Chapter 2: Awakening the Power Within
Rudra stood in the bustling hall, still dazed from the overwhelming power surge that coursed through his body. The vibrant red light from the crystal slowly faded, leaving him standing amidst whispers and awe-struck faces. His hand lingered in the air, and in the back of his mind, a system interface appeared, tracking his newly awakened abilities.
He couldn't help but stare at it in disbelief.
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[Awakening System]
Talent: S-grade Destruction Thunder
Type: Offensive
Skills:
1. Thunder Strike – Unleash a massive bolt of lightning that obliterates everything in its path.
2. Lightning Dash – A high-speed burst of thunder that allows you to dodge attacks or charge at enemies.
3. Thunder Fury – A powerful area attack that sends a wave of thunder through the ground, shaking the very earth beneath your feet.
Potential: Extreme
Current Level: 1
Level Up Requirements: 300 Thunder Crystals
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Rudra blinked, the words seeming too grand for his mind to process. Destruction Thunder—he could barely wrap his head around it. The system's interface felt surreal, as though it were part of a dream.
"Bro, I can't believe you got an S-grade talent! That's insane!" Nand's voice broke through his thoughts, and Rudra turned to find his friend grinning from ear to ear. He had already moved away from the crystal, his own aura still swirling around him like a soft mist.
"I know, right? This is unbelievable," Rudra replied, still staring at the glowing system interface in his vision. "I can't wait to figure out what else this thing can do."
Nand laughed. "You're not the only one! But, uh… what about me? What did I get?" He waved his hand in front of Rudra's face, bringing him back to reality.
Rudra turned to Nand, raising an eyebrow. "Aren't you the one who got an A-grade talent? Let's see what the system says for you."
As Nand stood there, hands on his hips with his usual overconfident grin, the system's interface popped up in front of him as well:
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[Awakening System]
Talent: A-grade Unmovable Mountain
Type: Defensive
Skills:
1. Mountain's Shield – Create a nearly indestructible shield of rock and earth to block attacks.
2. Stone Grit – Temporary fortification of the body, increasing resistance to physical damage.
3. Seismic Slam – Strike the ground with such force that it causes a localized earthquake, stunning enemies in the vicinity.
Potential: High
Current Level: 1
Level Up Requirements: 200 Earth Crystals
---
"Unmovable Mountain?" Rudra blinked, trying not to laugh. "That's pretty solid, Nand. You'll be the human shield for our squad."
Nand puffed his chest out proudly. "I'm basically invincible, bro! No one can touch me now!" He looked at the system screen with awe. "I can already see it, Rudra. You'll be tearing people apart with that crazy thunder, and I'll be blocking all the hits. We'll make a great team!"
"Yeah," Rudra grinned, "just don't get too cocky. We both have a long way to go."
As they exchanged words, a voice from behind interrupted them.
"Impressive," the voice said, calm yet filled with authority. They turned to see the sturdy man, Allang, standing before them with a smile that could almost be mistaken for pride. "Both of you have exceptional talents. You should be proud."
Rudra and Nand exchanged a glance. "Thanks, sir," Rudra said, trying to hide the nervousness creeping into his voice.
"Allang, what's next?" Nand asked eagerly, his usual carefree attitude resurfacing. "What do we do now?"
Allang's expression softened as he considered them. "Now, you two are invited to join the Elite Academy for Talent Development." His eyes sparkled with an enigmatic gleam. "You'll need to level up your abilities, and the Academy will provide the necessary training. In exchange, you'll serve the city as protectors."
Rudra raised an eyebrow. "Serve the city? We're just starting to awaken. You're not expecting us to fight anyone right away, are you?"
Allang chuckled. "Not just yet, but soon. The trials to become full-fledged protectors start in just a few weeks. The city is preparing for a looming disaster, and the stronger you become, the better chance we'll have to face it."
Nand scratched his head. "Wait, what kind of disaster are we talking about? You're making it sound like we're going to be facing some god-like threats!"
"All in due time," Allang said with a knowing smile. "You'll find out when you arrive at the Academy. Trust me, it's better you experience it firsthand." He glanced at the crowd, noting that the ceremony was still underway, but he had already dealt with the important students. "Now, follow me. It's time for you both to join the rest of the recruits."
Rudra and Nand followed Allang through the winding halls of the academy. They passed by groups of students, all discussing their own abilities, some excited, others nervous. The energy in the air was thick with anticipation. The atmosphere felt like the beginning of a grand adventure.
As they reached a quieter part of the academy, Allang led them to a small room filled with several other recruits. There, a girl with sharp eyes and an air of confidence was standing. Her gaze flickered toward Rudra and Nand, and a small smirk formed on her lips. She was accompanied by two boys, both exuding the calmness of seasoned warriors despite their youth.
"Ah, these are the new recruits," Allang said, motioning toward the trio of students. "This is Rhea, with an S-grade combat talent—Celestial Blade—and her companions, Arjun and Kavi, both A-grade talents."
Rudra felt a wave of respect wash over him as he met Rhea's gaze. She looked like the kind of person who would slice through any obstacle without a second thought.
"You're the one with the Destruction Thunder talent, right?" Rhea said, her voice smooth like silk. "Impressive."
"Thanks," Rudra replied, not sure whether to feel complimented or intimidated. "You're Celestial Blade—I've heard that's one of the rarest combat talents."
Rhea shrugged, unfazed. "There are plenty of rare talents. It's how you use them that matters." She turned to Arjun and Kavi. "You two are ready, right?"
Arjun, with his defensive Stone Sentinel talent, nodded. "We'll protect you, Rhea. Let's make sure we level up fast."
Kavi, the agile one with Swift Gale, smiled slyly. "Speed and precision. We'll all need that when the real tests begin."
Rudra felt a surge of excitement. These were the kind of people he would have to compete against. But instead of fear, there was a fire burning inside him. This is what I've been waiting for.
Allang, sensing the rising tension, clapped his hands. "Alright, enough of the small talk. It's time to begin your first training session. Everyone, step forward."
As they all moved into position, Rudra couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie. The competition was fierce, but so were they. And with his Destruction Thunder, Rudra was ready to show them all what he was capable of.