michael let out a sigh as a surge of happiness washed over him. Though he was originally from Earth, he had fully embraced his role as Michael in this world and cared deeply for his family here.
Perhaps it had something to do with losing his parents early in his previous life.
In a way, both of the Michaels had endured difficult childhoods.
After ending the call, Michael closed his eyes to rest, ignoring the occasional glances from the driver, who seemed to want to ask something but was hesitant. Only now did Michael realize how tense he had been back at the awakening hall, leaving his spirit exhausted.
It felt like it had only been a few minutes since Michael decided to rest when he felt a nudge from the driver.
"We're here," the driver announced.
Michael weakly opened his eyes, still a bit dazed, but the sight of the two-story building not far from him quickly cleared his mind and brought him back to focus.
"Your code, please," Michael requested.
"Here," the driver nodded and held up his phone, displaying a payment code. Michael scanned it with his own device, transferring the fare to the driver's account.
"Thanks for the ride!" Michael said as he stepped out.
"No problem! And congratulations on your awakening!" the driver added with a grin as he started the engine.
Watching the taxi drive away and hearing his greetings before parting, a smile appeared on Michael's face. If the driver wasn't certain when he overheard the conversation Michael had with his aunt earlier, he was now after seeing how focused Michael was on the Supers Association branch right after he got out of the car.
Shaking his head with a chuckle, Michael refocused. Taking a deep breath, he made his way toward the entrance.