### **Chapter 6: Awakening Potential**
Jae-min stood in the center of the awakening platform, his heart hammering in his chest. The crowd of students and teachers faded into the background, their murmurs and whispers a dull hum in his ears. A faint, blue light enveloped the platform as the ceremony began.
The voice of the awakening coordinator echoed through the hall.
"Jae-min, you may proceed. Clear your mind and focus on the star energy within you."
Jae-min closed his eyes and took a deep breath, reaching inward. He felt the faint flicker of Star Power he had painstakingly built over the past three days.
**"System,"** he whispered internally, **"is everything ready?"**
The system's response was calm and reassuring.
**"Affirmative. Your Star Power exceeds the minimum threshold. Proceed without hesitation."**
---
The air around Jae-min shimmered, and he felt a sudden pull, as though his consciousness were being drawn elsewhere. He opened his eyes to find himself in a vast, starry expanse. The floor beneath him was smooth and reflective, like glass, and endless stars glittered above him.
"This is the awakening realm," the system explained. **"Here, your talent will be drawn from your potential and shaped by your Star Power."**
Before Jae-min could respond, a brilliant orb of light appeared before him. It pulsed rhythmically, radiating warmth and power.
**"Place your hand on the orb to initiate the process,"** the system instructed.
Jae-min hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward. His fingers trembled as he reached out and touched the orb.
---
A surge of energy coursed through his body, overwhelming in its intensity. Images flashed in his mind: towering dungeons, monstrous beasts, and fierce battles. He saw himself standing on a battlefield, wielding weapons he couldn't yet name, surrounded by allies and enemies alike.
The energy focused on his chest, and a voice—not the system's—echoed in his mind.
**"The talent you awaken will be your guide and your strength. Do you accept the burden it brings?"**
"Yes," Jae-min said without hesitation.
The light around him intensified, and he felt something within him snap into place. It was as though a door had opened, revealing a part of himself he hadn't known existed.
---
Back in the real world, the platform erupted in a dazzling display of light. Gasps and murmurs filled the hall as the awakening coordinator's voice rose above the noise.
"Jae-min has successfully awakened his talent!"
The light faded, and Jae-min opened his eyes. A notification from the system appeared before him.
**Name: Jae-min
Talent: Dungeon Architect (C-tier)
Status: Awakened**
---
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder.
"Dungeon Architect? Isn't that a support-type talent?"
"A C-tier? That's barely above the minimum threshold!"
"I expected as much from him."
Jae-min's shoulders tensed as the comments reached his ears. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the frustration bubbling inside him.
"System," he muttered under his breath, "why is my talent C-tier?"
The system's voice was calm but firm.
**"Talent tiers are not absolute indicators of power. Your talent's potential will grow as you progress. Do not be swayed by external opinions."**
Jae-min took a deep breath, nodding to himself. The system was right. This was only the beginning.
---
After the ceremony, the newly awakened students gathered in their homeroom to review their results and discuss the next steps. Mr. Kang stood at the front, his sharp eyes scanning the room.
"Congratulations to all of you on completing the awakening ceremony," he said. "But let me be clear: this is not the end of your journey. Your talents are tools, and it is up to you to refine them. The class tournament in seven days will be your first test. Use this time wisely."
The students murmured among themselves, the tension in the room palpable.
"Jae-min," Mr. Kang called out suddenly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Yes, sir?" Jae-min replied, standing stiffly.
Mr. Kang's gaze was unreadable. "Dungeon Architect is a rare talent. It may not seem impressive now, but its potential lies in its adaptability. I expect you to prove its worth in the tournament."
Jae-min nodded, his jaw tightening. "I will, sir."
---
That evening, Jae-min sat in his room, staring at the system interface.
**"System, explain my talent in detail,"** he said.
The screen flickered, displaying a breakdown of his abilities.
**Talent: Dungeon Architect (C-tier)**
- **Ability 1: Create Zones** – Generate temporary zones within dungeons to manipulate terrain and control the flow of battle.
- **Ability 2: Resource Extraction** – Identify and harvest hidden resources in dungeons.
- **Ability 3: Dungeon Insight** – Analyze dungeon layouts to uncover traps, hidden paths, and weaknesses.
Jae-min frowned. "These sound more like support abilities. How am I supposed to fight in the tournament with this?"
**"Your talent is support-oriented,"** the system acknowledged, **"but its applications in combat depend on strategy. As you gain experience, your talent will evolve, unlocking more direct abilities."**
Jae-min sighed, leaning back against his chair. It wasn't the answer he'd hoped for, but it was better than nothing.
---
The next day, the class was taken to a beginner dungeon for their first practical experience. Jae-min followed the group, his mind racing with plans. If he wanted to prove himself in the tournament, he needed to make the most of this opportunity.
As they entered the dungeon, the system's voice chimed in his mind.
**"Welcome to the beginner dungeon. Mission: Survive and assist your team in clearing the area. Reward: +5 Star Power."**
Jae-min tightened his grip on his weapon, determination burning in his chest. This was his chance to test his talent and begin his ascent.
**To be continued...**