It was still afternoon.
Rowen hadn't eaten anything since morning.
After everything that had happened during the Awakening Ceremony, he had completely forgotten about it.
Although he had little appetite, he knew his body couldn't afford to skip another meal.
He quietly entered a small restaurant near the main street and ordered a simple meal.
As he ate in silence, his mind remained blank.
The disappointment of failing to awaken still weighed heavily on his heart.
Just as he finished eating, his grandfather's final words suddenly echoed in his mind.
"Rowen... after the Awakening ceremony has passed, you may open the letter and the wooden box."
Rowen slowly put down his chopsticks.
Today...
Awakening Day had finally passed.
After paying for his meal, he quietly walked toward his house.
His home stood along Boulder Town's main street.
The road stretched all the way to the town's massive outer wall's main gate, the final line of defense protecting Boulder Town.
Beyond the outer wall lay the endless wilderness.
No one truly knew how vast it was, and only awakened individuals dared to venture deep into its dangerous lands.
The main street was as lively as ever.
Hunters, merchants, and townspeople came and went, filling the street with noise.
As Rowen walked, he overheard several passing hunters chatting excitedly.
"I heard one of the boys from the Valester family awakened a rare class with expert-rank potential."
"That's nothing. Didn't you hear? Ethan's younger sister awakened a fire mage with expert rank potential."
"The Red Demon's sister? No wonder he came back to Boulder Town today."
"Haha, Boulder Town produced quite a few talented youngsters this year."
"That's good news for all of us. The stronger the next generation becomes, the safer Boulder Town will be."
The conversations continued one after another.
Everyone was discussing today's Awakening Ceremony and the talented youths who had stood out.
Rowen simply lowered his head and continued walking.
None of those conversations had anything to do with him anymore.
Before long, the familiar wooden sign came into view.
Evergreen Shop.
Rowen unlocked the front door and stepped inside.
The shop was as quiet as ever.
Without stopping, he walked straight to his room.
His gaze soon fell upon the wooden table beside his bed.
He slowly opened one of its drawers.
Inside lay an old letter and a small wooden box.
For the past month, Rowen had never touched either of them.
Today...
He was finally allowed to open them.
Rowen slowly unfolded the old letter.
The handwriting was familiar.
Taking a deep breath, he began to read.
Dear Rowen,
If you are reading this letter, then you have just returned from your awakening ceremony.
I had my doubts, but I knew there was a high chance that your Awakening would not go as it should.
By now, you have probably noticed that your health has been getting worse since my death.
But don't blame yourself.
My death has nothing to do with your condition.
I was simply an old man whose time had come, so don't carry that burden in your heart.
During the last years of my life, I searched everywhere for a way to solve the problem inside your body.
In the end, I finally found a possible solution.
However, I still don't know whether it will truly work.
Rowen...
The blood flowing through your veins is far more special than you can imagine.
Perhaps a miracle will happen.
I can only give you a small push and leave the rest to fate.
Inside the wooden box, I have left something for you.
I hope it will help you.
As for the Evergreen Shop, I hope you will continue taking care of it after I'm gone.
But if that is not the life you want, then don't force yourself.
You may sell it and choose your own path.
There is also a ring inside the box.
Wear it, but never reveal it carelessly to anyone.
One day, you will understand why.
No matter what happens in the future, always remember this...
Your grandfather has always loved you.
—Grandfather