"Hey– hey, what class do you think our path will be? I hope it will be in a combat category such as fighter, mage." Ace, excited yet also nervously asked.
The square was filled with people like them who came for the Awakening Ceremony. No other people were allowed in the square.
"Don't jinx it, I don't wanna end up in the support category due to some bad luck!" Joan was also somewhat nervous.
No one could tell what class or how powerful their path would be, except for the nobles who possessed old bloodlines and had manifested their bloodline emblem. An example was the Apocalypse Family: Apocalypse Emblem; the reason Joan was stripped of his status as a noble heir for his inability to manifest it.
"I know, I know, sorry I couldn't help it." Ace forced a smile, scratching his head in agitation
Joan stopped paying attention to him as look up at the sky, where no blue sky could be seen as darker grey clouds filled the skies. There was no direct sunlight but only the pale light that managed to escape from beyond the clouds and reach the world.
This was the usual day in this world after the apocalypse descended long ago. The world was always grey and gloomy.
Looking at such a sight, Joan had gotten used to it and had realized why the world was called Fallenlight long ago; this world hadn't seen real sun for a long time.
'From all the stories and lessons in class, the sun fell in ancient times and never rose again. No one knows the reason, but their speculation led to the day the apocalypse descended.'
While in thought, Joan notices the environment getting tense. The authorities started making moves and sealed the gates of the square.
The professor and the authorities remained still in lines at the front, then a man and two women wearing white clergy robes stepped to the forefront.
With a wave of his hand, the unnecessary noise in the environment quietens considerably.
"The blessing of the Eternal Sun has once again graced us this day. Young ones, prepared for the Awakening Ceremony!"
*Clamour*
The aspirants all over the place raised their hands and responded with excitement, determination, and heat in their eyes.
"MAY THE ETERNAL SUN CONTINUE TO BLESS THE WORLD–!!!"
"HAIL THE ETERNAL SUN–!"
"GRACE OF THE ETERNAL SUN– ..."
The faculty of the school remained serious and deadpan, but the three from the church couldn't help but show a slight smile.
"Today, in the domains of the Church of the Eternal Sun and the churches all over the kingdom, thousands of you will become God-blessed, the defender of humanity, and the hope of the world."
*Clamour*
From beyond the gate, around the school, normal people who weren't in the best shape screamed in excitement, shouted words of encouragement, and deep in their eyes was hope for the future in the hands of the young ones.
"Joan, look! The people are cheering for us!" Ace excitedly said.
Joan, seeing the scene, even he couldn't help but be infected by the environment despite hell waiting for them.
After all, today was a sacred day; a day where Awakeners are born; a day the Fighters of the Apocalypse were born!
…
"Enough! We shall begin now!"
After saying that, the clergyman reached for the old patent in the two clergywomen's hands.
There lay an object about the size of a child's head, covered in grey cloth.
He held the object with both hands, looking at it as if it were the most precious thing in the world, but the object still remained covered.
Next, from his hand, it started to slowly pulse and radiate a pure light. The pulse resonates with everyone's heartbeat.
*Dum*
*Dabum*
Joan's eyes widened at the next second, his entire being trembling and his body burning.
'Hmm? Is it the awakening?!' Joan was a little scared at the reaction his body was giving.
But it wasn't only him, but all the other people in the square showed bafflement and shock. Their bodies tremble, and some even knelt down.
Then, with no warning.
Woom!
A light coming from the object intensified, turning into a transparent circular sphere before it exploded, expanding in all directions.
Joan instinctively raised both his hand as to defend himself, but nothing happened.
It was as though a weak breeze just blew past him.
But a moment later, the faces of the people present changed; everyone stood frozen with a strange aura radiating from their bodies, staring at the space in front of them.
Joan was no different. He felt his chest burn, and his knees buckled as something was awakening inside his heart.
He desperately tried to suppress the tears and the primal scream threatening to escape his entire being.
Then, an eternal ethereal feminine voice resounded in his mind.
[The destined time when the stars align]
[The Architect welcomes You, Great One…]
…
[You have Awakened]
[Utter 'Status' to view information…]
Name: Joan Apocalypse
Existence Tier: I [Human] [0/100]
Rank: 1 [Awakened] [0/100%]
Path: The Olden Sun [???]
Affinity: Light, Fire, —
Speciality: Emission, Enchantment, —
Skill:
Inventory:
#Notice: [Expedition 0 commencing soon…]
Suddenly, the burning sensation disappeared.
Joan stood frozen with a strange aura radiating from the core of his being.
He forgot what the Voice was whispering earlier, but he knew that he had awakened and had become a full-fledged Awakened!
'Yes– succeeded!' Joan was exhilarated beyond expression, as he felt the changes.
Although he didn't know how to express the type of change, at this moment, he felt whole, complete!
The sensation made his previous self look like an ant compared to a human.
"YESSS!!"
Suddenly, a joyous scream came from his side.
Joan was surprised and shocked by the unexpected voice, and when he looked, he saw the one and only Ace jumping and dancing, looking at the space in front of him.
Immediately, Joan knew that his friend had also awakened a path.