The town of Aldrath lay nestled in a fertile valley, where rolling hills met a silver-bright river that shimmered under the morning sun. Though modest compared to the great cities of the kingdom, Aldrath thrived as a hub of trade and adventure. Its fertile lands filled granaries, while the dungeons nearby lured adventurers eager for fortune and fame.
Rising above the town stood the Baron's Manor, an ever-present reminder of who ruled the land: Baron Edric Darius, a man known for his sharp tongue and cold ambition. His shadow stretched long over Aldrath, and every family—commoner or noble—felt it.
Today, however, no one had time to worry about the Baron. The streets were alive with excitement. Merchants hawked food and trinkets to passing families, children in their best clothes clung to their parents' hands, and wagons from nearby villages clogged the square. All had come for a single purpose—
The Awakening Ceremony at the Church of the Goddess of Love and Wisdom.
Every child, upon reaching five years of age, was brought before the Church to awaken their class and receive the blessings of Heaven. It was a sacred rite, one that shaped the future of every man and woman. A knight, a priest, a mage, a craftsman—fate itself would be revealed through the ceremony.
But it was not free. Even a single attempt at awakening required gold—anywhere from one coin to a hundred, depending on the child's social standing. For commoners, it meant sacrificing savings, sometimes entire livelihoods, for the chance to give their child a better future. Some succeeded and rose above their stations. Most failed and were ruined.
---
Lucius Darius had been waiting five long years for this day.
Finally… He could hardly contain his excitement as he tugged his mother's hand, urging her toward the towering cathedral that dominated the town square.
This is it. Today I find out who I'll become. Please, let it be something amazing… maybe a Flame Lord! Or an Ice Mage! Even just a regular Mage would be fine—anything but a swordsman or farmer.
"Slow down, my little one," his mother laughed softly, struggling to match his hurried pace.
Selene was a vision of beauty even in simple clothes, her long hair tied back with a ribbon, her eyes shining with warmth. Once, she had been a renowned healer and support mage, but she had laid down her staff years ago. Now, she was simply mother.
She couldn't help but smile at Lucius' eagerness. Normally, this was the same boy who whined about his legs hurting on market days. Yet today he nearly dragged her off her feet.
---
The line outside the cathedral stretched down the steps, dozens of families waiting their turn. The cathedral itself was a breathtaking sight—soaring spires, painted glass windows, and walls covered in engravings of the goddesses. Even though this was only a branch church in a small town, no expense had been spared.
To Lucius, whose family lived in a modest home, the sight was overwhelming. His heart raced.
One day, I'll have a castle bigger than this. A hundred times bigger.
Inside, the air was cool and heavy with incense. The central hall gleamed with polished marble. And at its heart stood the Awakening Crystal—a towering prism of pure mana, inscribed with runes that pulsed with faint light.
Lucius swallowed hard. He knew this moment would decide everything. Whether he would soar toward greatness… or stumble through life like a beggar.
He felt his mother's hand on his shoulder—warm, steady, reassuring. He drew a deep breath and stepped forward.
---
Lucius pressed his palm to the crystal.
The world shattered.
He found himself drifting in a vast, endless void of stars. Threads of light stretched in every direction, weaving an infinite tapestry—the Akasha Records, where the fate of all beings was written.
A cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
[Connecting to Akasha Records…]
[Class Determined: Mage – Psychic Mage (Rare)]
[Affinity: Psychic – S Rank]
[Skill Acquired: Psychic Sense (Basic)]
Lucius froze. Psychic Mage?
Before he could react, the threads stirred. A ripple spread through the void, warm and melodic, unlike the voice of the system.
"A seeker of knowledge, one who dares to step where others falter… I grant you wisdom."
[You have received the Blessing of the Goddess of Wisdom]
Intelligence +100
Increased chance of learning and creating new skills.
Lucius' heart pounded. The Mother Goddess herself…? His mother's bedtime stories had told him of her. A blessing from the Goddess was said to be rarer than gold in the heavens. If the Church learned of this, his future was assured—wealth, power, fame.
But before he could rejoice, the vision faded.
---
The violet glow of the crystal dimmed. The hall returned.
Lucius staggered back, his hand trembling. To the crowd, nothing unusual had happened. Only the verdict of his class.
The High Priestess, standing closest, narrowed her eyes. For just a moment, she had seen it—a golden flicker deep within the crystal. Her lips tightened, but she said nothing.
Instead, she raised her voice so all could hear.
"Lucius Darius," she declared, "you have awakened as a Psychic Mage. Though rare, the path is… most difficult. May the Goddess guide your steps."
The crowd stirred.
"Psychic Mage?" someone whispered.
"A useless class."
"Even with S-rank affinity, it won't matter."
"What a pity for Darius' son."
Pitying looks and mocking laughter filled the hall.
The High Priestess smiled politely, but her tone carried the same weight she always used for crippled children—soft dismissal wrapped in blessing.
Lucius clenched his fists, his ears burning. The warmth of the Goddess still lingered in his soul, but all the world saw was trash.
And in that moment, he swore—
I'll prove them all wrong.