Free Web NovelChapter 4: The Awakening Ceremony 2
"When your name is called, step forward and approach the Awakening Stone."
With that, the first name was called.
"Jacob Mark."
A brown-haired boy stood up from the nobles’ section and walked toward the Awakening Stone. As he reached it, Sister Maria spoke calmly,
"Place your hand on the stone."
The boy did as instructed. The white stone began to glow, but its color remained unchanged.
A screen like surface below the stone displayed information, which Sister Maria read aloud.
"Jacob Mark.
Potential Rank : C
Affinity : Wind."
A small smile appeared on Jacob’s face perhaps he had expected worse. Around the hall, the children reacted differently. Rank C was considered passable, one of the most common outcomes.
Then another name was called.
"Serra Stale."
This time, a girl from the commoner section stepped forward. She placed her hand on the stone, and it glowed red.
"Serra Stale.
Potential Rank : B
Affinity: Fire."
Murmurs spread more strongly across the hall. Rank B was considered excellent her future was already looking bright.
And so the ceremony continued.
One by one, children stepped forward, placing their hands on the stone and awakening their classes and elements.
As Nova observed everything carefully, he spoke in his mind. ’System is there really no way for others to increase their ranks?’
The system responded.
[There are two possible methods, Host.]
[First: If an individual gains sufficient mastery over their innate skill or reaches a certain breakthrough threshold, they may trigger a second awakening.]
[This phenomenon is referred to as a Second Awakening. It requires immense effort and talent, and very few individuals ever succeed and it’s very rare , which is why most do not attempt it.]
[Second: Evolution Stones. These are extremely rare and can only be afforded by individuals with vast wealth such as kings or dukes.]
"I see "
Nova absorbed the information carefully.
’Well I don’t need to worry about my rank because of my innate skill Infinite Adaption core.’
Then another thought came to him.
’System, you mentioned that every individual awakens an innate skill but why don’t I see theirs?’
[Host is correct.]
[The fundamental rules of this world do not allow others to view others innate skills directly. They are only revealed when the individual uses them or chooses to disclose them. Currently, they are visible only within each individual’s personal system panel.]
Nova’s eyes widened slightly.
"Wait... they also have systems?"
[Every individual receives a basic system upon awakening, It displays their profile and stats.]
Nova curiosity deepened.
"Are they like you?"
[No, Host. They are basic systems that only display information, whereas I am an advanced system, designed to guide you toward your growth and potential.]
[You will not receive a basic system, as I am already bound to you.]
Nova leaned back slightly, processing everything. The more he understood the more he realized. He was different Completely different.
As the awakening continued, the number of candidates steadily decreased. Two hours later...around one hundred and ninety had already completed their awakening.
Among them, ninety had obtained Rank C with affinities considered basic such as wind , earth and water . Fifty received Rank D, thirty received Rank E, eighteen received Rank B, and only two had managed to get Rank A with affinities Fire and wood .
From this outcome, Nova began to understand something important , rank determined potential. It shaped how far one could go in this world.
At the same time, he realized that the rules of this world did not restrict individuals to a single path. If one had the talent and determination, they could pursue multiple paths.
That alone was a huge advantage. Soon, only a few candidates remained. Then a name was called.
"Asia Frost."
The entire hall seemed to hold its breath.
All eyes turned toward her as she stood and walked forward gracefully. When she reached the Awakening Stone, she placed her hand upon it.
The stone glowed, a deep dark blue.
Sister Maria read the result aloud.
"Asia Frost.
Potential Rank: S
Affinity : Ice."
For a moment temple was filled with silence.
Then the hall erupted.
"Did you hear that?! S Rank!"
"I knew it! Someone like her couldn’t be anything less than A Rank!"
"Even S Rank... that’s extremely rare!"
"Not even in the capital do you see many S Rank awakenings!"
The murmurs grew louder, spreading like wildfire across the hall, Sister Maria’s voice cut through sharply. "Maintain your dignity. You stand before the Goddess."
The hall quieted instantly.
Nova noticed that Asia’s beautiful face carried a faint smile as she turned and walked back to her seat. Now only two candidates remained.
Sister Maria called out the next name.
"Nova Valencrest." As his name echoed through the hall, Nova stood and walked forward toward the Awakening Stone.
His appearance didn’t go unnoticed.He looked handsome. A few girls from both sections began whispering quietly among themselves even Asia raised her eyebrows slightly upon hearing the familiar surname Valencrest.
Nova reached the stone and without hesitation he placed his hand on it, the stone flickered with a white light, and soon, the information appeared.
Sister Maria read it aloud.
"Nova Valencrest.
Potential Rank: C
Affinity : Lightning."
The reaction from the audience was normal only few murmurs . Nothing special. Nothing disappointing because lighting affinity was considered strong and slightly rare.
"You may return to your seat," Sister Maria said.
Nova nodded and turned back, as he walked, he caught sight of his mother, She was smiling. Genuinely happy. That alone was enough. freewebnøvel.coɱ
Lightning element.
If his memories were correct, his father also possessed the same element. It wasn’t always common for father and son to share the same affinity, but it wasn’t unheard of either a faint thought crossed his mind.
At least I can learn from him.
Nova returned to his seat, and soon the last candidate finished his awakening a boy who received a potential rank D , wind affinity.
With that, all the candidates had completed the ceremony. Head Priest James stepped forward once again.
"Congratulations to all of you, children," his voice echoed calmly through the hall. "You have now awakened. Now all of you will walk the path of becoming strong . But remember whatever path you choose, always stand on the side of good."
He paused briefly before concluding,
"With this, we mark the end of this year’s awakening ceremony. Good luck to all of you."
As the ceremony ended, the children began leaving their seats, slowly exiting the temple. Some remained behind for prayers, while others excitedly discussed their results.
Nova walked out as well. Just as he stepped outside he was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace.
"Oh... my son has awakened..."
His mother’s voice trembled slightly with happiness as she hugged him tightly.
Nova accepted the hug quietly. After a few seconds, she let go, and his gaze shifted to the man standing beside her.
"Father."
Edward Valencrest stood tall, his presence calm and steady. He gave a small nod, a faint smile forming on his face.
"Now that you have awakened, you must work hard," he said. "Grow stronger... even more than your father."
Nova nodded.
Then Edward’s expression turned slightly serious."Jenna told me you got into a fight yesterday. Who was it?"
Nova met his gaze calmly. "It’s nothing major, Father. I’ll take care of it myself." His tone was steady, he had no intention of dragging his family into conflict with a noble.
That bastard he would deal with him personally. Then a voice came from behind. "Captain Edward, we should be moving soon."
Nova turned slightly. The speaker was a man dressed in a butler’s uniform tall, elderly, with neatly kept white hair and a composed, handsome face. Despite his calm appearance, a powerful aura surrounded him.
Beside him stood Asia Frost, accompanied by four guards. Her expression was neutral, her gaze directed quietly toward Nova.
Edward stepped forward slightly.
"Oh right," he said, before turning toward her. "Lady Asia, this is my son, Nova, and my wife, Jenna."
Nova and Jenna bowed slightly.
"Greetings, Lady Asia."
They spoke in unison, Asia gave a small nod in return, her expression softening just a little.
Asia Frost was well known for her beauty and her lack of expression. It didn’t mean she was rude; rather, it was said that she either didn’t know how to express her emotions properly or she was simply very good at hiding them.
Before he could think further, Edward spoke again.
"I’ll be back at night."
With that, he turned and walked toward a luxurious carriage waiting at a distance. He mounted the horse standing beside it, while the guards followed, each taking their positions.
Asia and the butler entered the carriage and soon they began to depart.
After they departed, Nova and his mother returned home as well. Jenna went straight to the kitchen and began preparing lunch, while Nova headed back to his room and sat down on his bed.
After a brief moment of silence, he spoke.
"System... now that I’ve awakened, what should I do?"
A soft panel appeared.
[Most awakened individuals first focus on becoming stronger by leveling up.]
Nova leaned slightly forward and asked "And how do I go about doing that?"
[There are multiple ways, however, the most common and effective method used in this world is hunting beasts inside dungeons.]
"Ah I know about that," Nova said, recalling fragments from his memories. "But where do I find these dungeons?"
[Host is not advised to enter just any dungeon at present.]
[They are classified from Rank E to Rank S. Higher classifications such as SS and SSS also exists. ]
[Additionally, to enter a dungeon, one must first register as an adventurer at a guild , become a mercenary or be affiliated with an organization that holds sufficient authority within that region.]
Nova listened carefully, absorbing every piece of information.
His expression grew thoughtful. So this world was far more structured than he had expected.
"Okay... now that I’ve awakened, I must have gotten another innate skill, just as you said. Show me."
Nova spoke calmly, though there was a hint of anticipation in his voice.
[Of course, Host.]
A faint blue panel appeared before his eyes.
[Host Profile]
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