The morning sun spilled across the quiet street as Ronan stood in front of his house, duffel bag slung over his shoulder. His mother stood by the doorway, giving him a soft wave, her eyes misty but proud. He adjusted the strap and looked at the road. A sleek, black campus shuttle pulled up, its engine humming quietly.
This was it — the start of a new chapter.
Ronan, 17, had just been accepted into the prestigious Eloria University, known not only for academics but also for awakening mysterious systems in select students. Most didn't believe the stories. Ronan wasn't even sure himself. Still, he had always felt something inside him—dormant.
The ride to school was uneventful, with fields rolling past and other students silently scrolling their devices. But the moment the shuttle crossed the university's ancient iron gates, he felt it: a pressure in the air. A faint pulse. Like something was watching… or waiting.
He checked into his dorm, met a few quiet roommates, and wandered the campus. At sunset, walking alone near the back garden of the library, something changed.
A sudden ringing filled his ears.
*[System Detected.]*
He stumbled. A transparent blue screen hovered before his eyes.
*Welcome, Host. System: "Blast Core" initializing...*
> You have been selected.
> Core Power: Blast
> Function: Increase explosive energy output. Growth potential: Infinite.
> Bonus Perk: Calm Life Path unlocked. Efficiency increases with mental peace.
Ronan blinked. "What... is this?"
As students walked by, oblivious, the screen faded, replaced by a quiet warmth in his chest. Something within had awakened.
A spark. A blast waiting to happen.
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