The ancient crystal platform glowed brilliantly as it reflected ray of light from the morning sun.
One could see runes, ancient language of the gods carved delicately and intricately on the surface of the large crystal.
At this moment, three hundred young nobles from the Dragan family's main family and the beach family stood in neat queue across the family's grand stadium like soldiers.
On their faces, one could see the excitement and also fear in their eyes as they fidgeted in their place.
At sixteen, today marked the most important moment of their lives; The awakening!
In this world, where the strength of one's fists reign supreme, where primal energy and Interdimensional creatures invaded, Genetic Talent was important to build once future.
The Dragan Family is one of the top seven family in this countty and we're families of generals to the Royal family.
Theon stood at the back of the gathering, his pure white hair fluttered in the wind as he stood still like a soldier.
Although 17 years old, the scar that ran across his left eye made his boyish feature contrast.
Dressed in a tight combat suit and a coat, with green eyes that stared dead cold made him look like a seasoned soldier and he really was.
At age 12, he had escaped the Dragon's family and joined the military to avoid the struggle of the family's inheritance.
"Look, it's the bastard son," whispered one of the branch family members. "Four years playing soldier, and he still dares to return."
"I heard he's been making quite the name for himself in the northern campaigns," another murmured. "They call him the true heir to the Dragan legacy."
Theon ignored their whispers, his attention focused on the imposing figure standing on the high table seat.
Patriarch Aldric Dragan, the greatest commander of the royal family, Theon's grandfather. Even in his seventies with just one arm he was still full of vigor and killing intent.
The old man's silver hair was pulled back severely, and his gray eyes scanned through the assembled youth.
Beside him stood Theon's father, Marcus Dragan, the family's heir apparent his face was cold as he ignored Theon's direction.
"Today, the younger generation of our family will take their first step into the greater world," Patriarch Aldric's voice carried clearly across the courtyard, enhanced by his cultivation.
"The awakening platform before you has served our family for three centuries. It will reveal the talent that lies dormant within your bloodline and determine your path forward."
The crowd of young nobles shifted restlessly, their eyes fixed on the glowing platform.
Theon's eyes flashed as henoticed his half-brother, Damien, standing prominently in the front row alongside the other main family children.
At barely sixteen, Damien already carried himself with the arrogance of inherited nobility, his blonde hair perfectly styled and his expensive suit was perfect ironed
At that moment,Damien turned and their eyes met briefly. Damien's lips suddenly curled into a dismissive smirk before he turned away.
"We shall begin with the branch families and work our way to the main line," the Patriarch announced. "Remember, talent grades range from F-rank, the most common, to the legendary SSS-rank. But SSS-RANK is only theoretical. Just try your best. Even an F-rank talent, properly cultivated, can serve our family with honor. Begin!"
The first youth approached the platform. He walked up the stairs with his legs trembling slightly.
As he reaches the top of the stair, he arrived before the platform. His hand stretched as he touched the ancient crystal, the runes flickered and a single symbol glowed a dim light that barely reached the F-rank marker.
The crowd offered polite applause as the young man bowed and stepped aside, his face flushed with embarrassment as he hid behind the crowd.
One by one, the branch family members took their turn. Most awakened F or E-rank talents, with occasional flickers of excitement when someone achieved D-rank. The platform's light would rise like mercury in a thermometer, stopping at various heights to indicate the strength of each person's innate abilities.
"D-rank! Congratulations to young Master Garrett!" The Patriarch nodded in approval. A D-rank was really worth celebrating as it determined the young man would one day make a name for himself. Moreover, he was from a branch family also.
As the ceremony progressed,
Theon grew bored and his mind drifted off in thought. Four years in the front lines battling Interdimensional creatures and in the edge of life and death, he had never once been this bored.
"Now we move to the main family line," The Patriarch announced, his voice carrying a note of anticipation. "These young ones carry the purest Dragan bloodline, the heritage of generations of warrior-generals who have served the Empire with distinction."
The main family children began their approach, and immediately the results improved. Several achieved D-rank talents, causing genuine excitement among the watching family members.
The platform's light climbed higher with each awakening, making everyone excited.
Then came Damien's turn.
Theon's half-brother walked towards the platform confidently, his chin held high as whispers of expectation rippled through the crowd.
As his palm pressed against the ancient crystal, the runes suddenly trembled and in that instant, a brilliant glow shot upwards past F, E, and D-ranks with intense speed, finally settling firmly at the B-rank marker.
"B-rank talent!" The Patriarch laughed with joy and pride. "Excellent work, young Damien! A talent worthy of the heir!"
The crowd erupted in applause, and Theon watched as his father alighted proudly as he gazed fondly at his son.
Lady Vivienne smiled brilliantly and hugged his father as she whispered to his ears, laughing and giggling in excitement.
Her blonde hair, so similar to Damien's, caught the afternoon light as she smiled proudly.
More main family members took their turns, but none exceeded Damien's B-rank achievement.
The young man stood basking in the attention, occasionally glancing toward Theon with disdain.
Finally, only one person remained.
"Theon Dragan," the Patriarch called, his tone strangely neutral. "Step forward."
The entire stadium fell silent as Theon made his way through the crowd.
He could feel hundreds of eyes upon him, sense the mixture of curiosity, disdain, and hidden anticipation that followed his every step.
"Look at him, walking like he owns the place," someone muttered.
"Four years away and he thinks he's something special," another voice added.
"I heard the northern battalions call him the true heir. Let's see if he can back up that reputation."
Theon reached the platform and paused, looking up at his grandfather's face. For a moment, he seem to see something of a respect flash through the old man's eyes.
"Place your hand on the platform," Patriarch Aldric instructed formally.
Theon took a deep breath and pressed his palm against the cool transparent crystal.
Immediately, he felt something surge through his body. It wasnt as painful as he expected but it was as though lightning had flashed through his veins.
The platform's runes suddenly flared and illuminated brilliantly that several people in the crowd had to shield their eyes.
The light began to rise.
Past F-rank. Past E-rank. Past D-rank without slowing.
Gasps arose from the watching family members as the light continued its ascent, passing C-rank where Damien's talent had peaked. It climbed higher, reaching B-rank and still ascending.
"Impossible," someone whispered.
The light hit A-rank and continued rising, causing genuine alarm among the watchers.
This level of talent hadn't been seen in the country for generations. Even Patriarch Aldric leaned forward, his composed expression cracking with astonishment.
Finally, the light settled at the S-rank marker, blazing like a miniature sun atop the ancient platform.
"Ancient God Eye(S-Rank)"
"What the hell!?"
The entire stadium erupted into chaos as they whispered in amazement and disbelief.
Everyone was stunned speechless. The patriarch cleared his troat and spoke.
"An S-rank awakening! The first in our three hundred years of family history!"
Theon stared at the blazing light above him in shock.
He had been hoping he would get at least a D or C rank talent who knew he would actually get an S-rank talent just like that.
Such talent was the level achieved by legendary figures in history.
For the first time since returning to his family's estate, he was filled with excitement.
The crowd moved to ards him and started to congratulate him, wishing him luck and trying to.build relationship with him.
Even members of the main family who had previously ignored him completely were now trying to catch his attention.
Theon simply ignored them as though the didn't exist.
In the high table, his half-brother stood frozen, his expression shifting through shock, disbelief, envy and then rage as his face flushed red.
Behind Jim was his step mother, Lady Vivienne. Her earlier joy at her son's B-rank achievement now completely overshadowed.
As the ceremony concluded and family members began to disperse,
Theon made his way back to the servant quarters. It was the place where his mom had lived until she died three years ago.
Although the excitement of his awakening still made him giddy in joy. He went ahead to pay his respect to his mother buried behind the courtyard.
"Mom, I can finally leave make a name for myself without the name of the Dragan Family. I will no longer be over shadowed by them."