BAB1 -Chapter 1 (WIP)

# Chapter 1: Awakening

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“Next!” Teacher Ming urged the line forward with a tight smile. She marked off another regular, just like the last.

One hundred eighteen-year-olds stood in line buzzing with barely contained nerves.

Some fidgeted unconsciously, others held their breaths, but all of their eyes were fixed on the glowing face of the hovering Awakening Stone in the center of the plaza.

This was the moment they had dreamed of their entire lives, the chance to become one of the Awakened—powerful warriors who possessed magic powers and fought monsters inside the rifts.

Xay was no different—a poor orphan with no family, and big dreams of becoming the strongest Awakened the world had ever seen.

Every year, the primary schools took their graduating students to one of the three Awakening Stones in the city to determine who was worthy of joining the ranks of the most elite.

This year was finally Xay’s turn, and his stomach was twisted with nerves.

“Next!” Teacher Ming shouted, ushering another disappointed youth toward the trade college booths.

Representatives from all the trade colleges and Awakened Academies were in attendance, eager to snatch up the most talented students.

Xay swallowed the lump in his throat while rubbing Dragon—his trusty balisong—in his wide hoody pocket.

He had the bad habit of flipping it mindlessly when he was nervous, but he couldn’t pull out a weapon in such a public place. Just rubbing Dragon’s two handles was enough for him to steady himself, however.

There were several paths to success outside the guts and glory of monster hunting like technology, agriculture, or commerce.

But Xay wanted no parts of them. He had trained for as long as he could remember—long hours of cardio, calisthenics, and pseudo-weapon fighting in back alleys with wooden sticks.

All so that when he awakened, it would be with a combat skill that allowed him to battle monsters and live an exciting life of power and riches.

As an orphan, Dragon was the only real weapon he could afford, but Xay prided himself on being able to learn anything. He never would’ve survived this long in New Meriden if he couldn’t adapt.

“Next!” Teacher Ming shouted again, looking up and to the left. The tell-tell sign that she was interacting with Grid.

“Wait! No! Something’s wrong—test me again.”

Xay’s head snapped up, as did everyone else’s in line behind him. Some brown-haired guy up front was refusing to accept his results. But there was nothing that could be done.

Everyone knew that there was only a 10% chance to awaken, and only a 5% chance to get a skill higher than C-Rank.

Xay had learned all about spheres and skills in primary. Spheres determined what type of techniques an Awakened could learn, with only slight crossover, depending on the specific skill and its rank.

Spell Blades, for example, were A-Rank and in the Striker Sphere but they could also learn several techniques from the Caster Sphere.

Xay didn’t care if his skill was in the Striker, Caster, or Prowler spheres—he just wanted something focused on close combat. Neither Defender, Ranger, nor Mender would allow him to be who he wanted. He loved fighting up close, and he was good at it.

Four military guards and two Awakened on retainer to the government escorted the loud guy off the premises. He probably just blew his chances with the trade colleges. A life of mining mana crystals was all that awaited him.

Xay squeezed Dragon harder. He just couldn’t waste his life away mining mana crystals. He would have to go into the rifts behind the Awakened and clean up.

Watching them up close every day, knowing he could never be one of them—the very thought made shivers run down his spine.

Xay’s Grid softly pinged in his head with an incoming message. He looked up, mentally acknowledging the translucent black panel floating in his peripheral vision. It expanded into focus.

**Lexi**: Did you see that?? (o_0)

**Xay**: everyone saw. it was a damn train wreck.

**Lexi**: He was smart too. Maybe he can still get into the Bio-medical College.

**Xay**: are you using GRID to spy on people’s grades again?

**Lexi**: Maaaaaaaaybe. (o˘◡˘o)

Xay shook his head at Lexi’s antics. She was several places behind him in line and utterly unbothered by the whole event.

Loud, platinum blonde, and full of attitude, she had declared herself his friend back in year 3 of primary and had never strayed too far from him since. He was fine with it though, because he genuinely enjoyed her company—most of the time.

Also, Xay couldn’t deny how she had filled out as an adult. She’d always been pretty, but how someone could go from being a flat-chested tomboy to a chest-heavy stunner in just a few years, he would never understand.

Lexi was the very definition of a rich tech heiress. Her family ran the corporation behind Grid—a wireless network interface that directly connected to the brains of its users.

All of the nearly five million citizens of the walled city relied on Grid for communication, social media, emergency alerts, health monitoring, credit exchange, and there was even a module that interacted overtop the Awakened System.

Lexi though, was only here for Xay. She knew how much he wanted this—how hard he had worked for it. And she just wanted to stay by his side, no matter where he went.

They weren’t technically dating, but that didn’t matter to her. She assumed that once he awakened, he would finally man up and ask her out. He never mentioned it, but she knew their different social circles bothered him.

Lexi had offered to support Xay financially for a decade now, but he always refused—proclaiming that he make it on his own once he awakened.

“Next,” Teacher Ming said calmly this time.

Xay looked around and saw that the next in line was Kimi from the Vermilion Group. Everyone seemed to walk on eggshells around her, but she had always been kind to him.

Xay thought she was beautiful in every sense of the word. With silky black hair, an athletic sword-fighter’s frame, and a quiet demeanor, she was every bit the princess the other students made her out to be.

With a confident stride, Kimi placed her hand on the surface of the clear Awakening Stone. It immediately shifted deep red as a gust of wind whipped around her.

“Something’s happening!”

“She’s awakening!”

Others in line reacted animatedly as the first of the day finally awakened.

The tips of Kimi’s long black hair ignited into multiple shades of red fire.

“Bloodline Manifestation too!” Someone in line squealed. “Seraph Bloodline—just like her mother!”

The Vermilion Group was one of the Big 5 in the city—the last line of defense in case of an S-Rank monster attack.

But more importantly, Kimi’s father was the headmaster of Cosmos, one of the top three Awakened Academies.

Xay received a ping from Lexi.

**Lexi**: No surprise there. The bigger shock would be if princess didn’t awaken at all. Could you imagine? (≧◡≦)

**Xay**: is her father here?

**Lexi**: No, the Cosmos recruiter is that lady in the tight black bodysuit to the far left.

Xay looked over, quickly spotting the woman in question. Lexi wasn’t exaggerating when she said ‘tight,’ her shiny bodysuit looked painted onto her muscular curves.

He assumed that her skill was in the Defender Sphere, because the tall redhead looked as solid as a mountain.

Xay thought her face was gorgeous, though it seemed like all Awakened were unnaturally beautiful. As he studied the recruiter, her sharp green eyes flicked to his, glowing faintly and making his knees go weak.

She smiled, winking at him before quickly focusing back on Kimi. Sweat dripped down Xay’s brow as the immense sense of danger eased.

She had not done anything malicious—powerful Awakened had dangerous auras that could be felt from a distance.

Just making eye contact with her was enough for Xay to understand how high a level she was.

*Do not piss her off,* he thought to himself.

**Lexi**: What’s wrong? Your heart rate just spiked. Are you okay?

Xay calmed himself down, moving forward with the line. After Kimi had awakened, she spoke to one of the proctors and immediately entered an Instance Rift.

**Xay**: i’m fine, and you don’t need to monitor my bio

**Lexi**: (>_<)

Xay sighed. She was going to do whatever she wanted no matter what he said. He was distracted by Kimi going into the Instance Rift anyway.

They were randomly generated, simulated rifts designed to test the skill and proficiency of the Awakened. That didn’t make them any less dangerous, however, the pain was real, and a few had died in them in the past.

GRID had added an escape command, capable of pulling people out instantly, but not everyone had time to use it.

Wishing he could see inside, Xay had faith that Kimi would be fine, no, excel even.

The Awakened Academy recruiters based their offers on your performance in the Instance Rift.

He glanced at the strong redhead a few more times, although he would be happy in any of the academies, he felt drawn to Cosmos.

Teacher Ming sent another two dozen regulars to the trade college booths before Anton approached the Awakening Stone.

He was as smug as ever, wearing expensive mana-infused clothes, already assuming that he would awaken.

Xay never understood why, but Anton absolutely hated his guts and took every opportunity to let him know.

Anton was rich—consistently draped in the latest fashion, generally handsome—most of the girls in class fawned over him, and fairly fit, excelling in every sport.

Looking down at his favorite black hoodie with the hole in the sleeve, fraying joggers, and worn-out high-top sneakers, Xay thought it should be him who hated Anton.

But no, Anton seemed obsessed with making Xay’s life worse. Anton was never physically violent toward him, Xay was confident that he could take Anton in a street fight.

But Anton had gotten Xay blacklisted from certain classes, started odd rumors, and even created a fake online charity fund in Xay’s name—twice.

Xay never had proof, but everyone knew it was Anton. Xay’s hands were tied, however. He didn’t have the resources to retaliate, and fighting outside self-defense would’ve meant expulsion.

Dealing with Anton’s childish pranks until graduation was still better than a life in the mines.

Lexi had even exploded on Anton a few times on Xay’s behalf, but each of her outbursts seemed to only make him angrier.

Xay received another ping.

**Lexi**: Bets on if assface awakens?

**Xay**: with his luck, the better bet would be on what sphere his skill is

**Lexi**: Mender Sphere? Hope it’s something that can heal his foul breath. I can see Teacher Ming scrunching her nose from here.

Xay snorted, causing the girl in front of him to look back in confusion.

Anton slapped the Awakening Stone roughly, and it shifted to a yellow color. He stood there frozen for a moment—actually, he looked constipated.

Suddenly smoke began wafting from his skin and he seemed to grow several inches.

Xay’s Grid pinged.

**Lexi**: Bastard had a Giant Bloodline this whole time. Maybe that’s why he’s always so angry.

**Xay**: how? i thought his family were corpo merchants

**Lexi** Atavism? ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Bloodlines are weird, maybe his family had it along time ago and it’s recessive.

“Berserker! That’s B-Rank!” Someone up front yelled.

Now Xay was less certain about that street fight. Berserkers had a reputation of their Might scaling with their anger, and Xay seemed to make Anton angry by just existing.

**Xay**: know anything about the giant bloodline specifically?

**Lexi**: Durable! It boosts Might and Grit, but I’ll have to check around for info on its known active abilities.

Xay silently wished for some sort of armor-piercing combat skill.

He wasn’t planning to immediately fight Anton, but he wanted to prepare for the worst. What if they got into the same academy?

Xay sighed. He was getting too far ahead of himself, he still hadn’t even awakened yet.

He had to awaken.

Anton was sent to an Instance Rift just like Kimi, and the line moved forward again.

A couple more students awakened, but they didn’t have Bloodlines and their skills were lower than C-Rank.

After a few more regulars, it was finally Xay’s turn. Teacher Ming ushered him forward and he took slow, steady steps. His eyes were glued to the big, clear stone hovering in front of him.

His entire future rode on the next moment and every bit of anxiety he felt that morning had just doubled.

With his heart nearly pounding out of his chest, Xay reached out and touched the Awakening Stone. It was warm and brimming with energy that felt alive in a way that he couldn’t explain.

Time stopped around him, and everything in his vision vanished, shifting into a white expanse.

Bold black text appeared floating in front of Xay’s face.

**Awakened System Activated.**

**Awakening Initiated..**

**Attempting To Ignite Core..**

Xay immediately felt a warm sensation bloom at the center of his chest. It was happening—it was really happening for him.

**Core Ignited.**

*GRID Awakened Module Online.*

Blue text from GRID suddenly overlaid atop the Awakened System text.

*Interfacing with Awakened System..*

**Compatible Sphere Skill Acquired: Arsenal Forge.**

***Arsenal Forge (Artificer Sphere) (B-Rank)** - Master craftsman capable of transmuting inanimate objects into weapons.*

Xay’s heart dropped. *Artificer Sphere!?* He wanted to fight, to explore, to grow—not be a crafter.

**Innate Talent Detected: Adaptability.**

***Adaptability** - Wield any weapon type, and adopt any fighting style.*

His mind quickly calmed. *I can still be a fighter.* He would just make weapons for himself. Though, Dragon may get jealous.

**Compatible Techniques Selected: Conductive Channeling, Razor’s Edge, Mass Redistribution.**

***Conductive Channeling** - Create a conductive pathway on any weapon, allowing it to channel and focus magical or electrical energy.*

***Razor’s Edge** - Instantly sharpen or roughen the edge of any weapon.*

***Mass Redistribution** - Instantly redistribute the mass of any weapon.*

*They’re all crafting related.* Xay tried not to feel ungrateful, but it was difficult.

There had to be a bright side. Maybe he could use Conductive Channeling on Dragon.

**Bloodline Detected.**

Xay couldn’t move, else he’d be jumping up and down in excitement. He hadn’t even dreamed that he could have a Bloodline.

Unless it was something regressed like Anton, families with Bloodlines were super famous—the most elite of the elite.

He didn’t know anything about his real family, and they didn’t seem to want to know anything about him either.

**Attempting To Manifest Bloodline..**

The white expanse in Xay’s vision darkened into a pitch-black, and he immediately felt as if his blood was boiling.

He tried to scream, tried to wail, but nothing came out.

He wanted to run, wanted to dunk himself under water to extinguish the flames running through his veins, but he was stuck, frozen in place until the Awakened System was finished with him.

**Unidentified Bloodline 25% Manifested.**

**+90 To All Stats**

The black in Xay’s vision brightened with several multicolored orbs of light as the pain eased.

If he could exhale in relief, he would. He had never felt anything so painful before.

***Bloodline**: Unidentified (25% Manifestation)*

**Bloodline Abilities Detected: Essence Bond, Equilibrium.**

***Essence Bond** - Form symbiotic bonds with willing entities. Bonded entities gain stat boosts based on bond strength.*

***Equilibrium** - All stats increase uniformly, +100 per level.*

**Standby..**

The pain came rushing back, and Xay cursed this unknown bloodline for the second time.

He was unable to even properly gawk at whatever the hell that first ability was.

**Sphere Skill Altered By Bloodline Influence.**

**Innate Talent Altered By Bloodline Influence.**

**Techniques Purged By Bloodline Influence.**

Xay hoped it was finally over. He was barely able to catch his skill and talent changing.

*GRID Awakened Module Updating..*

***Arsenal Forge (Artificer Sphere) (Bloodline Altered) (S-Rank)** – Master craftsman capable of transfiguring the essence of bonded entities into weapons.*

***Adaptability (Bloodline Altered)** - Wield any weapon type, adopt any fighting style, and learn any technique.*

**Awakening Complete.**

*Congratulations, Newly Awakened Xavyer X!*

The real world came back into view and Xay stepped back, catching his breath.

He cringed at the ‘X’ in his name. It was the surname given to all of the orphans of New Meridian. But none of that mattered anymore.

He was an Awakened and his dreams were finally about to come true.

He had a mysterious Bloodline that he didn’t understand, but it had somehow made his Sphere Skill S-Rank.

Xay was sure that it meant he was destined for greatness.

His real family didn’t want him, but they had left him this. It was almost enough to make up for the 18 years of loneliness, almost.

*Registering with Awakened Association..*

*Assigning beginner tier: Obsidian..*

*Updating ID Tag with Awakened Status..*

*Updating Identity, Stats, & Traits Cards..*

*Displaying updated Identity, Stats, & Traits Cards with tooltips.*

**Identity**

- **Name**: Xavyer X

- **ID Tag**: A-NM-BDX47 *(Awakened Status - City - Unique Identifier)*

- **Level**: 1 *(Core Density)*

- **Affiliation**: Unaffiliated *(Corporation, Group, Sect, or Academy)*

- **Tier**: Obsidian *(Beginner Tier – Restricted access to low-difficulty rifts, missions, and tasks.)*

**Stats**

- **Mana**: 100 *(Energy capacity)*

- **Might**: 100 *(Physical Strength, and Attack Power)*

- **Poise**: 100 *(Precision, Dexterity, and Agility)*

- **Acuity**: 100 *(Intelligence, Perception, and Intuition)*

- **Grit**: 100 *(Resilience, Stamina, and Defense)*

**Traits**

- **Bloodline**: Unknown *(25% Manifested)*

- **Sphere Skill**: Arsenal Forge *(Bloodline Altered)*

- **Innate Talent**: Adaptability *(Bloodline Altered)*

- **Bloodline Abilities**: Essence Bond, Equilibrium

- **Techniques**: None

“Tooltips off,” Xay murmured, feeling inundated with too much new information.

A man in a white suit approached Xay from the side, his eyes were cold and calculating. “Congratulations Mr. X.. Do you consent to evaluation in an Instance Rift?”

Xay nodded wordlessly, still a bit overwhelmed.

“Excellent, we look forward to your results,” the man said dryly, his tone devoid of warmth.

A shimmering blue portal cracked open in front of Xay, and after a single impulsive step forward, he was pulled the rest of the way inside.

“Wait!” Xay finally remembered the last message from the Awakened System. “I don’t have any techniques!”