In the grand office of Tenryu Academy, Principal Daigo Arakawa sat behind a large, polished wooden desk, his fingers drumming lightly on its surface. His deep, thunderous voice filled the room as he addressed the teachers gathered before him.
"This year’s batch," he began, his voice resonating with authority, "is unlike any we've seen before."
The teachers exchanged knowing glances, some nodding, others looking intrigued. They had all witnessed the awakening ceremony firsthand, but hearing it from the principal himself added weight to the observation.
Daigo’s sharp gaze swept over the group. "There are more Unique Jobs this year than ever before. It seems the new generation is not only quick to awaken, but many have unlocked abilities that we typically see only once in a decade, or even less."
A murmur rippled through the teachers. Rarely did one or two students of the entire class awaken a Unique Job, let alone a whole batch. And yet, this year, the signs were undeniable.
"The future of the Awakened is upon us," Daigo continued, his tone somber but with a glimmer of pride. "We must ensure they are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead."
One of the teachers, a sharp-eyed woman with silver hair tied back in a neat bun, spoke up. "Are there any particular students we should be watching out for, Daigo-sama?"
Daigo’s eyes twinkled with a rare glimmer of humor, though his face remained stoic. "I am certain they will reveal themselves in time," he said cryptically. "But take note of the young ones who have unlocked powers not seen in the common spectrum of abilities. These are not just talents; they are signs of something much greater."
A slight pause hung in the air before another teacher, a younger man with glasses, leaned forward. "Does that mean the competition will be tougher this year? With so many powerful students, we might see unexpected outcomes in the guild selection."
Daigo chuckled softly, the sound more like the growl of a distant thunderstorm. "Indeed. And that's exactly why this year's ceremony is more important than ever. We must ensure that we properly assess their potential and guide them down the right path."
The conversation shifted to discussions about the upcoming training regimens, guild placements, and potential challenges that the new class might face. The academy’s reputation was at stake, and with so many promising talents, they had to make sure everything was in place for success.
As the meeting continued, Daigo’s mind occasionally drifted to the vast pool of talent he had seen that morning. Among them, some might become legends in their own right—others, well, time would tell. But he had a feeling that this class, with its overwhelming potential, would shape the future of Tenryu Academy in ways no one could have predicted.
The murmuring of the teachers filled the room once more, but in the heart of the academy, the seeds of greatness were already being sown. The next generation of Awakened had arrived, and their journey was just beginning.
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The sound of chairs scraping against the polished floor filled the room as the students trickled in, each taking their seats in the assigned rows.
I sank into my desk next to Tatsuya, still processing the events of the Awakening Ceremony. The excitement, the tension—it was all still fresh in my mind, but now, it was time for the real journey to begin: school.
“Looks like we’re in the same class,” Tatsuya said, his voice calm, but there was a slight edge of curiosity in it as he glanced around the room.
“Yeah,” I muttered, glancing around too, taking in the mix of faces. "Though, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised."
Before Tatsuya could respond, a familiar voice broke through the chatter.
“I had a feeling we’d be in the same class.”
It was Hiroshi Tanaka, the kid from the ceremony, who had been seated a couple of rows ahead of us. His glasses glinted as he gave us a knowing smile, clearly unfazed by the class's somewhat chaotic energy. He spun around in his seat, not waiting for any sort of greeting.
“You know,” Hiroshi continued, his tone casual but almost as if he were confirming something, “with the way things went at the ceremony, it wasn’t too hard to guess. You two were always going to be in this class, right?” He gave a small, confident shrug.
I exchanged a quick glance with Tatsuya. Hiroshi's words had a certain weight to them—like he knew more than he was letting on. He wasn’t exactly bragging, but it was clear he was well-informed, maybe more so than most.
“Guess you were right,” I said, leaning back in my seat. “Looks like we’re all in this together.”
Tatsuya gave a brief nod, his usual stoic demeanor never slipping, but the hint of amusement in his eyes told me he wasn’t all that surprised either.
“Well, I wasn’t the only one who thought that,” Hiroshi said, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Anyway, I’m just glad we’re all here. This class is going to be something else; don’t you think?”
Before we could respond, the door to the classroom opened, and the teacher walked in.
Ms. Muraoka, a woman in her thirties with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense air, immediately took command of the room. Behind her, Principal Daigo Arakawa was just barely visible, exchanging quiet words with her in the hallway.
“Settle down, class,” Ms. Muraoka’s voice rang out, cutting through the murmur of conversation. “I’m your homeroom teacher, Ms. Muraoka. I’ll be guiding you through the first part of the semester. Welcome to Tenryu Academy.”
The room immediately quieted, and everyone turned their attention to her. Her presence had an authority that commanded respect.
“Before we begin,” she continued, “I’ll explain how our classes are structured. Since this is an academy for both academic and combat training, we’ve divided your courses into two categories. The first is your standard academic subjects—literature, math, history, and so on. The second part focuses on your abilities and combat skills. Halfway through the semester, you’ll be evaluated based on your combat potential. That’s when your combat class assignments will be finalized.”
I exchanged a glance with Tatsuya. Mid-semester evaluations, huh? It definitely sounded like they were serious about our progress here.
“The academic classes will be the same for everyone, but combat evaluations will differ. Some of you will be placed in higher-level combat training depending on your results, while others may need more time before being assigned to specialized combat classes,” Ms. Muraoka explained, her tone leaving no room for doubt that this wasn’t going to be easy.
“So, we’re in the same class for now?” Hiroshi asked, raising an eyebrow. His voice was steady, but there was a hint of knowledge behind his question.
Ms. Muraoka nodded. “Yes, but the focus will be on academic subjects for the time being. Your combat abilities will be evaluated separately, and that will determine your future training paths.”
I felt the pressure creeping in, but I wasn’t about to show it. I glanced at Tatsuya, who, as usual, was calm and collected. He was probably already thinking about how to handle whatever challenges lay ahead.
“Well, looks like it’s going to be tough,” Hiroshi said with a small grin, his eyes glinting with something almost like anticipation. “But I’m sure we’ll all rise to the challenge. I can feel it.”
Tatsuya simply nodded; his gaze already focused forward. He wasn’t one for excessive words, but when it came to getting things done, he always delivered.
I took a deep breath, realizing that the real test was just beginning.
The classroom was silent as Ms. Maruoka stood at the front, her sharp gaze sweeping across the students. She adjusted her glasses and tapped the podium twice, commanding their attention.
"Twenty years ago, the world as we knew it ended. And a new one began."
The massive holographic screen behind her flickered to life, displaying a grim timeline of destruction, towers piercing the sky, and monsters roaming ruined cities.
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The Awakening – Year 0 A.A.
"No one saw it coming. One moment, the world was normal. The next, it was swallowed by chaos."
A map of the world appeared, red zones rapidly expanding across continents.
"They called it the Awakening—the day dungeons erupted from the earth and towers loomed over our cities. From these anomalies came creatures unlike anything in history—beasts that slaughtered millions, civilizations wiped out in weeks. Our weapons? Worthless. The strongest nations fell first."
The images changed to footage of desperate military forces, tanks crushed under monstrous feet, cities ablaze.
"But as humanity faced extinction, something else happened—we changed."
The screen shifted to a new image: an ordinary man, surrounded by fire, standing amidst the ruins of his home.
"The first Awakened emerged. People began manifesting abilities beyond human comprehension. Strength, speed, elemental control. Some could crush boulders with their fists; others could manipulate time itself. Scientists scrambled to explain it—genetic evolution, divine intervention, or perhaps a response to the Towers. Whatever the reason, humanity refused to die."
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The First Year of Chaos – Year 1 A.A.
"But power without control is meaningless."
The hologram showed grainy footage of early Awakened struggling with their abilities—some losing control and harming civilians, others killed by the very monsters they sought to fight.
"For the first year, the world was lawless. Cities became hunting grounds. Governments collapsed. The strong ruled, and the weak perished. But from the ashes, humanity did what it always does—it adapted."
The screen displayed three symbols—the first Guilds.
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The Rise of the Guilds – Year 5 A.A.
"When governments failed, the Awakened stepped in. The strongest warriors, mages, and strategists banded together. These groups were called Guilds, and they became the rulers of the new world."
The names flashed across the screen, and even the most disinterested students straightened up.
* Crimson Fangs – The first combat guild, ruthless and efficient.
* Celestial Dawn – A guild of healers and support Awakened, offering sanctuary to survivors.
* Obsidian Pact – A shadowy guild focused on intelligence gathering and dungeon research.
Ms. Maruoka’s gaze sharpened.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
"But power breeds ambition. The Guilds weren’t just fighting monsters—they fought each other. Resources, territory, dungeon rights… blood was spilled. In time, weaker Guilds were absorbed or destroyed. Some changed. Some became legends."
She gestured, and the screen changed again.
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The Fall of Celestial Dawn & the Rise of Silver Valkyrie – Year 8 A.A.
The logo of Celestial Dawn, once a beacon of light, faded from the display.
"Celestial Dawn was once humanity’s greatest hope. Founded by the strongest support-type Awakened, it focused on healing and rebuilding. But in a world ruled by strength, ideals alone were not enough."
The image shifted to a battlefield—a once-proud guild hall in ruins, its members standing against overwhelming enemies.
"Rival guilds, corrupt officials, and even its own members turned against it. Betrayals weakened its foundation. And so, the guild that sought to protect the weak was nearly wiped out."
A new emblem appeared—sleek silver, shaped like a Valkyrie’s wing.
"But Celestial Dawn did not vanish. It changed. It reforged itself under a new leader, shedding its pacifist ways. It became Silver Valkyrie, a guild that still defended the weak… but now with a sword in hand. No longer just healers—they became warriors. A force feared even by the most powerful Guilds today."
The classroom buzzed with murmurs. Even Seiji, who had been lazily resting his chin on his palm, found himself listening intently.
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The First Tower Conquest – Year 10 A.A.
The screen displayed an ominous monolith—the first Tower discovered.
"Dungeons were threats, but Towers… Towers were mysteries."
A new image appeared—humanity’s first attempt at conquering a 100-floor Tower. A hundred Awakened entered.
Only three returned.
"Inside, the rules of reality changed. The deeper they climbed, the stronger the monsters became. But more than that, something inside was… watching."
A recorded transmission from one of the survivors played, his voice trembling.
"‘The Tower… it’s alive.’"
The screen went black.
"Despite the horror, this mission changed everything. Humanity learned. We developed ranking systems, classified Jobs, and most importantly—we established Academies."
She gestured to the walls around them.
"Tenryu Academy exists because of that lesson. You are here because of that lesson."
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Modern Day – Year 20 A.A.
The holographic display faded, and the classroom lights brightened again.
Ms. Maruoka took a deep breath.
"That brings us to today. The world is stable, but it is far from safe. Towers remain unconquered. Dungeons still spawn new horrors. The strongest Awakened push the limits of possibility. Guilds rule cities, and the line between savior and tyrant is thin."
Her gaze sharpened.
"And you—" she pointed at the class, "—will soon rise to the top. Some of you will gain great power. Some of you will be disappointments."
A few students swallowed nervously.
"Those who rise to the top will shape history. Some will join elite Guilds. Some will attempt to climb the Towers. And some… some will die forgotten."
A heavy silence filled the room. Then, she smirked slightly, adjusting her glasses.
"This world is not kind. It is not fair. But it is full of opportunities for those who seize them. Let’s hope you’re not among the weak."
She tapped the podium.
As students shuffled out, murmuring in hushed voices, Seiji leaned back with a sigh.
"Yeah… this world’s totally insane."
Tatsuya grinned. "Insane? This is exciting. We’re going to be part of that history soon!"
Seiji groaned. "Yeah, yeah. As if my ability ‘Super Cooking’ would be good."
Tatsuya just laughed.
As Ms. Muraoka wrapped up the lesson, the atmosphere in the classroom remained lively. Some students were still buzzing with excitement over their newly awakened abilities, discussing their future prospects with eager anticipation. Others were more subdued, either satisfied with their jobs or quietly disappointed in what they had received.
I leaned back in my chair, staring absently at the ceiling.
Book Owner.
That was my job.
Not Swordsman like Tatsuya. Not Mage, not Berserker, not any of the flashy combat roles that people dreamed of.
Just Book Owner.
A job with no clear strengths, no obvious combat abilities. Just a book of skill cards that I had no idea how to use yet.
I sighed, rubbing my temples.
Tatsuya had been thrilled for me, saying it sounded like something special, something unique. But I wasn’t so sure. Compared to his Guardian Sword job, mine felt… underwhelming.
Still, there was no point in dwelling on it now.
“Alright, that’s all for today,” Ms. Muraoka said, snapping her lesson book shut. “Don’t forget, tomorrow is your first training session, so get some rest and be prepared.”
A few groans echoed through the room, but most students seemed eager for it. After all, this was the first step toward their future as Awakened.
As the class settled down after Ms. Muraoka's lecture, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. My so-called 'awakening' had been the biggest surprise of my life, and now everyone believed I had some kind of cooking-related ability.
Even Tatsuya, who knew me better than anyone, hadn’t questioned it too much.
I forced a grin. "Yeah, well, life’s full of surprises. Maybe I’ll open a restaurant someday."
Tatsuya smirked but didn’t comment. He knew me well enough to sense when I wasn’t being entirely truthful, but he also knew better than to push.
"A restaurant, huh?" Hiroshi mused. "I can already imagine it. ‘Seiji’s Gourmet Haven’—specializing in instant ramen and microwavable meals."
I rolled my eyes. "Real funny. I’ll have you know; I make a mean omelet."
Ms. Muraoka cleared her throat, and the chatter in the classroom died down.
"Alright, class dismissed. Your next period is bushcraft, so gather your materials and head to the designated area outside."
As everyone began shuffling out of their seats, something strange caught my eye.
A soft, golden glow shimmered at the front of the classroom.
It was faint—so faint that no one else seemed to notice—but to me, it was unmistakable.
My heart pounded as I stepped forward, drawn to the light.
And there it was, lying on the desk where Ms. Muraoka had been standing moments ago—a single card, pristine and untouched.
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[Inscription (Passive)]
Rarity: Common
Level 1: Enhances the ability to write or engrave symbols with precision.
Effect: Improves the quality of inscriptions, allowing them to last longer and be more resistant to external forces.
Unlocks at Level 5: Rune Etching – Enables the user to inscribe basic runes that carry minor effects.
Unlocks at Level 10: Advanced Inscription – Grants the ability to create durable enchantments through intricate symbols.
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I hesitated before picking it up.
As soon as my fingers touched the surface, the glow vanished, and the card disappeared into thin air.
My Skill Book must have absorbed it.
I glanced around. No one had noticed anything unusual. Hiroshi and Tatsuya were waiting by the door, chatting about something I barely registered.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to act natural.
"Seiji, you coming?" Tatsuya called.
"Yeah, right behind you," I replied, shoving my hands into my pockets and following them out of the classroom.
Whatever had just happened, I had a feeling it was only the beginning.
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The bushcraft class was held in a wide, open training field behind the academy. Several instructors were already waiting for us, surrounded by stacks of wooden logs, twine, and other survival materials.
A few students were murmuring excitedly—this was one of the more hands-on classes, where we’d be learning real survival skills rather than sitting through another lecture.
"Alright, listen up!"
The instructor, a burly man with a thick beard and a voice that could rival a thunderclap, clapped his hands together.
"Today, you’ll be working in teams to build a proper survival shelter. This could mean the difference between life and death in the wilderness, so don’t slack off!"
Tatsuya glanced at me. "You think they’ll let you cook us a meal when we’re done?"
"Hilarious," I muttered. "Maybe I’ll cook your boots if you keep that up."
Hiroshi chuckled. "I’d pay to see that."
The instructor divided us into teams of three, and—no surprise—I was grouped with Tatsuya and Hiroshi. We were led to an area where we’d have to gather branches, leaves, and other natural materials to construct a makeshift shelter.
"So, do either of you actually know what we’re doing?" I asked, scanning the area.
"Tatsuya probably does," Hiroshi said. "I, on the other hand, am an expert in finding the most comfortable spot to sit and supervise."
Tatsuya sighed. "It’s not that hard. We just need a solid frame, insulation, and a cover to block wind and rain. We’ll make a lean-to."
We set to work, gathering sturdy branches for the frame. Tatsuya took the lead, demonstrating how to prop them against a thicker tree trunk at an angle to form the basic structure.
I helped with reinforcing the frame using vines we stripped from nearby bushes, tying them tightly to secure the beams.
Hiroshi, true to his word, mostly watched until we started piling up leaves and smaller branches for insulation.
"Alright, alright, I’ll help," he finally relented, dragging over a large bundle of foliage. "But if we end up sleeping in this thing, I call dibs on the driest spot."
As I worked, my mind kept drifting to the Inscription card.
Could I somehow use it to improve our shelter?
I ran a finger along a sturdy branch, wondering if my skill could make markings more precise.
On a whim, I grabbed a small rock and scratched a simple symbol onto one of the wooden supports.
The mark looked sharper than I expected, almost like it had been etched by a professional hand.
"Seiji, quit playing around and focus," Tatsuya called.
"Right, right," I said quickly, shaking off the strange sensation.
By the time we finished, our lean-to actually looked decent.
The instructor came over, inspecting our work with a nod of approval.
"Not bad. Sturdy frame, decent insulation, and well-tied supports. Good job, boys."
Hiroshi wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead. "I’d like to thank my expert leadership skills."
Tatsuya rolled his eyes. "You mean your expert napping skills."
"Right, right."
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As Seiji packed up after bushcraft class, a faint golden glow flickered at the edge of his vision.
His heart skipped. Another one?
He tried not to react too obviously. If someone else saw it, things could get complicated. Instead, he bent down, pretending to tie his shoelace as he subtly scanned the area.
The glow pulsed softly behind a cluster of thick roots at the base of a large tree.
Carefully, he moved toward it, keeping an eye on his surroundings. Most students were still chatting or cleaning up, none of them paying him any attention.
And there it was: a card, faintly pulsing.
He reached for it, and as soon as his fingers brushed the surface, the golden light flickered and faded. The card vanished, its contents imprinting into his Skill Book.
A familiar transparent window popped up in his mind.
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[Reinforce (Passive)]
Rarity: Common
Level 1: Strengthens basic materials slightly, making them more durable.
Effect: Improves the integrity of non-living objects, reducing wear and tear.
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Seiji raised an eyebrow. Huh. That actually seems kind of useful.
Unlike his previous "skills" that were basically glorified chores, this one had a practical application. Maybe he could—
"Find something interesting?"
Seiji jumped, almost toppling forward.
He whirled around, heart hammering.
A girl stood a few feet away, arms crossed, her sharp gaze locked onto him. Yui Kamizaki.
One of the top-ranked students. Known for her keen senses.
Also known for being far too perceptive for her own good.
Her expression was unreadable as she tilted her head slightly, eyes flicking from Seiji to the exact spot where the card had disappeared.
Seiji forced a casual grin. "Oh, you know. Just admiring the tree roots. Very… uh, earthy."
Yui didn’t blink. "Uh-huh."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt heavier than it should have. Seiji resisted the urge to check if she had some kind of perception-based ability.
Then, to his mild horror, she smirked.
"Huh." She slipped her hands into her pockets. "Guess I wasn’t imagining things."
Seiji’s smile froze. "Imagining what?"
She shrugged, her gaze still sharp but her tone light. "Just a feeling. You seemed… unusually interested in that spot. Almost like you were looking for something."
Seiji fought to keep his expression neutral. "Maybe I just like nature."
"Right." She studied him for another second before turning away. "Well, try not to trip over any more roots, nature boy."
She walked off, leaving Seiji standing there, feeling like he had just barely avoided something dangerous.
After a beat, he exhaled.
Did she really see something? Or was she just fishing for a reaction?
Either way… he’d have to be more careful.
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[Inscription (Passive)]
Rarity: Common
Level 1: Enhances the ability to write or engrave symbols with precision.
Effect: Improves the quality of inscriptions, allowing them to last longer and be more resistant to external forces.
Unlocks at Level 5: Rune Etching – Enables the user to inscribe basic runes that carry minor effects.
Unlocks at Level 10: Advanced Inscription – Grants the ability to create durable enchantments through intricate symbols.
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[Reinforce (Passive)]
Rarity: Common
Level 1: Strengthens basic materials slightly, making them more durable.
Effect: Enhances the integrity of non-living objects, reducing wear and tear. Items reinforced by this skill become more resistant to minor damage, increasing their lifespan and structural stability.
Unlocks at Level 5: Reinforce+ – Strengthens materials more effectively, making them resistant to moderate damage. Allows the user to reinforce wooden and metal objects for a longer duration.
Unlocks at Level 10: Structural Fortification – The user can now reinforce materials to withstand heavy impacts, reducing the likelihood of breakage. Applied objects gain a slight resistance to elemental erosion (e.g., water, fire, and wind effects).
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