Three days had flown by since Maximus ventured into the city.
Another morning broke, its soft light seeping through the curtains like a thief in the night. The stillness of the apartment room was broken only by the faint hum of the city outside, a distant reminder of the world beyond these walls.
The alarm bells of the PCT on the bedside table blared to life, cutting through the peacefulness and jolting Maximus awake. He squinted against the brightness, blinking slowly as his mind struggled to catch up with the sudden wakefulness. As he pushed himself up, a wave of refreshment washed over him, invigorating his sluggish body. More importantly, a flutter of excitement danced in his chest, stirring a spirited eagerness.
Today marked the long-awaited day of his graduation ceremony, an event Maximus had eagerly anticipated for three weeks. In just a few short hours, he would stand shoulder to shoulder with his fellow students, ready to discover where his future lay.
Without a second thought, Maximus shot out of bed and bolted to the bathroom, skipping his usual morning workout in favor of a quick shower. The rush of water filled the small space, its steady stream drumming against the tiles, the rhythmic sound almost hypnotic as it washed away the remnants of sleep still lingering in his mind.
Ten minutes later, he emerged from the shower, droplets clinging to his skin like tiny jewels, steam swirling in the air around him. His mind felt sharper now, the fog of sleep banished, and his focus shifted entirely to the day ahead. He barely bothered with the towel, giving himself a quick swipe here and there before moving on.
Everything essential had already been prepped the night before. His school uniform hung crisp and neat in the wardrobe. His shoes, polished to a mirror shine, sat patiently beneath the bed, ready to be worn at a moment's notice.
This would be the last day Maximus ever donned this particular set of clothing.
Once the graduation ceremony concluded, these garments would no longer serve their purpose. They would be left to linger in the wardrobe, perhaps gathering dust, never again to feel the weight of his shoulders or the scuff of his footsteps. They would become relics of the past, tucked away in the corner of memory.
With practiced ease, Maximus slipped into the uniform. He had done it so many times before that the motions were second nature—every button fastened without a thought, every fold smoothed down without looking. His hands moved on their own, guided by muscle memory, as if the routine had been ingrained deep into his bones.
Dark, long linen pants, a crisp white shirt, and a tailored black vest—this was the essence of his school uniform.
The school Maximus attended was a public institution, and state regulations mandated uniforms for all students. Designed to reflect the school's identity, the uniforms were both unique and functional, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among the students. The boys wore dark pants, while the girls were required to wear skirts—an effective distinction that carried its own sense of tradition.
The final touch was the shoes. Without hesitation, Maximus bent down to retrieve them from beneath the bed. He pulled on a pair of black socks, the fabric smooth against his skin, before sliding his feet into the polished leather. The shoes embraced him like a long-lost friend, snug and perfectly fitted.
After that, Maximus stood before the mirror for one last adjustment. He straightened his collar, smoothed down the vest, and ran a hand through his hair to tame any rebellious strands. His eyes lingered for a moment on his reflection, noting how the uniform fit him like a second skin.
Satisfied with the final look, he grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulders, feeling the familiar weight settle comfortably against his back.
The backpack was actually empty. With his school days behind him, there was no longer any need for books or writing utensils. On a whim, he had decided to bring the backpack, thinking he might need it to carry something during the ceremony—just in case.
With a deep breath, Maximus stepped away from the mirror, his heart beating with anticipation. He proceeded to pick up his PCT, tucking it into his pocket, before marching to the kitchen. There, he rummaged through the pile of supplies he had stocked up, taking out a package of bread and a bottle of mineral water—simple fare that would serve as a quick breakfast he could munch on during his walk to school.
Seeing everything was ready, Maximus wasted no more time. He trotted to the door, not forgetting to snatch his keys from the dining table on the way out. With a soft click, he turned the lock and pushed the door open. The cool morning air hit him as he stepped outside, embracing him with its refreshing grip. He took another deep breath, inhaling the scent of nature, before shutting the door behind him with a soft thud.
His footsteps echoed lightly against the floor as he made his way down the building stairs, the weight of the day ahead pressing gently on his chest. The world around him was still, almost tranquil, but he knew that today, everything would change.
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Beneath the deafening roar of the elevated highway, Maximus walked down the sidewalk with easy confidence. His steps were steady and light, his posture straight and unyielding, like a soldier on parade.
Beside him, the long pavement was alive with youngsters in similar uniforms, their voices rising in a constant hum, like birds chattering under the mechanical roar overhead. They gathered in small clusters, pairs or trios, talking in bursts of excitement and casual gossip. There was laughter, half-shouted jokes, the kind of aimless noise that only felt natural at their age.
But Maximus moved alone. The flow of the crowd seemed to shift around him, as if instinctively aware that he didn't belong to their world. And he didn't mind. Solitude had always fit him better.
A few hundred meters ahead, a cluster of large buildings rose, their architectural styles blending effortlessly into a refined, cohesive complex. That was State High Academy No. 14, the prestigious institution where Maximus had sharpened his education for the past three years. Its reputation as one of the top schools in Nova Regium stretched far beyond these streets like a well-told legend.
The grand edifices stood proud, their stone façade glinting in the sunlight, beckoning students and passersby alike. Today, it was more than just a school; it was a stage set for the graduation ceremony scheduled to unfold soon, a key moment that shimmered with promise and hope.
It didn't take long for Maximus to reach the imposing gates of the academy, where a much larger throng had already gathered, spilling across the grounds like a restless sea. The air was thick with the buzz of voices, a low hum of excitement and nervous anticipation that seemed to vibrate with the tension of what was to come.
Maximus glanced around, his face calm and impassive. His sharp eyes picked out familiar faces—mostly fellow graduates like himself, recently finished with their studies—while the rest were parents, relatives, and assorted guests, all gathered for the occasion.
The graduation ceremony itself hardly mattered. What truly drew everyone here was the awakening event, scheduled to take place at the same time. That was the real reason for the gathering—the moment everyone had been waiting for.
This situation wasn't unique to State High Academy No. 14. Across the country, the same event was unfolding in every other high academy. Today could easily be called one of the most significant dates of the year, almost like a national holiday. The media, both on Atlasnet and in traditional outlets, was abuzz with frantic headlines and breaking news. Everywhere, people were discussing and speculating, eagerly awaiting the rise of the new generation of rankers that would emerge from today's awakenings.
In short, today was the moment of truth for many, especially the freshly graduated students, all eager to discover where their futures would take them.
With fluid steps, Maximus proceeded to move and enter the gate, his movements casual and unhurried. He made his way to an empty, sculpted bench tucked in the academy's yard, its stone surface cool against him as he sat. From this spot, he silently observed the bustling scene in the surroundings, the vibrant energy of the crowd starkly contrasting with his calm demeanor.
He noticed many of his classmates huddled together not far away, lounging on the grass and chatting casually. Laughter bubbled up from their group, light and carefree, floating through the air. But it was all a façade. Beneath the surface, their nerves churned like a pot on the verge of boiling over. Maximus could sense it—palpable and pungent, like the stench of spoiled food. Even from a distance, it was unmistakable.
He had no intention of joining them. Despite spending an entire year together in the same class, he had never formed a bond with any of them. An invisible barrier seemed to separate their circle from his, and it had always felt that way.
Ignoring the sight of his classmates, Maximus leaned back against the bench, letting his body sink into its cool stone surface. He then closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as the sounds of the crowd washed over him. The chatter of his peers became a distant hum, a faint backdrop to the quiet space in his mind.
Waiting was all he could do until the ceremony began. So, Maximus settled into the silence, embracing it with patience as the minutes stretched on.
However, it seemed fate had other plans, not allowing him to remain in peace. Gradually, voices began to draw closer to his spot. Maximus' eyes half-opened in response, turning his head slightly to catch a glimpse of the source. He saw two girls settle on a similar stone bench several meters to his left, conversing idly.
Those girls were undeniably attractive.
One had shoulder-length silver hair that framed her striking face, her green eyes sparkling with a mischievous gleam that contrasted against her healthy, wheat-colored skin. The uniform she wore clung to her figure, accentuating her explosive curves in a way that was both bold and provocative. The top of her shirt was unbuttoned just enough to reveal a hint of deep cleavage, while her skirt rode up slightly as she sat, almost fully exposing the juicy form of her thighs.
All in all, the girl's allure was top-notch, a blend of boldness and playfulness that set her apart. Her beauty wasn't the traditional kind—it was daring, with an energy that seemed to challenge expectations.
In contrast, the other girl was more conservative. Her uniform, though form-fitting, retained a sense of modesty, offering a more restrained silhouette. Her face was captivating in a quieter, more understated way, framed by long, raven-black hair that cascaded down her shoulders. Her blue eyes were calm and unreadable, radiating the light of composure that suggested a more reserved nature. With skin as smooth and pale as high-quality silk, her beauty appeared more in line with the traditional, timeless kind.
Peeking at the appearances of the two girls, Maximus immediately recognized them.
Carla and Auranne; the former was the one with silver hair and the latter was the black-haired girl. Both of them were his classmates—Carla, in fact, had sat next to him in class. Together, they were among the most popular figures at the academy, often regarded as two of the most beautiful school flowers.
Given their striking beauty, their reputation wasn't exactly surprising, especially Carla's. With her electric personality, she seemed to get along well with everyone, effortlessly drawing people to her like a magnet.
But as with the rest of his classmates, Maximus wasn't familiar with either of them. His former self's anti-social tendencies had kept him distant from everyone at school. Even with Carla, who could almost be considered his deskmate, their relationship never went beyond knowing each other's names. They'd never exchanged more than a few words, and even that was rare.
To Maximus, those girls might as well have been strangers. Seeing them lounging nearby, he felt no inclination to greet or strike up a conversation. Moreover, he didn't share the fascination that others had for them. Whether it was Carla or Auranne, their beauty and reputations held little sway over him. He remained indifferent, then and now.
They were just little girls, after all—far too young compared to his true age. It would have been entirely inappropriate for Maximus to entertain any wicked thoughts about them. Hence, he decided to ignore them, closing his eyes once more and returning to his silent wait.
Yet when Carla and Auranne's conversation shifted to a particular topic, Maximus couldn't help but perk up his ears, subtly tuning in. The distance wasn't that far, so their words reached him clearly enough.
"By the way, Carl, about that feeling you mentioned yesterday—are you certain you're feeling it?" Auranne asked, her voice tinged with a faint trace of concern.
"Yeah," Carla replied confidently, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "No question about it."
Auranne sighed softly. "You're very lucky, then," she said, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "I don't have that kind of luck. I don't feel the confidence that people like you have been talking about these past few days."
"But that doesn't mean you won't be able to awaken your gift," Carla replied. "It's just that, for me, the result is already a given."
"It's better to know the result now than later," Auranne said dejectedly. "At least if I know I'm going to fail, I won't have to sit through the ceremony and become a laughing stock. I'll just go back home and cry in my room."
"Oh, come on. Quit that, will ya?" Carla chastised, raising her voice by a note. For some reason, Maximus could almost picture Carla rolling her eyes as the words left her mouth.
If someone who didn't know the context of the conversation were to overhear it, they'd be completely lost, unable to make sense of what was being said. But for Maximus, the meaning was clear. He understood exactly what they were talking about.
Even though, in theory, everyone had the potential to awaken an innate gift, the awakening itself was far from guaranteed. Not everyone could successfully activate their gift on the first attempt. The process was often fraught with setbacks. Many would find themselves waiting, forced to try again after an initial failure, or, worse yet, they might discover that their gift would never awaken at all.
The odds were stark—a fifty-fifty chance. The outcome loomed large, shrouded in uncertainty and unpredictability.
However, there was one particular case where the result could be both predictable and certain. This wasn't the stuff of rumors or wishful thinking, but a proven truth that had held up time and again. It was a rare phenomenon, a twist of fate that seemed to randomly favor a select few. For those lucky enough to experience it, the awakening wasn't a matter of if—it was a foregone conclusion.
If a person experienced an overwhelming surge of confidence in the days leading up to their awakening, especially as the time drew nearer, it was an absolute certainty that success would follow. It sounded strange, almost impossible, but the credibility of this phenomenon had been proven countless times.
This strange confidence wasn't some absurd delusion or baseless hope—it was a genuine signal, believed to be broadcast by a dormant gift, already restless and ready to awaken. For the fortunate few, their innate gift wasn't simply waiting to be activated; it was already stirring, itching to come to life.
This was precisely why Maximus felt no fear about failing to awaken his gift. He had that peculiar, unwavering confidence. Ever since he regained the memories of his past life, the sensation had blossomed within him, steadily growing stronger with each passing day. Now, as the ceremony loomed nearer, that confidence had reached its peak, filling him with a sense of certainty that buzzed through him, almost electric in its intensity.
He was surprised to discover that Carla felt the same way. It seemed she, too, was one of the lucky ones. For people like them, the title of ranker was essentially already within their grasp. All they had to do was wait for the ceremony to commence and for their turn to awaken. That was it. There was no need for anxiety, panic, or any of that. Very blessed, indeed...
Maximus continued to quietly listen as the two girls talked, catching Carla's attempts to reassure and uplift her friend. Her words appeared to have the intended effect; the way Auranne spoke gradually softened, her earlier pessimism fading into something mildly cheerful, even if only on the surface.
Time stretched on, half an hour passed without Maximus realizing it. Both Carla and Auranne were still chatting, but now, it seemed they had started to notice him.
"Hey, isn't that Maximus?" Carla said, mentioning his name.
"Hmm," Auranne hummed before adding, "It's him, alright. I didn't expect to see him here."
"Yeah," Carla chimed in, a note of curiosity in her tone. "I thought he wouldn't show up, considering how... dispassionate he always seemed during those ranker prep classes. I assumed he wasn't interested in the whole ranker business. But I guess I was wrong."
"Well," Auranne said, "that's just more proof that no one can resist the charm of becoming a ranker. Even that infamous loner couldn't stay away. I'm sure he has the same aspirations as us, even though he never shows it outright."
"I suppose so. Too bad he doesn't like to mingle," Carla said, her tone taking on a skittish lilt. "He's really cute, honestly. Not an absolute hunk. But, I wouldn't mind."
"Dammit, Carla! Can you stop talking shamelessly about guys like that? It's getting maddening!" Auranne snapped, her voice rising in exasperation, obviously annoyed.
"Tsk. Why not? I like guys, you know. They are... very good."
It was… quite a statement from Carla, uttered in a very casual fashion, especially the last few words as they were layered with suggestive connotations. Hearing it, not to mention Auranne, even Maximus was left speechless.
What a bold thing to say from a fifteen-year-old girl. Maximus couldn't help but roll his eyes in secret, feeling both amused and astounded by the audacity of it. He couldn't fathom how someone so young could speak so openly about such things without shame.
A quarrel then ensued. The two girls started to exchange snide remarks with growing intensity, their voices laced with frisky frustration. It was a familiar back-and-forth, full of teasing jabs and mock exasperation. For a moment, it was as if Maximus wasn't even there, their attention solely fixed on each other as they continued their banter, oblivious to their surroundings.
Maximus, in turn, had no interest in an altercation between two little girls. He wasn't about to waste any more of his attention on such a childish display. So he fully closed his eyes once again, determined to block out the noise and settle his thoughts. The buzz of the crowd, the chatter of the nearby students, and even the ongoing bickering faded into the background as he focused on calming his mind.
Before long, an announcement blared loudly across the academy grounds, sharp and clear: "Attention! All participating students and guests…"
Maximus's eyes flickered open, and a single thought crossed his mind: 'It's time. Here we go.'
He stood up at once, rising smoothly from the bench. Without delay, he began walking away. Carla and Auranne followed behind, walking side by side in response to the announcement. But Maximus didn't spare them a glance—his focus was already set ahead.
The three of them then melted into the sea of students and guests, all flowing forward like a slow-moving current, deeper into the complex. The atmosphere crackled with rich energy, each footfall echoing with the ambitions and dreams that swirled in the air.
The graduation ceremony had finally begun…