"Since it's fine now, let's head down." Jess said.
"Mm." Reston stepped off the stage—only to be called away by the principal.
"Director, what's going on? Why did Ree get called away?" Jess frowned.
"Don't worry. It's just that Reston's awakening was too bizarre. Never in history has there been an 'Unknown-rank' talent or class. The principal must report to higher authorities. Perhaps Reston will be granted full national support." The director explained.
---
In the office.
"Principal, did you need me for something?" Reston guessed it must be about his strange, double-Unknown talents and classes.
"Do you even know what your abilities are?" the principal asked.
"Uh… not really. Maybe I'm just chosen by fate?" Reston replied, though only he knew the truth: it was the system.
"Never in history has someone like you appeared. Not only dual talents and dual classes, but Unknown-rank on top of that. Your existence may already touch upon forbidden legends…" the principal muttered gravely, trying to contact higher-ups.
"Forbidden? What forbidden things?" Reston felt uneasy. The word carried a dreadful weight.
"You don't need to know yet. I've already reached out to Instructor Lin from the military. They'll arrive soon. Until then, your file will be temporarily elevated to the highest clearance—accessible only to the Commander-in-Chief himself. Before they arrive, let me first give you a brief understanding of our world." The principal's tone was calm.
So just by awakening, I've been pushed into such a role… Reston thought.
"Then… shall we begin now?" he asked.
"Yes. First, do you know why humanity awakens abilities?" the principal asked.
"To resist the invading demons. The military made sure everyone knew this from a young age, so hatred for demons was never hidden." Reston answered.
"Correct. But before the demons invaded Blue Star, our world had no such thing as awakening—no talents, no classes. Everyone simply advanced through technology. Then, when the demons descended, preparing to invade, people suddenly awakened on their own. These were self-awakenings, not through any ceremony. The Awakening Platforms came later, forged from the 'rules of awakening' left behind when pioneers perished, fused with a rare metal. That's how the platforms exist." The principal explained slowly.
"Then why don't we just wipe the demons out once and for all?" Reston asked.
"Because demons can never be completely destroyed. They are born from negative emotions themselves. We eventually reached a pact: battles are confined to the outer battlefield. Neither side may invade the other's territory—those who do are annihilated."
"I see… then why not just drop a nuke on their land?" Reston muttered. "Wouldn't that solve it?"
"You think too simply. Demons excel at recovery. Bullets can barely kill them. High-ranking demons can nullify a nuke with a flick of their hand—or unleash power equal to one themselves. Nukes are useless against them." The principal said grimly.
At that moment, he looked up.
"They're here."
---
"Reston, right?" A stern man entered.
"Uh… yes, and you are?" Reston asked cautiously.
"First time meeting. I'm Instructor Lin. I'm here to ask if you're willing to join the military. It offers direct access to the top, freedom within duty, and full protection of your privacy."
"…I have to ask—who do you actually represent?" Reston's instincts told him Lin might just be a messenger. The true power lay elsewhere.
"Oh?" Lin's eyes narrowed in surprise. He hadn't expected such awareness from a mere student. Then he chuckled. "Since you've noticed, I won't dance around it. You've already caught the attention of the Commander-in-Chief himself. He personally ordered your data elevated to the highest clearance. Public records about you will be erased. As for classmates who witnessed your awakening, memory erasure begins today. Teachers will sign binding agreements to ensure secrecy."
"Wait! Don't erase Jess's memories. He's my only friend…" Reston blurted.
"Jess?" Lin turned to the principal.
"Reston's only friend in school—and also a double-SSS awakener." The principal explained.
"Oh? Another double-SSS? This school is remarkable…" Lin admitted.
"Well then, Reston, before heading with us, do you need to prepare anything?" Lin asked.
"Hmm…" Reston thought. His clothes and expenses were all covered by Jess. What did he have to prepare? "…At least let me tell Jess first. Otherwise, he'll probably blow up the school looking for me."
"Fair enough. One hour from now, meet at the school gates. A vehicle will pick you up." Lin nodded.
---
Back in the dorm.
"Jess… I might not be able to stay with you for a while." Reston spoke quietly.
Jess's eyes snapped open. "What? Why?!"
"The military came. They said my Unknown-rank has never existed before. They have to take me, for safety…" Reston explained.
"I see… When do you leave?" Jess asked.
"In one hour." Reston said.
"One hour?! That fast?" Jess muttered. Then he shoved a card into Reston's hands. "Here. Password is eight sixes. Balance: 100 million. If it's not enough, call me."
"What the—?! That much?" Reston's eyes widened. "All for me?"
"Just take it. No need to hesitate. While you were in shock, I already packed your stuff." Jess said casually.
"…Thanks." Reston said softly.
"Heh. No need for thanks. I'm your brother, aren't I?" Jess grinned.
---
One hour later.
Reston arrived at the gates in a white T-shirt and black shorts. A car awaited.
Damn… I wanted to dress formally for the military, but Jess only ever bought me shorts. Not a single pair of long pants. That bastard. Reston cursed inwardly, but climbed into the vehicle.
Inside, Instructor Lin glanced at him—slumped from the heat, sweat matting his hair to his neck. Reston pushed the damp strands behind his ear, revealing sharp features and a clean, striking profile. Even Lin had to admit: the boy's looks were unnaturally refined.
"We'll head to the military base. Once there, you'll be briefed further." Lin said.
"…Will I have to train?" Reston asked, eyes narrowing in reluctance.
"Of course. Or did you think the strong are made any other way?" Lin smiled devilishly. Reston felt despair crash down. Like a lamb led to slaughter…
"Relax. We won't be too hard on you. I've read your file—you love to sleep. Well, with your abilities, your future is guaranteed. You'll probably become strong even lying down, hahaha." Lin offered.
"That's… good." Reston muttered. At least it wouldn't be too exhausting.
He opened his Omni System interface. No one else seemed to notice—Lin gave no reaction to the glowing screen only Reston could see.
Name: Reston
Age: 16
Sex: Male
Realm: Body Tempering, Seventh Stage
Talents:Soul of the War God, Lord of Night.
Class:War God, Child of the Starry Night.
Skills: None
Martial Arts: None
Talent Skills: Wrath of the War God, Seven Forms of War, Domain of Night, Gift of Night
Class Skills: Skyrend, Eternal Starry Night, Fury of the Starlight
Passives: War God's Blood, War God's Will, War God's Body, War God's Eyes, Lord of Night, Dancer of the Starry Night
Innate Companion:Skyrend Blade
Reston's eyes widened. He really was powerful now. But what was with "Seventh Stage Body Tempering"??
The Omni System's voice echoed:
"Host, your realm has been cleansed by the War God's Will, and thus elevated."
"So that's it…" Reston murmured. No wonder Lin hadn't questioned it. The Will itself shielded him.
War God's Will: Absolute immunity to all mental and soul-based attacks. Undetectable by any means.
Lin's eyes lingered on him, voice firm:
"From the moment you awakened, you ceased being ordinary. There's no going back to your old life."
Reston rubbed his eyes. "…Oh." All I want is a good night's sleep…
The car rumbled forward, carrying him toward an unknown future. Outside, the scenery blurred into strangeness. And on the Omni System's cold screen, faint light pulsed, heralding the truth: **the real awakening had only just begun.**