The morning sun filtered through the windows of Jianghua Academy, casting a soft light that embraced the vast training field. The sun's rays touched the grass, creating golden flashes that made the landscape seem alive. The field, vast and impressive, was surrounded by tall stone walls adorned with inscriptions of the academy's greatest achievements. A whisper of wind made the leaves of the trees dance, as if nature itself was holding its breath in anticipation.
The students, dressed in their blue and white uniforms, gathered in small groups. Conversations were filled with nervousness, excitement, and a hint of uncertainty. Some laughed nervously, others remained silent, observing their peers with a mix of envy and curiosity. Today was Awakening Day, the most anticipated day of the year, the moment when their latent abilities would be revealed before their own eyes and the eyes of others. For some, this day would mark the beginning of a brilliant future, while for others, it could be the start of a life filled with doubts and insecurities.
Alex Yuan stood in line, his face serene, but his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He could feel the weight of the anticipation in the air, and though he tried to stay calm, something inside him couldn't relax. Since he could remember, he had always felt that something in him was different. It wasn't a feeling of superiority, but rather a deep sense of unease that had accompanied him every day of his life. In his heart, he knew his destiny would be unique, but in a world where talent defined one's future, the uncertainty tormented him.
"All students, step forward," announced a firm and resonant voice. The chief inspector, a man with a stern face named Edgar Wu, made his appearance. His presence commanded respect, and his unwavering gaze could silence any conversation in an instant. Standing tall with undeniable authority, he guided the students toward the stone tower, the sacred artifact that would evaluate their potential. It was an ancient object, standing tall in the center of the field, known by all but still shrouded in mystery. Whispers about its origin and power circulated among the students, but no one truly knew the truth. All they knew was that it was the means by which the future of every young person who passed through Jianghua Academy would be determined.
The first to approach was Jason Carter. With his imposing height and confident posture, he walked toward the tower as if destiny itself lay at his feet. He belonged to one of the most influential families in Jianghua, a family that had left its mark on the city's history with its power, wealth, and influence. The confidence with which he walked reflected the security of his lineage, as though nothing could take his place in the world.
Inspector Edgar Wu, without showing any expression, placed his hand on the stone tower. A faint light flickered on the surface of the tower, but it quickly faded completely. The crowd fell silent, waiting for the verdict.
"Jason Carter, physical control system, level F," the inspector announced in a clear voice.
A murmur spread through the crowd. Some students exchanged confused looks, while others tried to hide their smiles. Jason clenched his fists but kept his composure as he returned to his place. The pressure of everyone's gaze rested on him, but he didn't let his face show the disdain he felt for the result. In his family, a level F was seen as a failure, a stain on their lineage.
Beside him, Kevin Carter stepped forward, his brow furrowed and his gaze determined. He was intent on proving that the Carter family remained one of the most powerful in Jianghua. However, when the tower remained still, the result was clear.
"Kevin Carter… no awakened talent," Edgar Wu said, his voice devoid of emotion.
The impact was immediate. A heavy silence fell over the crowd. The Carter family, renowned for its lineage, had just received a devastating blow that no one had expected. An unawakened talent was considered an absolute failure, a dark and uncertain fate. However, there was still one last candidate from their family: Ryan Carter. His steps were firm, but his face showed a mix of nervousness and hope. If he too failed, the Carter family would suffer an irreparable loss.
When Ryan approached the tower, all eyes were on him. His movements were measured, as though he was carefully calculating every step. However, as soon as his hand touched the stone, the tower reacted. A vibrant blue light illuminated the area, filling the field with a blinding glow.
"Ryan Carter, beast control system, level A," Edgar Wu announced.
A sigh of relief spread through the Carter family. While it wasn't the coveted SSS level, an A-level talent was still considered elite, ensuring them a privileged position in the world of abilities.
One by one, the students were evaluated. Ethan Zhang, Liam Li, Noah Wang… the results ranged from low to mid-levels. However, everyone knew that what truly mattered at that moment was finding an SSS-level talent, one that stood above all others. Such a talent was extremely rare, and those who possessed it were considered the future leaders of the world.
Finally, it was Alex Yuan's turn. He stepped forward, feeling the weight of dozens of gazes on him. The pressure was nearly unbearable, but something within him kept him steady. He placed the palm of his hand on the surface of the stone tower, and at that moment, his mind was filled with an unknown energy, a sensation of power he had never felt before. The tower reacted instantly.
A blinding green glow radiated from the tower, illuminating everything around it. The light not only lit up the testing yard but rose into the sky, visible from the entire city. It was a phenomenon that only occurred when an SSS-level physique awakened. The crowd stood in silence, mesmerized by the phenomenon they were witnessing. The energy in the air was palpable, a vibration that seemed to make even the wind stop moving.
Silence reigned for a few seconds before murmurs erupted.
"Another SSS in the Yuan family?"
"Three years ago, it was Emily Yuan… and now Alex! What kind of lineage do they have?"
Edgar Wu's face reflected both surprise and excitement. He raised his voice so that everyone could hear clearly, his tone filled with awe.
"Alex Yuan, physical control system… SSS level!"
The students and professors were stunned. The academy leaders exchanged astonished glances, aware that they had just witnessed something historic. The news spread like wildfire throughout Jianghua, and within hours, the country's elite were already on their way to witness the awakening of the new SSS-level monster with their own eyes.