Amy took a deep breath. "You say you want us to fight against the demons. But no one here has ever held a sword, let alone fought in a war. These are ordinary students — kids! How exactly are they supposed to defeat demons that your army hasn't been able to?"
The hall fell silent. Everyone turned to look at Isolde.
For a moment, the woman simply watched Amy — her expression unreadable.
Then, slowly, she chuckled. It wasn't mocking — more like a teacher amused by a naïve question.
"Oh, Miss Teacher," she said softly. "You don't have to worry about that."
Her voice was honey-sweet, but there was something in her eyes — a glint of superiority that didn't quite reach the surface.
"As I mentioned before," she continued, walking gracefully toward the center of the hall, "everyone summoned from your world possesses exceptional learning potential and… unusual power. Even without training, your growth rate is astonishing compared to ordinary people here."
That statement sent ripples through the crowd. Whispers started spreading.
Ray leaned back in his chair, expression blank.
'So we're overpowered now, huh? That's convenient.'
Isolde went on, her hands clasped in front of her.
"But fret not," she added. "We wouldn't dream of sending you to your deaths. You are precious resources — far too valuable to waste."
The word "resources" made several students shift uneasily, but she carried on before anyone could comment.
"You will be trained by our best personnel — knights, mages, and strategists of the highest rank. You'll be taught everything from combat basics to magic theory. You will learn to defend yourselves… and to protect others."
Her words almost sounded noble — almost.
"And before that," she said, her tone lightening, "you must be awakened."
"Awakened?" someone muttered.
Isolde smiled wider, her eyes glinting faintly. "Yes. Every soul carries an innate talent — a gift that defines their potential. Here, we call it a Class or Job. Along with it comes unique skills that shape one's strength."
Now everyone was paying attention.
"According to ancient records," she continued, "the people summoned from your world possess Classes far beyond the reach of ordinary men and women. Normally one in a million would awaken 'S' rank class but all the people who were summoned as per records has atleast S rank class. Some even had SS and SSS rank class. So, I have little doubt that each of you will awaken something extraordinary."
A quiet excitement spread among the students — nervous but hopeful. The thought of hidden power inside them, of becoming something more than ordinary, sent adrenaline coursing through the room.
Even Ray felt his curiosity stir for a moment.
'Class, huh? Let's see what kind of crap fate throws at me.'
Isolde clapped her hands softly.
"The ceremony will be held shortly. Rest for now. The servants will prepare the chamber, and we'll begin once the preparations are complete."
Her tone carried no room for argument.
She turned toward the maid at the door. "See that the guests are shown to their quarters and given proper attire."
"As you command," the maid replied with a bow.
Isolde looked back at the students one last time, her gaze lingering on them — as if she were inspecting something valuable.
"Do not be afraid," she said with a faint, knowing smile. "Once awakened, you will truly understand your purpose in this world."
Then she turned, her cloak fluttering softly as she exited the hall with Darius following close behind.
The doors shut behind them with a deep, echoing thud.
Ray exhaled, rubbing his temples.
'Purpose, huh? Somehow, I don't like the sound of that.'
~~~~
The chamber prepared for the ceremony was unlike any other they had seen.
It wasn't lavish, not like the banquet hall or the golden corridors. It was solemn — ancient stone walls, a towering dome engraved with glowing runes, and a large circular magic array carved into the marble floor.
The air hummed with mana. The faint blue glow pulsed like a heartbeat.
Thirty students stood in the circle, their expressions split between excitement and dread. Even Miss Amy, standing near the edge, couldn't hide her unease.
At the center of the array stood Isolde, her robes fluttering gently as mana danced around her fingertips. Darius was beside her, silent as ever, his gaze watchful.
"Now," Isolde's voice echoed clearly through the chamber, "we begin the Awakening Ceremony."
The circle flared to life. The runes lit up one by one, converging at the center in a bright, radiant pulse. A wave of energy surged outward, brushing against everyone's skin like static.
Isolde raised her staff, the crystal atop it glowing.
"When your name is called," she said, "step into the circle's center. The formation will resonate with your soul and reveal your Class and Rank. Do not resist — simply accept it."
The first name was called.
"Evelyn Hart."
The girl took a shaky step forward, swallowed hard, and stepped into the center.
The runes reacted instantly — spinning faster, light coiling upward like a pillar. The glow intensified until the room filled with blinding gold.
When it faded, words shimmered in the air above her head.
[Class: Holy Saintess]
[Rank: SS]
A collective gasp rippled through the room.
Even Isolde's composed expression flickered for a moment.
"A Saintess…" she murmured, almost to herself.
"SS-Rank," Darius said quietly. "Incredible."
"W-what… SS?" Evelyn stammered, her voice trembling.
Isolde smiled warmly. "Congratulations, Miss Evelyn. You have been granted one of the highest blessings in this world."
The girl covered her mouth, tears forming in her eyes. The others erupted into chatter.
"SS-Rank? That's insane!"
"She just hit the jackpot!"
"What even is a Saintess class?!"
Isolde let them murmur for a moment before raising her hand for silence.
"Next — Noah Pierce."
The class rep stepped forward, confidence in his stride. He stood tall under the radiant array.
Once again, light surged, brighter this time — gold tinged with crimson.
[Class: Dragon Knight]
[Rank: SS]
The chamber filled with gasps again.
"Another SS?!"
"That can't be normal…"
"Holy crap…"
Even Isolde's smile tightened slightly, her eyes calculating.
Darius muttered, "Two SS-ranks… in a single ceremony?"
Isolde only nodded faintly. "The ancient texts were not exaggerating."
And so it continued.
Lena Cross — Class: Arcane Sorceress (S Rank)
Hiro Tanaka — Class: Shadow Assassin (S Rank)
Ava Lin — Class: Spirit Archer (S Rank)
Marcus Gray — Class: Rune Warden (A Rank)
Tessa Moore — Class: Healing Cleric (B Rank)
Kenji — Class: Flame Gladiator (S Rank)
Each awakening drew more astonishment than the last. The air buzzed with disbelief and excitement.
By the time twenty students had awakened, Isolde herself looked stunned.
In the Holy Empire of Seraphis, there were only nine known S-ranked individuals — including herself and Darius — and just one SS-rank, the Emperor.
And yet here, among thirty bewildered students, there were already three SS and six S ranks.
"This defies every known precedent," Darius said under his breath.
Isolde's lips curved. "A blessing from beyond… or perhaps something greater."
Then she called the next name.
"Ray Walker."