[: Daniel's POV :]
I dragged myself out of bed, the faint traces of the nightmare still gnawing at the edges of my mind.
The thought of that blurred girl, of her sacrifice, refused to leave me, but I forced myself to push it aside.
Today wasn't just another day.
Steam filled the small bathing chamber as I stood beneath the cold water, letting it wash away the sweat clinging to my body.
The chill bit into my skin, sharp and grounding, like a reminder that I was awake—that this world was real, not another illusion.
By the time I stepped out, the ache in my chest had dulled, though it hadn't disappeared.
After dressing, I joined my family at the breakfast table.
The familiar warmth of the room greeted me.
The smell of fresh rice, grilled meat, and steamed buns filled the air.
Mira was already stuffing her cheeks like a squirrel, swinging her legs under the chair as if she couldn't sit still.
Mother sat gracefully, her eyes bright but watchful, while Father ate in his usual calm, measured pace.
I slid into my seat.
Mira gave me a cheeky grin, muffled through a mouth full of food.
"Look who's finally ready. Thought you'd chicken out."
"Don't talk with your mouth full," Mother scolded lightly, though there was fondness in her tone.
Father set down his cup of tea and fixed his gaze on me. His expression was calm, but his eyes carried weight.
"Daniel. Are you prepared for the Awakening?"
The words sank into me, heavy as stone.
I hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I think so."
Mother reached across the table, placing her hand gently over mine.
"No matter what happens today," she said softly, "remember that it doesn't define you. Whether your talent shines or not, you will always be our son."
Father gave a firm nod, his voice steady.
"Strength, gifts, awakenings—they're all important. But what matters more is how you walk your path. Never forget that, Daniel. No matter the results, we will be by your side."
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
The nightmare's weight pressed against my chest again, mingling with their words. I swallowed hard, nodding once more.
"…Thank you. I'll remember."
Mira leaned over with a smirk, her cheeks still flushed. "Yeah, and if you end up weak, I'll protect you once I'm old enough, Brother!"
I sighed, flicking her forehead again. "Finish chewing before you talk."
Mother laughed softly, the sound easing the tension, and even Father's lips curved into the faintest smile.
As we ate, I felt the warmth of their presence anchoring me. For the first time since waking, the nightmare faded into the background, though its shadow still lingered.
Today was the Awakening Ceremony.
And no matter what, nothing would ever be the same again.
The Awakening Ceremony
What was the Awakening Ceremony?
To most, it was a rite of passage.
To the world, it was survival itself.
Hundreds of thousands of years ago, mankind had teetered on the edge of extinction.
From rifts that tore through reality — the Dimension Cracks — monsters had emerged.
No one knew where they came from, only that they brought ruin with them.
Ferocious beyond comprehension, they slaughtered everything that breathed, staining the lands with rivers of blood.
They destroyed cities, countries, and even the heavens above seemed to tremble before their advance.
It was an era where humanity should have perished.
But it was also the era where something miraculous happened.
In the face of despair, mankind awoke.
A power surged within them — a connection to the world, to the heavens, to something greater.
It was the beginning of what would later be called cultivation.
It was the path to transcendence, to strength beyond mortality, to the chase of immortality itself.
And from the chaos, ten figures rose.
Beings who defied fate and carved hope from the jaws of annihilation.
Each walked their own path of cultivation, yet together, they held back the endless tide.
They would be remembered in every age as the Ten Eternal Sovereigns — the pillars of humanity's survival.
Their names echoed like thunder across history.
Some said they reached immortality itself, others believed they transcended existence, becoming legends that watched over mankind from beyond.
Whatever the truth, their legacy shaped the foundation of the world.
From them, the Awakening Ceremony was born.
A ritual not of tradition, but of necessity.
For even now, in the present, the Dimension Cracks had not ceased.
The monsters still emerged, clawing their way into the world with hunger and madness.
And still, the only answer to their existence was the power of cultivation.
Thus, every child of mankind, upon reaching the age of thirteen, was brought to awaken their fate.
The fate towards the path of cultivation would depend on the results of the Age of Awakening.
Without a doubt, every single person would be able to cultivate; however, there are many factors to consider when cultivating.
Hence, depending on the results of the awakening, one could soar to the sky or be an ordinary cultivator.
The Awakening Ceremony was no celebration.
It was a reminder.
A reminder that humanity's survival demanded strength. A reminder that the path of cultivation was not a gift, but a burden.
And now… it was my turn.
The Awakening Ceremony for our city was to be held at the Sanctum of Dawnbreak.
It was an ancient structure carved into the side of a colossal mountain, its stone walls etched with runes that glowed faintly like embers of the past.
Legends said it was built upon the very site where one of the Ten Eternal Sovereigns had once stood against the tide of monsters, shattering the sky itself to protect humanity.
Even now, the air around it felt heavy with history, as though the echoes of that battle lingered in the wind.
By the time I arrived, the vast courtyard in front of the Sanctum was already filled.
Hundreds of people my age — boys and girls on the cusp of their thirteenth year — gathered nervously, their voices hushed, their eyes flickering between awe and fear.
Some clutched charms their parents had given them.
Others stood stiff, trying to look braver than they felt.
I slipped into the crowd, my heart hammering. D
espite the noise around me, I felt oddly alone.
The words of my parents replayed in my head — No matter what the results are, we'll always be by your side.
But I couldn't help it. I clenched my fists as the memory of that nightmare still lingered.
Now, standing before the Sanctum of Dawnbreak, with so many about to awaken their fate… I wondered quietly, almost bitterly.
Would mine be meaningless?