### **Chapter 2: The System's Secret**
The sun had barely risen the next morning when Kai dragged himself out of bed, replaying the humiliation from the Awakening Ceremony in his mind. He couldn't escape the whispers, the snickers, and the sneering looks. He had been branded "Trash," a profession considered utterly useless by society. His fists clenched unconsciously at the memory. But beneath the sting of embarrassment, there was something else—a quiet voice, echoing in his head.
*"Aegis System activated. Embrace your profession, and greatness shall follow."*
He hadn't told anyone about the voice. It had been strange, unlike anything he had heard during the ceremony. The other students' Awakenings had been straightforward—Blaze, Aether, Echo—their powers manifesting immediately. But his had been different, almost like something had chosen him.
Kai sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the faint light streaming in through the curtains. *What did that voice mean by 'System?'* He needed answers, but who could he ask? His profession was a joke to everyone. He was certain the professors wouldn't have anything useful to say, and he couldn't stomach another round of ridicule.
The Academy was nearly empty when Kai slipped outside. His feet led him toward the Training Hall, a towering building on the edge of the campus where students tested and honed their newly awakened powers. His classmates would be here soon, showing off their abilities, eager to learn how to control their professions.
But today, it was quiet. The early morning stillness gave Kai the perfect opportunity to investigate his strange Awakening without prying eyes.
As he approached the entrance, a faint voice rang in his head again, the same mechanical tone from the day before.
*"Welcome back, Kai. Would you like to access the Aegis System?"*
Kai stopped in his tracks. "System? What are you?" he muttered under his breath, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby. The empty corridor echoed slightly, the silence eerie.
*"I am the Aegis System, designed to assist and enhance your growth as a Profession-holder. You have been assigned the 'Trash' profession, which holds untapped potential. Shall we begin your tutorial?"*
Kai blinked, confused and intrigued. "Untapped potential? They all said Trash is worthless. How can there be potential in that?"
The System responded immediately. *"Your profession is misunderstood. While the title suggests low value, the Aegis System unlocks hidden abilities that surpass the limits of conventional professions. You are now a System Holder, capable of evolving your powers beyond ordinary means."*
Kai's heart raced. Could it be true? Could this "Trash" profession be something more? He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Alright, System. Show me what you've got."
*"Initializing tutorial. First, open your Status Window."*
Suddenly, a translucent blue screen popped up in front of Kai's eyes, hovering in the air. He stumbled back, startled, but quickly leaned in to read the information displayed.
---
**Name:** Kai Asakura
**Profession:** Trash
**Level:** 1
**Skills:** None
**Strength:** 10
**Agility:** 12
**Endurance:** 9
**Vitality:** 11
**Mana:** 5
---
*"Your current attributes reflect your base stats as a Level 1 profession holder. However, the Aegis System allows you to level up rapidly through a unique process. You will gain access to a skill soon."*
Kai stared at the screen, still in disbelief. He had heard rumors of people with cheat-like abilities, but those were urban legends, stories meant to inspire awe. But here he was, standing alone in the Training Hall with a System no one else seemed to have. His mind buzzed with questions, but he decided to focus on one thing at a time.
"What do I do first?" Kai asked, more determined now.
*"The first step is to acquire your initial skill. For that, we need to test your latent potential. Please proceed to the training area, where combat dummies are prepared for basic trials."*
Kai nodded, his unease fading as his curiosity took over. He moved deeper into the hall, where several combat dummies stood lined up. Some had already been singed or slashed, no doubt by other students practicing their flashy new powers. He glanced at his hands, wondering what his so-called "Trash" profession would allow him to do.
*"Commence trial. Attack the dummy to unlock your first skill."*
With a deep breath, Kai positioned himself in front of the closest dummy. His fists felt awkward as he swung them, connecting with the rough material. His punch barely made a sound, and he cursed under his breath. He struck again, harder this time, but the result was the same—no impact, no damage.
Frustration bubbled up inside him. Was the System lying? Was this all just some twisted prank?
*"Keep going. You are close."* the voice encouraged.
Kai gritted his teeth and focused. He threw another punch, then another, each strike growing fiercer. Sweat dripped down his brow as he poured his frustration, anger, and determination into the strikes. As his fist connected with the dummy one more time, something shifted.
A surge of energy exploded from his fist, sending the dummy flying backward, crashing against the far wall with a thunderous bang. Kai stumbled back, gasping for air. His hand tingled with warmth, the sensation foreign but exhilarating.
*"Congratulations. You have unlocked your first skill: 'Void Strike.'"*
The blue screen reappeared, displaying the details of the new ability.
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**Void Strike**: Channel latent energy into a physical strike, bypassing conventional defenses and causing significant impact damage.
---
Kai's eyes widened. The power had felt… different, like something deeper than brute strength. He flexed his hand, marveling at the feeling. This was no ordinary punch—this was something far greater. But the word "Void" stuck with him. There was something ominous about it.
Before he could process the new information, the System spoke again.
*"You have now gained access to the Skill Tree. Through this, you can evolve your abilities in ways unique to your profession. Would you like to view your Skill Tree?"*
Kai nodded, his heart racing. A new screen materialized before him, showcasing a web of interconnected nodes, each representing a potential skill or upgrade.
---
**Trash Profession - Skill Tree**
1. **Void Strike** (Unlocked)
- **Void Step** (Locked)
- **Void Barrier** (Locked)
- **Devourer's Grasp** (Locked)
- More…
---
Kai stared at the screen, overwhelmed by the possibilities. He could feel the power simmering beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed. If this was what being "Trash" meant, then he was ready to embrace it.
But as he studied the Skill Tree, a strange feeling crept into his mind. The power that the System promised—it was dark, almost forbidden. "Void" wasn't a word associated with anything good in the legends of old.
Suddenly, the Training Hall doors burst open, breaking Kai's concentration. He spun around to see Lena and Taro entering the room, their eyes locking onto him.
"Kai?" Lena's voice rang with surprise. "What are you doing here this early? We thought you'd be—" She paused, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at the shattered dummy behind him. "Wait… did you do that?"
Kai froze, unsure how to explain what had just happened. His heart pounded in his chest as he quickly dismissed the System's screen, hoping they hadn't seen it.
Taro, always the strategist, stepped forward, his gaze sharp. "Something's different about you, Kai. What's going on?"
Kai swallowed hard. He couldn't tell them the truth. Not yet.
"I… I just wanted to get a head start," he said, forcing a smile. "I know I've got a lot to prove."
Lena exchanged a glance with Taro, suspicion lingering in the air. But before either could say more, the System's voice echoed in Kai's head once again, colder this time.
*"Beware. Others will seek to control or destroy what you have. The path ahead is dangerous, Kai. You must become stronger. Quickly."*
Kai's stomach twisted. He didn't know who—or what—he could trust anymore.
Chapter 2 : The End