"Next, Ronan Raylinde!"
The voice echoed across the field, drawing everyone's attention. The atmosphere was still buzzing with excitement as many were still talking about Alex awakening an A-Class ability.
Ronan, who had also been influenced by that A-Class ability, felt a thrilling wave of anticipation. With a steady pace, he walked toward the stage.
As he moved forward, countless eyes turned to him. Some gazed with curiosity, others whispered among themselves.
"Hey, does anyone know him? His posture looks solid, he seems strong."
"Agreed, maybe he's been training in martial arts since childhood."
"But that doesn't guarantee he'll awaken a powerful special ability."
"Yeah, let's wait and see. He's my classmate, but to be honest, he rarely stands out in class."
Conversations about Ronan spread among the students. Compared to those who had stepped up before, this time, the atmosphere felt different. There was a higher level of expectation, just like when Alex had gone up earlier.
Now, Ronan stood before the Enlightenment Stone, a tall black monolith that would determine his fate. He took a deep breath, then placed both hands on its surface, feeling the blue energy seep into his body.
'This is it… the moment of truth.'
At that instant, an overwhelming sense of comfort enveloped him, as if he had transcended mortality itself. But it lasted only for a fleeting second.
Because in the next moment, that sensation transformed into something far more intense.
Burning!
A scorching heat, as if a sea of fire was erupting from within him!
From the outside, everyone was left in shock as the Enlightenment Stone was suddenly engulfed in flames of extreme intensity!
WHOOOSH!
The fire exploded, surging upward, forming a massive pillar that stretched hundreds of meters into the sky, straight to the sun.
"What the hell just happened?!"
"Shit, flames that high?! Did that guy awaken some kind of fire-related ability??"
"Bruh, why is no one talking about how insanely hot that fire is? My eyes hurt just looking at it!"
Some students instinctively stepped back in panic, feeling the wave of heat brush against their faces. Those standing too close had to shut their eyes as the blinding flames radiated an unbearable brilliance.
Even the teachers seated in the VIP section rose from their chairs, stunned. The military personnel in attendance were equally dumbfounded.
The principal's eyes widened, his heart pounding wildly. This phenomenon…
"Don't tell me…" he muttered, his voice almost trembling.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, Alex stood frozen in place.
Just moments ago, he had been the center of attention. He had just awakened an A-Class ability—Spear Manifestation. Everyone had been impressed by his talent. He had even begun enjoying the feeling of being the strongest among his peers.
But now…
Every spotlight had shifted to Ronan.
No one was talking about his Spear Manifestation anymore. No one was whispering in awe about his spear control.
All that remained was the thunderous cheers for Ronan.
At this moment, the pillar of flames vanished completely, and a hologram appeared above the black stone.
[Ronan Raylinde, S-Class: Starflame]
A profound silence blanketed the atmosphere before an eruption of deafening cheers spread like wildfire.
"HOLY SHIT! S-CLASS?! OUR SCHOOL HAS AN S-CLASS STUDENT?!"
"THIS IS HISTORY! SINCE STANFIELD HIGH NO. 3 WAS FOUNDED, THERE'S NEVER BEEN AN S-CLASS STUDENT!"
"AND LOOK AT THE NAME OF HIS ABILITY! STARFLAME! THAT NAME ALONE SOUNDS INSANE!"
"HEY, ANYONE WHO WANTS RONAN'S CONTACT INFO, COME HERE—ONLY 5 DOLLARS!"
"WOAH, THAT'S PRICEY! BUT I'LL TAKE IT!"
"I'LL TAKE ONE TOO..."
The entire scene spiraled into utter chaos. Students cheered, some even started moving toward the stage just to get a closer look.
Meanwhile, Alex clenched his fists.
"Tch…"
He gritted his teeth. The pride he had felt just moments ago now tasted bitter.
"Wow, suddenly Alex's ability feels… kinda mediocre compared to Ronan's," a student unknowingly muttered.
"Seriously, I thought Spear Manifestation was cool at first, but now? Starflame? Shit, nothing can compare to that!"
Alex felt his eye twitch.
Tch! Damn it!
He had just started enjoying his moment in the spotlight, but Ronan had come in and completely stolen it away.
On the other side, Dutch finally let out a deep breath. His expression shifted from shock to an uncontainable excitement.
"Hahaha!" He laughed heartily, his eyes gleaming. "Finally! An S-Class student in this school!"
He immediately turned to one of the teachers beside him.
"Hey, I want every bit of information on Ronan Raylinde. Now!"
The teacher nodded and quickly pulled out a device.
But amidst all the commotion, Ronan simply stood still, his eyes staring blankly ahead, his expression frozen.
Not because he was overwhelmed by the sudden cheers and attention.
But because of something only he could see.
Right in front of him, a holographic screen materialized.
[Name: Ronan Raylinde]
[Age: 18]
[Realm: Human Realm, Stage 3]
[Special Ability: Starflame (S-Class)]
[Skill Points: 0]
[Skills: - ]