Chapter 2: The Awakening Ceremony
The morning of the Awakening Ceremony dawned crisp and bright. The streets of Orivale hummed with excitement as teenagers dressed in the academy's black-and-gold uniforms gathered in clusters, their chatter blending into the lively sounds of the city. For many, this was the most important day of their lives—a chance to rise above the ordinary and step into greatness.
Eliot Roland stood outside his school's large iron gates, adjusting the sleeves of his slightly too-tight uniform. His nerves buzzed like a live wire, though he masked it with a calm expression. Around him, other students were milling about, their faces ranging from confident grins to pale apprehension.
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A New Chapter for Orivale Academy
The ceremony was being held in the grand auditorium of Orivale Academy, a two-story structure built from polished stone and adorned with banners bearing the academy's crest—a golden phoenix surrounded by a ring of stars. The building loomed like a monument to hope and ambition, reminding every student of what they could become.
Standing on the stage was Principal Byron Clyne, a man whose presence was unassuming but commanding in its own way. His short, salt-and-pepper hair and a weathered face spoke of years spent as a hunter. Once a C Rank, Byron had retired from active duty to guide the next generation.
"As you all know," he began, his voice amplified by the auditorium's enchanted acoustics, "the Awakening Ceremony is more than a tradition—it is the foundation of our world. Today, you step forward to discover your potential, your path. Some of you will awaken as hunters, the shields of humanity. Others may not, but remember, every role in this world is vital to our survival."
Byron's gaze swept across the sea of students, lingering briefly on Eliot before moving on.
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Eliot's Rivals and Friends
As the principal's speech ended, Eliot glanced at the students seated around him.
To his left sat Claire Halstead, a petite girl with fiery red hair tied into a ponytail. Claire had been one of Eliot's few friends since childhood. While she lacked the sharp intellect Eliot had, she made up for it with determination and an unshakable optimism. "You ready for this?" she asked, nudging him with her elbow.
Eliot smirked, though his hands betrayed his nerves as they fidgeted in his lap. "As ready as I'll ever be."
On the other side of the aisle, he caught sight of Jordan Marlowe, the school's self-proclaimed prodigy. With his athletic build, sharp jawline, and perpetual air of superiority, Jordan was everything Eliot wasn't. Jordan had been the first to call him "Fat Eliot" years ago, and the nickname had stuck.
Jordan leaned back in his seat, flashing a confident smile as he chatted with his entourage. "Not like it matters what I awaken as," he said loudly enough for Eliot to hear. "Anything I get will put me miles ahead of the rest of you."
Eliot clenched his fists but said nothing. He'd learned long ago that arguing with Jordan was pointless.
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The Awakening Process
The ceremony began with the first student stepping onto the circular platform at the center of the stage. The platform was an intricate construct of runes and crystals, glowing faintly as it activated.
"State your name," instructed the official overseeing the ceremony, a stern woman dressed in the navy-blue robes of the Awakening Council.
One by one, students stepped forward, each greeted by a bright flash of light as the system revealed their class and rank.
"Claire Halstead," came the voice of the council official. Claire stepped onto the platform, her hands trembling slightly.
The runes flared, and a holographic screen appeared above her head, displaying her results:
Class: Archer
Rank: D
The room erupted in polite applause. Claire's face lit up with a mixture of relief and pride as she returned to her seat.
Next was Jordan. He strutted to the platform, his grin wide as the runes activated.
Class: Swordsman
Rank: C
The applause was louder this time, with several students murmuring in awe. Jordan soaked in the attention, shooting a smug glance in Eliot's direction.
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Eliot's Turn
"Eliot Roland," the official called.
The room grew quieter as Eliot made his way to the platform. He could feel dozens of eyes on him, some filled with curiosity, others with doubt.
He stepped onto the platform, his heart pounding in his chest. The runes beneath his feet glowed, and for a moment, the air around him seemed to hum with energy.
Then came the light—a blinding surge of power that flooded the room, brighter and stronger than anything that had come before. Gasps and murmurs filled the auditorium as the holographic screen appeared above Eliot's head:
Class: Sovereign
Rank: SSS
For a moment, there was silence. Then the room erupted in chaos.
"SSS Rank?" someone whispered in disbelief.
"That's impossible," another student said.
Even Principal Byron, who had maintained a composed demeanor throughout the ceremony, looked visibly shaken. "An SSS Rank… after all this time," he muttered under his breath.
Eliot stood frozen, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. The official cleared her throat, her professional composure faltering. "Eliot Roland, you… you are the first SSS Rank recorded in history. Congratulations."
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First Reactions
As Eliot returned to his seat, the whispers and stares followed him. Claire gave him a stunned look. "Eliot… do you even realize what this means?"
He shook his head, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and exhilaration.
Jordan, however, was less impressed. "SSS Rank? Probably a mistake. No way someone like him deserves it," he muttered to his lackeys, though his expression betrayed a flicker of jealousy.
In the shadows of the auditorium, a man dressed in black watched Eliot with an intense gaze. His lips curled into a sinister smile as he whispered to himself, "So, it begins."
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End of Chapter 2