After our discussion with Angela Stillwell, a few other important things were brought up.
Our living arrangements had been moved to a building inside the Lance Corporation. On top of that, Hadal and I were scheduled to begin special training starting next week.
The way Chioma and Rose reacted when Stillwell mentioned it…
It wasn't just excitement.
There was something else—something darker. Like they knew something we didn't.
Like they had something planned for us.
Of course, the reason for the training was obvious.
The world was changing.
New threats were coming.
And apparently… it all had something to do with my awakening.
But before any of that—
Today was the day we would finally find out what we had awakened as.
Hadal told me I had already been channeling Flow energy into my knife during the fight with the bullies.
Stillwell, however, insisted I undergo a proper evaluation.
We were given the day off, changed into casual clothes, and headed to a private awakening center in the heart of the central business district in Lagos.
"Phew… at least it's private," Hadal said. "No long lines."
That sounded like something he'd care about.
But I barely paid attention.
Something else was bothering me.
Smack.
"What are you thinking about, Joseph?"
I flinched as Rose's hand landed on my back.
I had almost forgotten she was coming with us.
She seemed… unusually eager.
I hesitated, then spoke.
"Hey, Rose… can I ask you something?"
She turned immediately."I don't date younger guys, sorry."
"…That's not what I'm asking."
She laughed.
"I just want to know—why are we going to some random awakening center? Wouldn't it be safer to use our own equipment?"
"Relax," she said. "This center is privately owned by the Lance Corporation. They've been instructed not to record anything from your session."
She smiled.
"So? Are you boys excited?"
"Of course!" Hadal said instantly. "I've always wanted to run as fast as the wind… or punch a truck and send it flying!"
Rose laughed, then turned to me.
I smirked.
"I just want to get stronger as a Flow user… so I can crush the High Top gang."
"…Wow, Joseph."
She looked at me like I'd grown a second head.
"I didn't know you had such malicious thoughts."
Hadal burst out laughing.
My face burned.
I quickly looked around for a distraction.
"H-hey! Look—we're here already! Let's go in!"
Inside, the building looked… normal.
"Honestly, this just looks like a regular clinic," I said.
"Yeah," Rose replied. "Most awakening centers do."
But when we entered the waiting room—
Something felt off.
Everyone there…
Was a child.
"Hadal… why are they all kids?"
"The average awakening age is between 1 and 10," he said casually. "It's possible after that, but rare."
Great.
So not only was I late—
I was taking a test meant for toddlers.
Ten minutes later, an announcement echoed through the room.
"Test Subjects 455 and 456, please proceed to Evaluation Room B702."
Hadal and I looked at each other.
"Who are—"
"Oh my God," Rose sighed. "That's you two. I told you your names wouldn't be recorded."
She waved us forward.
"Go. I'll wait here."
Inside, a man in a lab coat greeted us.
He reminded me of one of my professors back at Shalu Academy.
"Let's make this quick," he said. "An SRF officer may arrive soon, and that would complicate things."
Hadal stepped forward first.
"All you need to do," the doctor explained, "is hold the evaluation crystal."
Hadal rolled up his sleeve.
Took a deep breath.
"Here goes nothing."
The moment he touched the crystal—
A burst of light filled the room.
When it faded, a projection appeared:
Name: Test Subject 455Stats:First Blessing: 15%Second Blessing: 55.5%Third Blessing: 35.5%
Awakening: Second Blessing
The doctor adjusted his glasses, stunned.
"Incredible…"
Hadal just nodded.
"Yes, sir."
Then…
It was my turn.
My heart pounded.
This was it.
The moment that would define everything.
I grabbed the crystal.
Closed my eyes.
Light exploded around me—
Brighter than before.
Stronger.
Heavier.
Then—
Silence.
I opened my eyes.
And looked up.
My breath caught in my throat.
Name: Test Subject 456Stats:First Blessing: 65%Second Blessing: 75%Third Blessing: 65%
Awakening: Second Blessing
No…
That couldn't be right.
I reached toward the crystal again.
Maybe it was broken.
Maybe I imagined it.
"Hey! How did it—"
Rose burst into the room—
Then froze.
Her eyes locked onto the screen.
Her expression shifted.
Shock.
Disbelief.
Fear.
"…What on earth…"
She stepped back slightly.
"…are those monstrous stats?"