Ray woke with a start, his body drenched in sweat. He sat up, clutching his chest as his heart hammered against his ribs. The memory of the glowing eyes, the lunge, and the cold blackness still lingered.
"It was just a nightmare," he muttered, running a shaky hand through his disheveled black hair.
He glanced around his room, reassuring himself that he was safe. The soft hum of the ceiling fan and the faint sounds of life outside brought him back to reality. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, shaking off the unease that clung to him like a second skin.
The Awakening Ceremony was today.
Ray dressed quickly, pulling on a simple white shirt and dark pants, his thoughts still swirling as he stepped out of his room. The smell of breakfast greeted him, and he found Lyra seated at the table, her silver-white hair catching the morning light.
"You're finally up," she said, her ice-blue eyes narrowing. "If you're late for the ceremony, I'll personally drag you there."
Ray forced a grin. "Relax, I'm ready."
Lyra studied him for a moment before smirking. "Good. It's not every day you get to find out if you're special."
Ray rolled his eyes and joined her at the table, pushing the remnants of the dream to the back of his mind.
---
The city square was bustling with excitement. Families gathered in clusters, their voices a mix of anticipation and nervous chatter. In the center of the square stood the Awakening Altar—a massive, intricately carved structure made of a glowing white material. The sages had built it generations ago, using blueprints salvaged from an ancient civilization. The altar shimmered faintly, exuding an aura of mystery and power.
Ray and Lyra stood among their peers, all sixteen-year-olds awaiting their turn. The ceremony would reveal their talents, determining their futures. The talents were graded from E-rank to the legendary SSS-rank, with higher ranks promising greater opportunities.
A representative from the Union, dressed in a sleek black uniform, stood near the altar, overseeing the event. His commanding presence kept the crowd in check, his sharp eyes scanning the teenagers lined up before him.
Ray's palms were sweaty as the ceremony began. One by one, names were called, and the teenagers approached the altar. A soft hum filled the air as they placed their hands on the glowing surface, and their talents were announced.
"C-rank strength enhancement"
"D-rank wind walker"
"B-rank sensory abilities"
Cheers erupted for the higher-ranked talents, while murmurs followed the lower ones.
Finally, Lyra's name was called.
She strode confidently to the altar, her silver hair cascading down her back. The moment she placed her hand on the glowing surface, the light intensified, bathing her in a dazzling blue aura. Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Uuu-uhh S…. Its S-rank Ice Empress!!" the representative announced while stuttering , his voice tinged with awe.
Lyra turned to face the crowd, a triumphant smirk on her lips. Her title, Ice Empress, was whispered among the spectators.
Ray felt a mix of pride and pressure as his name was called next.
He stepped forward, his heart pounding. Placing his hand on the altar, he felt a surge of energy course through him. The light flared briefly before settling into a steady golden glow.
"B-rank lightning manipulation," the representative declared.
Relief washed over Ray. It wasn't extraordinary, but it was respectable. He glanced at Lyra, who gave him a teasing grin.
Three others from their city awakened C-rank or higher talents, and the ceremony concluded with a brief address from the representative, who congratulated the chosen candidates.