At the thrilling ceremony, the atmosphere around No. 9 Senior High School felt electric with anticipation. The experience of awakening was overwhelming for many, leaving both exhilaration and uncertainty in its wake. Jimin's heart pounded as he strolled beside Rayan, embraced by a mixture of joy and anxious energy. The moment of his professional transformation sparked visions of grandeur, but deep down, he recognized that significant challenges awaited him in this more vivid reality.
"Can you believe it? Two supreme-grade battle beasts at the same time!" Rayan exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe. "You're going to be legendary, Jimin! with your talent to summon two battle beasts at the same time, and with supreme-grade battle beasts? You'll lead us into battles others only dream of!"
"Yeah, but it's also a responsibility now," Jimin replied, attempting to temper Rayan's enthusiasm with a level-headed perspective. "I can't lose sight of the hard work ahead. Summoning is just the beginning—I need to train them well, and develop my own skills."
Rayan shot him a teasing look. "And don't forget to impress the ladies! You're practically a hero now!"
As they were exchanging pleasantries, the exuberant chatter of their classmates surrounded them. A wave of camaraderie floated through the air as students exchanged tales of their awakening experiences. Jimin couldn't help but steal glances at Layla Al-Fahim, who was engrossed in lively discussions, basking in the spotlight that her SSS Grade Night Shadow Assassin had brought her.
"Seems like everyone is talking about you now," Rayan said, catching Jimin's stare. "You've already taken the spotlight away from her!"
"That was not my intention," Jimin admitted. He felt a sense of concern creep in as the realms of competition began to manifest amidst the triumph. "I just want to focus on honing my skills."
"You're too humble, man," Rayan replied. "If I got those summons, I'd be strutting around like I owned the place!" With a hearty laugh, Rayan jovially elbowed Jimin.
the anticipation of a new day lingered heavily in the air. The following morning, as the rays of sunlight streamed in the playground of No. 9 Senior High School, Jimin and Rayan were filled with determination.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the school, a storm was brewing.
Ali Braham's heart was pounding as he prepared for his career awakening. Unlike his classmates, he was burdened with the heavy expectations of his prestigious family, known for cultivating legendary combat professionals. For years, he had lived in the shadow of his family name, striving to outshine his peers, particularly his schoolmate Jimin, whose effortless success gnawed at him.
"This is my chance," Ali muttered to himself, adjusting the collar of his designer uniform, a symbol of his family's status. "I can't let Jimin and Rayan surpass me. I was born to be a warrior, and I will show everyone what I'm capable of."
As the awakening ceremony approached, Ali focused intensely, recalling the tales of legendary warriors who had come from his lineage. He envisioned himself among them—fierce, celebrated, and powerful.
Ali Braham noticed the buzz of camaraderie between Jimin and Rayan. Anger flared within him as he watched them laugh; he clenched his fists, determined to claim his birthright.
Ali stood in line, each name called stirring a mix of anxiety and hope within him. Finally, it was his turn.
"Ali Braham!" The instructor's voice commanded attention.
Taking a deep breath, Ali stepped into the awning of light that surrounded the awakening formation. The air crackled with energy as he felt it pulse through him, awakening something dormant within.
"Main Combat Occupation (SSS Grade): Dual Lionheart Warrior!" the announcer proclaimed as the light enveloped him, fading to reveal his transformation.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Ali swallowed hard as the reality of his awakening washed over him. Not only had he awakened an SSS grade profession, but its dual nature promised the power of two elite combat skills combined. A part of him felt elation, while another darkened under the shadow of his rival's achievements. He had much to prove.
"Congratulations, Ali!" Rayan called out, genuine excitement evident in his tone. But Jimin's silence weighed heavily on him. He merely nodded, masking his internal turmoil.
With Ali's moment of glory fading, the facilitator continued to call names, and Rayan's anticipation grew palpable. He nudged Jimin, a sparkle of hope in his eyes. "What if I awaken something legendary too?"
"Just believe in yourself," Jimin encouraged, feeling the weight of rivalry blossom among friends.
Finally, it was Rayan's turn. As he stepped forward, a spark of electricity ignited in the air around him. The anticipation was deafening.
"Rayan Lighthome!" the announcer called.
Rayan took a deep breath before stepping into the glowing formation, feeling the energy churn around him. "This is it! I'm ready!" he thought with fervor.
The light brightened, enveloping him entirely, and after a moment's pause, the announcer's voice boomed, "Main Combat Occupation (SS Grade): Arcane Knight!"
The crowd gasped, then erupted into cheers. Rayan beamed, his face alight with disbelief and excitement. The Arcane Knight was a powerful class, known for combining physical combat skills with magic, and that made it exceptionally rare and sought after.
"Rayan, that's incredible! You're going to be amazing!" Jimin shouted, beaming at his friend's success. Rayan returned the smile, his spirit buoyed by the shared happiness.
While Rayan basked in the joy of his new title, Ali couldn't shake off the bubbling mix of resentment and ambition. An SS-grade Arcane Knight and an SSS-grade Dual Lionheart Warrior—this heightening rivalry shifted the dynamics further.
As the students began to share their experience, the celebration consequently grew joyous. The pride surged through Rayan as he recounted the intricacies of his class to Jimin. "I can wield magic without sacrificing combat skills! Just think of the combinations!"
"Well, this might make combat a lot more interesting," Jimin replied, his mind wandering to how their powers could complement one another in future battles.
"Don't forget about me!" Ali chimed with a hint of competitive spirit. "Now with two specialized skills at my disposal, I will be formidable." His tone dripped with both aggression and excitement, a hint of arrogance underscoring his words.
As the awakening ceremony began to wind down, excitement and emotion radiated throughout the athletic field. The initial thrill of discovery lingered in the air, with students buzzing about their new professions and futures. Among them, the atmosphere was a mosaic of joy, envy, and uncertainty.
Noya Ruhena's triumphant declaration as a Fire Mage echoed in the hearts of her classmates, resonating with a sense of legacy and ambition. Her celebration felt like a beacon, instilling hope in those around her. The elation of newfound power rippled through the crowd, and Jimin felt a warmth swell within him, inspired by the potential unfolding around him.
Yet, not everyone shared in the jubilation. Idris, who had stepped into the formation with dreams of adventure and glory, now stood by the sidelines, disappointment shadowing his expression. The realization that he would be a blacksmith—a lifestyle occupation—sent a wave of cold reality crashing over him. Watching as his friends radiated excitement made the weight of his unfulfilled ambitions almost unbearable.
"Hey, Idris," Noya called out, approaching him with empathy. "It's still a great profession. You'll be helping others by crafting amazing weapons. Those are essential for adventurers like us!"
Idris forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I know, I know. It's just… I always imagined myself doing something grander. I wanted to be out there fighting alongside you all."
"Those who create also shape the battlefield," she reassured him. But Idris felt the sting of disillusionment; the cheers of his classmates only seemed to amplify the hollow space left behind by his unmet expectations.
Then, as Jimin walked through the crowd with Rayan, he overheard snippets of conversations. "Did you see Layla? An SSS Grade profession!" one student exclaimed, brimming with awe.
"And Jimin actually summoned two supreme-grade beasts! They say he's the best in the school now," another chimed in, positivity lacing her words.
While cheers surrounded him, Jimin couldn't help but glance back toward Idris, whose facade of happiness cracked ever so slightly. The contrast of celebration and disappointment struck Jimin hard.
"Do you think it's fair? The divide between us?" Rayan asked quietly, interpreting Jimin's gaze.
"It shouldn't be," Jimin replied pensively. "Every profession has its worth, but it's hard when the spotlight just shines on the combat roles. We need to change how we see these paths… especially for someone like Idris."
As the ceremony concluded and students began to disperse, cheers punctured the air in ways that Jimin couldn't ignore. People flocked around Rayan, marveling at his new title of Arcane Knight. He was buoyed by the attention, caught in a whirlwind of adoration and excitement. Jimin felt pride for his friend.
"How are you feeling, Jimin?" Rayan asked, his voice full of encouragement. "You stunned everyone with those two beasts!"
"I'm excited, definitely. But…" Jimin hesitated, searching for the right words. "I want to make the most of this. It's not just about showcasing power; it's how we use it that matters."
Ali Braham, still haunted by the echoes of competition, stood a few steps away. His eyes darted between Jimin's emerging popularity and the newfound respect Rayan was garnering from their classmates. The bit of smugness he had felt after awakening his SSS Grade profession began to wane.
"Well, at least you didn't end up in a position weaker than a blacksmith!" he suddenly called out, a defiant edge to his voice that masked his underlying insecurities. Laughter followed his words, forced camaraderie echoing through the crowd, but it did little to suppress Jimin's unease.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Idris responded sharply from where he stood, feeling the sharp sting of Ali's comment. "Every occupation matters, but some don't seem to understand that until they're in need of what we provide!"
Ali smirked, but it was quickly drowned out by the wave of voices defending Idris, standing in solidarity within the tumult of applause and energy.
"Listen, Ali," Rayan chimed in, stepping in to maintain peace. "Don't forget, even the mightiest warrior needs a good sword—and that's what Idris offers. Let's not forget that we're all on different paths. We just started."
"Hmph, sure," Ali retorted, but the fire in his eyes dimmed slightly, sensing the collective support for Idris. A murmuring wave began within the students, emphasizing the themes of unity rather than competition. A newfound recognition raised every student's spirit; they understood that their paths—whether celebrated or overlooked—held importance and meaning.
As students began to drift away, the Principal's office still loomed ahead for Jimin, Rayan, Layla, and Ali. The promise of greater recognition awaited them, even amid the bittersweet realization that their journeys had only just begun.
The day of the awakening ceremony had sparked new beginnings, but along with it, it had laid bare their realizations—the challenge to redefine success beyond just titles, and build relationships powerful enough to uplift one another in a world filled with chaos.
As they walked through the halls of No. 9 Senior High School, Jimin felt the weight of the future pressing inwards, mixing excitement with a call to understanding. They were no longer merely students; they were the bearers of legacy, leading each other toward bright horizons, despite the storm clouds of rivalry that lingered on the fringes of their journey.