This was a world where everyone was destined to undergo a job change, and where the many realms beyond Earth had started to invade. The only way to survive—and possibly thrive—was to awaken as a professional.
Becoming a professional wasn't a guaranteed path to power, but it gave you a chance—a fighting chance to take control of your life.
Those who failed this transition?
They had no say in their own fate.
---
Inside the grand Temple of Awakening, the mood was tense and expectant. On the stone platform at the center stood the gray-haired, plainly dressed principal of No. 3 Middle School. By his side stood a professional clad in an ornate robe, decorated with two massive gemstone rings the size of pigeon eggs—clearly a man of high standing.
The principal scanned the crowd of students and smiled warmly. Then he turned and greeted the professional beside him.
"Old Harris, thank you for hosting this year's ceremony once again," he said politely. "About what I mentioned last time—the request to increase the resource share for our school—any news from the higher-ups?"
The man called Old Harris, also the Supervisor of the Temple, didn't even look up as he responded with a calm but distant tone, "That's a decision for those above us. Let's focus on getting started."
He showed no courtesy to the principal at all.
But the principal kept smiling, not showing the slightest irritation.
After all, the No. 3 Middle School had a poor track record. It consistently ranked low in Ravenshade City, and others didn't bother hiding their disdain. The principal was used to being overlooked.
Meanwhile, the audience below buzzed with nervous excitement.
> "We're finally going to awaken! I'm so nervous. I just hope I get any combat class!"
> "Thanks to national health subsidies, people's physical abilities have improved a lot over the years. Now, the awakening success rate is nearly 25%."
> "Yeah, but combat-related jobs are still rare. Most people only awaken with life or support-type jobs."
> "I remember last year, that senior named Evan had four jobs to choose from during his awakening. He picked the rare class Flame Thunder Mage—and he even had an S-rank talent! So lucky!"
> "The principal keeps saying we don't have to choose the best job—just the one that suits us. Ha! If I even get one, I won't complain!"
---
Among the noisy students, one pair of sharp, observant eyes stared silently at the platform. They belonged to Ethan, a tall and composed boy in simple clothes. Despite his plain attire, his handsome face and calm demeanor caught the attention of several girls nearby.
It had been over ten years since Ethan had been reborn in this world. He wasn't originally from here.
His gaze never left the Job Transition Platform—his past experiences had taught him just how important this moment truly was. This was a world where power defined everything, and only professionals had any worth.
Five hundred years ago, the world was forever changed. Beings from countless realms invaded Earth. Humanity's advanced weapons became useless. Monsters with incredible strength wiped out armies.
It was a one-sided slaughter.
Hope only returned when professionals began to emerge—humans awakened with powers that let them fight back. Thanks to them, humanity regained its footing.
Now, society had a strict hierarchy, with combat professionals sitting at the top.
These combat roles were split into three main paths: Warriors, Mages, and Clerics.
But beyond these were countless hidden professions, secret paths known only to a few. New professions were discovered every year.
Beneath the combat professionals were the lifestyle occupations—blacksmiths, tailors, enchanters, and more. While they couldn't fight, they could still live comfortable lives if they were skilled.
At the very bottom were those who failed to awaken at all.
These people became factory workers, janitors, or errand runners—basic gears in the machinery of civilization. The best they could hope for was to become a servant to someone powerful.
So you see—
This ceremony wasn't just a school event.
It was the start of their fate.
---
Until today, Ethan had only read about the Job Awakening Process in books. This was his first time witnessing it firsthand.
Hovering above the platform was the legendary Job Change Stone, radiating a beautiful, mysterious glow. Its presence alone made people's hearts race.
Despite living two lifetimes, Ethan couldn't help clenching his fists in nervousness. This was it.
One by one, students were called up according to their student numbers.
> "Liam Reed, step forward for job change!"
> "Job change failed. Next!"
> "Zack Cole, step forward!"
> "Job change failed. Next!"
With every failure, the atmosphere grew heavier.
Boys stood silent, fists clenched. Girls wept openly.
And yet, no one was surprised. This was the norm.
Ethan sighed. This was the harsh truth of reality.
---
Suddenly—
> "Zachary Dean, step forward!"
Hummmm—BOOM!
A dazzling magic circle lit up beneath Zachary's feet, and two glowing orbs of light emerged from the Job Change Stone!
> "Whoa! Zachary got two professions to choose from!"
Everyone turned their eyes to the stage. Zachary was a tall, athletic boy, and he now stood frozen in shock.
Floating beside him were two orbs of different colors and sizes.
It was widely known: the number of job choices depended on your talent. Most got none. A few got one. Very few got two or more.
The white orb likely indicated a life profession, while the red one suggested a combat job.
And size mattered.
The larger the orb, the higher the associated talent potential.
Zachary looked torn. He stared back and forth between the two orbs, his hands clenched.
But the clock was ticking—he had to choose quickly.
> "The red orb is a combat class! But it's smaller…"
> "Who cares? It's still combat. No one picks life jobs if there's a fighting option!"
> "Exactly. Even if the life job is better, it won't help you in real danger!"
> "Why hesitate? Pick the red one and start fighting!"
Everyone assumed Zachary would go with the red orb.
But then…
He chose the white one.
There was a moment of silence.
> "Did he just… pick a lifestyle class?"
> "What's wrong with him?!"
> "Is he afraid of fighting? He just wants to stay in the back and be safe!"
Suddenly, for the first time during the ceremony, the crowd started to boo.
They couldn't believe what they had just seen.
---
Zachary had sealed his fate.
Once a profession was chosen, there was no going back.
Some looked at him with pity, others with scorn.
But Ethan?
He remained thoughtful.
Maybe Zachary had his reasons. Maybe there was something hidden about that white orb the others didn't understand.
---
This was only the beginning.
Soon, Ethan's own turn would come.
He didn't know what awaited him. But he knew one thing for sure:
This moment would decide everything.
And no matter what, he wouldn't back down.
---
[To Be Continued…]