Kael Ardent stared at the crimson sky, the setting sun casting long shadows across the wheat fields surrounding his village. Today was supposed to be a day of celebration, but he felt nothing but unease.
"Sixteen years," he muttered to himself, gripping the hem of his worn tunic. "Sixteen years for this moment… and I can't even feel excited."
Behind him, the village square bustled with life. Merchants set up stalls selling charms and trinkets to "bless the awakening," and families gathered to watch their children take the first step toward their future.
"Kael!"
He turned to see his childhood friend, Lila, running toward him. Her auburn hair bounced in the light breeze, and her bright green eyes were full of excitement. In her hands, she carried a small loaf of freshly baked bread.
"You can't just skip the ceremony," she scolded, handing him the bread. "Everyone's waiting. Even old man Rorin made it out of his workshop to see you."
Kael gave her a small smile and took a bite of the bread, the warmth of it doing little to settle his nerves. "It's not that I don't want to go," he said between bites. "I just… I don't think I'll get anything impressive."
"Don't be ridiculous," Lila said, smacking his arm lightly. "Even if you don't get some flashy Path like 'Sword Saint' or 'Archmage,' you'll still have your own unique role. That's how the System works."
"Yeah," Kael muttered, not entirely convinced.
The ceremony took place in the center of the village, under the towering Awakening Stone. The massive crystalline obelisk hummed with a faint, otherworldly energy, its surface etched with glowing runes that shifted and writhed like living things.
One by one, the sixteen-year-olds of the village stepped forward, placing their hands on the stone. Each time, the runes flared brightly, and a disembodied voice echoed through the square:
• "Congratulations, Lila Sunwright! Your Path: 'Aegis Guardian.'"
• "Congratulations, Eryn Welk! Your Path: 'Pyromancer.'"
The crowd cheered with every announcement, parents beaming with pride as their children's futures were unveiled.
Kael stood at the edge of the crowd, his heart pounding. His turn was approaching, and the sinking feeling in his chest only grew heavier.
Finally, his name was called.
"Kael Ardent," the village elder announced, gesturing toward the Awakening Stone.
Taking a deep breath, Kael stepped forward. The world seemed to blur as he placed his trembling hand on the stone's surface. The crystalline surface was cool to the touch, and for a moment, nothing happened. Then, the runes erupted into a blinding white light, and a voice echoed in his mind.
Analyzing subject… Assessing latent potential…"
Kael held his breath, his eyes shut tight as the voice continued.
• "Evaluation complete. Path assigned: 'Eternal Novice.'"
The light faded, and the crowd fell silent.
"E-Eternal Novice?" someone whispered.
"Is that even a real Path?" another voice murmured.
Kael opened his eyes to see the villagers staring at him with a mix of pity and disappointment. The Awakening Stone's glow had dimmed, as if mocking him.
"Well," the elder said awkwardly, "not everyone can have a grand destiny. But remember, every Path serves a purpose."
Kael clenched his fists, heat rising to his face as the crowd began to disperse. He caught Lila's gaze; she looked like she wanted to say something, but he turned away before she could.
That night, Kael sat alone at the edge of the forest, staring at the faint glow of the System window hovering in front of him.
[Status Window]
• Name: Kael Ardent
• Path: Eternal Novice
• Level: 1
• Skills: None
• Karma: Neutral (0)
What kind of joke is this?" he muttered, swiping at the air to close the window.
The sound of footsteps behind him made him tense. He turned to see an old man leaning on a gnarled walking stick, his tattered cloak fluttering in the breeze.
"You look like someone who's lost their way," the old man said, his voice rough but kind.
"Who are you?" Kael asked, eyeing the stranger warily.
"Just a traveler," the old man replied, sitting down beside him. "And you look like someone who's been given a bad hand."
Kael sighed. "You could say that."
The old man chuckled. "Do you know why the System assigns Paths?"
Kael frowned. "To guide us. To help us find our place in the world."
"That's what they want you to believe," the old man said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But the System is far older than this world, and its true purpose… well, let's just say it's not as benevolent as it seems."
Before Kael could respond, a sudden rustling in the bushes made him jump to his feet. A group of bandits emerged, their weapons glinting in the moonlight.
"Hand over everything you've got," their leader growled, "and maybe we'll let you live."
Kael's heart raced as he glanced at the old man, who remained seated, a faint smile on his face.
"Looks like your first challenge has arrived," the old man said, his eyes gleaming. "Let's see what the 'Eternal Novice' is made of."
System Notification
• Hidden Quest Unlocked: Protect the Stranger!
• Rewards: Unknown.
• Failure Penalty: Death.
Kael's breath caught as the notification flashed before him. The bandits closed in, and for the first time, he felt the weight of the System's true nature. This wasn't just a game.
This was survival.