Morning light crept through the tall windows of Zael's apartment, painting pale gold lines across the stone floor. The place was far better than anything most academy students lived in — a quiet, well-furnished residence nestled within the inner district of the city. It was one of the many things Kael had arranged for him long before the trials ever began.
Zael stood near the window, fastening the strap of his academy uniform with steady hands.
He had not slept much.
Not because of fear… but because there was nothing left to discover.
The Talent Bank had already been fully explored the night before.
Every rule.
Every restriction.
Every terrifying possibility.
By the time dawn arrived, Zael knew one thing with absolute certainty:
What I have… cannot be exposed.
Today was the awakening evaluation.
The day they would choose their professions.
Outside, the streets buzzed with activity. Carriages, mana-driven transports, and armored escorts moved through the avenues toward the academy gates. Students poured in from every direction, their conversations filled with nervous excitement.
"Did you hear? They're letting us use EXP crystals."
"My father bought ten of them."
"I only got three… hope it's enough."
"They say the school will loan them to people who can't afford them."
EXP crystals were a common tool in the lower worlds — refined fragments of monster cores that stored pure experience. They could only be absorbed by those below Level 10, and their effectiveness dropped sharply with each use. Still, they were invaluable for pushing someone to the threshold of awakening.
By academy decree, no student was allowed to attempt their profession awakening below Level 10.
Which meant…
Everyone had spent the night leveling.
Zael joined the stream of students heading toward the central plaza. He could already see the towering structure ahead: a ring of obelisks surrounding a massive circular platform of silver-white stone. At its center stood a tall crystal pillar, far larger than the awakening crystal from before.
This was the Profession Altar.
Where talents gave way to paths.
Tyron found him near the entrance.
"You look calm," Tyron said. "Too calm."
Zael gave a small shrug. "No point panicking."
Tyron laughed softly. "I hit level ten last night. My family almost fainted when I told them."
"Using crystals"
"Nah. The dungeon was enough to get me there."
Zael nodded. Exp crystals was the official explanation for his own level as well.
Kael's name carried weight. When Zael had reported Level 10 that morning, no one questioned it.
Of course Kael prepared EXP crystals for him.
Of course the prodigy's brother wouldn't be neglected.
It was the perfect cover.
In reality, the crystals he had used barely mattered.
But the world didn't need to know that.
Seraphina stood several paces away, surrounded by a cluster of nobles. Her posture was as composed as ever, her gaze cool and distant. When she noticed Zael, her eyes lingered for only a heartbeat before turning away.
Tyron followed his glance and snorted. "Still pretending you don't exist?"
Zael didn't answer.
The plaza filled quickly.
Instructors stood along the edges of the platform, their expressions solemn. Above them, floating crystal screens projected the procedures so the younger students, teachers, and visiting nobles could all observe.
The head evaluator stepped forward.
"Today, you will awaken your professions," he announced. "Your profession determines your growth path. Weapon users, casters, support types, and specialists will be divided accordingly."
"Remember: profession quality depends on talent synergy, mental state, and mana compatibility."
"And lastly… do not interfere with the altar's judgment."
One by one, students were called forward.
A boy stepped onto the platform and placed his hand on the altar.
Light flared.
"Profession awakened: Swordsman — Common Grade."
Another followed.
"Archer — Uncommon Grade."
"Fire Mage — Rare Grade."
The pattern became obvious.
The lower the grade, the simpler the name.
Mundane. Direct. Functional.
But when higher-grade talents resonated…
The names grew sharper. More elaborate. Almost… alive.
Gasps rippled through the crowd when Seraphina stepped forward.
Dark light gathered around her.
"Profession awakened: Veil Assassin — Epic Grade."
Whispers exploded.
"As expected."
"Perfect match for Shadow Veil."
"She'll be terrifying."
Tyron followed.
Lightning crackled across the altar.
"Profession awakened: Thunder Strider — Epic Grade."
Cheers broke out among the commoners.
Selvig strode up with a confident grin.
Golden armor manifested around him.
"Profession awakened: Knight Architect — Hero Grade."
He turned deliberately, letting everyone see.
Zael waited.
Name after name was called.
Common professions.
Uncommon ones.
A few rare.
Finally—
"Zael Nightshade."
He stepped onto the platform.
The altar pulsed beneath his hand.
Light gathered.
For a moment, the plaza went quiet.
Then the result formed:
"Profession awakened: Combat Scholar — Common Grade."
A wave of reactions followed.
"Combat Scholar?"
"That's… boring."
"Sounds like a thinker type."
"With a common talent, that fits."
Tyron blinked. "Combat Scholar?"
Zael stepped down calmly.
Inside, his thoughts were anything but calm.
So that's what it chose…
Combat Scholar.
A profession focused on efficiency, analysis, and tactical execution rather than raw power.
It matched what he intended to show the world.
Not what he truly was.
The evaluator recorded his result without comment.
"Proceed to your assigned divisions."
Students began to move, grouping according to profession type.
Seraphina was guided toward the assassin wing.
Tyron toward high-mobility combatants.
Selvig toward heavy front-line units.
Zael was sent to a smaller group.
Support and tacticians.
Some students whispered as he passed.
"So he's really nothing special."
"Brother of a monster… but he's just… that."
"Lucky he has connections."
Zael kept his expression neutral.
He could feel the invisible wall inside him — the suppressed pressure of Level 10, the waiting awakening task resting just beyond it.
Not yet.
The head evaluator spoke again.
"Those who have awakened professions will be assigned to preparatory trials. Success will determine university placement."
Zael glanced toward the distant spires of the academy's upper district.
The real test was coming.
Not of strength…
But of control.
As the crowd dispersed, Tyron fell into step beside him.
"Combat Scholar," Tyron said. "Doesn't sound flashy… but it sounds like you."
Zael allowed a faint smile.
"Maybe that's why it chose me."
Behind them, Seraphina walked away without looking back.
Ahead of them, the academy gates opened.
And somewhere deep within Zael's mind, the Talent Bank remained silent…
Waiting.
---