Alden adjusted his glasses and leaned closer to the ancient tome in the academy's grand library. He had always been quiet, observant, and extremely meticulous.
Unlike other students who trained in the courtyard or flaunted their elemental talents, Alden preferred books, scrolls, and magical research. His dreams were simple: understand magic, uncover hidden techniques, and surpass the mundane limits of human talent.
Today, however, something unusual caught his eye—a faintly glowing rune etched on the corner of a dusty page.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Talent Awakening Detected
Current Rank: D
Talent: Unknown
Affinity: Unknown
Alden's pulse quickened. He had read about talent awakening ceremonies in ancient records, but had never expected one to find him personally.
He raised his hand above the rune, feeling a warm pulse of energy. The library lights flickered, and he gasped slightly.
This… this is real.
The Awakening Ceremony
The next morning, Alden walked into the academy courtyard alongside his classmates. Today was the official talent awakening ceremony, where every student aged 16 would reveal their elemental affinity, talent, and physique.
Alden had prepared meticulously, reviewing all the tomes he could find about rare talents, affinities, and ancient bloodlines.
When his turn came, he stepped onto the glowing circle, heart steady. The instructors whispered among themselves as faint blue mana began spiraling around him.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Affinity: Lightning (C-Rank)
Talent: Arcane Strategist (B-Rank)
Physique: Human Scholar Physique (C-Level)
Bloodline: Unknown
A sudden surge of energy coursed through his veins. Lightning crackled around his body in intricate patterns, and his strategic instincts felt sharper, almost as if his mind could calculate dozens of combat scenarios instantly.
Alden's classmates gawked. Even at C-Rank Lightning, his calculating aura made him feel more dangerous than his appearance suggested.
He smiled faintly.
This is just the beginning.
First Day of Academy Life
Alden's first class was Advanced Mana Theory. He immediately impressed the instructor with his ability to analyze elemental patterns and mana flow.
Instructor: "Alden, your calculations are unusually precise for your rank. Are you sure you've been practicing enough?"
Alden adjusted his glasses.
"Yes, professor. I've been analyzing mana interactions during my solo studies."
Other students whispered, both impressed and wary. Alden didn't care much for socializing yet. His focus was on power, knowledge, and survival in a world that rewarded strength.
He also noticed the other students beginning to form teams and bonds—a reminder that while his talent was impressive, cooperation would soon be necessary.