The Titan Awakener Academy's Grand Awakening Hall was packed with hundreds of students, all gathered in an electric atmosphere of anticipation.
Towering above them at the center of the hall stood the Alien Awakening Crystal, an otherworldly monolith that pulsed with an eerie glow. Its jagged surface shimmered, reflecting colors beyond human comprehension, shifting from deep violet to ethereal blue. It was said to be a fragment of a fallen alien god, containing the power to awaken the latent potential within humans.
This was the moment that would decide their futures.
For most students, this was the most important day of their lives.
For Ron, it was merely another step forward.
Excitement and Desperation
The air buzzed with nervous whispers and excited chatter.
"I hope I get something strong—maybe a fire or lightning attribute!"
"My brother awakened a space-based ability last year! If I get the same, my family will be set!"
"Please, please, don't let me be a D-Rank… I don't want to end up as a nobody!"
All around Ron, students stood in groups, discussing their hopes and fears. Some were full of confidence, especially the ones from prestigious families who were practically guaranteed to awaken something powerful. Others, particularly commoners and orphans like Ron, stood stiffly, their faces pale with anxiety.
A single touch of the crystal could change everything.
Or it could doom them to mediocrity forever.
Ron leaned against one of the pillars at the edge of the hall, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with indifferent eyes. He wasn't nervous. He wasn't excited.
This ceremony didn't define him.
But the others? They lived for this.
The students were called one by one.
The Awakening Process
A tall instructor wearing the academy's dark blue robes stepped forward, his presence alone commanding silence. He carried a golden tablet, from which he read names in a deep, resonant voice.
"Aaron Voss."
A boy with sharp features and eager eyes stepped forward. He placed his hand on the crystal.
The hall held its breath.
The crystal flared with golden light.
A mechanical voice echoed across the hall:
[Awakening Complete.]
[Attribute: Wind Blade (B-Rank)]
[Skill: Gale Slash]
The students murmured in approval. B-Rank was a solid awakening—strong, but not monstrous. Aaron stepped back, a triumphant grin on his face.
Another name was called. Another student stepped forward.
One after another, the students touched the crystal. Some received powerful elemental abilities like Firestorm, Ice Manipulation, or Gravity Control. Others got mediocre enhancements—increased strength, minor healing, basic telekinesis.
For some, the moment was euphoric.
For others, it was crushing disappointment.
Then, the hall went completely silent as Leo Graves' name was called.
Leo Graves Awakens
Leo walked forward with supreme confidence, every step echoing across the silent hall. His broad frame radiated power, his piercing blue eyes gleaming with anticipation.
He placed his hand on the crystal.
The moment his fingers touched the surface, the crystal trembled violently.
A blinding storm of golden lightning erupted from its core, crackling across the hall. Students stumbled back, shielding their eyes. Even the instructors looked stunned.
Then, the mechanical voice boomed.
[Awakening Complete.]
[Attribute: Thunder Tyrant (S-Rank)]
[Skill: Lightning Domination]
The room was silent for half a second. Then—
"S-RANK?!"
A wave of gasps and whispers spread through the students.
"No way! That's a legendary attribute!"
"Thunder Tyrant… that's one of the strongest elemental awakenings!"
"He was already strong before, but now? He's a monster!"
Leo's lips curled into a victorious smirk. He clenched his fist, and golden lightning crackled around his arm, dancing like a living entity. His very presence now carried a tangible weight, an oppressive force that made weaker students unconsciously take a step back.
Ron remained still, watching.
Leo turned, locking eyes with him.
"Looks like fate favors the strong," Leo said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I was born to dominate."
Ron met his gaze without expression.
So what?
Leo scoffed at his lack of reaction and turned away, basking in the admiration of his peers.
The ceremony continued.
And finally—
"Ron Nightshade."
The room went quiet again.
This time, it wasn't in awe.
It was amusement.
Ron Steps Forward
"Wait, why is he even trying? He doesn't even have talent."
"He should just give up and leave now. Imagine the embarrassment when he gets nothing!"
"Isn't he the scholarship kid? Waste of resources."
Ron ignored the whispers and approached the crystal, his steps slow and measured.
He placed his hand on the cold, pulsating surface.
The crystal flickered.
For a moment, it trembled—just like it had for Leo.
A spark of expectation ignited in the room.
Then—
Silence.
The crystal dimmed.
Nothing happened.
The mechanical voice spoke:
[Awakening Failed.]
The hall erupted in laughter.
"HAHAHAHA!"
"I knew it! He really is worthless!"
"No system! No power! What a joke!"
Leo chuckled, shaking his head. "Like I said, some people are just meant to be stepped on."
Ron stood still.
He slowly withdrew his hand, his expression unchanged.
No shock. No despair. No anger.
Just calm.
He turned and walked away as the ceremony continued.
The laughter followed him, but it might as well have been silence.
Because Ron knew something the others didn't.
And soon, they would all learn the truth.