"Just a few minutes now. Don't worry, I'm with you," Stella said with a warm smile to Jule as they chatted quietly.
"And I'm sure your Class Rank will be even better than mine when you awaken."
The surrounding students glared at Jule with anger and jealousy, but none dared to speak out loud in front of Stella.
"After the awakening, the first thing I'll do is beat Jule to death," one student muttered furiously under his breath.
"You can't," another voice replied sharply. "Stella will be with him. No one dares touch him when she's around."
"Don't worry," a third student said with an evil smile. "Once Stella sees Jule's Class Rank is low because of his commoner background, she'll leave him on her own. Then, he'll be nothing."
---
"Silence, students!" the professor's voice thundered across the field, instantly quieting the crowd.
"This is a solemn and important day. I will call your names one by one. Each student will come forward and place their hand on the Awakening Pillar. The pillar will emit colors that determine your Class Rank, and it will display your Class Type, either Life-Type or Combat-Type."
The students listened with rapt attention. This was the most important moment of their lives, one that would decide their entire future.
---
"SHAN!"
The professor announced the first name.
A nervous boy named Shan walked to the giant Awakening Stone standing in the center of the field.
"Place your hand on the stone and concentrate your energy into it," the professor instructed.
Shan followed the instructions carefully. A moment later, the stone began to glow with a blue light, and glowing letters appeared on its surface:
D-RANK (Life-Type)
The professor smiled warmly.
"D-Rank, Life-Type! Very rare! Among a hundred people, only one awakens as Life-Type."
Shan's face lit up with joy.
"This is great! A D-Rank is far better than a lower rank," he thought happily as he walked down, smiling at his friends.
---
"NAIJA!"
A girl stepped forward confidently. The stone flared with bright golden light.
B-RANK (Combat-Type)
The professor's smile widened.
"Naija, after the awakening ceremony, please wait. I will personally take you to meet the principal. He will provide you with rare resources to help you grow stronger," he said in a comforting, respectful tone.
"Okay, Professor," Naija replied, her voice filled with confidence. She walked back to the crowd, and immediately, many students gathered around her, eager to gain her favor and form strong ties with her.
---
"TAINA!"
The next student stepped forward.
The stone emitted a dim yellow light.
E-RANK (Combat-Type)
…
Several other names were called, producing results of F-Rank and E-Rank, all Combat-Type.
Most students during this time awakened at C-Rank or lower, so there was nothing too surprising.
---
"TONY!"
As soon as the professor spoke Tony's name, all students went silent. Their eyes turned toward him, filled with awe and anticipation.
Tony strode confidently toward the Awakening Stone, a proud smile on his face. He placed his hand firmly on the stone.
The stone exploded with vibrant orange light, dazzling everyone.
A-RANK (Combat-Type)
The professor's face lit up with excitement and respect.
"Tony! Come to the principal's office after this ceremony. Whatever you want, speak directly to the principal, and he will grant you rare resources personally," the professor said, almost pleading, knowing Tony's talent was extraordinary.
Tony ignored him completely. He turned back to his teammates, his eyes filled with arrogance. Then his gaze locked onto Jule and Stella, and a twisted smirk formed on his lips.
---
"JULE!"
The professor announced the name loudly.
Instantly, every head turned toward Jule.
The students' expressions were a mix of hatred, jealousy, and evil delight.
"Jule, don't worry," Stella said softly, trying to encourage him. "Your rank will definitely be higher than theirs."
Jule didn't respond. He simply took a deep breath, walked steadily toward the Awakening Stone, and placed his hand on its cold surface.
The field fell completely silent. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see what fate awaited Jule.