### **Chapter 5: The Ceremony Approaches**
Jae-min woke to the sound of his alarm blaring. Sunlight filtered through the cracks in his curtains, and the faint hum of morning life drifted in through the window. For a moment, he simply lay there, staring at the ceiling. His body still ached from the intense training and the battle with the Shadow Beast, but the pain was a reminder of his progress.
With a groan, he rolled over and opened his system interface.
**Name: Jae-min
Star Power: 25
Status: Ready for Awakening**
The words "Ready for Awakening" made his chest swell with pride. He was no longer the weakest in his class, and he'd done it in only two days.
**"Congratulations, user,"** the system chimed. **"You have achieved the minimum Star Power for talent awakening. Preparations for the ceremony are complete."**
Jae-min sat up, running a hand through his messy hair. "Good. But now the real challenge begins, right?"
The system's tone remained neutral. **"Correct. The ceremony is only the beginning. Your progress will depend on how effectively you use the talents and opportunities granted to you."**
---
At school, the atmosphere was electric. The awakening ceremony was the most anticipated event of the year, and students bustled about, discussing their preparations and hopes.
Jae-min entered the classroom, drawing little attention as usual. Most of his classmates were too focused on their own Star Power levels to notice him. He took his seat at the back, listening to the chatter around him.
"Did you hear? Ji-soo reached 40 Star Power! She might awaken a B-tier talent!"
"That's nothing. Min-jae's at 50. He's guaranteed an A-tier talent."
"I just hope I hit the threshold. Anything's better than failing."
Jae-min remained silent, his mind wandering. He knew his Star Power level was modest compared to some of his peers, but it was enough.
---
"Alright, settle down!"
The homeroom teacher, Mr. Kang, entered, silencing the class with his stern voice. He was a tall man with sharp features, his presence commanding respect.
"As you all know, the awakening ceremony is in two days. This is the moment you've been preparing for your entire lives. Your talents will determine your future in this world, whether as hunters, scholars, or supporters." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"For the next two days, we'll focus on light training and mental preparation. Remember, your mindset during the ceremony can influence the outcome."
---
Jae-min listened intently as Mr. Kang continued, outlining the schedule. Despite his calm demeanor, a flicker of anxiety gnawed at him. What if his talent turned out to be weak? What if all his effort amounted to nothing?
"Jae-min," Mr. Kang's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Yes, sir?" he replied, sitting up straighter.
Mr. Kang's sharp gaze bore into him. "I've noticed you've been working harder recently. I hope it pays off during the ceremony. But remember, hard work alone doesn't guarantee success."
Jae-min nodded, swallowing his frustration. He could feel some of his classmates snickering under their breath.
"Just wait," he thought, clenching his fists under the desk. "I'll show all of you."
---
After class, Jae-min stayed behind to review his status screen and plan his next move.
**"System,"** he said quietly, ensuring no one could overhear him. **"What happens after the ceremony?"**
The system responded promptly. **"Upon awakening, your talent will be integrated into your status. Additional functions of the system will become available, including talent modification, skill assimilation, and mission rewards tailored to your awakened abilities."**
Jae-min frowned. "Talent modification? Does that mean my talent can change?"
**"Correct. The system will optimize your talent based on performance and mission completion. This ensures continuous growth and adaptability."**
It was a relief to hear, though it also meant the pressure wouldn't ease up after the ceremony.
---
The next day passed in a blur of light training and endless speculation from his classmates. Jae-min avoided drawing attention to himself, focusing on his preparation. He knew his Star Power was enough, but he wanted to be mentally ready for whatever challenges the ceremony might bring.
That evening, as he walked home, a familiar voice called out.
"Jae-min!"
He turned to see Ji-a, one of the few classmates who ever spoke to him. She jogged up, her ponytail bouncing, a warm smile on her face.
"You've been pretty quiet lately," she said, falling into step beside him. "Are you ready for the ceremony?"
Jae-min hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I've been working on it. I think I'll be fine."
Ji-a raised an eyebrow. "You *think*? You need to be more confident. The ceremony isn't just about Star Power, you know. Your mindset matters too."
Her words mirrored Mr. Kang's earlier lecture, but coming from her, they felt more genuine. Jae-min nodded, offering a faint smile. "Thanks, Ji-a. I'll keep that in mind."
---
When Jae-min returned home, he immediately activated the system.
**"System, are there any missions I can complete before the ceremony?"**
The interface displayed a list of low-risk missions, most of them involving basic combat and skill refinement. He selected one, determined to squeeze in every bit of preparation possible.
---
The training was grueling but necessary. By the time he finished, his Star Power had increased slightly, and his confidence had grown.
**"Star Power increased. Current total: 28."**
Jae-min stared at the number, a small smile tugging at his lips. He was ready.
---
Two days later, the morning of the awakening ceremony arrived. Students gathered in the school's grand hall, the air thick with excitement and tension.
Jae-min stood among them, his heart pounding. This was it—the moment that would shape his future.
As the ceremony began and his name was called, he stepped forward, his mind racing.
"Let's do this," he thought, stepping onto the awakening platform.
The system's voice whispered in his mind, calm and steady.
**"Initiating awakening process."**
The world around him blurred, and a surge of energy coursed through his body.
**To be continued...**