CHAPTER 9 — The Day Fate Awakened
Sixteen years old.
In this world, that age was not a number—it was a verdict.
The Awakening Ceremony.
Lucien Vale stood at the edge of the massive ceremonial plaza, hands tucked casually into his academy cloak pockets, eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement.
"So this is it," he muttered with a grin. "The classic start."
Around him, thousands of students gathered—humans, elves, dwarves, beastkin, even a few dragon-blooded youths whose mere presence bent the air slightly.
Above them loomed the Awakening Obelisk.
A colossal crystal monolith engraved with ancient runes, glowing faintly as if breathing.
Once touched—
Talent, physique, affinity, and bloodline would be revealed.
And fate would no longer be negotiable.
IMPERIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
An elderly archmage floated above the plaza, his voice amplified by mana.
"By decree of the Luminary Empire, today marks your official entry into the Imperial Arcane Academy."
"All students shall awaken as Rank F. Growth will be determined by effort, merit, and survival."
Murmurs spread instantly.
Rank F.
The weakest.
The beginning of everything.
Lucien's grin widened.
"Good," he whispered. "Starting from the bottom feels… nostalgic."
LUCIEN VALE — POV
In his previous life, Lucien had watched this scene a hundred times—on screens, in novels, in dreams.
He knew what came next.
The fear.
The jealousy.
The tears.
The monsters disguised as nobles.
And the heroes who didn't know they were heroes yet.
But this time—
He wasn't watching.
He was inside the story.
And unlike the original Lucien Vale—the rage-filled stepping stone villain—
This Lucien was alive.
Healthy.
And smiling like an idiot.
AWAKENING BEGINS
One by one, students stepped forward.
ELVEN STUDENT — ELARION SYLVARIS (POV)
Elarion placed his hand on the Obelisk.
The crystal flared green.
Race: High Elf
Rank: D
Talent:
Heir of Verdant Eternity (S Rank)
A talent that allows growth through harmony with nature and allies.
Affinity:
Wind (A Rank)
Nature (B Rank)
Physique:
Sylvan Grace Body (A Rank)
Bloodline:
World Tree Descendant (A Rank)
Gasps erupted.
Elarion exhaled slowly.
"Acceptable," he said calmly.
Yet his gaze drifted toward the human boy laughing casually in the crowd.
Lucien Vale.
Something about him felt… wrong.
DWARVEN STUDENT — BROM IRONVEIN (POV)
Brom slammed his palm onto the Obelisk.
The ground shook.
Race: Mountain Dwarf
Rank: D
Talent:
Unbreakable Forge Heart (A Rank)
Affinity:
Earth (A Rank)
Fire (C Rank)
Physique:
Adamantine War Body (A Rank)
Bloodline:
Ancient Smith King Lineage (A Rank)
The dwarves roared in approval.
Brom grinned proudly.
But again—
His eyes caught the same human.
Why did that boy look like he was having fun?
DRAGON-BLOODED STUDENT — KAEL DRAVARYN (POV)
When Kael touched the crystal—
The sky darkened.
Race: Dragonkin
Rank: D
Talent:
Scion of the Eternal Dragon (S Rank)
Affinity:
Fire (A Rank)
Lightning (A Rank)
Physique:
Draconic Battle Frame (S Rank)
Bloodline:
Ancient Dragon Bloodline (S Rank)
Kael exhaled slowly.
Silence followed.
Fear.
Reverence.
Kael pulled his hand back slowly.
"This academy," he muttered, "better be worth it."
And then vampire seraphine
Race: True Vampire
Rank: D
Talent:
Crimson Sovereign Will (S Rank)
Affinity:
Dark (A Rank)
Physique:
Nightborne Immortal Flesh (A Rank)
Bloodline:
Progenitor's Descendant (S Rank)
Some human boy's heart fluttered,
And girl's look with jealousy
Then—
LUCIEN'S TURN
Lucien stepped forward with exaggerated confidence.
"Alright," he said loudly. "Let's see what the tutorial gives me."
Snickers echoed.
Arrogant noble.
Another disappointment.
Lucien placed his hand on the Obelisk.
For a split second—
Nothing happened.
Then—
The crystal flickered.
Not brightly.
Not violently.
But deeply.
As if something was being… observed.
SYSTEM INITIALIZING…
Lucien's smile froze.
Welcome, Host.
Overpower Bonding System — Activated
Current Rank: F
Note: Awakening suppressed. Full revelation locked.
The Obelisk flashed briefly.
Affinity: Undetected
Talent: Undetected
Physique: Undetected
Bloodline: Undetected
The crowd erupted in laughter.
"A blank!"
"A defective awakening!"
Lucien scratched his cheek.
"…Huh. That's new."
But inside—
He was screaming.
Hidden start. Of course.
Classic protagonist treatment.
This story is already off the rails.
GODDESS OF SIGHT — OBSERVER POV
From beyond the veil of reality—
A goddess leaned forward.
"Interesting."
She saw what no one else could.
Hidden layers.
Locked attributes.
Paths not meant for mortals.
"He laughs," she murmured.
"Even when fate mocks him."
Her eyes glowed.
"Let us see how long that smile lasts."
Lucien Vale (Initial State)
Rank: F
Awakening: Locked
System: Active
Bonds: None
Fate Deviation: Initiated
The academy gates opened.
And the story—
Finally began.