The awakening ceremony continued on the training field.
Noah Reed had just awakened as a Soapmaker. Though this wasn't a remarkable profession, he still walked off the array with a smile.
He knew that, while this was a support class, it still had its own importance.
Next, several students took the stage, awakening as Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Herbalists, and other support-type professions.
These professions weren't anything special, but in this era, life professions still had value, as every class had its use in a world where resources were scarce.
The elders present seemed somewhat disappointed.
"So many support professions…" Hawkins muttered quietly, a flicker of displeasure in his eyes.
"It seems the chance of awakening a frontline combat class is slim this year." Principal Hope also sighed, feeling helpless.
This batch of students didn't seem to bring many surprises.
Just then, Emily Windwhisper stepped up to the array.
She was the top student at Scorchfire High, known as the "Goddess of the School."
Emily smiled faintly and walked toward the array, her eyes flashing with a competitive light. She had always believed she should be the true star of this awakening ceremony.
After all, she had always been top in everything—academically and in strength. She had never lost to anyone, especially not to Ryan.
"Emily Windwhisper," Principal Hope called out, "She is the top genius in our school, with the highest overall score."
The array activated, and the light changed instantly.
Emily closed her eyes gently, and the atmosphere immediately became tense. A powerful surge of magical energy began to emanate from her, and the air around her seemed to grow heavier.
Hawkins frowned slightly and muttered, "Her magical energy is exceptionally high. She should awaken a frontline combat class."
Sure enough, just moments later, the light exploded, and the entire field seemed to be suffocated by the overwhelming magic in the air.
[Frontline Class • Epic Tier: Storm Mage]
A massive storm surged forward, spiraling winds wreaking havoc. Dark clouds immediately covered the sun, and lightning flashed across the sky, as if her power had connected with the forces of the heavens.
Students around her quickly backed away, trying to avoid the intense wind pressure.
Emily walked down from the array with firm steps, her gaze sweeping across the field.
Her eyes were filled with confidence. However, when her gaze landed on Ryan, a clear look of challenge flashed in her expression.
Ryan stood at the back of the line, calm and composed. He seemed unfazed by the attention, quietly awaiting his turn.
"Emily Windwhisper has awakened the Epic-tier Storm Mage, a truly rare achievement," Hawkins nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes, but more of an expectation for the next student's awakening.
Principal Hope couldn't help but praise, "An Epic-tier class—Emily's talent is certainly not to be underestimated. Her magical potential could even change the course of battle in the future."
The frontline combat classes were ranked into four tiers: Ordinary, Rare, Epic, and Legendary.
Ordinary tier were those awakened by new students, with relatively weak abilities. They couldn't participate in high-level dungeons or battlefields.
Rare tier were slightly stronger, and their wielders could provide more efficient output in combat, though still with limitations.
Epic tier, like Emily's, granted their wielders extraordinary potential, allowing them to shine in future battles.
Finally, there were the Legendary tier. Few could awaken them, but those who did possessed the power to change the course of wars.
However, amidst the applause, Emily felt a ripple of discomfort inside her.
Every time, Ryan had been her competitor. Always beside her, but never surpassing her.
She had also noticed something—Ryan always seemed to deliberately stay in second place.
"Second again, how interesting." Emily muttered quietly to herself.
She didn't believe it was coincidence. Ryan always came second in every exam, and every subject. Something about it felt off, as if there was an unseen force at work.
The roster continued, gradually reaching the last few names.
"Ryan Blackwood," Principal Hope announced loudly.
Ryan stood up and slowly walked toward the array.
"This child is the second-ranked genius in our school," Principal Hope looked at Hawkins with anticipation. "Master, what do you think of him?"
Hawkins frowned slightly, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes. "His power is difficult to read. It's as if there's a fog surrounding him, preventing anyone from seeing his true potential."
He paused and added, "This student seems different."
Ryan stood in the center of the array, his hands lightly raised.
The light in the array began to pulse violently.
Suddenly, lightning slithered through the sky like snakes. The temperature on the field plummeted, and the light around the array began to twist and distort.
It was as though the entire world was reacting to Ryan's awakening.
Ryan's awakening had already exceeded everyone's expectations.