The academy gates stood tall—cold, metallic, and unchanged.
Kai Draven paused just a few steps away, his crimson-tinted eyes scanning the familiar structure. Students moved in groups, laughter and chatter filling the air like nothing had happened.
Like he had never died.
"…He's here."
"…Wait, isn't that Kai?"
"…That's impossible…"
Whispers spread like wildfire.
Kai walked past them without a word.
Each step was steady. Controlled.
But then—
He saw them.
Riven Kade.
Dax Hollow.
Standing among the crowd like nothing had happened.
Alive. Calm. Smiling.
For a brief second, the world went silent.
Dax was the first to notice him.
His face went pale.
"…R-Riven…"
Riven turned.
Their eyes met.
Shock flickered across his face—but only for a moment. It vanished just as quickly, replaced by his usual calm expression.
"…Kai," Riven said quietly.
Kai stopped a few steps away from them.
Silence stretched.
Heavy. Suffocating.
"You're… alive?" Dax stammered.
Kai tilted his head slightly.
"…Surprised?"
His voice was calm. Too calm.
Dax instinctively took a step back.
Riven's gaze narrowed slightly, studying him.
"…We thought you died out there," he said.
Kai didn't respond.
Didn't need to.
The bell rang.
A sharp, metallic sound that cut through the tension.
"All first-year students, report to the Awakening Hall immediately!"
The crowd began to move.
Kai walked past them.
Like they didn't matter.
But behind him—
Dax swallowed hard.
"…Something's wrong with him."
Riven didn't answer.
But for the first time—
He felt it too.
The Awakening Hall was massive.
Rows of students filled the space, all eyes fixed on the elevated platform at the front. A single crystal device stood at its center, glowing faintly.
Beside it stood a woman.
Tall. Composed. Watching everything.
"Instructor Selene Virel," someone whispered.
Her gaze swept across the room.
Sharp. Piercing.
"Today," she began, her voice calm yet commanding, "you will awaken your abilities and receive your ranks."
A ripple of excitement spread.
"Your future begins now."
One by one, names were called.
Students stepped forward.
Placed their hands on the crystal.
And awakened.
"E-Rank. Enhanced Vision."
"D-Rank. Water Manipulation."
"C-Rank. Strength Enhancement!"
Cheers. Gasps. Applause.
Kai watched in silence.
Taking everything in.
Then—
"Bruno Kael."
A tall, muscular boy stepped forward with a grin.
"Watch this!"
He slammed his hand onto the crystal.
A surge of energy burst outward.
"C-Rank. Titan Strength."
Bruno laughed loudly.
"Told you!"
Next—
"Lyra Vale."
A quiet girl stepped forward.
The crystal glowed a soft blue.
"B-Rank. Ice Manipulation."
The room quieted in admiration.
Lyra said nothing. She simply stepped down—
But her eyes briefly glanced at Kai.
As if she sensed something.
Then—
"Aric Voss."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
He walked forward with confidence, placing his hand gently on the crystal.
For a second—
Nothing.
Then—
A blinding flash of lightning exploded across the platform.
Gasps filled the hall.
"A-Rank… Lightning Control!"
The class erupted.
"Incredible!"
"A-Rank?!"
Aric smirked slightly, clearly satisfied.
His gaze swept across the room—
Before stopping on Kai.
Just for a moment.
Then moving on.
"Riven Kade."
The name echoed.
Kai's eyes sharpened slightly.
Riven stepped forward calmly.
Placed his hand on the crystal.
Flames ignited instantly—hot, aggressive, spreading across the platform.
"B-Rank. Flame Manipulation."
Applause followed.
Riven stepped down—
But as he passed Kai, he spoke quietly.
"…We'll talk later."
Kai didn't react.
"Dax Hollow."
Dax hurried forward, clearly nervous.
The crystal flickered.
Wind gathered around him.
"C-Rank. Wind Step."
Dax exhaled in relief.
But his eyes kept drifting back to Kai.
More names were called.
"Mira Solen—D-Rank, Healing Light."
"Jett Corvin—F-Rank, Minor Speed Boost."
"…"
Then—
Silence.
"Kai Draven."
Every eye turned.
The room grew quiet.
Kai stepped forward.
Each step echoed.
Slow.
Measured.
He stopped before the crystal.
Placed his hand on it.
For a brief moment—
Nothing happened.
Then—
A faint pulse.
Weak.
"F-Rank… Physical Enhancement."
Silence.
Then whispers.
"…That's it?"
"…F-Rank?"
"…I thought something was off…"
Interest faded almost instantly.
Kai removed his hand.
Unbothered.
He stepped down.
Invisible once again.
After the ceremony, small devices were handed out.
"Aether Scanners," Instructor Selene explained. "They will display your stats and abilities. Use them wisely."
Kai stared at his device.
Activated it.
A screen appeared.
Name: Kai Draven
Rank: F
Strength: 8
Agility: 7
Endurance: 9
Mana: 5
Ability: Physical Enhancement
He stared for a moment.
Then—
The screen flickered.
Glitched.
Changed.
Hidden Skill Detected: Blood Awakening
Compatibility: 3%
Status: Body Too Weak
Kai's eyes narrowed slightly.
So it was real.
Not a dream.
Not an illusion.
A faint smile touched his lips.
Barely noticeable.
"…3%," he murmured.
Pathetic.
But it was a start.
From across the room—
Lyra watched him.
Frowning slightly.
"…Why do I feel…"
She couldn't finish the sentence.
Near the exit—
Riven stood still.
Arms crossed.
Watching.
"…F-Rank?" Dax whispered beside him.
"…No," Riven said quietly.
His gaze didn't leave Kai.
"…That's not it."
Kai turned.
And for a split second—
Their eyes met again.
Calm.
Cold.
Unreadable.
Some awakenings were gifts.
Others…
Were something far worse.