Chapter 3: Not the First Binding
The Awakening Stand glowing light.
The structure of the stane is a cold stone surface that looks alive as the otherworldly light falls in this cold stone.
Then suddenly he heard a voice that was flat, devoid of any human as this voice warmth echoed across the Novice square.
[Zhang Zihao, begin awakening.]
When the players turned to see who was awakening. They saw a heavyset man who might be in his twenties in looks. All of them shuffled forward to see what might this young man's talent could be.
Adiran also stepped with other players to see all of them and was quick, almost reaching the stand . As they gathered around and what came to view was that young man's face which flushed with nervous excitement.
We saw him pressing his palm against the monolith.
[Zhang Zihao: E-rank Talent — Heightened Smell. Class: Chef.]
A ripple of laughter broke through the players in this tense atmosphere.
Zhang Zihao's jaw opened by seeing his talent.
""Are you kidding me? You stupid system, your grandmother is a cook and your mother is also a cook "
The Damn System doesn't give this shit I can live in this cursed world with a chef Class" His voice cracked, half in despair, half in disbelief " Do you want me to cook a meal for you, hey answer me?"
He didn't receive any answer so in despair he just stumbled back from the platform and sat in the corner crying for his bad luck, but the Awakening Stele didn't pause. The light shifted again.
[Tom Holland: C-rank Talent — Fishing Mastery. Life Profession: Fisherman.]
[Ramdev Baba: F-rank Talent — Rubber Extraction. Life Profession: Carpenter.]
[Tang San: D-rank Talent — Metal Tempering. Life Profession: Blacksmith.]
One after another, names were called. Talents awakened as they were assigned class to each and everyone.
The Novice square filled with player groans and curses as more and more players awakened talent, as they realized they were bound to live in the shadow of High Class players as their classes were farmers, miners, or merchants.
But then, the monotony broke.
[Zhang Yixiu: A-rank Talent — Spearmanship Mastery. A-rank Talent — Swordsmanship Mastery. Combat Professions: Warrior, Duelist.]
The plaza erupted.
"Two talents?" someone gasped.
"And both combat!" another shouted.
Zhang Yixiu stood straighter, pride swelling in his eyes as the crowd's envy washed over him. For the first time, a fighter had stepped out from among the commoners.
And like a spark to dry tinder, more followed.
[Charlotte: B-rank Talent — Archery Mastery. Combat Profession: Archer.]
[Gestor: B-rank Talent — Armor Proficiency. Combat Profession: Warrior.]
[Luffy: A-rank Talent — Shadow Kill. Combat Profession: Assassin.]
[ Mari: A-rank Talent — Fire Dance. Combat Profession: Pyromancer.]
Each name drew new murmurs, new jealousy. Magic especially stirred the crowd; mages were coveted, rare, and feared.
But it was when the voice called again—
[William Gus: S-rank Talent — Flame Spirit Possession. Combat Profession: Magician.]
— that some truly began to tremble. A foreigner, blond and sharp-eyed, stepped away from the Stele, fire practically radiating off him. He raised his arms, expecting adoration.
But the crowd's cheers were muted. For all his pride, the atmosphere barely shifted. It wasn't enough anymore. Not after the murmurs of what was coming.
The Stele pulsed again. The voice carried above the restless noise.
[Kevin Miles, begin awakening.]
Adrian's gaze sharpened. Kevin. The viper hiding behind Nathan in his past life. The loyal dog that had hounded him through ambush after ambush.
Kevin's palm touched the Stele, and the air itself seemed to stir.
[Kevin Miles: SS-rank Talent — Wind God's Favor. Combat Profession: Wind Mage.]
A hush sound ripples within the players; it was like an explosion of sound.
"SS-rank!"
" FUCK~"
"That's insane to get Wind God's Favor? His damage is doubled, his casting speed doubled, cooldowns halved? He is a fucking walking nuclear book in the future"
Kevin, this Bastad enjoying his limelight as always, he is tilting his chin upward like a crowned champion or prince.
All players as their pair of eyes shows admiration for Kevin. Then he raised his arms to the crowd like he was the chosen one in this moment, this picture of triumph shows how much he will be valued in future.
From the surroundings stands, many guild leaders leaned forward, whispering amongst themselves as to how they should offer him to join their guild.
"So the rumour was true. Above one hundred spirit powers, extraordinary talents emerge."
"SS-level already… What about Claire Summers? What of William?"
"I heard that Kevin has been pursuing her for a long time, but Claire has never agreed."
The names hissed through the air like sparks, and excitement surged again.
Minutes bled by before the voice rang once more.
[Claire Summers, begin awakening.]
The square parted like a tide. Claire stepped forward with measured grace, her hair catching the light of the Awakening Stele. The moment her hand brushed stone, the monolith roared to life.
Adrian's lips twitched. The Roar of War.
[Claire Summers: SS-rank Talent — Roar of War. Combat Profession: Gunner.]
[Talent Effect: All firearms inflict +50% true damage. Base damage permanently +500%.]
The crowd exploded into chaos.
"A gunner? With that kind of amplification?"
"She will become an unstoppable force in future!"
" We should recruit her also in our guild"
"Of course we should, Is not she the summer heiress, the rumored beauty of Westbridge, only daughter of a corporate titan."
"Yeah she has looks, wealth, power… everything from birth!"
" Damn so she awake SS rank talent also"
" GOD is really unfair"
Claire descended from the platform, the mass of players parting like peasants before a queen. All eyes worshiped her.
But she ignored them. She ignored Kevin, whose chest swelled in expectation. She walked right past him.
And stopped before Adrian.
The air grew still.
Her cold face softened little, just slightly, and a rare smile appeared on her lips. "Adrian… good luck."
The crowd roared with disbelief.
,
"She ignored Kevin?"
"No… she went to him?"
"Adrian Cross… who is he really?"
And then, as if fate itself had been waiting, the Stele's voice resounded one last time.
[Adrian Cross, begin awakening.]
The world seemed to hold its breath.
Adrian exhaled slowly, offering Claire a curt nod. "Thanks."
Then he stepped forward.
All of Novice Village held its breath.
This was the moment.
With 120 spirit power, anything less than SSS would be an insult.
"SSS!" someone shouted.
"SSS!" The chant grew, spreading until the entire square thundered with expectation.
Adrian's eyes narrowed. Fools. They still believe this world runs on luck.
He placed his hand on the Awakening Stele.
A prompt flickered across his vision.
[Detected: Zodiac Jade Pendant acquired post-arrival. Activate pendant? Using it guarantees awakening of two talents S-rank or higher. The second talent's tier depends on the first.]
[Confirm?]
Adrian's lips curved into a cold smile. "Yes."
The world exploded.
A pillar of seven-coloured light roared into the sky, piercing clouds, visible for miles. The air vibrated, filled with divine resonance.
Gasps. Screams. Silence.
And then—
[Congratulations. First Talent Awakening complete.]
[Alert: Soul data irregularities detected.]
[This is not your first binding.]
[Soul data is abnormal…]
[Reward: Copper Coins +100.]
[Please level up as soon as possible.]
Adrian's pupils contracted sharply.
Not the first binding… So rebirth isn't as simple as I thought.
The Novice Town is unlocked at level 10, and the Second Job Transfer quest is available at level 30.
After completing the Second Job Transfer, the passage to the Main City will be unlocked.
The first player to enter the Main City will receive a Platinum Treasure Chest and become the City Lord.
After the Third Job Transfer, City Wars will begin!
Before he could process further, the message dissolved. A new one replaced it.
[Talent Unlocked: God-tier — The King's Avatar.]
[Profession: Hexagonal Warrior.]
[Effect: You may master all sixteen combat and life professions. Your experience bar is the same as other professions. Each level-up grants you 16 times as many attribute points and skill points as other professions.]
The words struck like thunder.
For a heartbeat, no one spoke.
Then Novice Village Square descended into stunned silence so absolute it was suffocating.