The next morning, Rowen woke before sunrise.
For a moment, he lay quietly in bed before slowly sitting up.
As soon as he stood, a wave of weakness washed over him.
His body felt even heavier than it had the day before.
"So it's gotten worse again..." he murmured.
After washing up and changing into his school uniform, he left the house and locked the door behind him.
Like every morning, he stopped at Uncle Ben's food stall.
"Morning, Rowen," Uncle Ben greeted with a smile.
"You look even paler than yesterday."
"I'm fine," Rowen replied, forcing a smile. "Just two meat buns, please."
Uncle Ben didn't look convinced, but he said nothing. He handed Rowen the warm buns along with a cup of hot tea.
"Today's a big day. Eat well."
"Thank you, Uncle."
After finishing his breakfast, Rowen thanked him and began walking toward Boulder Lower School.
Every step felt heavier than the last.
By the time he reached the middle of the road, he had already started breathing heavily.
Just then, a familiar voice called out.
"Rowen!"
Finn hurried over.
The smile on his face disappeared the moment he saw Rowen.
"You look terrible."
"I'm... alright."
"No, you're not."
Without waiting for an answer, Finn grabbed Rowen's arm and supported him.
"Come on. We'll be late for the theory exam if we keep walking like this."
With Finn's help, Rowen barely made it to the classroom before the examination began.
The theory examination lasted two hours.
Once it ended, Mr. Harris stood up.
"Everyone, follow me to the Awakening Grounds."
The students left the classroom and followed him outside.
The atmosphere was completely different from the day before.
Hundreds of students from both classes had already gathered around the Awakening Platform.
Parents stood behind the designated viewing area, eagerly waiting to witness one of the most important moments of their children's lives.
Teachers moved through the crowd, organizing the students into their respective classes.
Before long, several vehicles bearing the emblem of the Federation Government entered the school.
Government officials stepped out and began preparing the Awakening Platform. Their task was to ensure the ceremony proceeded safely and to register every newly awakened student.
Not far from the platform sat the invited guests.
Representatives from Boulder Town's two great families, the Valester Family and the Stonevale Family, occupied the front row. Beside them sat representatives from several local guilds in the inner district.
Many students looked at them with excitement.
After all, being noticed by one of the great families or a guild could change a person's future.
However, the representatives only gave the students a brief glance.
Their expressions showed little interest.
To them, this was simply another awakening ceremony in the lower district.
Most believed there was little chance of discovering a truly exceptional talent here.
Rowen looked toward the viewing platform.
At the center of the viewing platform sat Principal Eamon
Mr. Harris took his seat on the principal's right.
Seated on his left was a young woman in her mid-twenties. Her long purple hair and elegant black dress made her stand out among the staff.
Many students, and even some of the guests, couldn't help stealing glances at her.
Rowen recognized her immediately.
She was Miss Evelyn, the homeroom teacher of Class One.
As soon as everyone had taken their seats, Principal Eamon stepped onto the platform.
"I know some of you may feel discouraged."
Many students lowered their heads.
"The guilds and families you see today are only local representatives from Boulder Town."
The students looked up.
"In one month's time, the Federation Government will conduct its annual overall assessment."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"Students from towns across the Federation will participate. Representatives from the Federation Military, renowned guilds, prestigious academies, and powerful clans from across the Federation will all be watching."
Principal Eamon's voice grew firmer.
"Today's Awakening is only the beginning."
"Even if no one notices you today, you will still have one month to grow stronger and prove your worth."
"So don't be discouraged."
"Focus on your awakening."
A murmur spread through the students.
Many who had lowered their heads now looked up again.
The disappointment on their faces gradually faded.
Principal Eamon returned to his seat.
Miss Evelyn smiled warmly.
"That was a good speech, Principal. I'm sure the students feel much better now."
Principal Eamon let out a quiet scoff.
"Hmph. Who do they think they are, looking down on the students of our lower district?"
He glanced toward the representatives.
"I have a feeling this year's results will surprise them."
The representatives from the Valester and Stonevale families merely scoffed.
The guild representatives simply looked away, showing little interest.
To them, the principal's confidence was nothing more than wishful thinking.
Miss Evelyn simply smiled.
"I hope you're right, Principal."
Principal Eamon folded his arms.
"I know I am."
Miss Evelyn's gaze drifted toward the students below before stopping on a girl with long crimson-red hair standing among Class One.
Aria.
She had watched the girl work harder than anyone else over the past few years.
After all, Aria carried the expectations of being the younger sister of Boulder Lower School's former genius.
Mr. Harris noticed where she was looking.
"I heard he's coming today."
Principal Eamon nodded.
"He called me a few days ago."
"Said he wanted to witness this year's Awakening Ceremony."
Mr. Harris smiled faintly.
"I have a feeling his sister isn't the only reason."
Principal Eamon simply smiled.
Then he looked toward the school entrance.
"Speak of the devil..."
"It looks like he's here."