"Useless."
"Weak."
"Such a pitiful weapon."
Mocking whispers filled the Awakening Hall, low voices accompanied by soft, derisive chuckles.
Strikingly handsome, Kael stood at the center of the Awakening Hall. His silver hair shifted lightly with the breeze, and his green eyes flickered with quiet intensity. In his hand, he held what was supposed to be his Soul Weapon.
A semi-translucent scythe, with its blade shimmering faintly, edges wavering like smoke. It was barely there—as if refusing to fully manifest.
With conscious effort, Kael stabilized the form. He could now make out its identity: a Folding Scythe.
And with that came understanding—he had awakened with the weakest soul weapon potential.
A Flickering Soul.
One thought rang louder than all the whispers: disappointment.
He turned instinctively toward the crowd—his gaze locking onto Aunt Mei, the caretaker who had raised him like a mother. Her face, normally warm and reassuring, now wore a mask of bitter disappointment she couldn't quite hide.
Kael's throat tightened.
Yes, he was just an orphan. No memory of his parents. Raised singlehandedly in the orphanage, hoping one day to repay the home that had taken him in.
At ten, he had entered Greyveil Town Central Academy, quickly proving himself a genius. Through sheer determination and disciplined training, he mastered basic weapon forms and gained deep understanding of Soul Beasts—the predators that ruled this world.
Now, all of that seemed meaningless.
A good soul weapon was a ticket to a better life—a step toward power in a world where strength meant survival. He was the orphanage's hope. The dream of a brighter future for Aunt Mei and the younger children rested on his shoulders.
Now it had crumbled.
He had let them down.
"Mr. Kael! Get moving to the Hunter's Guild and register!"
The sharp voice of the Awakening Officer snapped him back to reality.
Without a word, Kael turned and left the hall, head held high despite the weight in his chest.
"Not so much of a genius, heh?" someone sneered behind him.
More taunting voices followed, the adoration he once enjoyed as a "handsome prodigy" now curdling into mockery.
Kael ignored them, steel settling in his gaze. He would master this weak soul weapon. No matter what.
*****
Kael had visited the Hunter's Guild before. But today, the place carried a far deeper meaning.
The Guild stood at the heart of Greyveil Town, it was simple in design but imposing in presence.
The large stone building hummed with life as newly awakened youths like himself stood in lines, while seasoned Soul Hunters came and went—collecting missions, claiming rewards, and trading the cores of slain Soul Beasts.
Kael moved toward the section for new registrations which easily spotted by the long queue. He took his place in line, observing the guild's operations with a sharp, analytical eye.
That's where missions are posted.
Reward claims go through that counter.
And over there—they trade beast cores.
He memorized the layout instinctively. Every advantage counted.
Half an hour passed. Finally, it was his turn.
"Move it, lowlife!"
Kael stiffened at the familiar voice.
Billy Hampton an arrogant son of one of the town's elders strode toward him, broad-shouldered and sneering.
Billy had hated Kael ever since being outshone by him in nearly every course at the academy. Now, the tables had turned.
"Well, well. If it isn't the genius with the Flickering Soul. What a joke," Billy mocked, swaggering up. "Step aside—I've awakened a Bright Soul Weapon. You're not even worth the space you take."
Kael met his gaze, cool and unflinching. He would not give Billy the satisfaction of a reaction.
Billy's smirk faltered, irritation flaring. He raised a hand to shove Kael aside—but a sharp voice cut through the tension.
"There will be no fighting inside the Guild," the receptionist warned firmly, glaring at Billy.
Grumbling, Billy dropped his hand and stormed off, muttering curses.
Kael exhaled quietly. "Thank you," he said to the receptionist with a polite nod.
"Just doing my job," the lady replied with a faint smile. "We've seen all kinds here. Keep your head up."
Kael inclined his head in gratitude. Calmly, he handed over his details.
Minutes later, he received his Hunter ID:
Name: Kael
Age: 16
Soul Weapon: Folding Scythe
Potential Rank: Flickering Soul
Affinity: None
Cultivation Rank: First Rank
The card felt heavier than it looked.
With it, he was now a registered Soul Hunter, eligible to take missions, join parties, and most importantly explore the outskirts beyond Greyveil's protective walls.
A new path lay ahead.
Kael pocketed the ID and began walking slowly toward the orphanage, lost in thought.
He had no grand soul weapon. No impressive potential. But he had his will, his mind, and the spark of resolve that no one could extinguish.
"I'll make this Flickering Soul shine brighter than any of them expect."
Kael arrived at the orphanage just as the sun began to set.
Normally, cheerful laughter echoed through the courtyard. The younger children would run to greet him, their faces lighting up with innocent joy.
But today... the silence was deafening.
No smiles. No welcoming arms. Just a cold, sour mood hanging in the air.
Kael stepped inside, heart heavy.
In the corner of the room stood Aunt Mei, her arms crossed, eyes shadowed.
There was no escaping this moment.
"Good evening, Aunt Mei," Kael said quietly.
She turned to face him—her gaze hard. Not a trace of her usual warmth.
"So you do remember me."
Her voice was sharp, each word laced with bitterness.
"After all I did... after all the food I scraped together... the extra lessons I paid for out of my own coin... I dared to hope you would bring us honor."
Kael flinched inwardly.
"I gave you more than the others, Kael. Because I believed in you. Because I wanted—just once—for one of my children to break free of this life. And this is how you repay me? With a Flickering Soul?"
He gritted his teeth, struggling to hold back a flood of emotion. He had no answer and no excuse that would make any of this right.
"If you can't give back to this orphanage," she continued coldly, "then at least stop being a burden".
Her words cut deeper than any blade. But Kael only bowed his head.
"Understood."
Without another word, he turned and walked away. There was no time to sit around. No place left for him here unless he proved himself.
Greyveil Town Central Academy
The stone halls of the academy felt almost foreign now, their echoes of his past glories stark against his current reality.
But Kael had a goal. If there was even the smallest chance to grow stronger, he would seize it.
He made his way toward the weapon instructor's chamber, a room lined with ancient weapons, scrolls, and tomes.
Inside stood Master Alric, an older man with a lean build and piercing eyes, known for both his skill and fairness.
"Master Alric," Kael greeted with a respectful bow.
The instructor glanced up, and a rare smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Kael. I heard about your awakening."
His tone was calm, without mockery or pity.
"I wondered if you'd come."
"I... I need more knowledge on the Folding Scythe, Master," Kael said, voice steady. "I understand the limitations of the Flickering Soul rank. My only hope is to maximize my weapon mastery."
Alric studied him for a long moment—then nodded.
"Good. You've made the right decision."
He crossed the room and retrieved a slim, leather-bound tome.
"There are many who would sulk or give in to despair. But true strength lies in making your own path, Kael."
He handed the book over. "Learn from this. Train harder than ever. The Folding Scythe is a difficult weapon, but also one of great versatility for those with the will to master it."
Kael bowed deeply, gratitude burning in his chest.
"Thank you, Master Alric. I won't waste this chance."
As he left the academy, the sun had dipped below the horizon.
Alone under the darkening sky, Kael's grip tightened around the tome.
"I'll make this Flickering Soul shine brighter than they ever thought possible."
Resolve flared in his heart. The path ahead was uncertain and dangerous, but he would walk it, no matter the cost.