Chapter 41: The Invitation
Four months had passed since the discovery of the Sujin ancestral temple. Life in the village had settled into a new rhythm. The men and boys were still diligently meditating and dieting in the hopes of awakening, while the girls and women continued their training with swords, spears, and even homemade training dummies. The temple revelation had rekindled a strange hope, but frustration brewed quietly beneath the surface.
Then one morning, the world came crashing in on Sujin Village.
A group of villagers gathered near the only functional TV, which had been dragged all the way from the city months ago. It sat on a rickety wooden platform in the village square, powered by a solar converter gifted by a city trader.
"BREAKING NEWS," the anchorwoman's voice rang clear. Her sharp red suit and flawless makeup contrasted heavily with the rustic wooden homes in the background. "The World Council of Awakeners has issued a public invitation to all children from ages 4 to 16 to apply for entry into the newly established global Awakening Academies."
Gasps filled the square. Some villagers dropped their baskets; others froze where they stood.
"In addition," the woman continued, "adults with awakened abilities are encouraged to register with their national guilds to receive monthly support, missions, and benefits. The goal: a safer, stronger world."
Chaos followed.
Parents began shouting excitedly, clutching their children. Others exchanged nervous glances. Among them, the children born after the awakening—now aged between 0 and 4—stood with their big eyes, glowing faintly with potential.
Li Wei and Zhao Xun, now four years old, were already known village-wide. Li Wei's charm ability caused random passersby to smile involuntarily around him. Zhao Xun had nearly lifted a full-grown goat in a test of strength two days prior. The other special children—Luo Chen (mind reading), Hana (necromancy), Feng Yi (speed and air manipulation), and Mei Yun (healing and water)—gathered instinctively around the twins. Their presence alone sparked awe.
Yue and her gang watched from the side. The group had grown taller, more mature, but something about this moment left a bitter taste.
"So," Shu Fen muttered, arms crossed, "we train for four years, sweat every morning, slice up ten training logs a day, and in the end, it's the kids who get the offer to go to the big cities."
"It's not their fault," Tao Lin said quietly, though her expression was tight. "They were just born lucky."
Yue remained silent, her eyes glued to the screen as the anchor listed off countries and the location of their main academies. For a moment, her hand clenched the side of her skirt.
She had a system.
She had a prophecy.
She was supposed to be special. But year after year, she remained normal. No glowing hands. No magical outbursts. Nothing but growing sword calluses and the growing weight of expectations.
Chun Hei gave a dramatic sigh. "What if we pretend to be four-year-olds and sneak in?"
"You'd never pass for one with those thighs," Minna snorted.
The group giggled, but it was half-hearted.
Later that day, the village elders held a meeting in the longhall. Men, women, and children packed in, the air thick with anticipation.
"We cannot keep these children hidden," Elder Han said, standing beside Yue's mother, who had returned early from her patrol. "They are too powerful. The world will demand answers if we don't act."
"But the cities are dangerous!" one woman cried. "What if they are used as weapons?"
"The Goddess chose them for a reason," Yue's mother spoke firmly. "And we've trained them for four years. They deserve to grow."
Amidst the debate, the children played at the side of the room—floating leaves with air magic, or levitating pebbles. Zhao Xun casually zapped a fly out of the air.
Yue couldn't help but smile at the sight. They were adorable. Powerful. Unstoppable.
"You alright?" Mei Qui nudged her. "You've been spacing out."
Yue nodded. "Yeah... I'm fine. Just thinking."
"About what?"
Yue looked out the window where the sun was setting over Sujin's grassy hills. "About what it means to be normal in a world where power's becoming everything."
Mei Qui didn't answer. Instead, she just placed a hand on Yue's shoulder.
Later that night, Yue sat on the rooftop of her house, watching the stars. The village below still buzzed with conversation. The chosen kids were going to prepare for academy application. Forms were to be filled. Tests were to be taken. They would leave within a month.
She sighed.
"System," she whispered. "Anytime now would be great."
But there was only silence.