The moment the teacher overseeing the awakening ceremony left the hall with Adam and the other new Awakeners, they encountered two more staff members—a man and a woman—on their way to the principal's office.
The two teachers looked slightly surprised, then exchanged greetings with the middle-aged man before quietly joining the group and heading in the same direction.
Adam was deep in thought as they gradually approached the main building. Before long, they arrived at the principal's office.
The female teacher stepped forward and knocked.
"Principal?" she called.
"Come in," a calm voice replied from within.
She pushed the door open and led the group inside.
A middle-aged man sat behind the desk. Adam recognized him instantly—he was the principal of Cornerstone Public High School No. 3, Mike Bill. Rumors said he was a powerful Awakener, but Adam had never seen him in action and couldn't confirm it.
Setting aside the documents on his desk, Principal Mike turned and greeted them with a polite smile.
"Only two Awakeners from Class 6?" He furrowed his brows slightly, then smiled again. It was standard protocol for newly Awakened students to meet with the principal, so their visit hadn't come as a surprise. Seeing no objections to his statement, he confirmed his assumption and continued.
He paused for a moment, then began speaking.
"What I'm about to say may already be familiar to some of you, but it's still worth repeating," the principal said with a light chuckle.
Adam and the others subconsciously straightened their backs, their attention sharpening.
The principal remained composed.
"As new Awakeners, your lives and futures are no longer the same as ordinary people. Power, wealth, and influence are now within your reach—if you're wise enough to seize them."
"Had you failed to awaken, you'd likely be preparing to enter a regular university. But now that you've awakened, you can aim for a magic academy."
"Some of you might wonder if attending an academy is even necessary. Can't you join a guild and explore a Land of Origin like the pioneers of old? While that's possible, anyone with common sense would avoid such a reckless approach. Why make things unnecessarily difficult for yourself?"
Adam nodded inwardly. He agreed. It wasn't as if he wanted to go courting death any time soon.
"So, aside from entering a Land of Origin, which you now have access to, your top priority should be securing admission into an Awakener Academy."
"As for learning more about your new identity and responsibilities, you'll need to register with the Awakeners' Association. That registration is vital. The association will provide guidance, essential resources, and information on your abilities and your role in society."
The principal elaborated further, touching on a few points the students already knew, and others that offered new insights. After he finished, he dismissed the group and asked Brian to remain behind for a private discussion.
Once outside the office, the teacher who had overseen Adam 's awakening turned to the group.
"As new Awakeners, you must register with the Supers Association within three days. Failing to do so is a punishable offense. While you still have some time, I recommend doing it as soon as possible—preferably today."
Adam listened thoughtfully. First, he needed to return home, share the news with his family, and spend some time with his girlfriend before heading to the association.
'I'll go tomorrow. I've got nothing else planned,' he decided.
The teacher continued. "As the principal emphasized, the college exams are just around the corner. Just because you're an Awakener doesn't mean you're exempt from academic testing."
"While the requirements might be more lenient compared to ordinary students, your performance still matters, especially depending on which academy you aim to enter."
"Anyway, the association will explain all that when you register, so don't delay."
With their advice given, the teacher and the other staff returned to their offices, leaving Adam and the female Awakener alone.
There was no need to flatter new Awakeners. These weren't the apocalyptic days anymore. Teachers were more respectful toward Awakeners, yes, but not to the point of bowing at their feet. They aimed to maintain a balanced relationship—neither offending nor coddling them.
Veteran educators understood this delicate dynamic. Leaving a good impression was enough; they had no hidden agendas.
After the teachers left, Adam took out his phone. He had felt it vibrate earlier.
It was a message from Aurora. She'd left urgently for something at home but said she'd visit him later that night.
Adam chuckled. "Looks like tonight's going to be restless…"
He made his way out of the school compound and onto the bustling street. After a few minutes, he spotted an empty taxi and waved it down.
"To Harbor Street," he said as he slid into the back seat.
"That'll be a dollar," the driver replied.
"Okay."
Adam lived in a one-bedroom apartment on Harbor Street. His parents and siblings lived farther away in the city. On foot, the trip home would've taken close to an hour, but the taxi would get him there in twenty minutes.
Settling into the seat, Adam pulled out his phone again.
If school had still been in session, he would've left it in his backpack. But with college exams around the corner and classes essentially over, most seniors hadn't bothered bringing school materials—just their uniforms.
In truth, most of the senior students had come to school solely for the Awakening Ceremony. The campus would likely feel empty from this point on until exam season ended.
Though this world was more advanced than Earth in many ways, it still retained familiar elements. The wealthy had access to floating cars and holographic-display watches. The average person used regular phones and wheeled vehicles.
Despite its strange combination of old and new technologies, the world somehow functioned in harmony—a blend of tradition and innovation that didn't feel out of place.
The ride was short, and soon Adam paid the fare and stepped out.
He entered his modest home, ate a quick meal, then sat upright on his bed.
It was time to find out what his ability could do.
"Life Simulator..." he called out softly.
...
A/N: I hope you enjoy the opening of this novel. Support by adding to your library and giving a power stone or two. Thank you.