Silverbrook Academy was already alive with noise when Leon and Damian arrived. Students filled the training grounds, instructors shouted orders, and wooden weapons cracked against each other in rapid succession.
Everyone trained harder than usual.
Awakening was now two days away.
For most students, Awakening meant hope. For others, fear. But for all, it meant change. Profession, talents, rank—the world system would assign everything.
Leon stepped onto the training field, blades in hand. Damian followed behind, stretching his arms lazily.
"You know," Damian said with a smirk, "normal people warm up slowly."
Leon glanced at him. "Normal people don't aim high."
Damian laughed. "Right. Forgot who I was talking to."
Despite their differences, they understood each other. Damian was competitive and stubborn, but his loyalty was unquestionable. Leon was quiet and intense, but never cold to those he trusted.
Together, they balanced well.
Morning Drills
Instructor Hale clapped loudly. "Line up!"
Students formed rows. Leon and Damian stood side by side.
"Today," Hale announced, "we finalize your training before Awakening. Focus on fundamentals. Strength matters after the system awakens—but technique matters now."
Leon nodded slightly.
Technique was the one advantage he had.
The drills began with dagger forms. Leon's movements were crisp and fluid—controlled, efficient. Damian's were powerful and aggressive, perfectly matching his personality.
Other students struggled and complained.
"Why are we pushing so hard?"
"It's almost Awakening!"
"Can't we rest today?"
Instructor Hale glared. "If you show up on Awakening Day without discipline, don't blame me when you awaken with an F-rank!"
The complaints died instantly.
Awakening was too important to risk.
Sparring Session
Leon and Damian were paired for sparring—because the instructors learned long ago that no one else enjoyed facing them.
Damian smirked as he stepped forward. "Try not to embarrass yourself, Leon."
Leon raised a dagger. "Try not to lose too quickly."
"Bold words from someone who never smiles."
They clashed.
Wooden dagger vs wooden sword.
Damian's attacks were wild but strong—each swing carried surprising force. Leon dodged and redirected, footwork quiet and precise.
Their movements blurred.
Students formed a circle, whispering excitedly.
"Leon's so fast…"
"Damian's pressure is insane!"
"They're both monsters…"
Leon slipped past a strike, tapped Damian's ribs with the hilt.
Point.
Damian groaned. "Unfair. You're reading my moves."
"You're telegraphing your strikes," Leon said calmly.
"Tele-what?"
"You swing too early."
Damian blinked. "Speak normal words, bro."
Leon sighed. "You're predictable."
Damian gasped dramatically. "You wound me."
The group laughed. Even some instructors smiled.
Leon didn't—
but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
Just a little.
Only Damian noticed.
Lunch Break
They sat under a large oak tree, watching other students eat and chat loudly.
Damian bit into a sandwich. "So. Awakening. Nervous?"
"No."
"Liar."
Leon didn't respond.
Damian leaned back. "I don't care what rank I get. As long as I can fight monsters someday, I'm good."
"That's dangerous."
"That's exciting," Damian corrected.
Leon quietly munched on bread. "You want adventure."
"Obviously."
Leon looked at the sky. "I want freedom."
Damian raised an eyebrow. "Freedom from what?"
Leon didn't answer. Even he didn't fully know. He only knew that power meant choices. And choices meant a life where nothing could corner him again—not fate, not weakness, not death.
Damian shrugged. "Well, whatever you awaken, we'll just climb together."
Leon glanced at him. "You're assuming we both awaken combat professions."
"Of course! You think I'll let you be a farmer? No way."
Leon exhaled faintly. "That's not how Awakening works."
"No? Then I'll just drag you to the guild even if it kills me."
Leon shook his head. "Stop talking nonsense."
"Tch. Always serious."
Evening Training
The sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the academy grounds.
Leon stayed behind to train alone. Damian left early to fetch supplies for Awakening Day.
Leon focused on dagger patterns, practicing until sweat drenched his shirt and his arms trembled. He repeated every stance, every movement, every turn.
The world would decide his future—but he refused to leave anything to chance.
At last, he sheathed the wooden daggers and looked at his hands.
They were steady.
Ready.
Instructor Hale Approaches
Hale appeared beside him silently. "You push yourself hard."
Leon nodded. "It's necessary."
"True," Hale said quietly. "But remember—you've done all you can until Awakening. Strength after sixteen comes from the system. Before that… only the mind grows."
Leon wiped sweat from his chin. "I know."
Hale studied him for a moment. "Leon. Whatever you awaken… don't lose yourself chasing strength."
Leon didn't reply.
He couldn't promise that.
Not when this life depended on power.
Night in Silverbrook
Leon returned home, greeted his mother, washed, and ate quietly.
After dinner, he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He thought about the system, the panel he would soon see, the profession that would shape his path.
He didn't hope for anything.
He didn't fear anything.
He simply prepared.
Awakening was in two days.
And Leon was ready.