In the distant past, the world of Arcanis was peaceful, a place where seasons flowed gently, and villagers lived simple lives. But everything changed 500 years ago when the dungeons and towers appeared. Without warning, the earth cracked, and towering structures pierced the skies. From these ominous places, monsters spilled out, bringing chaos but also the promise of power to those who could survive it. These structures offered challenges, wealth, and perhaps most importantly, Gifts—latent powers that awakened in humans, allowing them to fight, explore, and conquer the unknown.
The Awakening Ceremony had become a rite of passage, the day when an individual discovered their unique Gift and sometimes even a Class, setting them on the path of adventure. Today was Kai Natsume's turn. The weight of expectation pressed down on him. For years, he had prepared for this moment, imagining what the Awakening Crystal might reveal. Now, the day had come, and with it, an unsettling mix of fear and hope.
Kai glanced at himself in the mirror, running a hand through his dark hair. 'What if it's nothing special? What if I get something completely useless?' His heart pounded as he recalled the stories of others who had received weak abilities, condemned to remain in obscurity while their friends excelled. His parents had been renowned adventurers—respected and admired in the village. They had set out on a dungeon expedition ten years ago and had never returned. Since then, Kai had lived alone, cared for by Hiroshi's family, his best friend's parents ensuring he had what he needed. But nothing could fill the void of their disappearance.
'This is my chance to prove myself,' Kai thought. 'Maybe I'll find out something that'll explain why they disappeared… maybe I can continue their legacy.'
The sun had already begun to set as Kai made his way toward the Awakening Hall. The entire village seemed to have gathered to witness the ceremony. Families filled the plaza, chattering in excitement, their voices filling the air. At the center of the stone structure stood the Awakening Crystal, a large gem that pulsed faintly, as though alive, waiting for each participant to touch it and reveal their destiny.
Kai's nerves simmered under his calm exterior as he entered the hall. The stone walls were engraved with ancient runes that glowed faintly under the flickering light of hanging lanterns. Villagers and soon-to-be adventurers lined the benches, the low hum of conversation echoing in the chamber.
"Kai!" Hiroshi called from the side, waving him over. Hiroshi had gone through his own Awakening last year, receiving the Storm Mage class, a powerful combination of elemental control over thunder and lightning. "You look tense, man. It's going to be fine. Trust me, the crystal knows what it's doing."
Kai forced a weak smile. "I guess… I just hope I don't get something useless."
"Relax. Whatever you get, we'll figure it out together," Hiroshi said, clapping him on the back. "You're going to be just fine."
Instructor Maiko, the village elder overseeing the ceremony, stepped forward. Her presence commanded attention. Her silver hair gleamed in the lantern light, and her eyes scanned the room with the intensity of someone who had witnessed countless Awakenings. "Today, we gather to witness the unveiling of potential," Maiko's voice rang out. "Each of you will place your hand on the Awakening Crystal, and it will reveal the Gift and, for some, the Class that lies within. These will guide you on your path as adventurers."
The crowd fell silent, anticipation thick in the air. One by one, the students were called to the crystal, each taking their turn, their future unraveling before the eyes of the village.
The first to step forward was Sakura, known for her agility and speed. She moved with grace as she approached the crystal, her hand trembling slightly as she placed it on the gem's surface. The crystal pulsed, brightening, as it responded to her presence.
[Processing Awakening…]
[Gift Awakened!]
Gift: [Wind Manipulation]
Rank: C-rank
Description: Control the movement of wind, allowing for increased agility and offensive gusts of air.
[Class Chosen!]
Class: [Wind Dancer]
Description: Wind Dancers move with unparalleled speed, using air currents for both offense and defense.
Sakura's Stat Screen:
Attributes:
• Strength: 11
• Agility: 16
• Intelligence: 13
• Endurance: 12
• Charisma: 10
Skills:
• [Wind Manipulation] (C-rank): Level 1
• [Wind Dancer]: Allows enhanced speed, dodging, and wind-based attacks.
Progression:
• Level: 0
• Experience Points: 0/100
The crowd erupted into applause, and Sakura smiled as she stepped back. "A Wind Dancer! She'll be unstoppable in the field," someone whispered behind Kai. Kai's stomach churned. 'Wind Dancer? That's incredible. What am I going to get?'
Sakura received a small pouch of coins and a Skill Book as a congratulatory gift from the school. "Use this well in your adventures," the instructor told her warmly.
Next up was Kenji, the class loudmouth, confident and brimming with arrogance. He swaggered forward, his eyes alight with excitement. "Here we go," Kenji muttered to himself as he slapped his hand on the crystal.
The gem flared with a fiery glow.
[Processing Awakening…]
[Gift Awakened!]
Gift: [Enhanced Strength]
Rank: B-rank
Description: Enhances physical strength, allowing the user to overpower most enemies with brute force.
[Class Chosen!]
Class: [Berserker]
Description: A warrior fueled by rage, gaining more power the longer they stay in battle, often ignoring injury.
Kenji's Stat Screen:
Attributes:
• Strength: 18
• Agility: 12
• Intelligence: 9
• Endurance: 17
• Charisma: 10
Skills:
• [Enhanced Strength] (B-rank): Level 1
• [Berserker]: Increased physical power during prolonged battles.
Progression:
• Level: 0
• Experience Points: 0/100
Kenji smirked, flexing his arms as the crowd cheered. "Now that's what I'm talking about!" he bellowed. His eyes flickered toward Kai. "Better hope you get something strong, Natsume. Wouldn't want to be left in the dust."
Kai gritted his teeth, saying nothing as Kenji tossed the bag of coins he received in the air, catching it smugly.
Classmate after classmate went through the same process. Mina, a sharp-eyed, quiet girl, awakened as a Mystic, gaining the ability to see moments into the future.
"I'll be able to predict what's coming next," she said confidently as she received her rewards. "That'll come in handy when we're exploring dungeons."
Mina's Stat Screen:
Attributes:
• Strength: 8
• Agility: 11
• Intelligence: 17
• Endurance: 10
• Charisma: 14
Skills:
• [Foresight] (C-rank): Level 1
• [Mystic]: Ability to perceive the future moments, used for strategy and anticipation.
Progression:
• Level: 0
• Experience Points: 0/100
Kenji scoffed. "Yeah, if you need to see when I'm going to smash through something."
Mina rolled her eyes but said nothing, returning to her seat as the others murmured about how useful her ability would be for strategic planning.
Kai's heart pounded louder with every person who went before him. His palms were slick with sweat. 'What if I disappoint everyone? What if I'm just… weak?'
Instructor Maiko's voice cut through his thoughts. "Kai Natsume, step forward."
The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward Kai. He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their gazes on him as he made his way to the crystal. His heart raced as he extended his hand, fingers trembling as they touched the smooth surface of the crystal.
[Awakening Ceremony Initiated]
As you place your hand on the Awakening Crystal, a surge of energy rushes through your body. The world around you fades as the crystal begins to resonate with your latent abilities.
[Processing Awakening…]
Calculating potential Gifts and class…
Kai felt the warmth from the crystal pulse through his body, as though it were peeling away layers to find his core.
[Gift Awakened!]
Gift: [Analysis]
Rank: D-rank
Description: Provides the user with insights into enemies, allies, and situations, revealing strengths, weaknesses, and tactical opportunities. Can only analyze enemies up to 5 levels higher than the user.
Effect: Reveals stats and offers tactical advice.
Kai blinked in confusion.
'[Analysis]? That sounds… underwhelming.' Compared to the flashy abilities his classmates had received, it felt insignificant.
But then, another message appeared.
[Unawakened Gift Detected!]
Gift: [Empathic Mimicry]
Rank: Unranked
Description: Allows the user to potentially absorb and replicate the abilities of others through emotional connection.
Effect: Unknown until further developed.
Kai's breath caught. 'Empathic Mimicry? What does that even mean?'
[Class Chosen!]
Class: [Empath]
Description: Empaths have a deep connection to the emotions and abilities of others. They can sense, mimic, and manipulate emotions and powers.
Kai's Stat Screen:
Attributes:
• Strength: 10
• Agility: 12
• Intelligence: 15
• Endurance: 11
• Charisma: 14
Skills:
• [Analysis] (D-rank): Level 1, can only analyze enemies up to 5 levels higher.
• [Empathic Mimicry] (Unawakened): Allows the replication of other's abilities through emotional connection.
Progression:
• Level: 0
• Experience Points: 0/100
The crowd murmured as the system messages faded. Kai's heart pounded. An Empath? He had heard of the class, but it was rare, and its usefulness in combat was still debated. He glanced at Hiroshi, who gave him an encouraging nod, but uncertainty gnawed at his mind.
Kai stepped back, his mind spinning as he received a small pouch of coins and a Basic Combat Skill Book. "This is for you," the official said gently. "Your journey is just beginning."
He barely heard them. The words Empath and Mimicry echoed in his mind. 'What am I supposed to do with this?' he wondered. The excitement that had once filled him now dulled to confusion and uncertainty as he pondered what this path might bring.