The teacher walked slowly between the rows of desks, boots echoing softly on the old stone floor.
"I know the Awakening is just five days away," he said, tapping his rune tablet.
Light flickered and a faint projection shimmered above it — a branching diagram glowing in soft blue hues.
"So let's talk about something that actually matters — the world's system of power."
The students leaned in.
Rowen looked up from his worn desk, his fingers pausing on the frayed edge of his tablet.
"There are many known paths," the teacher began. "Some more common, others… rare, or even forgotten in some regions."
He pointed to the first glowing symbol.
"Mage," he said. "Magician They shape the world through Mana, Elemental casters, alchemists, formation scribes — all fall under this branch."
A second symbol flared beside it.
"Knight," he continued. "The tempered Warriors who internalize mana, strengthening their bodies and weapons. Their power lies in technique, endurance, and close combat."
A third.
"Tamer." The projection shifted into the shape of a beast's silhouette. "They form contracts with magical creatures — some through crystals, others through shared soul bonds. Dangerous and often misunderstood."
The next symbol was less defined.
"Artisan." A surprised murmur passed through the class. "Yes — artisans. Blacksmiths who forge mana-infused weapons. Weavers of enchanted cloth. Builders of runed machines. Not all paths lead to the battlefield."
The teacher smiled slightly and tapped again.
"Healers, Priests, Spiritualists, Summoners." Each name lit briefly in the air before fading.
"And many others," he added. "Some known to the federations, others are unknown. The world is wide — don't think these walls define all that's possible. After all, the Awakening only reveals what your soul is tuned to. Sometimes, it reveals something... unexpected."
The lights faded. A silence hung in the room, heavier than before.
Rowen stared at the desk, his thoughts drifting again.
The lights from the rune tablet dimmed completely, and the room seemed colder for a moment.
The teacher's tone shifted, lower now — more grounded.
"Of course," he said, folding his arms, "not everyone awakens."
A hush settled over the students.
"When the device fails to respond... when no path lights up... the government calls them Pathless..'"
Rowen's hand tensed slightly on the edge of his desk.
"They can still live normal lives — farmers, traders, workers — and yes, some even make names for themselves. But without a path, they'll never cultivate, never advance."
He looked around the room, eyes lingering a little too long on Rowen.
"They'll always be... left behind."
Then, with a clap of his hands, the teacher forced a smile. "But we won't worry about that just yet, will we?
He waved his hand over the rune-etched panel on the wall, and glowing script began appearing line by line as he spoke, responding to the motion of his fingers.
"There are ten ranks shared across all recognized paths,"
he said. "Each rank has ten sub-levels, and advancement requires a combination of magical crystal absorption, combat experience, and mental cultivation."
He began listing them:
"Apprentice, Trainee, Adept, Expert, Master, Grandmaster, Legend, Sage, False God, and finally… Demi-God."
A flicker of awe rippled through the students.
"These titles are more than names. They define what you can do — the power you can wield, and the places you can go."
The rune tablet powered down with a soft chime, and the teacher dismissed the class. Students began filing out, some buzzing with excitement, others quiet and pensive.
Calen lingered behind, nudging Rowen lightly with his elbow. "You spaced out again," he said with a grin.
Rowen blinked. "Did I?"
Calen slung his schoolbag over his shoulder, then leaned in a bit, voice low. "So… what do you want it to be? Your path, I mean."
Rowen hesitated. "I don't know."
"Come on," Calen said, eyes glinting with curiosity. "Everyone's got something. You can tell me. Knight? Mage? Or do you secretly want to ride wyverns into battle as a Tamer?"
Rowen gave a faint smile. "I just… hope it's something. Anything.
Next Day early in Morning,
The bell rang sharp and early, echoing through the cold stone halls of the school.
Rowen sat in his usual seat, second from the front, with Calen just behind him. The classroom buzzed with anxious energy — not from mischief or boredom, but from the ticking clock.
Tomorrow was the Awakening.
But today, they still had to focus.
"Eyes forward," barked Teacher Marn , tapping the rune-tablet in his hand. Glimmering text shifted across its surface at his command.
"We're covering basic theory. You'll be tested first thing tomorrow after the Awakening begins, No exceptions."
Groans rippled through the room.
Calen Vensar leaned over and whispered, "As if anyone's going to remember spell formulas tomorrow morning."
Rowen didn't reply. His fingers tapped the side of his desk. His thoughts were elsewhere.
Just then, the classroom door creaked open.
A hush fell.
Principal Deren stepped in.
His boots were polished, his coat stitched with fine thread and subtle arcane embroidery — nothing extravagant, but unmistakably upper-town craftsmanship.
The students stood automatically, even Instructor Marn stiffened.
Everyone knew Principal Deren Haren wasn't just a school administrator. Rumor had it he once served in the border campaigns as a combat mage — a graduate of the prestigious university, magic division.
What everyone did know was that the Haren family lived on far up in the upper-town ring. And yet, here he was — standing among the sons of merchants, farmers, and day-laborers.
"At ease," Principal Deren said calmly. His voice was quiet, but carried through the room like a low hum of magic. "You all know what tomorrow is."
The classroom was silent.
"The federal Awakening exam," he continued, "is not just a test. It's your first step toward your future. If the monolith accepts you, you'll receive a basic mana crystals"
He drew a crystal from his coat — thumb-sized, glowing faintly blue.
"Crystals like this are used in tools, enchantments, healing — and currency. Especially in the upper cities."
He let the silence hang.
"But remember: not everyone awakens. And not everyone gets to choose their path. That's why your written exam matters. It may be the only thing that earns you a recommendation."
He looked around the room once more.
"Study well"
And with that, he turned and left, his coat whispering along the stone floor.
Instructor Marn gave a dry cough. " Focus."
Rowen opened his book.
He didn't care about the crystal.
He just didn't want to be left behind. Do it for this to