Chapter 49 – The Path Ahead & Yue's Hidden Potential
The Sujin Festival ended in a grand and colorful flourish—candles floating over the quiet river, tomato pulp still drying on walls, and laughter echoing in every alley. The villagers, still buzzing from the unbelievable awakening event that had shocked their entire world, knew life would never be the same.
Three days had passed since that radiant light enveloped their land and sparked a miracle. Today, the mood was different. The celebration was over. Now came decisions.
In the largest meeting hall in Sujin, all the adults gathered—mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and the newly awakened young adults. Even some of the city returnees were there, like Yue's Aunt Xinyi and Kael's parents.
Elder Yuyan, calm but firm, stood to speak. "This... awakening is a gift, but also a responsibility. We have been given another chance, and our children must be prepared for the world outside."
Voices murmured in agreement.
Another elder rose, this time Yue's great-uncle, Elder Bao. "We've heard from the city folks. The Awakened Academy awaits. A place where our gifted children can learn, grow strong—and maybe even help shape the future. But they can't go alone."
One of the mothers spoke up, her eyes misty with pride. "Now that our older children have awakened, they can help protect the younger ones in the city while they study. They'll look after them. And they'll look after each other."
More nods. The decision was unanimous.
In three days, the children—young and old—along with some adult guardians, would leave Sujin and head toward the capital to join the Awakened Academy.
—
Meanwhile, Yue was curled up on her bed, a pillow hugged to her chest, still glowing faintly from the magic that lingered in her veins. The room was peaceful, sunlight filtering in through the thin curtains. But her mind was buzzing.
She frowned thoughtfully, eyes narrowed in curiosity. "System?"
[Yes, Host?] The gentle voice of the system replied instantly in her head.
"What's a sub quest?" she asked, rolling onto her back.
[A Sub Quest is a smaller mission that supports your Main Quest. Completing Sub Quests helps you grow stronger and may reveal hidden abilities, secret information, or rare rewards.]
"Oooh... That sounds kind of cool." Yue grinned, eyes sparkling. "So how do I know what my stats are now?"
[Simple. Say 'Stats Open'.]
Yue sat up straight and, just for fun, raised her hand like a magical girl from her favorite cartoon. "Stats Open!"
A translucent blue screen popped up in front of her, hovering just a few inches from her face.
---
Host Stats
Strength: 400
Health: 100
Agility: ???
Charm: ???
Beauty: ???
Intelligence: ???
Speed: ???
Stamina: ???
Awakened Power: [Click to Expand]
---
Yue tilted her head and poked the blinking "Click to Expand" icon with her finger.
The screen zoomed out and transformed into a wide table—on it were rows and rows of magical abilities, but almost all of them were darkened and locked.
Only three glowed with soft colors:
Flight: Activated
Strength: Activated
Speed: Activated
The rest?
Locked. Locked. Locked.
Yue's eyes widened. "Wait... so this means… I haven't awakened all my powers yet?"
[Correct, Host. Only 3 of your potential abilities are currently active. More will unlock through training, quests, or certain life events.]
Her heart thumped with excitement.
"Does that mean I could have... like ten powers?!"
[Maybe.]
"Twenty?!"
[Unlikely.]
She pouted. "You didn't have to crush my dreams like that."
[Host's dreams must be realistic to maintain mental stability.]
Yue laughed and collapsed backward onto her bed. "Fine, fine. So… how do I unlock more?"
[The system will provide guidance through Sub Quests. Some will be easy, some dangerous. But all will push you toward your true potential.]
She sat up again, more determined. "Okay. I'll be ready."
[That's the spirit, Host.]
Suddenly a notification pinged.
[Sub Quest Available!]
Title: Support the Departure
Objective: Assist three families in preparing for the journey to the Awakening Academy.
Reward: +10 Stamina, +1 Random Stat Reveal
Yue grinned.
"Well then… let's get started."