"So Terrence, what rank do you think your talent will be? For me, I'm expecting at least B-Rank and above. After all, I'm the be-"
"Nigga, you'll be lucky to achieve an F-Rank talent at the most. You suck."
The raspy, joking voice belonged to DJ, a light-skinned kid with long locks, hazel eyes, and a lean, toned frame. He slouched back in his chair with a goofy grin as laughter rippled through the rows.
"Shut up, DJ. No one was talking to you. You'll be lucky to achieve a talent at all with your fighting skills. Nigga fights like two hummingbirds fucking."
Ezekiel replied, dark-skinned with a sponged-out afro, broad shoulders, and a calm yet solid presence. The class exploded into louder laughter at the roast.
"Whatever, Ezekiel. We'll see when the time comes today." DJ crossed his arms with mock seriousness and faced the front.
Terrence chuckled at the two. With caramel brown skin, light brown eyes, and wolfing waves, his athletic build filled out the neat red-tie, white-shirt uniform. "Honestly? I just want a useful ranking for real, bro bro. Hopefully, like you said, it can be B-Rank or above. That'll make Ma Duke's proud of me."
His chuckle faded as his fingers clutched the necklace at his chest, the one his mother had made for him. His thoughts drifted..
The shaking.
The screams.
The natural disasters.
The endless sirens and amber alerts.
And worst of all, the explosion that changed everything.
It's how thes-
"Terrreeennncee."
Wind brushed his face. Ezekiel was waving a hand in front of him.
"You good, bro? You zoned out on me for a second."
"Yeah, I'm straight. Just..thinking." Terrence combed a hand down his waves, thicker from wolfing.
"I already know what it's about. Trust me, it's been on my mind today too. Just focus on what's to come." Ezekiel gave a supportive smile.
"Look at Eze… so inspirational."
The feminine voice was smooth, sharp—Nisha. She slid into the seat behind Ezekiel, her large curly fro bouncing as her caramel-brown skin glowed under the class lights. Her skirt and short black heels clicked as she leaned back with a smirk.
"Wait..Nisha? Where'd you come from?" Ezekiel blinked, startled. Terrence only raised an eyebrow.
"I'm Houdini, muthafucka. But quiet down, Ms. Stacey's nearby."
"Ooo shucks, you know what that means.."
The eager country voice was Austin's. Short wavy blonde hair, freckles dotting his tanned white skin, blue eyes sparkling with mischief. He was plump but buff, grinning ear to ear.
"Shut up, Austin. She's not here for you. If anything, she's here for me." Damian flicked a hand toward himself with a cocky smile. Short black hair, green eyes, and a toned frame—the guy oozed arrogance.
"Hah! You micropenis ass boys would be lucky to handle that big ass she go-"
DJ's roast was cut short by the sudden creak of the door opening.
The room went dead silent.
Ms. Stacey walked in, her heels clicking softly on the floor. Curvy yet toned, with long dirty blonde hair tied into a neat ponytail, green eyes behind glasses, and a black dress hugging her frame, she carried herself with effortless authority. Her bright smile silenced every thought of rebellion.
She was glowing with anticipation yet her eyes held weight.
Today was The Day of Awakening.
The day that decided if you'd be a legend, or just another bullshit dungeon janitor.
No one wanted the latter.
"Afternoon, class. I'm sure you all know what's to come in a minute, and there's no going back. No stalling. Once I call your name, you'll be escorted to the Altar of Awakening to determine your talent..or if you even have one at all."
Her gaze swept the room, locking eyes with each student. Some stared back steady, others fidgeted nervously. A few boys looked like they wanted to fuck her with their eyes.
She rolled hers. "Focus. Regardless of if you get a talent or not, know this, I'll treat you the same. I care about each and every one of you."
"E-Even me?!" Austin shot up a hand.
Her lips twitched. "Yes, even you, Austin. Speaking of which, you'll be the first one up."
The class erupted with snickers, groans, and "Ooo's." Austin's grin faltered, but he puffed his chest and slapped the desk.
"Aw heck yeah! Let's do it then!" He strutted toward the door with exaggerated confidence.
Ms. Stacey's smile widened as she turned to lead. "Let's."
Terrence's stomach twisted. This was it. No more jokes. No more waiting. Their futures were about to be carved into stone.
He exhaled slowly, steadying himself.
His light brown eyes flicked forward and met hazel ones. Yanna. Petite yet toned, her dark caramel skin framed by long curly black hair. The moment their eyes met, hers widened before she quickly snapped her head forward, cheeks coloring.
He chuckled quietly. Yanna always acted that way around him.
"Madelyn, you're next." Ms. Stacey's voice carried from outside.
Madelyn adjusted her glasses, her long blonde hair falling to her shoulders. Petite but toned, she exhaled nervously before walking out.
"Damn, that was fast. She wasn't lying about no stalling. Our class only got ten people.." Ezekiel muttered.
"I wonder if Austin even got a talent. Guess we'll find out once we're done." Damian tapped his chin with mock thoughtfulness.
Terrence's heart picked up. He prayed he wouldn't be last. Near it, maybe. But not the las-
"Terrence, you're up."
"Daaammnn.." DJ and Ezekiel groaned in unison.
"Talk about not letting up."
Terrence stood, releasing a calm breath.
"See you on the other side, bro!" Ezekiel called.
"Don't fuck up." DJ chuckled, nodding.
"You've got this, T." Nisha flashed a thumbs up.
Yanna managed a shy smile and nod.
"Hold it down for the rest of us, Ter-" Damian started, but was cut off.
"Terrence, no stallinggg," Ms. Stacey sing-songed from the hall.
Terrence gave a nod to his friends and walked out.
Ms. Stacey studied him briefly, her green eyes sharp. "Something tells me yours is going to be special."
"I hope so, Ms. Stacey." Terrence met her gaze, squared his shoulders, and nodded. "I'm ready."