The morning of Lin Hao's coming-of-age ceremony arrived. Rising with the sun, he felt an intense mix of anticipation and resolve. Memories of his past life's failure and humiliation resurfaced—sneers, mockery, and cold, judging stares. But this time, he was certain everything would be different.
Among the crowd stood Wang Sheng, his gaze fixed on Lin Hao, a sneer twisting his mouth. Lin Hao noticed, but his heart was calm. This time, he wouldn't just endure the ridicule; he would crush it.
As the ceremony began, a young man stepped forward, and with a surge of flames, his fire-based beast-taming talent awakened, an impressive A-rank Fire Amplification. The crowd gasped in admiration, and applause rippled through the air as one after another, young people awakened their talents. Each spark or glow was a promise of power and a symbol of pride for their families.
Then, Lin Hao stepped into the light pillar. He closed his eyes, steadying his breath, as the light shone around him—first bright, then blinding. It grew stronger, unlike anything seen before, until it bathed the area in a brilliant silver. Gasps filled the air as a spectral image emerged, hovering above Lin Hao. Silver eyes, cold as moonlight, bore down upon the crowd. Their silent command froze everyone in awe.
The crowd was struck silent, disbelieving. This young man, branded a "failure," had just revealed an extraordinary talent. Wang Sheng's face twisted, shock flashing across his eyes as he watched. He silently cursed his arrogance, feeling his confidence waver.
A murmur spread. "What is that talent? Did you see those eyes…? Could it be… SS rank?" People exchanged stunned glances, trying to make sense of what they had witnessed.
At that moment, a voice echoed in Lin Hao's mind as the system announced, "Beast-taming talent awakened. Reward granted: Silvermoon Wolf God."
Lin Hao felt a thrill of vindication. This life, he wasn't the same person. With the system at his side, he knew he could forge his own legendary path.
Beast-taming talents on this continent are divided into nine ranks: F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS. The higher the rank, the rarer and more powerful the talent—but with greater power also comes a more grueling path ahead.
Lin Hao couldn't wait to know his rank. When he checked the system's interface, he saw it displayed—SSS. The pinnacle of beast-taming potential.
The sight of that "SSS" shimmered in his vision. SSS-ranked talents were nearly mythical on this continent; even the strongest beast tamers within the Alliance rarely possessed more than SS-ranked talents. Few people ever glimpsed an SSS rank. Legend held that the few who did would manifest their own unique vision—the cold silver eyes he had seen earlier now made perfect sense.
"SSS…" Lin Hao murmured, his voice filled with awe and fierce joy. This life, he would no longer be dismissed as a failure but would be known as one of the elite. The second chance he had longed for was now a reality, and he would seize it with all he had.
Scenes from his past life came back to him. In his previous coming-of-age ceremony, the light pillar had barely flickered before it dimmed, revealing no talent whatsoever. The humiliation of standing in that silence, hearing the whispered jeers of his family and the cold rejection in their eyes—he had been branded a burden.
"Not this time," he swore. Determination burned within him, as years of suppressed frustration transformed into an indomitable drive. This time, he would rise above everyone who once scorned him.
The system's voice returned, "Host has awakened SSS-ranked talent: Silvermoon God Eyes. Preparing new tasks to enhance beast-taming skills."
Lin Hao's resolve only deepened. He knew awakening was just the beginning. His path would demand relentless effort, but he was ready. He understood that true greatness came from more than innate talent—it was earned through struggle, persistence, and sacrifice.
Wang Sheng was staring at him, fists clenched. "Lin Hao… I never expected this from you—an SSS rank."
Lin Hao met Wang Sheng's shocked gaze, a calm smile touching his lips. He could see it wasn't just awe in Wang Sheng's eyes, but fear—the kind that stemmed from knowing Lin Hao was no longer someone he could overlook or mock.
Rage and jealousy flared in Wang Sheng's expression as he turned away. For years, he had enjoyed tormenting Lin Hao. To the family, Lin Hao had been little more than a footnote, someone they tolerated at best. But with this talent, Lin Hao's presence threatened to eclipse his own. Wang Sheng's standing in the family would be shaken to the core if Lin Hao continued to rise.
"Just luck," he spat bitterly, striding away with hatred in his eyes.
Lin Hao watched Wang Sheng's retreating figure, his gaze steady. He knew the animosity he had stirred would bring challenges, but he felt no fear. The timidity of his past life was gone, replaced by a powerful determination. This time, with his awakened power, he would lead his family to a new era of strength and prosperity.