The plaza buzzed with anticipation. Hundreds of teenagers stood in neat rows, their eyes fixed on the towering jade monument ahead—the Ranking Obelisk. Today was the day they'd discover their future.
Among them, a quiet figure stood at the edge of the crowd. Kai Densetsu. Sixteen. Slim. Worn clothes. No clan colors. No expectations.
He didn't belong here. Everyone knew it.
"Don't stand so close to me, Rankless trash," sneered Joren Lei, son of a noble clan, shoving Kai back. "The monument might mistake you for a rat."
Kai didn't respond. He was used to it. Ever since he was a child, the martial world had treated him like he was invisible. Weak. Forgotten. Worthless.
But today... maybe today would be different.
The Elder presiding over the ceremony raised his hand. "Let the Awakening begin!"
Each teen stepped forward one by one, placing their palm on the Obelisk. A brilliant light would shine, and a voice would echo their rank:"Iron.""Bronze.""Silver."Occasionally—"Gold!"
Cheers followed. The crowd clapped.
Then it was Kai's turn.
Whispers fluttered. Some snickered. A few looked on with cruel hope.
He placed his hand on the cold stone.
The Obelisk glowed... then flickered. The light dimmed.
Silence.
Then—
"Rank: None."
Gasps filled the plaza. Then laughter. Loud, cruel, vicious.
"HAHA! He's not even Stone!""He's worse than trash!""A Rankless in the Awakening Ceremony? What a joke!"
Kai stumbled back. Even the Elder avoided his gaze.
"You... may leave."
He walked away without a word.
But deep in his mind—something stirred.
[System Initialization Complete.][Welcome, Kai.][You have awakened the Soulforge System.][Scanning User…]Name: Kai DensetsuRank: UndefinedLevel: 1Strength: 3 / Agility: 4 / Endurance: 3 / Perception: 1 / Ki Control: 0Skills: NonePassive Trait Unlocked: Iron Soul (Evolvable)
Kai froze in place. His heart pounded.
"…What the hell?"
[Quest Unlocked: Defy the System.]Objective: Reach Level 10 before your next birthday.Reward: Martial Skill – Iron Body (Tier D)
A grin crept onto his face. For the first time in his life... he felt something.
Not fear. Not shame.
Hope.