Chapter 10: The Awakening Ceremony
Three months had passed since the incident with the thieves at the market. Ever since that day, life at the orphanage had been fairly peaceful—at least on the surface.
I stood in the backyard, holding a wooden staff now full of scratches. My breathing was steady as my body moved through the same training routine I practiced every morning.
"Huff… two, three, four…"
I punched the air, spun, then held a low stance. Sweat dripped from my temple, falling onto the dusty ground.
A few minutes later, I finished training. Sitting under a tree, I let out a small smile. Why was I smiling? Well, today was a good day for me—and for everyone else.
Because we would be going to the Awakening Temple. I had turned ten last month, so it was finally time for me to awaken my mana core.
I looked toward the orphanage from afar. The other kids were busy getting ready—some polishing their shoes, others fighting over a small mirror. The morning felt different than usual, filled with excitement and a hint of nervousness.
"Ren! Are you ready?" Sister Milly called out.
I turned and nodded. "Yes, just a moment!"
I ran to my room and changed from my training clothes into something neater—a simple white shirt and black trousers. When I caught my reflection in the windowpane, I couldn't help but grin and strike a silly pose.
Pointing at my own shadow, I said, "Finally, it's my time to shine!"
Every child in the kingdom went through the Awakening Ceremony at age ten. The day when one's core awakened—the day that determined their future. For some, it marked the beginning of a career as a mage, knight, or even adventurer.
But for me… it was the chance to become strong.
Before long, the ten-year-olds from the orphanage lined up at the gate. Sister Liora counted us one by one to make sure everyone was ready. Abel, Mia, and Kyle stood beside me, their faces tense.
"Ren, are you nervous?" Abel whispered.
I chuckled. "A little. But more curious than nervous."
"I hope I get a cool attribute," Mia declared.
"Who knows," I shrugged.
Abel laughed softly. "Yeah, you're right."
Kyle, who had been silent the whole time, spoke up. "For something that determines your life, you sure look calm."
I smirked without answering, then looked at the stone path leading to the temple—a place where every child's fate would be decided.
Sister Liora gave the signal, and we started walking toward the temple with a mix of hope and anxiety. The morning breeze brushed against us, carrying the weight of anticipation.
Half an hour later, we arrived at the Awakening Temple, where the ceremony was held each year. The structure was grand yet serene—the white stone walls reflecting sunlight, with tall pillars engraved with symbols of elements and swords.
Several groups of children were already there with their parents. Some looked excited, bragging about their training, while others were pale with nervousness.
Sister Liora spoke with one of the temple guards, then gestured for us to wait in the courtyard.
I observed the surroundings. The air felt different—warm yet calming, almost like something brushing against my skin.
Is this… mana? I wondered.
Minutes later, a temple guard called out:
"Children of Stella Orphanage, please enter."
It was our turn.
Our footsteps echoed gently against the marble floor. Inside, the main hall was illuminated by a large crystal hanging from the ceiling. In the center stood a silver altar with a clear crystal orb—the Awakening Orb.
Each child would place their hand on it, and the orb would react to their natural mana, displaying the color of their element.
"Very well, let us begin," said the elderly priest with a white beard standing near the altar. His voice was deep and calm, yet full of authority.
One by one, the children stepped forward. Some received blue, yellow, red, green, and other colors.
There were many types of awakening classes: Mage, Fighter, Assassin, Support, and more.
When the class awakened was Mage or Support, the orb would fill with swirling mana, sometimes with multiple colors. The brighter the color, the higher the grade.
For Fighters, their aura differed from mages—the color appeared thicker and more intense, marking them as Fighters or other combat-type classes.
A device beside the orb also displayed the exact class information.
One child even received a deep crimson color—signifying an Assassin-type class.
Quiet cheers erupted with each new result.
Then it was our turn. Kyle stepped up first. He took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he touched the orb's surface.
Abel, Mia, and I held our breath.
After a few seconds, the orb began to glow—starting small, then expanding into a dense brown aura that surged outward.
My eyes widened along with everyone else's. After a moment, the aura slowly faded.
The priest fanned himself and then smiled broadly.
"What an incredible aura! You have awakened the class: S-rank Greatsword Fighter!"
We all froze in shock.
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In this world, class ranks were E, D, C, B, A, S, and SS—the highest recorded in history. SSS existed only in myths. But lower ranks didn't mean someone would be shunned.
Rank didn't determine one's power completely—but lower ranks grew slower compared to higher ones.
Titles also existed, with Semi-God being the highest. Only a few had ever reached it—the Emperor, the Holy Sword, and the Saint Mage.
Kyle stepped down from the platform, ignoring the stunned crowd. Seeing our jaws hanging open, he smirked mischievously.
"What?"
He pretended to be innocent. A vein pulsed on our foreheads, but before I could retort, the priest cleared his throat.
"Ahem, let us continue."
I sighed and tore my gaze away from Kyle. His huge grin made me want to punch him. "Tsk."
"Okay, now it's my turn!" Mia said.
Without hesitation, she walked up to the platform with confident steps. Her black hair swayed with each stride, and her eyes were sharp—someone ready to face the world.
She stopped in front of the orb, stared at her reflection in the crystal surface, then took a deep breath.
Her hand slowly touched the orb.
A few seconds later, a soft purple glow emerged—calm yet swirling rapidly like a violet flame. The aura wrapped around the room; not as large as Kyle's, but still impressive.
The old priest closed his eyes for a moment, confused by the strange day, then forced a smile.
"You have awakened a Mage class—Rare Violet Fire affinity, rank A."
Gasps filled the hall. Mia opened her eyes, stunned.
"Rare fire?" she murmured, then broke into a wide grin.
"See? I told you I'd get something cool!" she shouted at us.
Abel and I clapped happily.
"Well done, Mia," I said.
Abel added playfully, "Now we'll see if Ren can beat that."
I raised an eyebrow. "Heh, I don't need to beat anyone. I just need to look the coolest."
The priest eyed the three of us.
"These children… perhaps they will also receive impressive classes," he muttered.
Mia stepped down, and the priest spoke again.
"Next, Abel."
The atmosphere grew still. Abel looked at the orb, then glanced at me with a gentle smile.
"Wish me luck, Ren."
I nodded. "Always."
Abel's steps were light, but tension lingered in his eyes. He stared at the orb before placing his palm slowly against its surface.