Night had fallen fully, draping the world in a thick, tranquil hush. The lively buzz of the day had faded, leaving only the gentle rustle of leaves and the occasional, far-off cry of a night bird. The pace of everything had shifted, as though the world itself had let out a long sigh, settling into its steady, unhurried pulse.
In the dim glow of his apartment, Maximus crouched over a bulging duffel bag, his hands working methodically as he packed stuff. Two more bags lay nearby, stuffed so full they strained against their seams. This wasn't the frantic disarray of a hurried departure—it was deliberate, almost ritualistic. Each item he crammed into the bags carried a weight of finality, the kind that made it clear he wasn't just leaving for a while. He was leaving for good, and whatever lay ahead demanded every ounce of his resolve.
It didn't take him long to finish; this was the final bag, the last piece of his careful preparations. With a sharp zip, he sealed it and straightened up, stepping back to take it all in. His gaze swept over the bags with a critical eye, measuring their readiness. Satisfied, he adjusted them, lining them up neatly against the wall by his bed. There they stood, a solid monument to his resolve, stacked like a fortress built for whatever lay ahead.
Afterward, Maximus drifted into the living room and dropped onto the couch, letting out a breath as he leaned back. For the first time that night, he allowed himself a sliver of respite. His eyes landed on a soda can sitting on the small table in front of him, its cold surface catching the dim light in an almost teasing glint. The promise of its refreshment was too tempting to ignore. He reached out, wrapping his hand around the can, letting its chill seep into his palm.
Pop!
The sharp sound of the can opening cut through the stillness, reverberating softly in the quiet room. Maximus lifted it to his lips, savoring the cool fizz as it danced across his tongue, the subtle sweetness easing something taut inside him.
Setting the can back on the table, Maximus leaned into the couch, his shoulders sinking deeply into the worn cushions. Closing his eyes, he let himself unwind, the day's tension dissolving little by little. His thoughts roamed untethered, drifting wherever they pleased.
Two days had slipped by since his graduation ceremony, marking the end of his school years and the last remnants of his second youth. Yet, the ceremony itself was a blur in his memory, overshadowed by the exhilaration of awakening his innate gift. That moment was what truly stayed with him—the instant he crossed the threshold into something greater.
Now, Maximus could finally call himself a ranker. The change was real, and it was just the beginning.
Despite the chaos his awakening caused—bringing the ceremony to a halt for nearly two hours and leaving him more than a little embarrassed—things eventually smoothed down. Once the dust settled, Maximus was quickly ushered to join the other awakened students in the academy's main building.
There, he discovered the reason for this separation from those who had failed. The Extraordinary Power Bureau intended to provide them with additional education—not in general knowledge, but in advanced information reserved for rankers. This wasn't material the general public had access to; it was specialized training, knowledge intended only for those who had crossed into the ranks of the extraordinary.
As newbies, their first task was to learn how to control their still volatile power, freshly awakened and unpredictable. It wasn't an easy lesson, but Maximus, along with a few others—Carla among them—picked up the ability quickly. With careful focus, they managed to tame their wild aura, ensuring it didn't flare up at the wrong moment, like disrupting public order or causing disturbance in the streets.
The second lesson focused on the responsibilities that came with their newfound status. Rankers weren't just granted privilege—they were also bound by strict laws and prohibitions, not only in this country but across all of Atlas. The students were taught to understand these rules in detail, ensuring they wouldn't unknowingly cross any lines or become entangled in criminal acts. In essence, it was a crash course on the dos and don'ts of being a ranker, a guide to navigating their new world without stumbling into dangerous territory.
The third and final lesson delved into the opportunities that came with being a ranker. It was a tutorial to what lay ahead—how they could harness their newly awakened gifts to grow stronger and shape their future. The possibilities were vast, spanning across various sectors: the public sphere, the military, government positions, and even within the Extraordinary Power Bureau itself. Each path offered different challenges and rewards, giving the students a glimpse of the many ways they could carve out their place in the world as rankers.
Maximus had even received an offer from the EPB, a clear sign that they had taken an interest in him. The organization promised numerous benefits and advantages, but despite the enticing offer, Maximus refused without hesitation. The prospect of aligning himself with such an entity didn't sit well with him—too much control, too many strings attached. It wasn't a path he was willing to take, no matter the perks it promised.
Thus, he turned them down, choosing instead the path of freedom and independence. He wasn't ready to be tied down by an organization, preferring to carve his own way, on his own terms, without anyone pulling the strings.
Besides, there was a certain place Maximus had been wanting to visit—a wondrous place where he could truly challenge himself, where he could strive and compete for the right to greatness. It was there that he would prove his worth, forging his own legacy in a world that didn't owe him anything.
In addition to the lessons, the students were given a generous one-time stipend and a certificate that marked their ranker status. With that, their time at the academy was officially over. They were free to return home, each heading off in their own direction, ready to chase their individual dreams and plan their own futures.
And now, exactly two days had passed since that pivotal moment.
When it came to his innate gift, Maximus had unwavering confidence. It wasn't just the way his awakening had been so intense and amazing; it was the deep, unshakable understanding of how truly special and extraordinary his gift was. He knew it wasn't like anything most rankers possessed.
Back during the ceremony, many people—especially the operatives from the EPB—had speculated that his gift was lightning-based, with some unique powers thrown in. But Maximus knew it was more than that. It wasn't just a lightning-element gift with a few unusual twists. What he had awakened was something far rarer, far more remarkable. It was one-of-a-kind, unlike anything they could comprehend.
In this regard, Maximus had no doubt. The sheer power of his gift was undeniable, and he was certain of its greatness. He could feel it in every fiber of his being—his gift was something truly incredible, and nothing would shake his confidence in it.
The problem, however, was that an innate gift alone wasn't enough when it came to cultivation. Right now, aside from his <
In a ranker's cultivation, the so-called mystical art stood as the most crucial element. It wasn't just a technique; it was a comprehensive system, a carefully structured practice that guided rankers to enhance their strength and climb the ladders of power. Mystical arts provided the knowledge to control and channel Energia safely and effectively, unlocking the full potential of their bodies.
Unfortunately, these arts were not easily obtained. They were precious treasures, far from being available in simple shops or public libraries. The most valuable mystical arts were monopolized by powerful factions, guarded like sacred secrets. Even if an individual somehow came into possession of one, they would be highly unlikely to part with it. Such techniques were considered heirlooms, passed down through generations—keys to immense power, and to the legacy of those who wielded them.
To be honest, the EPB's offer to Maximus had included a mystical art—a technique specifically tailored to complement his lightning-based innate gift. The organization had been more than willing to provide it, along with all the other perks they promised. But as he had already decided, Maximus had no intention of joining such an organization, no matter how enticing the offer was. Even the prospect of gaining a mystical art wasn't enough to sway him. The former veteran, driven by his own sense of independence, wasn't willing to sacrifice his freedom for any amount of power or advantage.
Therefore, to obtain a mystical art, Maximus knew he had no choice but to rely on his own efforts. Luckily, he already had a plan in mind. It might take a while before he could get his hands on a mystical art, but Maximus didn't mind. He was willing to be patient. After all, he had come this far on his own, and a little more time was a small price to pay for something worth having.
That was exactly why he had been packing just now—preparing to leave this apartment and the city behind, once and for all. Tomorrow morning would mark his departure, and Maximus had no intention of returning. He was setting out on a new path, one that would take him far from the life he had known.
Every piece of his belongings had already been packed. There wasn't much—just clothes, footwear, and a few odds and ends. He didn't have much to take with him. As for the furniture and decorations? They weren't his to keep, all belonging to the apartment's owner.
The only thing left now was to get a good sleep. In the morning, he'd wake up, shower, have breakfast, and then head out, leaving behind this apartment.
Glancing at the clock on his PCT, Maximus saw that it was getting late. With a sigh, he accepted that the day had come to an end, and it was time to rest. It had been a long, busy day, and tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter.
The room darkened as Maximus flicked off the light. He moved to the bed with a relaxed, almost effortless motion, letting himself fall onto the mattress. The warmth of the blanket enveloped him, and within moments, he surrendered to sleep, drifting into a deep, peaceful slumber.
**********
**********
A train station was a place that never truly slept—always bustling, always alive with activity. Maximus had noticed this during a grocery run several days ago, and now the scene repeated itself as he stepped into Nova Regium's grand station in the heart of downtown. The energy of the place was palpable, a constant hum of movement and noise even in the early morning.
He had woken up rather early, wasting no time in getting ready. After setting everything up and double-checking his belongings, he returned his room keys to the landlord and ordered a ride-hailing service. Soon, he arrived at the grand station.
With three heavy bags slung over his shoulders and firmly in hand, Maximus navigated the lively crowd, weaving between hurried travelers and the constant blare of announcements. His eyes scanned the direction signs as he searched for the waiting lounge, his steps steady despite the chaos around him.
He had booked a first-class high-speed ticket to the capital city of Decoris just the day before, scheduled to depart in less than an hour. As a ranker, Maximus received a discount on the fare—one of the many privileges that came with his newfound status. It was the first time he had taken advantage of such a benefit, and though he didn't dwell on it, the gesture felt like a small but significant acknowledgment of the new path he was on.
The capital wasn't exactly his ultimate destination, but it was a necessary stop on the way. To reach the place he truly intended to go, passing through Decoris was a must. It was nothing more than a stepping stone, a brief detour before the real journey began.
The lounge was easy to locate, and Maximus found it without any trouble. The path was clear, and within moments, he was standing in a comfortable space away from the rush of the station.
The place was already packed with many people—first-class passengers like him, mostly rankers, though there were a few ordinary folks mixed in. As Maximus surveyed the room, he could tell that these rankers weren't particularly powerful. He sensed it clearly—none of their strengths were much different from his own. It wasn't a place filled with seasoned warriors or masters, just a mix of individuals who, like him, had recently stepped into their new roles.
Without thinking too much, Maximus made his way to an empty seat in a corner. He sat down quickly, placing his heavy bags on the floor beside him, his posture relaxed as he settled in. The bustle of the lounge faded into the background as he took a deep breath, his mind momentarily at ease.
A buffet lined with a variety of dishes and beverages caught Maximus's eye, but the former veteran was in no mood to indulge. He had already eaten breakfast before leaving his former home. All he wanted now was to pass the time, waiting for the train's departure. There was no rush, no need for distractions—just the peaceful anticipation of what was to come.
His eyes unconsciously drifted to a large TV mounted on the wall ahead, the news channel playing silently. As the images flickered across the screen, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
He had forgotten to check the news on Atlasnet—a habit he had only developed after regaining memories from his past life. Since then, he had made it a point to stay informed, scanning through article after article each day to learn more about the world and keep up with the trends, particularly anything related to rankers.
With a frown, Maximus reached into his jeans pocket, pulled out his PCT, and unlocked it, eager to catch up on the latest updates. The browser opened instantly, and headlines flooded the screen, one after another. The latest news ranged from gossip about public figures to reports of incidents, criminal activities, and routine updates. Maximus skimmed through the articles, barely pausing to glance at each one; none of it truly captured his attention.
It wasn't until he reached the section on ranker-related news that his interest was finally piqued. The updates were mostly about the mass awakenings from two days ago, reporting on the emergence of thousands of new rankers across the country.
Such quantity was hardly surprising, given the vast population of Etrussia. The numbers were usually the same every year, with a few hundred more emerging from the two annual general awakenings. It seemed like a lot at first glance, but in comparison to the total population, it wasn't that significant.
Naturally, not all of these new rankers would grow into something significant, let alone become powerhouses. People with great talent and high potential were exceedingly rare. Even Maximus wasn't entirely sure of his own chances. He might have sufficient potential, but whether he could rise to the peak of power remained uncertain. It was still too early to tell.
Unknowingly, as Maximus was absorbed in the news, time stretched on. Minutes slipped by until a soft announcement blared across the lounge:
"...Attention! First-class ticket holders of Train CH-127, please be advised that your train is now ready to depart. Kindly proceed to Platform No. 4 immediately..."
The words broke through Maximus's focus, pulling him from the PCT. He quickly glanced around, realizing it was time to board the train. Grabbing his bags, he stood up, momentarily stretching his back before heading toward the exit, blending in with the other first-class passengers as they made their way to their designated platform.
The sleek, futuristic long carriages of the high-speed train came into view as soon as Maximus reached the platform. The train gleamed under the station lights, its design smooth and elegant, hinting at the power and comfort that awaited inside.
Maximus hurriedly pulled out his first-class ticket, its rigid form shimmered in his hand. Approaching one of the opened train doors, he noticed a pretty, poised attendant standing just outside of it, her uniform sharp and pristine.
"Excuse me, miss," Maximus began, halting in front of her. "Could you direct me to my seat? I'm not sure where it is."
"Of course, sir. May I see your ticket?" she asked, her voice calm and pleasant, with a genuine willingness to assist.
"Sure, here..." Maximus replied, presenting the ticket to her.
After a quick survey of the ticket, the attendant's smile deepened with understanding. "Your seat is in the first-class carriage, sir," she informed, her tone polite but efficient. "It's the one just behind the locomotive. Seat Number 27, you'll find it easily once you get there."
"I see..." Maximus nodded, his expression grateful. "Thank you, miss."
The attendant gave a slight bow, her voice warm as she responded, "No problem, sir. Enjoy the travel."
With that, Maximus stepped onward, walking past several carriages along the platform until he reached the first-class section. Its luxurious interior offered a sense of simple elegance. The plush seats, wide aisles, and soft lighting created a cozy atmosphere.
His gaze swept over the rows of seats until he spotted his own. Tucked away at the back near the door, it was a quiet corner that promised a bit of privacy.
Maximus nodded to himself in approval as he approached, lifting two of his bags into the overhead compartment and sliding the third under the seat. Settling in, he felt the plush, comfortable seat mold to his form, welcoming him into its embrace.
A relaxed murmur of activity filled the carriage as passengers found their places, and outside, the faint announcement of their imminent departure drifted in. Maximus took a deep breath, savoring the stillness of his corner.
Nova Regium lay nestled in the heart of a distant border province, far removed from the prosperous Decoris. Even with the cutting-edge speed of the train, the journey would stretch over several hours, a reminder of just how vast the country was.
Maximus leaned back in his seat, preparing himself mentally for the lengthy ride. 'It's going to be a long trip,' he thought with a light sigh, letting the faint vibrations of the train ease him into relaxation.
It wasn't long before the train doors slid shut with a synchronized hiss, sealing the carriages in unison. A soft hum resonated through the floors as the train began to move, its sleek body gliding forward with a smooth pace. The scenery outside the windows shifted, the bustling platform giving way to the sprawling urban landscape of Nova Regium.
Maximus felt the small jolt of momentum as the train propelled itself onward, its speed gradually increasing with each passing second. The trip had officially begun…