A few moments later, a figure could be seen rushing toward the school at an astonishing speed.
Within seconds, he crossed the distance and came to a stop before the viewing platform without even appearing out of breath.
Such speed would have been impossible for an ordinary person. After awakening, one's body was strengthened by mana. Warriors refined that mana into Aura, allowing them to move with superhuman speed and strength.
The young man looked to be in his early twenties. He had a sturdy build and long crimson-red hair that matched Aria's. A sword hung at his waist, and he wore loose, practical clothes instead of expensive robes or armor.
At a glance, anyone could tell there was a resemblance between the two siblings.
His name was Ethan.
As Ethan walked toward Principal Eamon, the representatives from the Valester Family, the Stonevale Family, and the local guilds all turned their attention to him.
One after another, expressions of surprise appeared on their faces.
"So it's him..."
"The Red Demon..."
Five years ago, Boulder Lower School had produced a genius unlike any before him.
After graduating, Ethan had quickly risen through the ranks and eventually joined a renowned guild in a Tier-2 city. His achievements had made him well known throughout Boulder Town.
It was because of Ethan that the major families and local guilds still paid attention to Boulder Lower School every Awakening Day.
"But why is he here today?" one of the guild representatives wondered aloud.
The others soon followed his gaze.
Their eyes landed on a girl with long crimson-red hair standing among Class One.
Aria.
Realization quickly dawned on them.
"So that's right..."
"His younger sister is awakening today."
"It seems he came to watch her."
The attention of the representatives gradually shifted toward Aria.
Feeling their gazes, Aria looked toward her brother.
A smile appeared on her face.
It had been five years since she had last seen him.
Although she noticed the representatives watching her with renewed interest, she paid them little attention.
Not everyone shared her happiness.
Standing a short distance away, Kael watched the scene with a dark expression.
"...Damn it."
He clenched his fists.
"Why does she always get all the attention?"
Kael was a member of a branch family of the Stonevale family.
Once, he had studied at the prestigious academy in the upper district. However, his arrogant behavior and repeated misconduct had eventually led to his expulsion.
Now he was attending Boulder Lower School instead.
Even after recognizing him, the representatives from the Stonevale Family simply ignored his presence.
The sight made Kael grit his teeth, and he said in a low voice, "Just wait..."
A few moments later, Ethan walked up to the viewing platform.
"Principal."
He greeted Principal Eamon with a respectful nod before exchanging a few words with him.
After a brief conversation, Ethan took the empty seat beside Mr. Harris.
Many of the students couldn't help but look at him with admiration.
Rowen couldn't help but glance at Ethan.
So that's what a true awakened warrior looks like...
The representatives from the Valester Family, the Stonevale Family, and the local guilds also turned their attention toward him.
Once everyone had settled down, a middle-aged man wearing the uniform of the federation government stepped onto the platform.
He looked over the crowd before speaking.
"My name is Daniel. I am the Federation representative overseeing today's Awakening Ceremony."
His voice echoed across the grounds.
"As you have all learned in school..." A hundred years ago, dimensional rifts began appearing throughout the world. Along with them came monsters... and mana."
"The world is now filled with mana, but ordinary people cannot absorb or control it."
"Only those who successfully awaken today will gain the ability to naturally absorb mana."
"Combat classes refine mana into aura, strengthening their bodies and weapons, allowing them to display strength and speed far beyond that of ordinary people."
"Mage classes manipulate mana directly to cast powerful spells."
"Support classes also use mana, but in different ways. Some can heal the wounded, and some can craft equipment, while others possess abilities that support combat or everyday life. Every awakened class has its own role."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"The Awakening Ceremony will now begin."
"When your name is called, step onto the platform and place your hand on the Awakening Stone."
"The results of your awakening will be announced immediately."
"Even if you don't awaken a combat class, do not be discouraged. Every awakened class contributes to humanity in its own way."
The entire training ground fell silent.
Every student's eyes turned toward the Awakening Stone.