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C1: Book Owner???

  They called it "The Great Awakening." The day the world changed forever.

  No one saw it coming. One day, the world was as it always had been—bustling cities, quiet suburbs, the mundane rhythm of everyday life. The next, dungeons erupted from the earth, towers pierced the skies, and reality itself shifted.

  Monsters spilled out, bringing chaos. Governments crumbled, armies fell, and humanity stood on the brink of destruction. But then, something extraordinary happened. People began to awaken. Abilities once thought to exist only in myths or games became real. Some could wield fire in their hands, others could move faster than bullets, and a rare few even controlled space itself.

  The weak perished. The strong thrived.

  But among the strong, there were legends—figures who reshaped history with their overwhelming power.

  Hoshigawa Ryunosuke, the Crimson Emperor, could summon an inferno that burned entire cities to ash.

  Selene Nacht, the Moonlight Valkyrie, moved like a ghost in battle, her sword striking down enemies before they even saw her.

  Julius Reinhardt, the Titan of Aegis, stood as an immovable fortress, an unbreakable shield against the strongest monsters.

  These were the S-Rank Awakened, individuals so powerful that nations sought their allegiance, and dungeons trembled at their presence.

  Over time, society adapted. Cities were rebuilt, protected by these living legends. Guilds rose to power, competing for dominance over the ever-expanding dungeons and towers. Specialized Academies were established, training the next generation, ensuring that every child who awakened their power would be ready to face the world that awaited them.

  The Awakening Ceremony became a sacred rite of passage. At the age of fifteen, every person in the world would unlock their hidden potential. Some would rise as warriors, mages, or healers—destined for glory. Others would receive weaker, more mundane skills, doomed to live in the shadows of the strong.

  Today was that day. And for Seiji, it meant everything and nothing at the same time.

  The streets were alive with chatter, filled with students on their way to the academy. Today was no ordinary school day. It was the day they would awaken their abilities, the day their futures would be decided.

  Seiji walked with his hands tucked into his pockets, his posture relaxed. He wasn’t nervous, but he wasn’t exactly excited either.

  “I bet I’ll get something amazing,” Tatsuya said beside him, his steps energetic as he practically bounced forward. His voice carried an excitement that Seiji simply didn’t share.

  “You’re too confident,” Seiji replied, yawning.

  “Of course I am! This is the biggest day of our lives!” Tatsuya grinned. “You should be hyped too, Seiji. Who knows? Maybe you’ll awaken some legendary power like the Crimson Emperor.”

  Seiji exhaled through his nose. “Yeah. And maybe I’ll awaken ‘Super Dishwashing’ or something.”

  Tatsuya laughed. “Come on, man, don’t jinx yourself.”

  As they walked, they passed by large screens on the sides of buildings, broadcasting news updates. A reporter spoke with urgency, standing before a massive dungeon entrance.

  "Breaking News: The Abyssal Rift Dungeon has shown signs of abnormal activity. The S-Rank Awakened, Selene Nacht, has been dispatched to contain the threat. Citizens are advised to avoid the area."

  The screen switched to a live feed of a towering, ominous dungeon entrance, its swirling void-like energy pulsating. It was a stark reminder of why awakenings were necessary. Without powerful Awakened, humanity would be at the mercy of these dungeons.

  Tatsuya’s eyes sparkled as he watched. “Man, I’d kill to be that strong one day.”

  Seiji just shrugged. He wasn’t so sure. Being an S-Rank Awakened sounded like too much work.

  Soon, the academy gates loomed ahead, the crowd of students thickening. The Awakening Ceremony was about to begin.

  The Ceremony Begins

  The massive auditorium of Tenryu Academy buzzed with excitement. A grand institution built for nurturing Awakened, it was one of the most prestigious academies in the country—a place where the strongest students trained to become future legends.

  Banners of various guilds lined the walls, each one representing a faction that dominated the world outside the academy gates. Some were focused on hunting, others specialized in dungeon raids, and a few in monster research. But among them, three guilds stood above the rest—powerhouses of the modern era.

  As Seiji surveyed the banners, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to find a boy about his age with messy brown hair and glasses standing behind him.

  “Hey, you guys seem pretty chill,” the boy said with a grin. “Mind if I join you?”

  Tatsuya raised an eyebrow, glancing at Seiji. “Sure, why not? The more the merrier,” he said, not missing a beat.

  The boy grinned wider. “Nice. Name’s Hiroshi Tanaka. I’m in the same class as you guys, by the way. Can’t wait to see what kind of abilities we get today, huh?”

  Seiji nodded, feeling a bit awkward. “Yeah, we’ll see. I’m Seiji. This is Tatsuya.”

  Hiroshi gave a quick wave to Tatsuya. “Cool to meet you, Tatsuya. I’ve been hearing a lot about your skills. Some people are saying you might be the next big swordmaster.”

  Tatsuya smirked. “I wouldn’t say that. But I’ll definitely do my best.”

  Hiroshi grinned even more. “Confidence is key! Anyway, this place looks insane, right? These guilds are some of the biggest names in the world. Can you imagine what it’d be like to be an S-Rank like one of them?”

  Seiji sighed. “Yeah, seems like a lot of pressure.”

  Hiroshi chuckled. “I get that, but hey, you never know. Maybe one of us will surprise the hell out of everyone today. Maybe you, Seiji. You never know what you could awaken.”

  Seiji shrugged. “We’ll see.” He wasn’t about to get his hopes up. He had no idea what kind of power he would unlock, but he wasn’t expecting anything too impressive.

  “Check this out,” Hiroshi said as he nudged Seiji, pointing toward the banners. “Those are the big names.”

  Seiji followed Hiroshi’s finger and nodded as he began to explain the first one.

  “The Crimson Fangs,” Hiroshi said with a grin. “A guild known for their battle-hardened warriors. Their leader, Kurogane Raizo, is an S-Rank fighter who once solo-cleared an A-Rank dungeon with his bare hands. A beast. And that’s his daughter, Kurogane Rika. She’s got the same fiery red hair and an attitude to match. Looks like she’s already sizing up the crowd.”

  Seiji eyed Rika, who sat with her arms crossed, glaring at anyone who dared meet her eyes. “She definitely looks like she could break someone in half.”

  Hiroshi chuckled. “You’re not wrong.” He pointed to the next banner. “Then we have The Silver Valkyries. These guys are all about elite swordsmanship. Their leader, Selene Nacht, is an S-Rank legend, feared across the world. You don’t mess with her. That’s her niece, Nacht Elara. Cool, calm, and totally untouchable. Rumor has it she’s already awakened her powers, but she’s just here as a formality.”

  Seiji glanced over at Elara, who was sitting with perfect posture, barely acknowledging anyone around her. “She seems pretty full of herself.”

  “Yeah, but it’s probably earned.” Hiroshi shrugged. “Now, the big one—Titan’s Aegis.” His voice lowered slightly. “Their leader, Julius Reinhardt, is basically a walking fortress. Dude once took a direct dragon attack and didn’t flinch. His son, Reinhardt Leon, is the representative for the guild. You see him? The giant sitting over there.” Hiroshi waved his hand toward Leon, a towering figure among the students. “He’s the kind of guy who could probably snap you in half with a single move, but he seems...approachable. Still, you don’t want to mess with him.”

  Seiji nodded, feeling a little smaller just looking at Leon. “Yeah, not the kind of person you want to challenge.”

  Hiroshi grinned. “Exactly. You’ll get your chance to see them up close soon enough. Just hope you’re ready.”

  Seiji, leaning back in his seat, nudged Tatsuya. “Is it just me, or does this feel like some royal gathering where they introduce the future rulers?”

  Tatsuya, eyes locked on Rika, Elara, and Leon, whispered back, “Dude, these guys are basically future S-Ranks. One of them might be your classmate.”

  “Great,” Seiji muttered. “I look forward to being a background character in their grand destinies.”

  Before Tatsuya could respond, a loud boom echoed through the auditorium.

  A single figure stepped onto the stage—a towering man with streaks of silver in his hair and an aura so suffocating it felt like the room itself bowed in submission.

  Principal Daigo Arakawa stepped onto the stage, his presence alone enough to make the murmurs die down. The tall, broad-shouldered man exuded an aura of power that even the most confident guild representatives couldn't ignore. His hair, streaked with silver, gave him a distinguished look, but it was his eyes—hard, calculating, and filled with the weight of years of battles—that told the real story.

  A former S-Rank adventurer, Daigo Arakawa was a living legend. The rumors surrounding him were almost as legendary as his feats: One such tale said he had punched an ogre so hard it wiped the entire species from existence.

  As he stood at the podium, the entire hall seemed to hold its breath. Even the guild representatives—accustomed to the constant show of strength—straightened, all eyes locked on him.

  With a deep breath, Daigo’s voice rumbled through the room, cutting through the tension like a blade. "Welcome, future Awakened."

  Principal Daigo Arakawa's voice echoed through the grand hall, sending a ripple of anticipation through the students.

  “Welcome, future Awakened.”

  The air seemed to thicken with power as his words rang out, and for a moment, it felt like even the walls of the academy were holding their breath. The students—some excited, others nervous—sat upright, instinctively sensing the immense authority of the man before them.

  Daigo’s gaze swept over the gathered crowd, his stern expression softening just slightly. It was almost imperceptible, but there was a brief flicker of what could only be described as pride in his eyes.

  “This is the moment you’ve all been waiting for—the moment when you unlock the potential hidden within you. Some of you will awaken abilities that will shape your future, others may discover powers you never dreamed possible. It’s not just about what you can do, but how you choose to use it.”

  He paused, letting his words sink in, his gaze now focusing on a few specific individuals in the crowd. The silence that followed felt thick, almost oppressive, but no one dared to break it.

  “Now, it is time. Approach the stage, and let your awakening begin.”

  With a wave of his hand, the massive stage at the front of the hall lit up. A glowing platform emerged from the floor, surrounded by ancient runes that pulsed with light. The atmosphere in the room shifted again, becoming charged with an unmistakable energy.

  Seiji glanced at Tatsuya, his stomach doing flips. Despite the calm on the outside, his heart was racing.

  Tatsuya gave him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve got this.”

  “Yeah,” Seiji muttered under his breath, but he couldn’t shake the sense of dread creeping up his spine. What if his power was something useless? What if he was the only one who didn’t awaken anything worth having?

  As the students started to move toward the stage in groups, a hush fell over the room. The atmosphere was electric with excitement, and the representatives from the top guilds watched with varying degrees of interest.

  Hiroshi—now standing with them, still grinning from ear to ear—nudged Seiji again.

  “Ready to find out what you’ve got, Seiji?”

  Seiji shrugged, trying to look more confident than he felt.

  “I guess we’ll see. It’s not like we have much of a choice.”

  The group began to move forward, and Seiji’s feet felt heavier with each step.

  As the students gathered in the large hall, excitement buzzed through the air. The ceremony was about to begin, and everyone stood on edge, awaiting the moment they would unlock their powers. Seiji could feel the weight of the moment pressing on him. Around him, whispers of hope and fear echoed in the air, each person wondering what kind of ability they'd be bestowed with.

  Tatsuya stood confidently, his arms folded across his chest, ready to face whatever came. Hiroshi, on the other hand, seemed more nervous than he let on, his fingers tapping impatiently against his leg.

  The headmaster, Daigo Arakawa, had finished his speech, and now the process began. One by one, students were called to the center of the room to awaken their powers.

  "Remember," the announcer’s voice echoed through the hall, "jobs are categorized into four distinct levels: Normal Jobs, Advanced Jobs, Rare Jobs, and Unique Jobs. Each has its own unique characteristics and power. What you awaken to will shape your future."

  Seiji glanced over at Tatsuya, who nodded slightly, acknowledging the system.

  "Normal Jobs," the announcer continued, "are abilities that pertain to everyday skills—arts, crafting, management, and other non-combat professions. They may not offer combat prowess, but they are essential for daily living and have their own set of valuable skills."

  Seiji wasn’t expecting anything spectacular, but he did wonder if he would get a normal job—perhaps something like a manager, or maybe a gardener. Nothing exciting, but functional.

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  "Advanced Jobs," the announcer added, "are combat-focused professions, ones most people awaken to. These include jobs like Swordsman, Mage, Archer, and Healer. While these jobs are vital for adventuring and combat, they don’t possess extraordinary traits. They form the backbone of an Awakened’s abilities."

  Tatsuya’s job would likely fall into this category—something simple, like a swordsman, though he had the potential to exceed even that.

  "Rare Jobs," the announcer went on, "are those that require more experience and skill to unlock. These jobs represent a higher level of expertise. A 'Swordmaster' or 'Elemental Mage' would be examples of Rare Jobs. They allow for greater specialization and proficiency in their chosen field."

  Seiji’s gaze briefly shifted to the guild banners, remembering the Swordmaster title that had been mentioned. Tatsuya would undoubtedly fit into that category, his natural talent and relentless training guiding him toward it.

  "And finally, Unique Jobs," the announcer said, voice lowering in reverence. "These are the rarest of all, tied to immense potential and power. Only a select few ever unlock them, and they often require extraordinary feats or conditions. Examples include 'Dragon Knight,' 'Time Mage,' or 'The Chosen One.' These jobs are a direct reflection of an individual’s unique potential and are considered the pinnacle of Awakened abilities."

  Seiji’s heart beat faster as the first student stepped forward, ready to unlock their job. The announcer’s voice echoed once again, filling the hall with anticipation.

  “First up, Kaori Mizuno!”

  A girl with short, dark hair walked confidently to the center of the room, the buzz in the hall dying down as she approached the stage. The crowd murmured, waiting for her job to be revealed.

  As she placed her hand on the crystal orb, a flash of light filled the room. The announcer read aloud, "Kaori Mizuno has awakened to... Manager."

  There was a brief silence, followed by polite applause. Seiji could see the slight disappointment in her eyes, though she quickly masked it with a smile. A Manager might not be as exciting as a combat job, but it was still important. Being a manager meant she had the ability to organize, lead, and coordinate people—valuable skills in the business world or even within guilds.

  “Normal Jobs come in many forms,” the announcer continued, his voice clear and steady. “While some, like Manager or Artist, are non-combat and essential for everyday life, others are more suited for battle and adventure. These combat-oriented Normal Jobs, such as Guardsman or Hunter, have enhanced physical skills and offer utility in fighting, though they still lack the specialization and potency of Advanced or Rare Jobs.”

  Seiji’s eyes flickered toward Tatsuya, who had already assumed his usual confident stance, waiting for his turn. Hiroshi nudged Seiji, whispering, “Looks like she’s taking it in stride, huh?”

  Seiji nodded. “Yeah. Guess you can’t always expect a combat job. Still, she’s probably set for something in the business world, even if she doesn’t get a fight-ready job.”

  “True,” Hiroshi agreed. “But hey, she might have some tricks up her sleeve we don’t know about yet.”

  The next few students passed through with similar results—some unlocking Normal Jobs, others stepping into Advanced Jobs like Mage or Archer. Seiji’s mind was a mix of curiosity and doubt as he anxiously awaited his turn.

  Then, the announcer called, “Tatsuya Kurogane!”

  Tatsuya strode confidently to the stage, his presence commanding attention even in the midst of all the uncertainty. He was the picture of poise as he placed his hand on the crystal orb. Light flashed again, and the announcer read aloud, “Tatsuya Kurogane has awakened to… Guardian Sword.”

  A wave of whispers rippled through the hall, with a few impressed murmurs from those who recognized the name. Tatsuya’s reputation as a talented swordsman already preceded him, but the title of Guardian Sword was something entirely different.

  Seiji clapped along with the rest of the students, but his eyes were fixed on Tatsuya. He could feel the weight of the moment—the expectations that would follow.

  The room fell into a hushed silence, the rarity of the job sparking awe and whispers among the students. Tatsuya remained calm, though a faint smile tugged at his lips as he glanced over at Seiji, who was wide-eyed.

  "Guardian Sword," the announcer continued, "a Unique Job for those who are both protectors and warriors, excelling in both offense and defense. Those who awaken to this job are known for their extraordinary swordsmanship and their ability to shield their allies with unmatched skill."

  Tatsuya’s aura flickered with a brief, powerful shimmer, like a warrior in their prime. The presence he exuded seemed to shift the very air around him. Seiji could feel it—the weight of Tatsuya’s newfound strength. His friend wasn’t just an ordinary swordsman anymore; he was something far more extraordinary.

  The room buzzed with whispers, but no one could deny the fact: Guardian Sword was a Unique Job. No one else would ever awaken to it—Tatsuya was the only one. The uniqueness of his power was evident in the atmosphere around him, as if the world itself recognized his new status.

  "Your potential exceeds expectations, Tatsuya," the announcer said with respect, noting the power emanating from him. "You are now the protector of those around you."

  Tatsuya gave a small nod as he returned to Seiji’s side, his expression as relaxed as ever, but the glint of pride in his eyes was unmistakable.

  "Looks like I’ve got my hands full," Tatsuya said with a smirk. "Guess it’s not just about swinging a sword anymore."

  Seiji chuckled nervously, still trying to process what just happened. "A Guardian Sword... that’s... that’s insane, Tatsuya. You’re gonna be amazing."

  Tatsuya shrugged nonchalantly. "It’s just a job. But yeah, I’m ready for whatever comes next."

  Seiji watched him, a mix of awe and uncertainty swirling within him. Tatsuya had unlocked one of the rarest and most powerful jobs, while Seiji still had no idea what his own fate would be. Would he have a Unique Job too? Or would he fall into something more ordinary? He couldn’t help but wonder, and that feeling of uncertainty lingered as the next person was called forward.

  "Up next," the announcer called, "Seiji Takahashi!"

  Seiji’s legs felt like lead as he made his way to the center of the hall. All eyes were on him—his heartbeat was loud in his ears as he placed his hand on the crystal orb. Light filled the room, blinding him for a moment, and when the light faded, the announcer’s voice rang out.

  “Seiji Takahashi has awakened to… Book Owner.”

  The hall went quiet. The announcer glanced at the orb, clearly puzzled. He turned to Seiji, a slight frown creasing his brow. “Book Owner? Is that correct?”

  Seiji blinked, equally confused. “I… I think so?”

  The announcer gave him an uncertain look before nodding. "Well, if you're sure... Let's see what it is."

  Seiji, his hands trembling slightly, instinctively reached into his pocket. He pulled out the Skill Card Book, a plain-looking leather-bound book that had only just appeared in his possession a moment ago. He flipped it open, feeling a strange pull from within.

  “Go ahead, take a look,” the announcer encouraged, watching with curiosity.

  Seiji hesitated for a moment before opening the book. He flipped through a few pages, his heart racing as the pages seemed to respond to his touch. Then, on one of the pages, a card materialized. Seiji’s eyes widened as he read the text on the card.

  [Cooking (Passive)]

  Rarity: Common

  Level 1: Basic cooking skills.

  Effect: Grants the ability to prepare simple meals with basic ingredients.

  Unlocks at Level 5: Advanced cooking techniques.

  “Well, that’s… unexpected,” Seiji muttered, his voice tinged with surprise.

  The announcer leaned in, trying to make sense of it. “Cooking? That’s your ability? A culinary job?”

  Seiji nodded slowly, feeling a strange mix of relief and confusion. “I guess so. I mean, it’s not... exactly what I was expecting.”

  The announcer raised an eyebrow, then cleared his throat. "Well, this is certainly unique. Book Owner, and... Cooking. A recipe book, perhaps? Well, it’s not every day we see something like this. But maybe this is just the beginning of something more... interesting to come. For now, let’s give Seiji Takahashi a round of applause!”

  Seiji could feel all eyes on him, the weight of his unique ability settling on his shoulders. The thought that he might be mistaken for a simple cook didn’t help ease the pressure. What kind of future lay ahead for him with a job like this?

  Tatsuya walked over and slapped him lightly on the back. “Well, looks like you’ve got everyone guessing now, huh?”

  Seiji could only manage a shaky smile. The questions raced in his mind, but one thing was for sure—his life had just changed forever.

  The ceremony progressed, and the air remained thick with anticipation. Seiji couldn’t help but glance over at the representatives of the top guilds, who were seated in the front row. Their presence was undeniable, their aura of power impossible to ignore. Each of them was here for a reason—a reason Seiji could only hope to understand in time.

  In the front row, Kurogane Rika sat with her arms crossed, her sharp gaze scanning the room. Her fiery red hair framed her face like a blazing halo, and her cold, fierce expression made it clear she was no stranger to battle. Seiji couldn't help but notice the way she observed the others—a woman who’d likely seen more than her fair share of fights. Rika’s status as a representative of the Crimson Fangs, one of the most notorious and battle-hardened guilds in the world, added weight to her every action. She looked unimpressed by the ceremony, sizing up the students as if she were appraising potential recruits, or perhaps simply wondering if any of them were worth her time.

  Beside her sat Nacht Elara, a calm and cool presence. Her posture was perfect, her demeanor untouchable. It was said that she had already awakened her power the previous year, but the specifics of her ability remained a mystery. The Silver Valkyries, the guild she represented, was known for its elite swordsmanship, and Nacht seemed to exude effortless power. Her silence spoke volumes—an air of superiority that made it clear she didn’t feel the need to engage with anyone in the room. Seiji had heard rumors about her being the niece of Selene Nacht, the legendary S-Rank swordmaster. If that was true, Nacht Elara was a force to be reckoned with, one whose presence alone made the other students more aware of their own abilities.

  And then there was Reinhardt Leon, whose towering figure seemed to command the space around him. His quiet confidence and intimidating presence made it clear that he was no ordinary student. Tall, muscular, and with a demeanor that suggested he could withstand great physical force, Reinhardt was the son of Julius Reinhardt, the leader of Titan’s Aegis. Known for their expertise in defense and dungeon expeditions, Reinhardt’s guild specialized in standing firm against the most brutal of threats. From the look of it, Reinhardt was already an elite in his own right, someone who was capable of bearing the weight of any situation with ease. His silent observation of the ceremony only added to his already considerable aura.

  The announcer called the next name, and the ceremony continued.

  “Up next, Kurogane Rika!”

  Rika stood with a measured grace, her eyes never leaving the crystal orb. With a practiced hand, she placed her palm upon it, and the room once again filled with a bright, blinding light. The announcer’s voice soon followed.

  “Kurogane Rika has awakened to… Crimson Blade!”

  A hush fell over the room, a sharp intake of breath from the crowd. Crimson Blade was a Rare Job, but even among Rare Jobs, it held significant weight. Known for its emphasis on strength and precision, the Crimson Blade was a symbol of deadly mastery in combat. The crowd murmured in awe, knowing that Rika’s reputation in the Crimson Fangs guild would only grow more formidable with such a job.

  Rika’s expression remained stoic as the light dimmed. She didn’t seem to care for the attention, but a glimmer of satisfaction shone in her eyes. She returned to her seat without acknowledging anyone, her fierce aura settling over the room once again. As always, she remained untouchable, her power something that could never be underestimated.

  Next came Nacht Elara, who’s cool, collected demeanor didn’t falter as she stepped forward. She placed her hand on the orb, and once again, the room was filled with light.

  “Nacht Elara has awakened to… Valkyrie’s Aegis!”

  The announcer’s voice rang with admiration. “Valkyrie’s Aegis is a Unique Job that grants its wielder unparalleled mastery over both offense and defense. Those with this job can create barriers that not only protect allies but can also reflect damage back at their enemies. It is said that the bearer of this job can move like the wind, blocking strikes while delivering swift counterattacks.”

  Nacht stood with a serene smile, giving little more than a nod as the light faded. Her reputation as a representative of the Silver Valkyries had only grown stronger, and her mastery over her job was already evident in the way she carried herself. She returned to her seat, unfazed by the attention.

  Finally, Reinhardt Leon’s name was called.

  “Reinhardt Leon!”

  Reinhardt walked to the center of the room with the silent confidence of a man who knew his strength. He placed his hand on the orb, and the familiar light filled the room once more.

  “Reinhardt Leon has awakened to… Colossus’s Will!”

  The announcer’s voice took on a reverent tone. “Colossus’s Will is a Unique Job that grants its bearer incredible durability and the ability to wield colossal strength. It is said that the user can summon the power of the ancient titans, making them nearly invulnerable to physical damage and able to strike with devastating force. Those who awaken to this job can stand unwavering, a living embodiment of power.”

  Reinhardt gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, though his eyes never left the orb. The power of his job was undeniable, and the crowd took note of the towering figure who now held the potential to be an unmovable wall in battle.

  As he returned to his seat, Seiji couldn’t help but glance at Tatsuya, who seemed unfazed by the display of strength from the guild representatives.

  Tatsuya leaned in slightly. “A lot of heavy hitters in the room, huh?”

  Seiji nodded, his mind racing. “Yeah... it’s like the world’s elite are all here, just waiting for their chance to shine.”

  Tatsuya’s gaze flicked over the students who had already awakened their abilities, some with Rare Jobs and others with Unique ones. “And we’re just getting started. There’s no telling what kind of power the next few will unlock.”

  Seiji couldn’t help but wonder about his own future. What kind of power would he awaken to in the end? Would he be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with these powerful figures, or was he destined for something completely different?

  The ceremony continued, and Seiji's uncertainty deepened.

  The ceremony concluded, and the air in the hall seemed to settle into a quieter, more contemplative energy. Seiji stood amidst a sea of students, each of them processing what had just happened in their own way. Some had awakened to powers that seemed tailor-made for their personalities, while others were still grappling with the weight of their new abilities. It was clear that today was just the beginning, and a whole new world awaited them—one filled with challenges, opportunities, and, for some, unspoken rivalries.

  Seiji felt a hand clap on his shoulder, pulling him out of his thoughts. He turned to see Tatsuya, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

  “Not bad, Seiji. Looks like you’ve got everyone curious now,” Tatsuya said, his voice light but with an edge of humor.

  Seiji gave a half-hearted grin. “Yeah, well, I didn’t exactly expect a recipe book to be my big power.”

  Tatsuya chuckled. “Hey, don’t sell yourself short. You’ve got something pretty unique. We’ll see what you can do with it.”

  Seiji shrugged. “I guess. But honestly, I’m still processing it all. I mean, ‘Book Owner’? What even is that?”

  “Maybe the book will show you in time,” Tatsuya suggested, then nudged him. “But hey, don’t forget, you’ve got me watching your back. We’ll figure this out together.”

  The two shared a moment of camaraderie before they were ushered out of the hall and into the sprawling courtyard of the academy. The tall stone buildings of Tenryu Academy towered around them, their ancient architecture hinting at the long legacy of Awakened students that had passed through the gates. As they walked along the cobbled path, other students milled about, eager to discuss their abilities or to try and make new friends. The excitement was palpable, but so was the unease. The world outside these walls was unpredictable, and everyone knew that their powers were more than just a way to get ahead—they were a ticket to survival.

  “I wonder where we’re supposed to go now,” Seiji mused aloud, looking around at the bustling academy grounds.

  “Probably to our dorms,” Tatsuya replied, scanning the area. “But you know, I bet there’s more going on than just that. We’re in a school for the Awakened, after all. There’s bound to be some sort of orientation or briefing.”

  Before Seiji could respond, a tall figure approached them—an older student, wearing the insignia of a senior guide. He had an air of authority about him, his confident steps matched only by the calm demeanor on his face. His eyes scanned the crowd, then fixed on Seiji and Tatsuya.

  “You two are new,” he said, his voice smooth and professional. “First years, I assume? Welcome to Tenryu Academy. My name is Ryosuke, and I’m one of the senior guides here. I’ll be showing you around and helping you get settled in. Follow me.”

  Seiji exchanged a glance with Tatsuya, then nodded. "Thanks," he said, feeling a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

  As they followed Ryosuke through the academy grounds, they passed by groups of students who had formed small clusters, eagerly talking about their awakenings or comparing their abilities. Some students practiced their powers right then and there—elemental magic crackling in the air, glowing swords being swung in precise patterns, and even a few who seemed to manipulate the very earth beneath their feet.

  “This place is unreal,” Seiji murmured. "I didn't think it would be so... lively."

  “Everyone's excited,” Tatsuya agreed. “But it’s not just about showing off your powers here. There’s a lot of pressure, too. Trust me, you’ll see it when classes start.”

  They followed Ryosuke down a wide corridor, the stone walls decorated with banners and heraldry that represented the various guilds. The hallway opened up to a large central courtyard, where statues of legendary Awakened were displayed. The atmosphere here was calm, but it had a certain weight to it—an unspoken reminder of the potential that lay within these walls.

  Ryosuke stopped in front of a large set of double doors and turned to face them. “This is the entrance to the dormitory wing. First-year students will be assigned rooms here, though you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own later on.”

  Seiji and Tatsuya nodded in acknowledgment, though their attention was drawn to the open courtyard behind Ryosuke. Several towering trees with hanging lanterns provided a sense of serenity amidst the sprawling campus, while the academy’s towers loomed overhead, their spires sharp against the bright blue sky.

  “Your training will begin tomorrow,” Ryosuke continued. “But before that, there will be a briefing on what to expect in the coming months. I suggest you get settled in and prepare. The real challenges start soon enough.”

  With that, he gestured for them to enter. As Seiji stepped through the doors, he couldn’t help but feel a knot tighten in his stomach. He had no idea what awaited him, but one thing was for sure—his life at Tenryu Academy was about to begin in earnest. The world of the Awakened was vast, and Seiji knew that his path would be anything but ordinary.

  What he didn’t know, however, was that this school, with all its power and prestige, held secrets of its own—secrets that would shape his destiny in ways he couldn’t yet imagine.

  Guardian Sword (Job)

  Rarity: Unique

  Level 1: As a Guardian Sword, the user becomes a stalwart protector, enhancing their own defense and the defense of those around them.

  Effect: Increases personal defense and provides a small area-of-effect buff to nearby allies, improving their defense.

  Unlocks at Level 5: Shield of the Protector – The user gains the ability to project a protective barrier around themselves or an ally, reducing damage taken.

  Unlocks at Level 10: Unyielding Guardian – The user’s defense becomes nearly unbreakable, and they can take on multiple enemies without faltering. Increases the area-of-effect defense buff to all nearby allies.

  Book Owner (Job)

  Rarity: Unique

  Level 1: Grants the ability to collect and store skill cards, which can be used to enhance personal abilities.

  Effect: Increases the user’s proficiency in collecting and using skills from the cards they acquire.

  Unlocks at Level 5: Card Mastery – The user can begin to improve and evolve cards they have collected.

  Unlocks at Level 10: Skill Fusion – The user gains the ability to combine different skill cards to create new, stronger abilities.

  Cooking (Passive)

  Rarity: Common

  Level 1: Ability to prepare basic meals with ease.

  Effect: Increases your proficiency in cooking. Allows for better-tasting meals.

  Unlocks at Level 5: Basic Cooking Techniques – Learn to cook a wider variety of meals with improved flavor and presentation.

  Unlocks at Level 10: Advanced Cooking – Ability to cook gourmet meals and experiment with complex recipes.

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