One by one, students stepped onto the stage as their names were called.
The first was the top-ranked student from the Second High School. His hands trembled as he approached the glowing crystal. Taking a deep breath, he pressed his palm against its surface.
FZZZT! Blue sparks flickered faintly across the crystal.
A line of glowing text appeared above it:
[ Profession: Farmer ]
Gasps filled the hall. The student's eyes widened, and tears streamed down his face. He had been the pride of his school, the number one ranker, yet fate had branded him with a Livelihood Profession. His dream of glory ended before it began.
"Unbelievable…" someone whispered.
"First place… and he got a farmer?"
The boy collapsed to his knees, crying bitterly. But the ceremony continued.
---
One by one, students awakened. Some received Intermediate Classes, others ended up with Normal Professions. The crystal continued to glow and fade, recording destinies without care.
Then, a girl stepped forward—second place in her high school. She hesitated only for a moment before pressing her hand onto the crystal.
BOOOOM!
The entire stage shook. The crystal erupted with rainbow-colored light, dazzling the crowd.
Above it appeared glowing text:
[ Class: Dual Elementalist (Rare) ]
The crowd erupted.
"Unbelievable! A Rare Class!"
"She's incredible!"
"Second place of First High School… just as expected!"
The principal's eyes gleamed with excitement as he stepped forward.
"Congratulations," he said warmly. "You are destined for greatness."
---
But as the ceremony continued, no other Rare Classes appeared. Most students awakened into Normal or Intermediate ranks. A handful received fighting professions, but none as dazzling as the Dual Elementalist.
At last, only one student remained.
The boy's name was Max Morgan.
He walked confidently toward the stage, dressed in a simple black T-shirt, casual pants, and worn sneakers. His white hair stood out among the sea of students, drawing whispers from the crowd.
"Look at him," one student sneered.
"He's walking like some young master from a comic."
"Hah, so arrogant. Watch him get a Normal class."
Laughter rippled through the seats, but Max ignored them. His eyes were fixed solely on the crystal.
He pressed his hand against it.
For five long seconds… nothing happened.
The crowd burst into laughter.
"See? Even the crystal doesn't recognize him!"
But then—
BOOOOOM!
Dark clouds suddenly gathered above the auditorium. The air turned icy as thunder rumbled. A giant skeletal eye, glowing with eerie blue flames, appeared within the storm.
From behind Max, an army of towering skeletons materialized. Their weapons clashed as they marched forward, surrounding a massive spectral dragon—and tearing it apart.
The scene was so terrifying, so overwhelming, that the entire hall fell into stunned silence.
The crystal buzzed violently before glowing text burned into the air:
[ Class: Necromancer (Hidden) ]
Max's mind rang with system notifications only he could hear.
You have awakened a Hidden Class.
Unique path unlocked.
Gasps and shouts erupted from the audience.
"A Necromancer?!"
"Such a phenomenon… I've never seen anything like this!"
"Is that… even humanly possible?"
The principal's voice finally broke through the chaos, filled with both awe and authority.
"Max Morgan—Necromancer, Hidden Rank!" he declared.
The hall exploded into noise, but the ceremony had reached its end.
---
The principal raised his hand, silencing the crowd.
"That concludes the Awakening Ceremony. Starting tomorrow, all new awakeners will enter the Novice Dungeon. Basic equipment will be provided. From there, build your routine and train hard. For those who wish to enter Phoenix Academy, remember: the requirement is Level 15 and above. Use these days wisely, and strive for a better future."
His gaze shifted to the students who had awakened into Livelihood Professions.
"As for you, do not despair. Report back to school. We will provide guidance and ensure you are placed in the academies best suited for your talents."
With that, the ceremony ended.
One by one, students left with their families. Some were excited, others bitterly disappointed.
But among them, one boy stood out.
The boy with white hair, who had awakened a power that shook the heavens.
---