The academy courtyard buzzed with excitement.
Rows of first-year students lined up beneath the early morning sky, their uniforms crisp, their eyes shimmering with nervous anticipation. The Awakening Ceremony happened only once in a lifetime — and today, it was their turn.
Wong Lee stood near the back of the line, hands clasped behind his back. His posture was respectful, his dark hair neatly tied, his gaze steady.
"Hello! I am Wong Lee," he said politely to the student beside him, bowing slightly.
The boy's reaction was… less than warm. A smirk tugged at his lips, his tone icy.
"Mm. Good for you."
The cold dismissal might have stung another, but Wong didn't respond. He simply straightened, ignoring the mocking glint in the boy's eyes. Without another word, he began walking toward the grand stone staircase that led up to the ceremony stage.
The stage itself was a masterpiece of ancient magic — at its center lay a massive magic circle etched into polished obsidian. Complex runes spiraled inward like a living thing, faintly pulsing with blue light.
Thanks to this circle, every student who stepped upon it would awaken their class and talent — the foundation of their entire future as an adventurer.
Standing near the edge of the circle was the College Principal, Shiv Jha — a man whose calm authority could silence a crowd with a glance. Beside him stood the official Awakener, a Level 55 mage whose class badge glimmered gold: [Diviner].
The principal's voice carried easily over the crowd.
"Students," he began, "today you take the first step toward your destinies. Whatever class you awaken, whatever talent you receive — know this: a profession's worth is not in its rank, but in the one who wields it."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"Some will awaken rare talents. Some will not. There are… possibilities beyond the ordinary. But no matter the outcome — give it your all."
A hush fell over the students.
Shiv Jha looked at his list.
"First — Nill Jha."
A tall student stepped forward, silver-gray hair catching the morning light. His bright smile drew murmurs from the crowd.
"That's the principal's son," someone whispered.
"And second-best in theory scores in the whole school," another replied.
Nill moved with easy confidence, stepping onto the magic circle. The Diviner raised his staff, and the circle blazed to life. Runes shifted, spiraling upward into the air like streams of light.
A sudden burst of wind swept the stage as the magic condensed — then took shape. Above Nill's head, a luminous image formed: a dragon of pure light, its scales shimmering with divine radiance.
Gasps echoed through the courtyard.
Then, the vision vanished, and glowing letters appeared in the air:
---
[Class: Summoner]
Talent: None
Condition: Can summon creatures up to 1 level higher than user
Level: 0 (Novice)
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The crowd erupted in astonished chatter.
"Summoner?! That's one in a million!"
"He's going to be famous before graduation!"
But while others celebrated, Nill's eyes searched the crowd — looking for just one person.
His best friend.
Wong Lee.