As I walked toward the chamber, sweat beaded on my forehead.
This is it. This moment will decide my entire future.
I couldn't process everything happening around me. My vision blurred, and the voices of the others waiting in the hallway became distant echoes. The world felt muted, like I was trapped inside my own little bubble.
Each step toward the chamber stretched endlessly. My heart pounded louder with every stride.
Finally, I reached the steel doorway where a worker in a faded uniform stood waiting.
"You scared of needles or what? You look like you've seen a ghost," he said with a crooked grin.
I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.
"Don't worry. You won't feel a thing," he continued casually. "It only takes a second for the mana serum to do its job. If you don't awaken, you'll never even notice it. If you do awaken…" — he flashed a wider grin — "well, you'll survive."
I barely registered his words as he guided me inside. The chamber was cold and sterile, lit by faint blue lights embedded in the walls. A heavy chair sat in the center of the room — more a restraint device than a seat.
Without a word, he strapped me in — arms, legs, torso. I felt like a test subject. My breath quickened.
"You ready?" he asked.
I gave a shaky nod.
The worker left the room, the massive steel door sealing shut with a loud hiss that echoed in the small chamber.
Now, it was just me… my thoughts… and the frightening array of mechanical needles mounted on the ceiling.
Suddenly, the chamber began to hum. The soft vibration ran through the chair, through my bones.
A dozen thin needles extended slowly, positioning themselves evenly along my arms, legs, and torso. My eyes darted between them, panic rising.
Maybe I should've worn shorts. Maybe I should've…
Too late.
The needles shot forward in a blur of motion. A sharp sting — then a burning wave surged through my body.
My vision went black.
When I came to, my entire body felt like it was on fire. My veins burned as if molten metal coursed through them. But I barely noticed the pain — because floating before my eyes was the translucent Awakening System page.
My heart hammered as I read.
[Awakening Initiated...]
Class Assigned → Mage
Processing Spell Potential...
Low Awakening detected!
Spells received:
F-Rank → Fireball
[SYSTEM PAGE - ETHAN VALE]
Class: Mage
Talent: Mana Overflow
Class Rank: F
Spells: 1 / 6
Spell Memory:
F-Rank - Fireball - Mastery: 0.00%
[STATS GAINED FROM F-RANK SPELL FIREBALL]
+5 Mana
+2 Spell Power
+1 Mana Regen
+1 to all other stats
STR: 10 → 11
VIT: 10 → 11
AGI: 10 → 11
STA: 10 → 11
Stamina Regen: 100 → 110 stamina / hour
Mana: 10 → 15
Mana Regen: 100 → 150 mana / hour
Spell Power: 10 → 12
[HP - 110/110]
[STA - 110/110]
[Mana - 150/150]
I stared at the screen in shock.
I did it. I awakened. I'm the first in my family to awaken.
Sure, it was only F-Rank, and I had only received one spell. But I had a Class. A path. A chance.
And the words Mana Overflow caught my attention — was that my Talent? I had no idea what it meant, but it sounded… promising. I'd have to figure it out later.
The chamber door hissed open. The same worker strolled in, that familiar grin still on his face.
"Sooo, how'd it go? You awaken?"
"Yeah…" I managed weakly, still stunned.
That's when the full force of the pain returned. My entire body felt like it was boiling from within. I winced, gripping the arms of the chair.
"Ah, right on cue," the worker chuckled. "Don't worry. The mana is adapting to your body. That burning sensation is normal — happens to everyone who awakens. You'll feel better in a few minutes."
And he was right. After a few long, agonizing minutes, the pain subsided. My muscles relaxed, and I could finally breathe again.
The worker unstrapped me and motioned toward the exit. "Go to the reception desk. They'll register your spell and give you your Awakened ID."
I stumbled out of the chamber, legs shaky. My mind was still racing.
Fireball… an F-Rank spell.
I wonder how strong it is? How fast can I rank it up? Could I buy better spells?
At the reception desk, a woman handed me a form. I filled it out slowly, still dazed.
Name: Ethan Vale
Class: Mage
Highest Spell Rank: F
Spells: Fireball (F-Rank)
When I handed it back, I caught the flicker of disappointment in her eyes. No words — just a slight dimming of her polite smile.
I couldn't blame her. F-Rank Mages weren't exactly rare — or respected.
She processed the form quickly and handed me my freshly printed Awakened ID.
"Here you are. You'll need this to enter any Dungeon. Entry fees depend on the Dungeon's rank and ownership."
I nodded absently, her words blurring in my ears.
Moments later, I stepped outside the Awakening Center. The sunlight hit my face, and a cool breeze swept through the plaza.
I looked around — a few groups of new Awakened were celebrating with family. Some were crying with joy, others already talking about joining guilds.
And me? I stood alone, ID in hand, still trying to process everything.
I awakened. I'm a Mage now. I have a spell. I have a Talent. It's real.
A small, determined smile tugged at my lips.
Now… it's time to figure out what comes next.