Rowan's face was filled with pride as he walked forward, his posture straight and arrogant, like a lion that had just crushed its prey beneath its paws. Every step he took seemed deliberate, as if he wanted the entire stadium to acknowledge his presence.
Ashan's gaze instinctively dropped to Rowan's waist, searching for the familiar outline of his sword.
It wasn't there.
Instead of the Dragon Slayer, an A-rank sword hung at his side. Its shape similar, its aura convincing at first glance, but unmistakably inferior to the real thing.
"Puff…"
Ashan barely managed to suppress his laughter, turning his face slightly away.
'So he couldn't fix the Dragon Slayer after all,' Ashan thought with amusement. 'He brought a substitute instead. A fake that looks close enough to fool the ignorant.'
His lips curled into a faint smile.
'He's really that worried about appearances. Typical Rowan.'
Just then, Ashan noticed something else.
He wasn't the only one paying attention to Rowan's sword.
Among the S-rankers, a young man had fixed his gaze on the sword as well. He wore casual black clothing, loose and unassuming. His messy white hair contrasted sharply with his dark outfit, and a scarf covered the lower half of his face, hiding any expression he might have had.
But what truly stood out were his eyes. Mysterious yellow pupils shimmered faintly under the sunlight, glowing like distant stars. Yet within those half-lidded eyes, there was no emotion. No curiosity. No excitement.
Only stillness.
—-------------------------------------------
Name – Morven Ebonhart
Age – 18
Gender – Male
[Power Rank – S]
[Specialty – Assassin]
[Strength – 290]
[Stamina – 250]
[Endurance – 300]
[Agility – 300]
[Other Powers and Skills]
<> Watcher's Eyes – SS
- Allows the user to see through the eyes of a marked target via a special mana-based mark.
- The user can project his vision onto a mana-constructed screen, allowing others to see it as well.
- Deeply connected to the cosmic powers of this world. Occasionally grants access to identifying names, species, individuals, abilities, and skills.
<> Weapon Mastery – SGrants instant proficiency with any weapon the user handles, allowing seamless adaptation to its form and combat style.
<> Shadow Meld – AAllows the user to blend into their surroundings or vanish within shadows, becoming extremely difficult to detect.
<> Camouflage – AEnables the user to alter appearance and presence to disguise as another individual or blend naturally into crowds.
—-------------------------------------------
The moment Ashan identified him, a subtle tension crept into his chest.
'That one… he's dangerous.'
His playful mood vanished instantly.
'He's the real deal. Damn it, he even looks like a low-budget version of Gojo.' Ashan grimaced internally. 'That kid is someone I should never get involved with.'
Ashan's eyes narrowed.
'Those eyes are broken. Completely broken. Even if he can only see names, that alone is more than enough to be a threat.'
A chill ran down his spine.
'I need to keep Narasha away from his line of sight. If he identifies her as a vampire… things will get ugly.'
"Tch…"
Ashan clicked his tongue silently.
Nearby, two female combat fighters whispered harshly while glaring toward the S-ranker formation.
"Look at Roswyn," one of them scoffed. "She's trying to flatter Draven and Magnar at the same time. Shameless."
Ashan followed their gaze.
Between Draven Ironfell and another towering S-ranker walked a confident woman, her body language bold and unapologetic. She leaned closer than necessary, her words clearly meant to charm.
Ashan chuckled quietly.
'She hasn't changed at all,' he thought. 'Greedy, calculating, and completely unashamed.'
Roswyn Wolven was undeniably beautiful. Light brown eyes, blonde hair tied into a ponytail, a brown jacket loosely worn, and sunglasses resting casually on her forehead. A finely crafted long sword hung at her waist, complementing her confident stride.
Nevil leaned closer to Ashan and muttered, "Hey, no matter how strong she is, don't you think she's a bit too careless? She's flirting in public like this. I heard she really likes strong men."
"Compared to her… S-ranker, Dessa Ebonhart is an angel."
Nevil subtly gestured toward a woman walking alone near Morven.
Like her brother, she wore black clothing, elegant and simple. Her long, smooth black hair swayed gently with the breeze, framing her calm expression.
Ashan's gaze sharpened with interest.
'It's her.'
'Among all psychics… She has the most terrifying ability. Along with her brother, she plays a major role in the future.'
Soon, all S-rankers and A-rankers formed another square formation beside the main group.
Ashan carefully scanned the A-rankers, searching for a familiar presence.
Then he saw her.
Eirena.
She stood among the A-rankers, positioned closer to the S-rank formation than most. Unlike the others, she didn't attempt to draw attention to herself, yet attention gathered around her naturally.
The armor she wore was the same one she had used in the forest, polished but scarred, as if each mark told a quiet story. Without the mask, her face was fully revealed. Her features were clear and well-defined, with sharp eyes, a straight nose, and lips set in a calm, firm line. There was a quiet confidence in her expression, the kind that only came from someone who had already survived things others feared.
Without exaggeration, she was among the most beautiful awakeners on the continent.
Ashan noticed the subtle glances. Almost every male awakener nearby stole secret looks at her.
Even Rowan was among them.
Ashan's lips curved into a knowing smirk.
'She might be an A-ranker, but she's the protagonist of this world. Her presence alone influences the strong.'
…
When awakeners were gathering inside the stadium, a woman in her fifties emerged from a nearby building within the academy grounds. She wore green attire that made her resemble an office worker rather than a powerful figure, yet her presence alone carried quiet authority. Behind her, the remaining professors of the academy followed in an orderly manner, their steps measured and respectful as they made their way toward the stadium.
Half of her black hair was dyed green, revealing her obsession with the color. Despite that, her kind face reflected a life lived in harmony.
She turned her head slightly toward the woman walking beside her, a bespectacled secretary holding a tablet close to her chest and keeping pace attentively.
"Secretary Siliya, I couldn't look into today's event properly," she said calmly. "Family matters kept me occupied. Can you brief me on the details?"
At once, Siliya lowered her gaze to the tablet, her fingers moving swiftly as she organized the information.
"Yes, Madam Maren," she replied. "We have a total of 751 newcomers this year. Among them, there are 8 S-rankers, 105 A-rankers, 250 B-rankers, 350 C-rankers, and 40 D-rankers. All of them are currently present inside the stadium."
Maren raised an eyebrow slightly, visibly intrigued.
"Hmm… that's a bit higher than last year," she murmured. "And what about our guests?"
Siliya nodded and continued, her tone becoming more careful.
"Currently present are Mr. Viremont, father of Magnar; Mr. Ironfell, father of Draven; and Ms. Ebonhart, mother of Morven and Dessa. Given their status, their arrival has already drawn attention among the professors. The pressure in the viewing area has noticeably increased."
She paused briefly before adding, "Other guardians are expected to arrive shortly."
Maren's eyes widened a little at the names, a spark of nostalgia flickering across her face.
"What about Silas Wolven?" she asked. "He hasn't arrived yet?"
Siliya shook her head. "No, Madam. Mr. Wolven hasn't arrived yet. However, based on his behavior, we can expect him to appear sooner or later."
Maren suddenly let out a soft laugh, memories clearly resurfacing.
"I remember him saying once that the main character always arrives at the last moment," she said amusedly. "Don't tell me he plans to do the same thing here. And knowing him… his daughter Roswyn is probably no different."
Siliya sighed and rubbed her forehead.
"She truly resembles her father," she said. "She arrived earlier, but her attire is… unconventional. I believe she's deliberately seeking attention."
Hearing that, Maren smiled warmly.
"Of course she is," she replied. "Father and daughter through and through."
She then tilted her head slightly. "And what about Blackridge and Sheliya, the guardians of Rowan and Eirena?"
Siliya hesitated before answering.
"Ah… regarding them, they informed us they would be arriving late due to busy schedules."
Maren exhaled softly, a gentle, nostalgic smile spreading across her face.
"No matter how far apart we grow, some things never change," she said quietly.
'My old friends… even if it's only for a moment, I'll finally get the chance to see you both together again. I'm truly looking forward to it.'