Chapter 1: The Awakening
In the enchanting World of Aetheria, where swords clashed amidst swirling magical energies and slightly advanced technology hummed with a mystical undertone, there existed a village called Silverbrook. Nestled in seclusion, the village emanated an aura of peace and tranquility. Quaint cottages, crowned with thatched roofs, graced the cobblestone streets. Their windows boasted flower boxes brimming with vibrant blooms, infusing the air with a sweet fragrance. The melodic babble of the nearby river completed the symphony of serenity.
Inside a simple house, a child of five summers named Alex found solace in a book that chronicled the history of the Kingdom of Veridiania. With dark hair and penetrating black eyes, he delved into the realm of knowledge. Suddenly, a gentle interruption resonated through the air as the door swung open, and a woman with brown hair and striking yellow eyes called out, “Alex! Get ready and stop reading. We need to go to the church hall. Today is your awakening ceremony.”
“Okay, Mom,” Alex replied, reluctantly setting aside the book. His thoughts drifted, lamenting his return to childhood and the unfamiliarity of having parents. “Sigh~ I can’t get used to being a child again. Having parents is new to me. After all, I was an orphan in my previous life. That’s right—I am a reincarnator. I used to be a man named John in my late twenties, and I died due to an electric pole. My face still bears the resemblance of my former self.”
Having ruminated on his past, Alex rose from his seat and ascended to his room, where he changed into suitable attire. The room exuded simplicity, housing only a table, a bed, and a cabinet brimming with his garments. Once ready, he descended the stairs to find his father, Lysander Ravenscroft, seated at the table, engrossed in a newspaper. Lysander had black hair and piercing blue eyes. Next to him sat a little girl, Lily Ravenscroft, with brown hair and enchanting blue eyes that mirrored her parents’. At the tender age of three, she looked up to her older brother with admiration.
“Good morning, big bwother,” Lily greeted him cheerfully.
“Good morning, Lily,” Alex reciprocated, his voice filled with warmth.
“Today is your awakening ceremony, right?” their father inquired, his gaze shifting from the newsprint to his son.
“Yes, today is the day our son will choose his class,” their mother, Catherine Ravenscroft, interjected while she prepared breakfast. Her brown hair framed her face as she spoke.
“Oh, so it’s today? I wonder what class you will get,” Lysander mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
“I don’t really care what class I get,” Alex responded, his tone tinged with nonchalance.
“Don’t worry, son. Even if you end up with a farmer class, we can transform our vacant land into a thriving farm,” Lysander reassured him, offering a thumbs-up. Lily imitated her father, joyfully giving her brother a thumbs-up of her own.
“Thanks, Dad and Lily,” Alex replied, a grateful smile gracing his face.
“Alright, enough chatter. Let’s eat so we can head to the church hall,” their mother urged, setting the meal on the table.
After a hearty breakfast, the family boarded a carriage, preparing for the journey ahead. As they set off, Alex gazed out of the window and sighed, anticipating a long ride. “Since it’s going to be a long journey, let me check my status,” he Thought, prompting a game-like interface to materialize before his eyes.
STATUS
Name: Alexander Ravenscroft (formerly known as John)
Age: 10 (27- His age in his previous life)
Level: 0/??? (Awakening required to determine the cap)
Class: N/A (Awakening required to select a class)
Strength: 6 (Average stat for a human: 10)
Dexterity: 7
Intelligence: 12
Mana: 0 (Awakening required)
Blessings: N/A
Affinity: ???, ???
Skills: [Language Comprehension]
Talents: ???, ???, ??? (Awakening required)
“Sigh~ I’m so weak. This status is one of the boons bestowed upon me by nothingness. However, it’s not unique to me. Summoned heroes also possess a personal status system, granted to them by the blessings of the world upon their summoning. Other individuals can even view their personal status through the church or the Adventurer’s Guild, using an appraisal crystal ball,” Alex lamented.
Summoned heroes… He recalled reading in the book about three summoned heroes who, 500 years ago, had bravely battled the Demon Lord and his four generals in this very world. They had ultimately triumphed, slaying the Demon Lord. Two of the heroes had chosen to stay and establish their own kingdom, Veridiania, while the whereabouts of the third hero remained a mystery. The two heroes had married each other and lived out their lives until old age claimed them.
Lost in thought, Alex’s mind drifted, and he eventually succumbed to sleep. Two hours later, his father’s voice roused him from his slumber. “Alex, wake up. We’re here,” Lysander announced.
Alex opened his eyes, stretching as he stepped out of the carriage. His gaze landed on the multitude of children his age gathered in front of the church. Once inside, the family settled into their seats, and a man named Gabriel, a priest from the Church of Light, stood before them as the host of the ceremony.
“Welcome, everyone. My name is Gabriel, and I will be presiding over today’s awakening ceremony,” he announced, his hands clasped together. “But before we proceed, I would like to share with you the history of the gods.”
A disinterested sigh escaped Alex’s father. “Here we go again, another boring history lesson,” he muttered.
Curiosity piqued, Alex leaned in and whispered, “Why is he telling us about the history of the gods?”
“They do this every time there is an awakening,” his father replied with a hint of resignation.
“Well, I don’t mind. I enjoy a good story,” Alex responded, his eyes filled with anticipation.
“Suit yourself,” his father chuckled softly.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Gabriel began his narrative, explaining, “In our world, there are ten gods and goddesses who have existed since the dawn of time. Each holds authority over a different element—fire, wind, water, earth, light, darkness, time, space, destruction, and creation. Embera, the goddess of fire; Aeolus, the god of wind; Tidala, the goddess of water; Terron, the god of earth; Lumina, the goddess of light; Nocturna, the goddess of darkness; Chronos, the god of time; Astraeus, the god of space; Ruinor, the god of destruction; and lastly, Primora, the goddess of Creation. These ten deities have the power to bestow blessings upon mortals, granting them unimaginable power, much like the summoned heroes receive when they arrive in this world. It is said that these blessings can elevate individuals to the status of demi-gods, pushing their
Level caps beyond normal limits. Additionally, there is the demon god, an entity sealed away by the ten gods. It is the most malevolent figure in history—the first mortal to transcend and become a god. And that concludes our history lesson.”
Alex’s mind whirred with newfound knowledge. “So, there are gods and goddesses in this world, along with a demon who became a god,” he murmured to himself.
“Now, let’s proceed with the awakening ceremony,” Gabriel declared, steering the attention back to the present moment. “Eleanor, please come forward and touch the awakening crystal ball. Hold onto it, and if you feel a prick on your hand, don’t let go.”
Eleanor obeyed, reaching out to touch the crystal ball. In an instant, an interface materialized before everyone’s eyes, signaling the beginning of their awakening.
[Ding!]
[Pick a class!]
Please Pick your class
Class:
Bard
Alchemist
Cleric
The young girl named Eleanor turned to her mother and asked, “Mom, what should I pick?” Her mother replied, “Pick the alchemist class. It’s a rare class, and we can create potions to sell.” Eleanor hesitated for a moment before nodding and choosing the alchemist class. Instantly, the interface transformed.
[Ding!]
[The Awakening is starting]
Eleanor yelped as she felt a surge of energy awakening within her.
[Ding!]
[The Awakening is complete]
“Now, please touch the appraisal crystal ball to see your personal status,” urged Priest Gabriel. Eleanor followed his instructions and placed her hand on the crystal ball.
STATUS
Name: Eleanor Roosevelt
Level: 1/30 (Max level cap)
Age: 10
Class: Alchemist
Strength: 4 (Average stat for a human: 10)
Dexterity: 5
Intelligence: 5
Mana: 9
Blessings: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Skills: [Potion Brewing], [Transmutation], [Elemental Infusion]
Talent: [Enhanced Potions]
“Congratulations, Eleanor. You have a compatible talent for your class,” Gabriel announced with a smile. “Now, on to the next person.”
As time passed, it was finally Alex’s turn to awaken his class and talent. “Alexander, please come forward and touch the awakening crystal ball,” requested Gabriel. Alex nodded, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness, and approached the crystal ball. The interface appeared before him.
[Ding!]
[Pick a class!]
Please Pick your class
Class:
Mage
Swordsman
Artificer
Gladiator
Enchanter
Samurai
Necromancer
Swordmage
Alex glanced at his father, who wore a look of awe at the variety of rare classes available. “Wow, there are so many rare classes to choose from. What do you want to pick, little guy?” his father inquired. Alex pondered for a moment, realizing that he couldn’t see the descriptions of the classes. He had some knowledge of mages and swordsmen but was unfamiliar with the others, aside from what he vaguely remembered from reading a novel.
“What do you think, Dad?” Alex asked, seeking his father’s guidance.
“It’s up to you, just choose what you want,” his father replied, leaving the decision in Alex’s hands.
“I’ll pick the swordmage,” Alex decided. “I have a lot more knowledge about this class compared to the others, and it seems safer.”
With his choice made, the interface shifted once again.
[Ding!]
[The Awakening is starting]
As the energy surged within him, Alex could feel something awakening. But it abruptly stopped, leaving only one aspect unlocked.
[Ding!]
[The Awakening is complete]
“Now, please touch the appraisal crystal ball to see your personal status,” instructed Gabriel. Alex followed the priest’s guidance and pressed his hand against the crystal ball.
STATUS
Name: Alexander Ravenscroft
Level: 1/10 (Max level cap)
Age: 10
Class: Swordmage
Strength: 6 (Average stat for a human: 10)
Dexterity: 7
Intelligence: 12
Mana: 11
Blessings: N/A
Affinity: Water, lightning
Skills: [Language Comprehension], [Arcane Blade], [Arcane Mastery[1/10]], [Ethereal Blade Mastery[1/10]]
Talent: Inventory
“Sigh~ This kid is unlucky. His max level cap is only 10. If it were at least 30, he could become a knight in the kingdom,” Gabriel remarked, shaking his head in disappointment.
“It’s alright, son. Even if your level cap is 10, we still love you. At least you have the rare talent of Inventory,” Alex’s mother reassured him with a loving smile.
“Hmm, I know. I don’t really care about that. Let’s just go home,” Alex responded, gazing back at his mother.
“Okay, son. Let’s go,” his father agreed. They all climbed into the carriage and began their journey back home. Inside the carriage, Alex’s thoughts lingered on his max level cap. ‘Sigh~ My level cap is only 10. Let me check my status again,’ he thought
STATUS | INVENTORY
Name: Alexander Ravenscroft (formerly known as John)
Level: 1/10 (Max level cap)
Age: 10 (27- His age in his previous life)
Class: Swordmage
Strength: 6 (Average stat for a human: 10)
Dexterity: 7
Intelligence: 12
Mana: 11
Blessings: N/A
Affinity: Water, lightning
Skills: [Language Comprehension], [Arcane Blade], [Arcane Mastery[1/10]], [Ethereal Blade Mastery[1/10]]
Talents: ???, ???, inventory
As Alex sat in the carriage, his mind drifted back to his previous encounter with nothingness, the entity that granted him his boons before his reincarnation. He reminisced about the conversation they had, each word etched into his memory.
“A reincarnation?” John, before he became Alex, had marveled at the idea, his imagination running wild with the possibilities.
“Yes, that’s correct, mortal,” replied nothingness, its voice resonating in John’s mind. “You will be reincarnated in a world where sword and magic coexist with advanced technology. But first, you will be granted three boons of your choosing. What are your desires?”
Eyes filled with wonder, John had eagerly responded, “Reincarnated with three boons? Just like in those novels! Alright, the first boon I desire is to have a status system.”
“Are you sure? It will be a simple status, incapable of using shops or adding attributes,” cautioned nothingness, providing a gentle reminder of the system’s limitations.
“Ah, can you at least add an inventory?” John requested, seeking a practical advantage in the new world.
“Hmm, alright. I will make it your talent, making you compatible with the system in that world,” conceded nothingness, acknowledging John’s desire.
“Thank you. My second boon is limitless potential, so I can become the strongest in that world,” John declared, excitement brimming in his voice.
“Very well. I will also make that a talent, compatible with the system. However, you will only awaken it at the age of 15. If awakened too early, the world will reject you and send someone to kill you,” explained nothingness, warning John about the consequences of prematurely unlocking his potential.
“That’s fine. At least you didn’t reject it. I can still grow powerful quickly once I awaken it. As for my last boon… I don’t know. Can you decide for me?” John asked, uncertain about what else to ask for.
“I will make it a talent as well, granting you three talents in total. You will awaken it simultaneously with your second boon. Now, off you go,” nothingness replied, a radiant light emanating from its form as John faded away.
“Thank you very much, god, for giving me another chance,” John expressed his gratitude, his voice trailing off as his existence dissolved into nothingness.
“And that’s what happened. After that, I became a baby, and here I am,” Alex mused to himself. “I only need to wait for 10 years, and I will awaken my talent.” Just like that
10 years had already passed since his reincarnation…
To be continued…