The crowd erupted in cheers as Miss Zara took center stage. A striking figure of beauty and power, she wasn’t just a Rank 4—she was at Peak Rank 4, an elite talent whose strength overshadowed even some of the academy’s instructors. Her influence in this part of the continent was undeniable, and she basked in it, allowing the applause to roll over her for a moment before finally raising a graceful hand to silence them.
“Give another round of applause for our esteemed Principal! With him at the helm of our academy, our future remains bright.” Her voice was smooth yet commanding, a blend of confidence and charm that held the audience in rapt attention.
The camera panned back to Principal Dvalin, who waved briefly before turning to speak with the dignitaries seated nearby.
Zara let the excitement settle before continuing. “Now, while I’m sure most of you have a general idea of how the awakening process works, for a more detailed explanation, check the mini broadcast crystal below your seats.” She gestured toward the glowing feed, directing their attention to the tutorial displayed.
“The names of students are selected randomly—ten at a time. While we could theoretically conduct the process simultaneously, awakening is a delicate and dangerous ritual. A single mistake could lead to failure or, in the worst scenarios…” She let her words hang in the air, her eyes sweeping across the crowd, feeding their growing anxiety. “It could result in death.”
Gasps rippled through the audience.
“Mom, is big bro going to be okay?” Nicole’s small, worried voice barely carried over the murmuring.
“He will, don’t worry,” Rachel reassured her with a warm smile.
“Obviously, dear, have faith in your brother,” Varek added, ruffling her hair.
Zara turned back to the main screen, where names began shuffling at high speed before gradually slowing to a halt, leaving ten names displayed in two neat rows:
“This is it, bro—it’s almost time. The moment our names appear, our journey truly begins.” Roy’s excitement was palpable as he clenched his fists.
Denwen took a deep breath, his mind quieting as his determination burned brighter. The time has come… my first step toward vengeance. He will pay. I’ll make him pay.
A sneering voice cut through his thoughts.
“Come on, bro, you can’t be that nervous. Unlike our boss Angus, you’re nothing.”
Denwen turned slowly, his gaze locking onto Wade Slommer. A smirk played across Wade’s lips, his tone filled with mockery. The small crowd around him chuckled at the jab.
Roy shot daggers at Wade with his glare. If looks could kill, Wade would have disintegrated on the spot.
DING. DING. DING.
The final list was confirmed, and Zara smiled brightly. “We have our first set of lucky students!” she announced before reading the names aloud:
“JAREK TUBBLES, MILO BRAGGINS, KARA DAIT…”
“Hey, my girl got picked!” Vahn grabbed Varek excitedly. “Crush it, my love! Daddy’s here!” he bellowed.
“Dad, come on,” Kara groaned, embarrassed, though the small smile on her lips betrayed her amusement.
“…RUDY CLOMP, FELIX GRINDLE, BORIS MANKIN, TREVOR DUNCH, WADE SLOMMER…”
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“I guess I’m going first, boss. Watch me set an example for these bums,” Wade declared, puffing his chest out as he stepped forward.
“…ELRIC FOBBER, ROY CLIFFORD!”
“I got picked!” Roy burst into laughter, slapping Denwen’s shoulder. “Guess I get a head start in our rivalry!”
--
Ten cylindrical platforms rose from the stage, each bearing crimson gloves inscribed with dimly glimmering runes. The students stepped forward, placing their briefcases atop the platforms and opening them in synchrony.
Inside each case was an obsidian-black key, its surface inscribed with ancient dwarven runes that pulsed with silent, terrifying power. The mere sight of it stirred something primal, as if the keys were alive, watching their wielders.
“So this is my Soul Key,” Wade whispered, greed flashing in his eyes. His fingers twitched with the urge to grab it immediately. Just wait and see, Angus. Soon, I’ll surpass you. No— I’ll own you. Then your family will submit to mine"
The twisted thoughts swirled in his mind as his hand extended toward the key.
Zara’s voice rang out sharply. “Listen up! This is the crucial part—do not let the Soul Key touch your bare skin. Until your core awakens, you’re still a mere mortal, and direct contact will devour you whole.”
Her voice dropped into a serious tone. “Not even your soul will remain.”
Some of the students hesitated, their hands withdrawing slightly. Wade, however, barely listened.
“With the gloves provided, carefully lift your key in an upright manner using both hands,” Zara continued. “Once secured, channel your essence and chant the spell to step into your inner world. Only when you’re certain you’re ready—then may you begin.”
The students took deep breaths, steeling themselves. One by one, at taught they would never rush to begin their chants.
Wade, on the other hand, rushed forward, eager to prove himself. He didn’t take a moment to calm his mind, didn’t steady his focus. Instead, his lips curled into a cocky grin as he spoke:
“Vetra Solis, Arkan Velorum! Rise and dance, awaken thy bearer!”
The moment the words left his lips, his Soul Key shook violently, glowing ominously before launching toward his chest like a black meteor.
For a second, silence fell.
Then, Wade screamed.
A scream so raw and visceral it sent shivers down the spines of everyone present.
His body arched backward unnaturally, as though something was clawing at his very being. Blood erupted from his mouth, his veins turning black as liquid fire surged through him. His clothes ignited instantly, burning away in mere seconds.
His skin bubbled.
Then it peeled.
Chunk by chunk, layer by layer, his flesh was stripped away, exposing sinew and bone. His eye sockets boiled, his hair shriveling into embers. Flames not of this world, the awakened could all see it but the unawakened could not poured from his chest, consuming him whole, yet he remained alive, locked in a state of pure agony.
He thrashed violently against the protective shield that had automatically formed around him.
Zara watched impassively for a moment, shaking her head. “Every. Single. Year.” she muttered. “There’s always one fool.”
Angus sighed, disappointment written across his face. “Imbecile. He ignored the first and most important step.”
Melissa crossed her arms, her eyes filled with mild pity. “Clearing your mind is the foundation. He let his arrogance rush him into failure.”
Denwen, however, said nothing. He simply watched Wade burn, memorizing the consequences of recklessness.
Wade’s voice had turned hoarse, his screams now gargled, wet, dying. His skin was gone, replaced with raw, charred muscle as the flames continued devouring him from the inside out.
Finally, the protective shield wrapped around him like a cocoon, suppressing the flames before floating his burnt, disfigured form off the podium.
The auditorium was dead silent.
The reality of the stakes had finally sunk in.
"Don't worry he'd be fine. Alright who's next" Zara's soothing voice rang through the audience who had yet to recover.