"Go get 'em, tiger."
That was the last thing Ethan Vale heard from his mother as he stepped out of their small, family-owned café. Amelia Vale had sent him off with a wink and a smile, despite his insistence that they shouldn't get their hopes up about his Awakening. Behind her, Daniel Vale stood with his arms crossed and a proud look in his eyes, while Ethan's younger sister Alice peeked out from behind the counter, already grinning.
A few hours earlier
"Shhhh," Amelia whispered to Alice. "Don't wake him up. We need to surprise him."
Ethan lay in bed, feigning sleep, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He didn't want to ruin the surprise they had so lovingly prepared.
"Three... two... one... Happy birthday to you!" Daniel counted down, and both parents burst into song. Alice launched herself onto the bed with the energy of a firecracker, squealing and tickling her older brother without mercy.
Ethan played along, acting shocked before retaliating with a counterattack of his own. Alice shrieked with laughter, calling for help as she was mercilessly tickled in return. Daniel and Amelia chuckled from the doorway, their joy radiating through the room.
After the birthday chaos settled, the family moved downstairs. Ethan froze at the sight that greeted him: a table loaded with breakfast delights—fresh pastries, stacked pancakes, eggs, bacon, and more.
His expression wavered between awe and guilt. "Mom, Dad... this is too much. You didn't need to go all out like this. A normal breakfast would've been fine."
Daniel waved a hand dismissively. "Shut up and sit down, son. Don't worry about us boomers—we've been through worse."
Amelia smiled softly. "We wanted you to feel special today."
"We can eat like this every day after you awaken, right, brother?!" Alice said with syrup-smeared cheeks, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ethan chuckled. "Of course! I'll be the strongest Awakened out there. You'll have pastries every day until you explode."
The family laughed together, but Ethan's thoughts darkened beneath his grin. No one in the Vale family had ever Awakened. The odds were low—only about ten percent Awakened at eighteen.
Still, he clung to the hope.
If he Awakened, he could change everything. He could take care of his family, cover Alice's education, retire his parents, and lift the weight they all carried.
Memories of the café filled his mind—the long nights, the crowded tables, Alice dropping cups in a panic. They worked so hard, too hard.
"Everything will be alright," he whispered to himself. "I'll awaken... and Alice will never have to cry over spilled coffee again."
Throughout breakfast, Amelia and Daniel reassured him. Told him they were proud no matter what. But Ethan could see the fatigue in their eyes. They needed a break, and he was determined to give it to them.
When it was time to leave, Ethan stood at the door, steeling himself. He had to believe.
Amelia clapped him on the shoulder and winked. "Go get 'em, tiger."
Too choked up to respond, Ethan gave her a nod and walked out.
Behind him, Alice shouted, "Don't you dare come back unless you can buy me pastry like this every day!"
Ethan smirked. That sugar-addicted little gremlin. One day, he'd return with an A-Rank spell called Deathray and show her who the real boss was.
The walk to the Awakening Center was short—four kilometers, or "two and a half freedom units," as Daniel liked to joke.
The streets of Potsdam buzzed with life. Guild recruitment posters covered brick walls, their bold colors promising glory and riches. Giant screens on building fronts showed clips from Dungeon raids—flashes of magic, blades clashing, monsters roaring. It all felt surreal, yet tantalizing.
Ethan's heart beat faster. Dungeons were dangerous but filled with opportunity. Awakened individuals could enter them—for a fee—and chase fame, fortune, and purpose.
Most Dungeons were permanent, owned and operated by guilds or governments. Only the rare S-Rank and above would disappear after being cleared. The rest became staples of the Dungeon economy.
Could that be his life soon?
He shook the thought away. No point dreaming just yet.
As he reached the Awakening Center, he found a crowd had already gathered. Dozens of young adults, some beaming with confidence, others trembling. Families stood nearby, whispering encouragement. The air buzzed with tension.
Names were called one by one, students disappearing into sterile hallways.
Finally, the loudspeaker crackled to life.
"Ethan Vale. Please proceed to Chamber Six."
His breath caught. This was it.
Ethan stepped forward, his eyes fixed ahead.
Time to awaken.