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It was on that day that God abandoned our world, leaving only a few chosen souls to ascend with him. Those deemed pure of heart and unwavering in their devotion vanished, carried to paradise by Orion's light. The rest of us? We were forsaken, left to suffer redemption.
The day the rifts opened, everything changed. Monstrous fiends and nightmarish demons poured into our realm, their power immeasurable, their malice endless. Humanity, fragile and unprepared, stood no chance. Cities crumbled, nations fell, and hope became a scarce commodity.
But Orion, in his supposed mercy, left us a sliver of hope: talent awakening
It was on my eighteenth birthday that I would receive my chance to awaken an ability—a chance to rise above my ridicule, my shame, and my powerlessness.
Kieran, a boy with raven-black hair and haunted eyes, slid his hands into his pockets as he walked along the cracked stone pathway leading to the academy. His thoughts churned with a mix of anticipation and dread. The memory of Orion's departure still felt fresh, a vivid scar on the world's collective consciousness.
'It's been years, but that day changed everything for me,' he thought. 'I won't stay weak anymore. Today is the day my life turns around.'
His resolve wavered only slightly as a familiar, mocking voice shattered his reverie.
"Hey, look who it is—Kieran the useless!"
A chorus of laughter erupted behind him. Kieran halted, glancing back with dull, lifeless eyes. It was Frank, his perpetual tormentor, flanked by his ever-present lackeys.
"Frank," Kieran said with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes, "still running your mouth? Let's see how confident you are after the awakening. I'll make sure your family's influence won't protect you from me."
Frank's face darkened, his brow twitching. "You've got a big mouth for someone who's about to get squashed." He motioned to the two boys at his sides. "Take care of him."
The lackeys stepped forward, cracking their knuckles in a show of intimidation.
Kieran smirked despite the tension brewing in his chest. 'Outnumbered again. Typical,' he thought. But instead of retreating, he raised his voice, sharp and cutting.
"Frank, do you ever fight your own battles? Without your lapdogs, you'd be the one in my shoes, and we both know it."
The words hit their mark. Frank flinched, his face betraying a flicker of uncertainty.
"Don't just stand there!" Frank barked, his voice shrill. "Get him!"
The two boys hesitated, their predatory gazes locking onto Kieran. Just as they began to move, a stern voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"There will be no fighting today."
Everyone froze. A woman strode into view, her commanding presence enough to root the boys in place. She was dressed in a sleek leather jacket and fitted jeans, her hair cascading over her shoulders as she casually lit a cigarette. Her piercing gaze scanned the group.
"Miss Jane!" the two lackeys stammered, suddenly looking as harmless as lambs.
"Ben, Jacob," Jane said coolly, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Didn't you two already complete your awakening? What are you doing here on academy grounds?"
The boys exchanged nervous glances.
"Uh… we were just escorting our young master," Jacob mumbled, his voice barely audible.
"Escort him out of here," Jane ordered, her tone brooking no argument. "Now."
Without another word, the two boys scurried off, leaving Frank standing awkwardly.
"And you," Jane said, turning her gaze to him. "How many times do I have to tell you? No bringing your family's lackeys onto academy property."
Frank swallowed hard, his bravado evaporating. "It won't happen again, Miss Jane. I promise." He shuffled away, casting one last venomous glare at Kieran before disappearing down the corridor.
Kieran sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks, Miss Jane. You didn't have to step in."
Jane gave him a wry smile. "Didn't I? They've been at you for long enough. Besides, you've got a big day ahead. No need to start it off with a broken nose."
"Big day, huh?" Kieran muttered, his gaze falling to the ground.
Jane rested a hand on his shoulder, her expression softening. "You'll do fine, kid. Just go in there and claim your talent. Show those bastards what you're made of."
Kieran's lips curled into a faint smile. "Yeah. I'll get a good talent. Then I'll—"
Jane cut him off with a playful smack on the back of his head. "No. You'll use that talent to fight demons, not settle scores with your classmates."
"Right, demons," Kieran said with a sheepish grin. But inwardly, his resolve hardened. 'I'll still deal with anyone who messes with me.'
Jane chuckled, motioning toward the academy's main hall. "Come on. They've already started. Let's not keep them waiting."
He followed behind her gently, taking in the sight of her beautiful figure.
Jane Herley, a teacher in the academy and a powerful fire ability user.
She was the only one who stood up for Kieran through his hard times, and they both grew attached with each other, he could even consider her his sister, although with time, he felt something much deeper.
'One day, you won't have to be the one to protect me again' he thought resolutely to himself, clenching his fist tightly.
The hall was packed with students, their anxious whispers filling the air. Some huddled in small groups, discussing talents they hoped to awaken, while others sat alone, their faces pale with fear.
"Did you hear? Hudson got an A-grade wind talent!"
"No way! That timid kid? Man, he's untouchable now."
"Yeah, the academy president even pulled him aside for a private chat."
Kieran tried to block out the chatter, focusing instead on the massive stone dais at the center of the room. Jane leaned against the wall near the door, giving him a reassuring thumbs-up.
"Don't worry," she mouthed.
Kieran nodded, steeling himself as the academy president returned to the dais. The room fell silent as the man cleared his throat.
"Kieran Marcoth."
The crowd parted like the Red Sea, leaving a clear path for Kieran. His heart thundered in his chest as he stepped forward.
'This is it,' he thought, clenching his fists.
The world seemed to slow as he ascended the dais. Every step felt like a lifetime. As he reached the center, the president extended a hand toward the glowing orb that awaited him.
"Place your hand on the orb," the president instructed, his voice steady. "And let destiny take its course."
Kieran took a deep breath, his fingers trembling as they hovered over the orb.
'This is my moment. My chance to change everything.'
With one final burst of courage, he placed his hand on the orb—and the room erupted in a blinding flash of light.
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