The aftermath of Alex Blake's awakening still hung over the College Square like a stubborn fog.
Though the ceremony continued, no other awakening — be it elemental or special — could draw attention away from the F-Level Puppet System that had just been revealed.
Disappointment, ridicule, mockery, and fascination… all eyes, intentionally or not, lingered on him.
"Did you see that?" someone whispered. "F-Level… son of an A-Level Lightning user. Ridiculous."
"Ha! Tiger father, dog son. Guess the saying holds true."
Even as students continued stepping onto the stage, murmurs of Alex Blake's failure carried louder than any other praise or discussion.
Evan Hart hurried back to Alex's side, eyes darting nervously. "Hey… you okay?"
Alex didn't turn, expression unreadable.
Evan sighed and nudged him. "Ignore them. Some people are idiots, you know. Not worth it."
Alex raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"I, uh… by the way, I just awakened." Evan leaned closer, lowering his voice, "Thunder Element — C-Level. Not bad, right?"
Alex gave a faint nod. "Congratulations."
Evan grinned. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry… I'll cover for you when you get stronger."
Alex smiled faintly, though it was purely internal. They have no idea…
After a few parting words, Evan retreated, leaving Alex alone in the midst of judgmental and gossipy whispers.
Alex closed his eyes briefly, then opened them to a sudden, crisp sound in his mind:
[Host: Alex Blake | Age: 18 | Realm: Level 1]
[Attributes: None | Abilities: Puppet System (F-Level), Legion Master, Dominion Core]
A floating interface appeared before him, simple yet full of potential.
Abilities Overview:
Puppet System (F-Level): Grants creation and control of intelligent puppets. Upper potential is limited by level.
Legion Master: Allows synchronization, formations, and commanding multiple puppets or followers.
Dominion Core: Core energy engine for storage, transfer, and enhancement.
Below, the system displayed the Shop Menu:
System Shop
Formation: Phalanx of a Hundred Hands — 500 Energy Points
Formation: Celestial Spear Array — 800 Energy Points
Move: Devastation Sphere — 300 Energy Points
Move: Immortal Bulwark — 600 Energy Points
Current Balance: 0 Energy Points
Methods to Obtain Energy Points:
1. Hunt monsters and obtain their cores
2. Exchange spiritual stones (currency used in Blue Star)
3. Complete system-assigned tasks
Alex scrolled through the shop, noting the high costs. For now, he had nothing, but he knew the world was full of monsters and opportunities. This is just the beginning.
The Awakening Ceremony pressed on. Students continued stepping forward, hands trembling as the orb pulsed with light.
Finally, the instructor called the last name:
"Selene Frostwind."
A hush fell over the square.
Selene moved gracefully forward, every eye following her. She was breathtaking — skin white as snow, long silver hair flowing like liquid, eyes sparkling like frost, and a presence so serene it made the crowd instinctively quiet.
Her reputation preceded her: top grades, impeccable manners, widely regarded as the number-one beauty of Silverpine Academy, and a family of immense influence.
Even the visiting leaders had praised her potential in the past, predicting limitless growth.
Selene placed her hands on the orb. Light surged, bright and pure. A crystalline beam shot skyward.
"Elemental Type: Ice System | Level: S!"
The announcement shocked the entire empire. The first S-Level ability in the history of Silverpine Academy.
Whispers erupted into gasps: unprecedented… unbelievable…
Dean Reinhardt Vale's eyes shone with excitement. "Finally… a true prodigy."
The crowd was ecstatic. Students whispered and nudged each other, pointing, staring, and exchanging awed comments.
Selene bowed politely, then glanced at Alex. Her eyes, catching his indifferent gaze, hardened slightly. Something inside her could not accept the F-Level beside her S-Level radiance.
After a moment's hesitation, she stepped forward, attracting attention. The murmurs followed her every step.
Finally, she stopped before Alex. Her voice, soft but firm, carried across the whispers:
"You… we should break up. Don't contact me anymore. You're… unworthy."
The crowd gasped, some snickering, others whispering about family arrangements — Selene and Alex's families had once considered them a perfect match. Now… the humiliation seemed complete for Alex.
Alex, however, remained unreadable, his mind elsewhere, immersed in the potential of his Legion Master and Dominion Core.
Unworthy… he mused silently. Let them watch. Mere mortals, short-sighted and foolish. They have no idea what true power looks like.
And with that, he turned his gaze inward, already contemplating the puppets, formations, and strategies that would soon place him far above this petty world.
The Awakening Ceremony concluded, leaving behind awe, ridicule, and the first stirrings of a hidden god among men.