Chapter 1 – The Awakening Day
The Awakening Day.
The day every person waited for.
It was the day that decided where you would stand in the future. If you managed to awaken a high-rank Job, your life would be set. Comfort, status, power, money—everything followed naturally.
A high-rank Job meant authority.
And more importantly, it meant you wouldn't be trampled by others.
Most people wished for a combat-oriented Job. Mage, Warrior, Berserker—anything that could fight. Support and civilian Jobs existed, but in reality, they only served those above them.
And here I was, standing among hundreds of students, waiting for the Awakening Ceremony to begin.
Murmurs filled the large hall.
"I'm so nervous…""My father bought me a high-rank elixir. I should at least get Rare.""Hah, I'm definitely getting something good."
Some were anxious.Some were excited.Some were overly confident.
Why wouldn't they be?
If you had consumed a high-rank awakening elixir, your chances of receiving a better Job increased significantly.
Of course… I didn't have that luxury.
I was an orphan.
The hall suddenly quieted as a middle-aged man in a brown robe walked onto the platform—the school principal.
He cleared his throat and spoke loudly.
"Students," he began, his voice calm and practiced, "today is an important day in your lives. But remember—awakening a low-rank Job is not the end. There are many professions in this world. Even without a high-rank combat Job, you can still live a respectable life."
Some students nodded.
Others scoffed quietly.
Respectable life?
That usually meant serving under someone who did awaken a high-rank Job. It meant discrimination, limited growth, and being treated as disposable.
The principal continued, "Now, when I call your name, step forward and place your hand on the Awakening Crystal."
The crystal at the center of the stage shimmered faintly.
"John Casyder."
A boy confidently walked forward and placed his hand on the crystal.
The crystal flared brightly.
Job: Dual SwordRank: Unique
The hall exploded.
"A Unique rank?!""On the first try?!""That's insane!"
Thunderous applause filled the room.
More students followed.
"Fire Mage — Uncommon.""Ice Mage — Rare.""Dual Elementalist — Rare."
Each announcement drew cheers.
Then—
"Sera Elvast."
A silver-haired girl stepped forward.
The crystal shone brilliantly.
Job: Holy MaidenRank: Hero
The applause this time was even louder.
The principal smiled in satisfaction. "This year's students are truly exceptional."
Only a few low-rank awakenings occurred, and even those were mostly combat-oriented.
Then—
"…Airen."
My name.
I walked toward the stage.
Every eye turned toward me.
Why wouldn't they? I was the top scorer in the school. Not because I was talented—but because I had no choice. As an orphan, scholarships were my only way to survive.
High expectations surrounded me.
Or maybe… people just wanted to see me fall.
"Place your hand on the crystal," the principal said.
I did as told.
The crystal glowed.
Then dimmed.
Job: MageRank: Common
Silence.
Then whispers.
"A… Common?""The top student?""What a waste."
The principal's expression hardened. His brows furrowed as if I had personally insulted him.
It felt like I had committed a sin.
I stepped down from the platform.
That was when—
[Ding!10,000× system activated]
I froze for a split second.
But no one else reacted.
Keeping my head down, I returned to the line. Sneers and mocking glances followed me, but my mind was elsewhere.
I left the ceremony early.
My rented apartment was small—just a single room with barely enough space to move. I sat down on the bed and opened my status panel, something every person in this world possessed.
The screen appeared.
And I was stunned.
Status
Name: Airen
Job: Mage (Common)
Level: 1
HP: 50 / 50
MP: 40 / 40
Bloodline: ??? (Locked)
Stats:
Strength: 4
Agility: 5
Dexterity: 7
Vitality: 5
Intelligence: 9
Wisdom: 8
Skills:
Fireball
Minor Heal
"Bloodline… locked?"