Boulder Lower School divided its students into two classes based on their overall performance. Class One was reserved for students who excelled in both theory and practical training, while Class Two was for everyone else.
Despite always ranking first in theory, Rowen remained in Class Two. His weak body kept his practical scores among the lowest in the grade.
Finn noticed the students staring at Rowen. With a confident grin, he ran a hand through his short golden hair before striking a proud pose.
"What are you all looking at?" he said loudly. "Never seen a handsome guy before?"
A few students rolled their eyes, while others couldn't help but laugh.
Rowen could only sigh. Finn always found a way to turn everyone's attention toward himself.
Just then, the classroom door opened.
A muscular man in his early forties walked inside. His short black hair was streaked with gray, and an old scar stretched from the corner of his left eye to his jaw. Even in a teacher's uniform, he looked more like a veteran soldier than an instructor.
"Good morning, class."
"Good morning, Mr. Harris," the students replied in unison.
Mr. Harris glanced around the room.
"Leave your bags. Today's first lesson will be at the training grounds."
The students quickly stood up and followed him outside.
The training grounds were mostly empty when Class Two arrived.
A few moments later, another class entered the field.
"Class One," Finn muttered.
Rowen looked over.
Leading the group was a familiar girl with long crimson-red hair tied into a high ponytail.
Rowen recognised her immediately. It was Aria.
She was the only student who had ever come close to taking first place from him in theory.
Walking a few steps behind her was another familiar face.
Kael.
Rowen wasn't surprised to see the arrogant smile on his face. Kael never missed a chance to show everyone how talented he was.
Mr Harris stepped forward.
"Today's training is simple. Three laps around the field, followed by basic combat exercises."
At his command, the students took off running.
Finn quickly disappeared toward the front of the pack.
Aria maintained a steady pace without looking rushed.
Kael sprinted ahead, making sure everyone noticed how easily he pulled away from the others.
Rowen tried to keep up, but before he had even completed his first lap, his breathing became heavy.
His legs felt like lead.
Come on... just one lap...
By the time most of the students had finished their third lap, Rowen was still struggling to complete his first.
Kael slowed as he passed him.
"Still on your first lap?" he asked with a mocking smile.
Rowen kept his eyes on the track and said nothing.
Kael laughed.
"Forget tomorrow's Awakening. You should worry about making it to the finish line."
A few nearby students laughed.
Others looked at Rowen with pity.
"That's enough, Kael," Mr. Harris said sternly. "Finish your run."
Kael shrugged and jogged away.
Rowen lowered his head and forced himself to keep moving until he finally crossed the finish line.
After everyone gathered together, Mr. Harris clapped his hands.
"Listen up."
The chatter immediately died down.
"As all of you know, tomorrow is your final day as ordinary students."
Every student straightened.
"Tomorrow morning, you will take your final theory examination. After that, you will participate in the Awakening Ceremony."
Excitement spread through the crowd.
Rowen quietly clenched his fist.
Just then, another voice echoed across the training grounds.
"Principal Eamon is here."
Every student turned toward the entrance.
The elderly principal walked onto the field with calm, steady steps. Even Mr. Harris stood a little straighter.
Principal Eamon looked over the students before speaking.
"A hundred years ago, dimensional rifts began appearing across the world. Countless monsters poured out, forcing humanity to retreat behind massive walls."
It was a story Rowen had heard many times growing up.
"Then came the first awakening. Those blessed with awakened powers fought back against the monsters and gave humanity a chance to survive. Since then, every young man and woman has undergone the Awakening Ceremony upon reaching the age of sixteen."
His voice became more serious.
"Tomorrow, it will be your turn."
"Tomorrow, your lives will change. Some of you will awaken classes suited for combat. Others may awaken support classes or talents that serve humanity in different ways.
Those who perform well in tomorrow's examinations may earn admission to one of the Federation's prestigious academies. Outstanding students may receive scholarships, attract the attention of renowned guilds, the Federation Military, or even the great clans."
The students exchanged excited glances.
"There is one final announcement."
The training grounds fell silent.
"Tomorrow's Awakening Ceremony will be overseen by a special guest."
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"A special guest?"
"Who could it be?"
Principal Eamon smiled faintly.
"Our guest is the former genius of Boulder Lower School."
The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the students.
Rowen instinctively glanced toward Aria.
For the first time that morning, her calm expression had disappeared. Her fists were clenched at her sides, and determination burned in her eyes.
He understood why.
The former genius wasn't just a famous graduate.
He was Aria's older brother.
Everyone knew that Aria was the younger sister of the former genius. Because of that, many expected her to follow in her brother's footsteps. The pressure weighed heavily on her shoulders, but more than anything, she didn't want to disappoint her brother.
Aria felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. She was happy that her brother would be coming to the school tomorrow, but at the same time, she couldn't help feeling anxious.
After finishing his speech, Principal Eamon exchanged a few quiet words with Mr. Harris before leaving the training grounds.
Mr. Harris watched him go before turning back to the students.
"That's all for today. You're dismissed."
A wave of excitement swept through the crowd.
"Remember," Mr. Harris continued, "tomorrow is one of the most important days of your lives. Don't be late."
"Yes, sir!" the students replied.
With that, Mr. Harris also left the training grounds.
Groups of students immediately began chatting as they walked toward the school gate.
"I hope I awaken as a warrior."
"I'm aiming for a mage class."
"My brother said even a support class can have a bright future."
The training grounds gradually emptied.
Only a handful of students remained.
Rowen was still trying to catch his breath. The three laps had left him completely exhausted.
He sat down on a nearby bench, his chest rising and falling with each breath.
My body is getting worse...
Ever since his grandfather passed away, he had noticed his condition slowly deteriorating. Even he didn't know why.
Finn walked over and handed him a bottle of water.
"Easy there," he said with a grin. "You look like you're about to pass out."
Rowen accepted the bottle with a weak smile.
"Thanks."
After taking a few deep breaths, his breathing gradually steadied.
A familiar voice called out.
"Feeling better?"
Rowen looked up.
Aria stood before them with her usual calm expression.
"I'm fine," Rowen replied.
Aria nodded.
"Good."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"But don't think I'll go easy on you tomorrow."
Rowen smiled back.
"I wouldn't expect you to."
"I'm taking first place in the theory exam this time," she said confidently. "And I'll awaken a powerful class."
Finn chuckled.
"Looks like the competition starts tomorrow."
Before Rowen could answer, another voice interrupted them.
"He'll be lucky if he even makes it here tomorrow."
The three turned around.
Kael approached with his hands in his pockets and his usual arrogant smile.
"I was starting to think we'd have to carry you to the Awakening Ceremony."
Finn stepped in front of Rowen.
"No need to worry," he said with a grin. "If Rowen can't walk, I'll carry him myself."
He folded his arms.
"You should worry about beating him in the theory exam first."
A few nearby students laughed.
Kael's smile disappeared.
His face darkened for a brief moment.
"...Just wait."
He shot one last glare at Rowen before turning away.
Tomorrow changes everything.
Once I awaken a powerful class, they'll all know who deserves to stand at the top.
Without another word, Kael walked away.