Chapter 1 : Awakening
Darkness.
Michael Willson's last memory was the glare of fluorescent office lights, the endless tap of keyboards, and the crushing weight of another overtime shift. His chest had tightened, vision tunneling, and then silence.
When his eyes opened again, the world was not the same.
The ceiling was vast, painted with runes that shimmered faintly like constellations. The air smelled of ink, incense, and something sharp like ozone after lightning. Around him, teenagers in uniform stood in rows, whispering excitedly.
A huge playground stretched beneath a morning sky, but at its center was no ordinary track field. A hexagram array carved into stone glowed with faint blue light, threads of energy weaving upward like smoke. Teachers and officials stood in ceremonial robes, watching solemnly.
Michael staggered slightly, clutching his head. Memories flooded in, not his own but layered over him are years of study, training in martial arts, the pride of being the academy's number one student.
Two lives. Two identities.
I… crossed over?
His gaze drifted to the banners waving on the walls: Moonveil Academy – Aurion City, Aetherfall Province.
This isn't my country. This is Avalora Nation
Shouts erupted nearby.
"Today's the day! We're awakening!"
"C-rank, please let me awaken at C-rank at least!"
"What if I'm F-rank? I'll be useless…"
Michael blinked. Awakening? Talent ranks? This was not the corporate jungle he had clawed through in his previous life. This was something else.
A cough silenced the crowd.
The old principal stepped forward, his eyes sharp despite his age.
"Students, today you step into destiny. Awakening your talent is your second life. Use it to serve the Dragon Nation. Whether your gift is high or low, carve your own path."
The words struck Michael harder than he expected. A second life… They don't even know how true that is for me.
He looked again at the glowing array. Spiritual energy hung thick in the air, like invisible threads tugging at his very soul. For the first time, he sensed power flowing around him untamed, infinite.
The ceremony began.
"Boom!"
The hexagram array at the center of the Moonveil Academy playground pulsed with a faint blue light. Spiritual energy surged in waves, pressing against the students like the tide of the sea. Every heartbeat seemed amplified, every breath heavier than the last.
Aurion City, the capital of Aetherfall Province, was known for two things: its fortified walls that kept monsters at bay, and its renowned academies where youths awakened their talents. Of these, Moonveil Academy stood at the top its graduates became generals, mages, guild leaders, and sometimes, legends.
And today, a new generation would begin their climb.
Hundreds of students in neat uniforms stood shoulder to shoulder under the scorching sun. Their gazes burned with expectation, anxiety, and hunger. On the stage, the old principal adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. His voice carried through the playground, solemn and heavy.
"Awakening your talent will determine your future destiny. Students with good talents should not be proud. You should serve the Avalora Kingdom and become the sharp sword that protects our land."
A few of the nervous students straightened at those words, fists clenched.
"Students who are not naturally gifted should not lose heart," the principal continued. "There are top talents in every profession. You can be the king of your own life."
His speech was short, almost perfunctory, but it struck with weight. For these students, this day was not merely a test—it was a second birth.
"The awakening ceremony begins now."
The principal stepped back, ceding the platform to the robed job-changing personnel. Their presence radiated authority, veterans who had seen countless ceremonies before.
The crowd of teenagers buzzed like a disturbed hive.
"My requirements are not high," a boy muttered. "I just want a C-level talent. My cousin awakened at that level last year. He's already an outer disciple of the Flame Guild."
"C-level? That's already impressive!" another shot back, face pale with nerves.
Someone's gaze shifted. "Michael Willson, what about you?"
The question rippled through Class 1, Senior 3. Dozens of eyes turned toward the tall youth standing near the center.
Michael Willson.
The name alone carried weight in Moonveil Academy. First in martial scores, flawless in theory, disciplined to the point of obsession. Even the teachers whispered that he was guaranteed a high awakening.
Michael's expression was calm, even bored, though his heart thrummed with anticipation. He raised a hand dismissively.
"Me? I'll just go with the flow."
Gasps, laughter, and mutters followed.
"He's so casual!"
"Of course he can say that, he's Michael Willson."
"If I were him, I'd already be sweating bullets."
Michael's lips quirked. If only they knew… I'm not the same Michael Willson they think I am.
Inwardly, his thoughts drifted. A week ago, I was just another office drone, crushed under 9 to 6 o clock job, fighting with Excel sheets instead of demons. I worked myself to death, only to wake up here with a new name, a new life. If this world really offers a second chance, then this is where I turn it around.
The ceremony began.
Students stepped into the array one by one. The formation glowed, runes lighting up, announcing their fate.
John ( past name ) was so casual about he had just traveled to this world.
MANA revives, monsters wreak havoc, and the talents of all people awaken...
The awakened talent will indicate the future destiny, which can be regarded as a second reincarnation.
The known talent levels from high to low are SSS...SS...S...A...B...C...D...E...F, a total of nine levels.
Generally speaking, S is the highest level, while SSS and SS almost only exist in legends.
"Jin Ashborn, awakened talent—Sun and Moon Thief, support system. Rank: D."
"Jordan Blake, awakened talent—Fire Manipulation, mage system. Rank: C."
"Riley Quinn, awakened talent—Murderous Swordsmanship, physical department. Rank: C."
Cheers, groans, laughter. For most students, C and D ranks were expected. Rarely did anyone fall to F; rarely did anyone climb above B.
"It seems awakening talent is closely related to daily achievements," Michael mused inwardly.
"The diligent usually awaken higher, slackers lower. But there are always outliers those who rise against the odds, or those who fall from glory."
His gaze swept the crowd. Still, in this body's memories, I was the strongest in Moonveil. If anyone should awaken high, it's me.
The staff member's voice rose. "Next, Aurelia Frost."
Silence fell instantly.
A girl in a snow-white dress walked forward. Her steps were graceful, her presence commanding, like a lotus blooming in frost. Silver hair framed a face too perfect for a high schooler—cool, proud, untouchable.
Aurelia Frost. The academy's goddess. And Michael's rival for first place in martial scores.
The staff member swallowed hard. "Please begin."
Aurelia didn't even glance at him. Her eyes flicked briefly toward Michael—sharp, expectant—before she stepped into the array.
"Boom!"
The formation exploded in light. Crimson fire surged skyward, a phoenix-shaped flame roaring above the academy. The air trembled with its heat.
Gasps filled the air.
"S-level?!"
"Impossible! The highest in Trancent Academy was only A!"
"Our academy produced an S-level?! Fire Phoenix Mage!"
The staff member's voice cracked with excitement. "Awakening talent: Fire Phoenix! Rank—S!"
The playground erupted in chaos. Students screamed, clapped, cried. Teachers exchanged stunned glances. An S-level was a national treasure destined for greatness.
"So amazing… She really is Aurelia Frost."
"She'll soar to the heavens."
"I wonder what Michael Willson will awaken…"
Eyes turned again to him. Whispers grew.
"Michael and Aurelia, the perfect pair."
"Golden boy and Diamond girl! The Condor Heroes of our school!"
"They're meant for each other."
Michael rubbed his temple. Golden boy and Beautiful girl?
I barely even know her. This body was too focused on studying to notice romance…
Still, he remembered from his inherited memories: Aurelia came from an influential family. She was admired, envied, and far above him in background. For the old Michael, that gap had been a shadow of inferiority.
But for the new Michael… None of that matters. This is my life now. I'll climb as high as I want.
"Next, Michael Willson!"
The staff's voice silenced the playground.
Every student, every teacher turned to him. The top student, rival to the S-level goddess would he meet her brilliance, or fall short?
Aurelia's cold eyes brightened faintly, expectant. The man I admire cannot be ordinary.
Michael exhaled slowly and stepped forward.
The array hummed. Students leaned in, breathless.
One second. Two seconds. Nothing.
"Eh?"
"Huh? Shouldn't it glow?"
"Maybe it's a hidden talent!"
"I knew Michael wouldn't disappoint!"
Excited speculation filled the air. No one doubted him.
Then, the staff's voice trembled. "Michael Willson… awakened talent: Strength Enhancement. Rank—E. Auxiliary system."
The words echoed like a funeral bell.
The crowd froze.
"…What?"
"E-rank?!"
"Support?!"
Gasps turned to murmurs. Pity. Disbelief. Scorn.
"The top student… ruined."
"Awakening is a second reincarnation. From heaven to hell in one step."
" She will not love him anymore. He's finished."
Aurelia's friend tugged her sleeve urgently. Aurelia herself said nothing. Her lips pressed together, her gaze cool. The pride in her eyes dimmed. Slowly, she turned away.
Michael stood frozen. E-rank? Support type?
A bitter laugh welled up in his chest. I thought traveling through worlds would make me a chosen one. I worked myself to death in my last life, and this time… I'm bottom-tier trash?
He clenched his fists. There's got to be a system. Some cheat. Come on, come out already. Upgrade me. Change this joke of a result.
Nothing answered.
And then
A line of glowing text appeared in his mind.
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[Strength Enhancement: Increase strength by one kilogram per minute. No upper limit. Talent can be upgraded.
Current Rank: E (0/10,000 experience).]
Michael blinked. Wait… one kilogram per minute? No upper limit?
His lips curled slowly, almost involuntarily.
With this talent… given time… wouldn't one punch be enough to blow up the earth?