Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, more than two hours had gone by. Over 30 students had stepped onto the stage, and the results… were disappointing.
Among the students who had returned to their seats, their expressions varied—some were excited, some looked dejected, and others appeared completely blank.
Out of more than 30 students, only a handful had managed to awaken a special ability of at least rank D. Not a single one had reached class B, and some had failed to awaken any ability at all.
At the side of the stage, a middle-aged man with an athletic build, graying hair, and a neatly trimmed beard let out a long sigh. He shook his head, his gaze fixed on the students with thinly veiled disappointment.
Dutch Eisen—the principal of Stanfield No. 3 High School.
"Sigh… More than 30 students, and not a single one above class B." His voice was low, laced with dissatisfaction. "Is this year's batch truly worse than before?"
Beside him, a man in his thirties—a new teacher at the school—watched the students with a serious expression.
"There might still be hope," he said. "It's not impossible for our school to produce a student with an ability of class A, or even S."
Dutch glanced at him as if he had just heard something ridiculous.
"Listen, in this school's entire 50-year history, only a handful of students have ever awakened a class A ability. Just last year, we only had two. And forget about class S—that's never happened in this school."
The teacher looked slightly surprised. As someone new here, he hadn't expected Stanfield No. 3 High School to have such a poor track record.
Dutch continued in a serious tone, "But I suppose there's no harm in hoping. If at least one or two students awaken a class A ability, the school might receive more funding from the empire."
The teacher nodded in agreement. "That's true… Stanfield is one of the largest cities in New Mercia, yet for years, not a single student here has awakened a class S ability. It's kind of concerning, isn't it?"
Dutch nodded, his eyes still fixed on the stage. "That's why, even one or two class A students would make a huge difference."
The teacher fell silent for a moment before saying, "Well, let's just pray for the best."
—
Time continued to pass.
After another thirty minutes, Ronan started to grow bored.
At first, he had considered taking note of the students who showed potential for the future. Or at the very least, remembering those with unique abilities so he could study them later.
But in reality… most of them were nothing special.
The majority had only awakened abilities ranging from class F to D. Even those at class C didn't possess anything particularly noteworthy.
"Next, Alex Richardson!"
The name echoed across the field.
From within the crowd, a young man with a sturdy build and short black hair stood up. His face remained neutral, his expression calm, yet his sharp eyes radiated an undeniable confidence.
As he walked toward the stage, the previously dull atmosphere began to shift. Some students murmured among themselves, while others watched him with curiosity.
"Alex Richardson… he comes from an Awakener family, doesn't he?"
"Yeah, I heard his father is a class A Awakener."
"For real? Then he might awaken a strong ability too!"
A sense of anticipation spread through the field. Even the teachers at the side of the stage started paying closer attention.
Alex stepped onto the stage with steady strides. Without hesitation, he positioned himself in front of the black stone, which shimmered with a glowing blue energy.
The instructor gestured. "Place your hand."
Without a word, Alex extended his hand and pressed his palm against the stone's surface.
The first second, nothing happened.
The second second…
WHOOSH!
A brilliant light erupted—so intense that several students had to shield their eyes.
A powerful surge of energy burst forth from the stone, making the air tremble. The wind howled across the field, rustling uniforms and hair alike.
And then—
BOOM!
Golden light surged from the stone, wrapping itself around Alex's body.
His eyes widened as he felt something incredible coursing through him. A power so immense, so pure—it was as if his very blood was boiling with newfound strength.
The teachers at the side of the stage immediately rose from their seats.
The principal furrowed his brows, his eyes gleaming sharply.
"This…!"
One of the teachers hastily read the results displayed on the holographic screen. His voice trembled as he announced:
"Special Ability: Spear Manifestation!"
"Class: A!"
The field erupted into cheers.
Students who had been lounging in their seats jumped up, shouting and clapping in excitement.
"NO WAY! CLASS A?!"
"WE FINALLY HAVE A CLASS A!!"
"THIS IS INSANE!!"
Even some of the teachers exchanged astonished looks, unable to hide their surprise.
Amid the commotion, Ronan narrowed his eyes, feeling his heartbeat quicken slightly.
'Finally… something interesting.'
He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him. This was the first time someone had emerged as a real threat among the students.
On stage, Alex stood with his fist clenched, his gaze steady and unwavering. A faint smile curved on his lips—a smile full of confidence.
He raised his hand and slowly opened his palm.
ZINGG!
Golden light coalesced in the air, forming a long spear that hovered above his hand.
A sleek, silver spear with a gleaming tip—radiating a sharp aura that made the very air vibrate.
Seeing this, several students swallowed hard.
"Holy crap… his Spear Manifestation ability can already form weapons?"
"He just awakened it, but he's already controlling it this well?"
Alex moved his hand slightly, and the spear spun midair before gliding back into his grasp. He gripped the shaft lightly, then gazed down at the crowd of students cheering for him.
His expression wasn't one of warmth or gratitude.
It was the look of someone who had just proven he stood above them all.
His smile widened slightly, his eyes gleaming with pride.
At the edge of the stage, the principal watched with a complex expression.
He stroked his beard, exhaling slowly.
"Hmph… at last, a class A student," he muttered, loud enough for the teacher beside him to hear.
The teacher glanced at him. "You don't seem too happy?"
Dutch shook his head. "That's not it."
His gaze remained fixed on Alex, who was still on stage, basking in the cheers.
"Spear Manifestation… an exceptional ability," he said quietly. "But that boy…"
His eyes narrowed slightly, his expression thoughtful.
"He's arrogant."
The teacher beside him hesitated, then turned to observe Alex as well.
"Arrogant?" he asked doubtfully. "Isn't that normal? He just became a class A Awakener… maybe he's just excited."
Dutch merely huffed. "Maybe."
But deep down, he knew.
Arrogance like that was a double-edged sword.
If Alex could control himself, he had the potential to become truly powerful. But if he let his pride consume him…
Then sooner or later, he would encounter someone who would crush that arrogance—brutally.
"Next, Ronan Raylinde!"