### Setting: Terra High Combat Academy – Spirit Awakening Ceremony
The center of Terra High's sprawling campus buzzed with energy. A middle-aged instructor, dressed in the academy's combat uniform, barked names into a megaphone, announcing the results of the Spirit Awakening Ceremony.
"Spirit: Blue Silver Vine! Grade: G. Next!"
"Spirit: Sunflower! Grade: F. Next!"
"Spirit: Llama! Grade: F. Next!"
A wiry boy stepped forward, his face scrunched in confusion as the holographic screen flashed his result. "Llama? Wait—are you calling me names now? My spirit might be weak, but you don't have to mock me!"
The instructor arched a brow. "Kid, your spirit is literally a llama. Look at the display."
The boy turned to see the shimmering image of a fluffy alpaca materializing beside him. His expression turned from disbelief to horror. "No way! A *llama*?! Of all spirits, why this?!"
He stormed off amid snickers from the crowd, his shouts of frustration echoing across the field.
---
Near the back of the group, a tall, lean teenager named **Ethan Carter** watched the spectacle with mild amusement. His companion, a stocky, round-faced boy named **Max Bryant**, nudged him with a grin. "Ethan, did you see that? A llama spirit! Man, that's legendary."
Ethan smirked faintly but didn't reply. His piercing green eyes seemed distant, as if he were processing a memory. His disheveled blonde hair framed a face that might have belonged to a movie star, though the faint shadows under his eyes suggested a life that hadn't been easy.
"Hey, Ethan," Max added, lowering his voice. "Your ex—Sienna—she's up next. And guess who's with her?"
At the mention of her name, Ethan's jaw tightened. Memories surged forward unbidden—Sienna, the radiant school starlet who'd once been his girlfriend, now clinging to the arm of a cocky, well-dressed boy. **Jake Malone**, the mayor's son.
The duo strolled onto the stage, basking in the murmurs of admiration from the onlookers. Sienna's radiant smile and Jake's self-satisfied smirk were a perfect contrast to Ethan's simmering frustration.
"Poor guy," Max muttered. "You two were perfect together. Now she's hanging off that rich prick? Unbelievable."
Ethan exhaled sharply, his expression neutral, but his fists clenched behind his back. His mind raced as fragments of an unfamiliar reality pieced themselves together.
**I've… crossed over?** The realization hit like a freight train. He wasn't just Ethan Carter, struggling teenager—he was someone from another world, thrust into this bizarre place where spirits and supernatural powers reigned supreme.
---
Jake, noticing Ethan's glare, strutted over with Sienna still on his arm. His smirk widened as he looked up at Ethan's 6'1" frame. "Ethan, buddy," he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery, "I'd say it's nice to see you, but we both know that's not true. Sienna's with me now, so let's keep it civil, yeah? Wouldn't want to make things awkward."
Sienna leaned in, her voice honey-sweet but barbed with malice. "Ethan, it's over. Stop hanging around like some lost puppy. Jake can handle you if you don't get the message."
Max bristled, stepping forward. "Watch your mouth, Sienna. And you, Jake—keep running it, and I'll shut it for you."
But Ethan raised a hand, stopping Max. A sly smile tugged at his lips. "Relax, Max. Let them talk." His gaze shifted back to Jake. "Enjoy your moment. I hope it lasts."
Jake scoffed, pulling Sienna closer. "You're all bark, Carter. Once my spirit awakens, you'll be lucky to breathe the same air as me."
---
As the ceremony progressed, students continued stepping up to the glowing Spirit Awakening Orb. Spirits of varying grades and appearances were revealed, from basic plants to majestic creatures. The crowd murmured in awe as Jake placed his hand on the orb.
"Spirit: Ironhide Bull! Grade: A!"
Cheers erupted as a massive spectral bull appeared, its eyes glowing red. Jake puffed out his chest, basking in the applause.
Sienna followed, placing her hand delicately on the orb.
"Spirit: Azure Lotus! Grade: C."
Though not as impressive as Jake's, the crowd still applauded politely. The two descended the stage, arms linked, their smirks aimed squarely at Ethan.
"Your turn, Carter," Jake called mockingly. "Let's see if you even have a spirit."
---
Ethan ascended the stage slowly, his heart pounding despite his calm exterior. Around him, whispers swirled.
"He's probably going to awaken something weak. His parents were both low-grade spirit users."
"Yeah, genetics don't lie. Poor guy's about to get embarrassed."
Ignoring the jeers, Ethan placed his hand on the orb. For a moment, nothing happened. Then—
*Ding!*
A voice echoed in his mind: **"Negative Emotion Reward System Activated. Let the hate flow—your rewards await."**
Before Ethan could process the message, the orb exploded with golden light. A massive, radiant dragon spiraled into the sky, its scales shimmering like molten gold. The crowd fell silent, their awe palpable.
"Spirit: Golden Celestial Dragon! Grade: SSS!"
Ethan stepped back, a wicked grin spreading across his face as the dragon roared above him. Finally, he muttered under his breath: "Now the fun begins."