The annual Awakening Ceremony of the city of Luohai was fast approaching, an event that only occurred once a year. It was a day of destiny for every student, a moment when their futures would be shaped. A day when the potential of becoming something greater could be realized. Today, at the prestigious Luohai First High School, that day had arrived.
On the stage, several teachers stood, their faces solemn and expectant, while below them, the students stood in neat rows, eyes fixed ahead. The air was thick with anticipation, a buzz of whispered voices barely audible, a nervous energy hanging like a storm cloud.
"Students," a voice rang out from the stage, smooth and commanding, "Today marks the day of your transformation. I don't need to emphasize the significance of the Awakening; you all know what it means."
The teacher paused, his gaze sweeping over the students, each one young, eager, yet unaware of the weight that would soon be placed upon their shoulders.
"For decades now, the arrival of the Alien Laws has reshaped this world," the teacher continued. "It was through the resonance of our hearts with the gods that we gained their power, awakening our abilities and giving rise to countless occupations. These occupations have allowed humanity to stand tall, to resist the invaders and survive. But remember if you wish to carry the future on your shoulders, you must awaken to your true calling, to your chosen path."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, and down below, a young boy stood, his posture slightly slouched, his hands clutching the straps of a bag that hung diagonally across his chest. Several black wires snaked out of the bag, disappearing beneath his jacket, connecting to a mechanical device that pulsed faintly in the space between his ribs.
The students around him began to whisper, their words laced with disbelief and doubt.
"Isn't that Wang Chen from Class One? What is he doing here? He's actually going through the Awakening Ceremony with an artificial heart? Does he think a god will resonate with that thing?"
"And what about the stress on his body? That artificial heart it's not even real! Can it handle the power of the gods? There's no way."
"Poor guy. He's so smart, but he's wasting his chance. Why not just live a normal life? He's already got enough problems. I heard his sister is disabled, and his parents are still in a coma. Why would he risk his life?"
Wang Chen stood still, his face a mask of serenity. He had heard it all before, the whispers, the doubts. Three years ago, he had lost his heart in a tragic accident. His sister had lost her legs. And his parents his parents still lay unconscious in a hospital bed, their futures uncertain. He had spent the last few years pretending it didn't hurt, pretending that he could still hold his family together. But deep down, Wang Chen knew the truth.
Being ordinary in this world was not an option.
He could not afford to sit back and watch as his family struggled. He had to be more than human. He had to awaken. The pressure was suffocating, but it was the only choice he had left.
"I'm not giving up," Wang Chen muttered to himself, a quiet vow as he watched the others ahead of him.
The Awakening ceremony unfolded before him. The students on the stage stepped up one by one, each revealing their newfound abilities.
"Class Two's Fu Long awakens as a C-rank warrior! A combat profession! Not bad!"
"Is that Wang Dong? He awakens as a D-rank blacksmith! A useful, practical role!"
Then came the more thrilling moments. "Someone just awakened as a B-rank shield warrior! Incredible!"
The crowd murmured with admiration, but no one was prepared for what was about to come.
A tall figure stepped onto the stage, his golden hair shimmering in the light. The crowd fell silent. This was Ren Yinian, heir to the influential Ren family of Luohai. A figure of legend, his name spoken in hushed tones among the students. He was everything they aspired to be handsome, gifted, kind-hearted, and above all, destined for greatness. His smile alone seemed to command the room, and as he stood on the platform, all eyes were on him.
"The rumors are true. Ren Yinian is definitely going to awaken as an A-rank or higher," one student whispered in awe.
"Of course he is. He's a genius!" another replied, eyes filled with admiration.
Ren Yinian's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the buzz of excitement around him. He was not in a hurry. He simply smiled, acknowledging the praise, then positioned himself on the Awakening platform.
The ritual began.
Unlike the other students, this Awakening would be different. The circle of light around Ren Yinian pulsed with an intensity that silenced even the most talkative students. In an instant, the air around him shimmered as golden light erupted from the ground, and a majestic, ethereal winged horse descended from the sky, its wings gleaming like polished ivory. Upon its back sat a celestial figure, clad in shining gold armor, holding a golden spear that radiated divine light, its brilliance a spectacle of awe-inspiring power.
The earth trembled as the vision unfolded before them, an eruption of divine energy so powerful that it rattled the bones of those nearby.
"It's the Awakening Phenomenon!" someone gasped, "This can only happen when an S-rank profession is unlocked!"
The crowd roared in astonishment.
"Is that... the Apocalypse Knight? The most powerful S-rank profession in history?" another voice exclaimed in disbelief.
Even the teachers on the stage, the very ones who had seen countless Awakening ceremonies, were stunned into silence.
But Ren Yinian he stood there unmoved. His face remained calm as the divine light enveloped him, flowing into his body like a natural extension of his being.
"Impressive," one teacher murmured. "He's the perfect candidate. A truly remarkable talent."
"And humble, too," another added. "Even with such a rare S-rank profession, he remains composed."
Wang Chen watched quietly from the sidelines. Ren Yinian's Awakening was nothing short of legendary. But for some reason, Wang Chen wasn't filled with jealousy or anger. Instead, he felt a strange sense of peace. Ren Yinian had always helped him. In a world where everyone fought for their place, Ren Yinian had been one of the few to extend a hand in kindness. Today, Wang Chen found himself smiling just a little.
Then his name was called.
Wang Chen took a deep breath and stepped onto the platform. His heart pounded in his chest, the artificial organ within him pulsing in sync with his nerves. He knew this was his moment, the defining moment of his life. This was the only chance he had to prove that he was more than just a shadow of the boy he had once been.
"Now, it's time to decide my fate."
But as soon as his body touched the Awakening platform, everything went wrong.
A crushing wave of pressure slammed into him. It was as if the entire universe was bearing down on his fragile form. His breath hitched as he struggled to stay conscious.
The sensation was overwhelming, far more intense than he had expected. This was not just a test of power it was a test of survival.
His heart, his artificial heart, began to strain under the immense pressure. The wires connecting his body to the device inside his chest started to crackle and burn.
He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think.
The energy divine, otherworldly was too much.
"I can't "
But he was already too far gone.
Wang Chen's vision blurred. The crackling of his artificial heart became deafening. His body was trembling, shattering under the weight of the gods' power.
If I don't stop now, I'll die...
But if he did... he might as well be dead already.
With every ounce of strength he had left, Wang Chen pushed forward, refusing to let go.
And then... everything went dark.