On the road leading toward the academy, a luxurious black car sped forward smoothly. Despite its high speed, the driving was controlled and precise, every turn calculated for safety rather than recklessness. It was the kind of driving that reflected long years of discipline.
Inside the vehicle, Blackridge sat in the back seat, dressed in a nice black suit that accentuated his authoritative presence, one leg crossed over the other as he glanced repeatedly between his phone and his watch.
Beside him, Sorin leaned against the seat, fast asleep. Her breathing was steady, but the faint crease between her brows betrayed exhaustion.
Blackridge shifted his gaze toward her, a trace of concern softening his usually stern expression.
'Poor girl… Her schedule has been brutal lately.'
He checked his watch again.
'The ceremony should be starting soon. Good thing we're already close to the academy.'
Just then, his phone began to ring. His eyes flicked to the screen, and when he saw the caller's name, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
He answered without hesitation.
"Hello? Garrick, This is you, right?"
A familiar voice answered from the other end.
"Hello, Maren. What's this? Suddenly missing me? Want to reminisce about the good old days?"
On the other side of the call, Maren let out a mocking laugh.
"Do you really think I have time to waste on you?" she shot back. "If anything, you're the one who seems to miss those days the most."
Blackridge chuckled softly.
"Hm… then why call me? I can't think of a reason."
"Haha. Very funny," Maren replied dryly. "Don't play dumb. I called to ask where you are."
Blackridge glanced at his watch once more.
"Give me a few minutes. I'll be there shortly."
"Make it quick," Maren said firmly. "I'm heading to the stadium now. Delaying an event like this affects the academy's image. Between you and the academy's honor, I'll always choose the academy."
Blackridge sighed, shaking his head.
"Alright, alright. Then look forward to my grand arrival. Goodbye."
"Goodbye. Arrive safely."
The call ended. Blackridge leaned back and looked out the window. In the distance, the towering structures of the academy came into view, bathed in morning light.
A faint smile crossed his face.
'I don't know about you… but things felt dull without hearing your nagging now and then.'
'My reliable old friend.'
…
Inside the stadium, anticipation thickened the air. Conversations buzzed, eyes darted toward the gates, and excitement rippled through the crowd as everyone awaited the start of the ceremony.
Ashan stood among the formations, quietly observing those around him. His gaze moved from one awakener to another, instinctively analyzing their presence, posture, and mana flow.
'Some of them… even outside the S and A ranks, are quite impressive,' he noted. 'With proper guidance, they'll grow much stronger in the future.'
Suddenly, a voice rang out nearby.
"Hey.. look! The Headmistress is coming!"
A ripple passed through the formation as everyone turned toward the left gate of the stadium.
Maren entered, followed closely by the professors of the academy. Their posture, expressions, and unhurried steps made one thing clear, they were not merely staff. They were the authority of this place.
Close on Maren's heels came two distinguished figures.
The first was Blackridge, advancing with calm assurance, his tailored black suit accentuating his poised demeanor.
Beside him walked a woman slightly shorter in stature, exuding an air of refined elegance. She was clad in a tailored three-piece brown suit that hugged her form with professional grace, long, dark hair was pulled back into a sleek bun, her middle-aged figure carrying an undeniable allure. Yet, it was her face that truly captivated, marked by considerable beauty, with sharp features softened by wisdom.
The moment the newcomers recognized them, shock spread like wildfire.
"Those are..!"
"They're the leaders of the Honor Association and the Luminary Association!"
"S-rankers, Garrick Blackridge and Sheliya Warlock… they came in person?!"
Ashan narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at the trio.
'Former S-rank raiders. Pillars of the awakener world,' he thought. 'Their presence alone carries weight. Completely different from the younger S-rankers.'
'That's the difference between veterans and rising stars.'
Then Ashan's gaze shifted.
'Wait… there's another one behind them.'
A nearby combat fighter gasped loudly.
"Holy shit.. look behind them! That's the Sword Saint! Silas Wolven! For real!"
Two meters behind Maren, another figure emerged.
Silas Wolven appeared slightly older than Blackridge, yet his tall, broad frame erased any sense of age. His long white hair was tied neatly atop his head, and a thick white beard framed his stern face. He wore a pitch-black jacket and jeans that fit him perfectly, giving him the appearance of someone ready for battle rather than ceremony.
Three swords rested on his body, two at his waist, and one massive blade strapped to his back.
Anyone could tell at a glance. He didn't come here just to watch.
He came prepared for war.
"It's the Sword Saint…" Nevil whispered, his eyes shining with admiration. "Ashan, doesn't he look incredible?"
Ashan gave a small nod.
"Not just cool," he replied quietly. "He's overwhelmingly strong."
Nevil nodded eagerly.
"Of course. He's a peak S-ranker, just like Sir Garrick. Both are combat fighters, but when it comes to swordsmanship, the Sword Saint stands at the pinnacle. Sir Garrick is versatile with weapons, but Silas… he is the sword."
Ashan fell silent, deep in thought.
'Nevil's description matches the system's information perfectly,' he mused. 'But there's more to it.'
'Their raw strength may be similar, but Garrick's fighting style lacks refinement compared to Silas. Silas didn't just learn sword arts. He studied them, dissected them, and created his own.'
'The Dragon-Cutting Sword Style… a technique that will one day live up to its name.'
'And his most terrifying skill, the Formless Sword. Turning even a pencil into a blade through intent alone.
Ashan's lips curled faintly.
'Still… compared to Sukuna, he's a beginner. I can cut with nothing but thought.'
Nevil leaned closer.
"Hey, Ashan… do you know about Sir Garrick and Madam Sheliya's past?"
Ashan glanced at him.
"What do you mean? Everyone knows they were powerful raiders."
"No, no," Nevil whispered. "I mean… their relationship. I heard they were lovers. They split after some incident. Now they barely acknowledge each other."
Ashan's expression didn't change.
'I know,' he thought. 'I even know about relationships that haven't happened yet. The system fed me unwanted information…'
'Better than nothing.'
Soon, Garrick, Sheliya, and the professors separated from Maren and headed toward the glass-covered balcony. Maren alone approached the stage.
The moment she began climbing, the stadium fell silent.
She stood at the center of the stage and surveyed the crowd. Taking a small microphone from her pocket, she began to speak.
"Honored guests, respected faculty, and most importantly, our newest awakeners… welcome."
Her voice was calm, steady, yet carried unquestionable authority. It spread across the vast stadium with ease, reaching every corner without strain.
"Today marks not just the beginning of your journey at this Academy, but the awakening of your true selves. Each of you has been chosen not merely because you possess power, but because you carry within you the potential to shape the future."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some stood a little straighter, others clenched their fists unconsciously, stirred by her words.
"Here, within these halls, you will be tested, challenged, and guided. You will learn discipline over chaos, wisdom over impulse, and unity over isolation. Power without control is destruction; power with purpose is legacy. And it is that legacy we strive to build."
"Remember, every great awakener who once stood where you stand today began as a novice, unsure, untested, and afraid. What set them apart was not the strength they brought with them, but the resolve they forged within these very walls."
Some of the younger awakeners swallowed nervously. Others felt their doubts easing, replaced by determination.
"This Academy is more than a place of training. It is a home, a forge, and a shield. Here, you will find comrades who will one day fight beside you, rivals who will push you beyond your limits, and mentors who will believe in you even when you falter."
"So stand tall. From this day forward, you are not just individuals, you are awakeners of this Academy. Carry yourselves with pride, and carry forward the responsibility that comes with your gift."
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"On behalf of the faculty and the generations who came before, I welcome you to the Awakener Academy. May this be the first step in the journey that defines your destiny."
For a heartbeat, the stadium was silent.
Then applause erupted.
Hands clapped, cheers rang out, and faces lit up with excitement and resolve. Some smiled openly, others nodded with fierce determination. Every word she spoke resonated deeply.
'Every word… admirable,' Ashan thought quietly.
Maren paused, raising one hand. Gradually, the applause faded as her eyes swept across the stadium, measuring, acknowledging, and judging all at once.
"But before you begin this journey," she continued, "there are allies you must come to know."
Her tone shifted, becoming heavier, more profound.
"This world is no longer shaped by humans alone. During dungeon raids in the past, we encountered other worlds. Through those encounters, we came to know beings who share the same destiny as us."
The crowd stirred. Whispers spread.
"Through blood, battle, and trust, we formed bonds. We earned allies, those who stand with us to guard this world and protect its balance."
Maren straightened.
"And today, as a symbol of that friendship, some from their kind will join hands with you. They will stand as honorable students within this sacred academy."
She raised her hand slightly.
"I welcome our elves and beast kind who have come here to join us."
At her signal, the west gate of the stadium creaked open.
Horns echoed through the air, deep and resonant.
From the left, the elves marched in. They moved in perfect, unhurried synchrony, tall and slender figures draped in elegant attire unfamiliar to human eyes. Their stunning faces, sharp features, and long ears gave them an otherworldly beauty that drew audible gasps.
"Are those… elves?"
"No way… they're enrolling too?"
From the right, the beast people advanced in disciplined ranks. Animal-like ears rose from their heads above unmistakably human faces, while sharp, feline eyes swept across the stadium with calm vigilance. Muscles coiled beneath their uniforms, and their tails, where visible, swayed slowly, betraying restrained alertness rather than aggression.
The crowd's reaction shifted.
Some recoiled instinctively. Others felt a thrill race through their veins. A few awakeners clenched their fists, excitement surging at the sight of warriors who looked born for battle.
"Beast people…"
"They look dangerous…"
"They're coming too?"
Both formations halted before the crowd.
The elves bowed with regal precision. The beast people struck their fists against their chests in solemn salute.
Maren's voice rang out once more.
"Look well, awakeners. These are not strangers, but brothers and sisters-in-arms. Together, you will train, fight, and rise."
Her gaze hardened.
"Beyond these walls, the world will not care about who you are or where you come from. It will only answer strength with survival."
She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping across the stadium.
"And so, I hope that all of you will rise together, in harmony, and face that world side by side."
The stadium erupted with applause once again.