[14th Everdusk 2103]

While Lucas was preoccupied with checking his status, the third section's teacher, Helen, was already at the front of his class, beginning to call out to his students.

"Alright, students, let's start with roll call, and remember, no sadness—think back to what I told you before we left the classroom," he said, prompting the students to recall his speech, which slightly eased their anxious minds, though a sense of turmoil lingered.

He proceeded to call out each student's name, and one by one, they walked towards the stage to participate in the class awakening.

The success rate of the previous class's awakening was decent, but Helen's class was performing remarkably well. During the awakening period, thirteen students stepped up to the stage, with only two failing to awaken. Of those who succeeded, four had awakened their combat classes: two as warriors, one as an archer, and one as a martial artist.

Then, the fourteenth name was called. Evan, lost in his thoughts, felt a tug on his uniform and turned to see a classmate gesturing urgently.

"What's the matter?" he inquired, and the student pointed ahead where Mr. Helen was glaring at him with a hint of irritation.

"Evan, can't you pay attention? We've been calling you for a while, and you're lost in a daydream," he said, his annoyance palpable.

"Oh, sorry, sir. I was just nervous about my class and got lost in thought," Evan replied, moving forward with an awkward smile.

"Just be mindful, Evan. Life doesn't always give you a second chance," Helen advised, nodding to allow Evan to proceed towards the stage.

{Evan's POV}

Minutes after the class awakening ceremony began, I found myself pondering how to confront Lucas, suspecting he might have acquired his system or some sort of class advantage. I was certain he was concocting some nonsense in his mind at that moment.

As I was lost in thought, a fellow student jolted me back to reality, urging me to pay attention to Mr. Helen, who was staring at me. It dawned on me that it was my turn to awaken.

Approaching him, I feigned nervousness with a clumsy lie.

He seemed to accept it, perhaps understanding that a student might indeed be nervous. With a nod, he allowed me to proceed, and I began my walk towards the stage.

I could feel every gaze upon me, as if they were all wishing for my failure. Yet, I was confident that I would be fine without a class, as it would spare me from undue attention.

Resigned, I thought, let's just get this over with and go home, class or no class.

"Alright, student, place your hand there and do not remove it from the crystal, even if it feels unsettling," Miriam instructed. I nodded in acknowledgment, having gone through the process twice before, so I harbored little concern.

I approached the formation, sensing that it was subpar compared to the higher-level formations that could enhance the likelihood of a combat class awakening. Such formations were typically reserved for prestigious schools or noble families. I knew this because, in a past life as a wealthy young master, I had the privilege of using one.

With those memories in mind, I placed my hand on the crystal's rough yet slightly smooth surface, which felt distinctly cold.

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I closed my eyes, attempting to sense the mana beginning to flow into my body through the crystal. It seemed to target my lower abdomen, crashing against something as if trying to break through. After several attempts, it shattered the barrier, and the mana began circulating within me, indicating my mana veins had opened.

As I prepared to open my eyes, a fiery-bladed visage materialized before me, causing awe among the students who speculated it to be of a high-class Magic Swordsman. However, it disintegrated instantly before it could act.

Confusion spread as some wondered if the formation was flawed, recalling Lucas's earlier issue. I stood in silence, not receiving the expected Nexus system notification for the Magic Swordsman class.

The Principal was about to intervene when the crystal flared to life once more, signaling a second awakening. I braced to feel the mana again, but an astonishing sound interrupted the moment.

__

{The Nexus system is booting up.}

{A message for the host has been detected, please click to open it.}

__

I considered accepting it, thinking it might be possible, as I didn't want to seem foolish for using the system even before fully awakening, and currently, I am unable to move, feeling trapped in my body like a statue.

__

{The user's request has been accepted, and the message is now open.}

{You have received several gifts from the higher being, #######.}

{Would you like to open the gifts now? Please be cautious, as it may interfere with the awakening of your class due to an intrusion.}

{Yes/No}

{Yes}

{The gifts are being opened.}

{The gifts include: