Arkeon.
A world where power isn't just a gift—it's the law of life.
Every human, at the age of fifteen, faces a moment that determines their destiny: the Awakening Ceremony. Job, mana, element, initial skills—all are revealed by an ancient crystal stone called the Origin Altar. Once chosen, it can't be undone. That's why people call it the moment that "seales destiny."
However, not everyone is blessed by fate.
And today… it's Kael Vernius's turn to discover just how cruel the world can be.
The Ceremony of All Hopes
The small town hall of Vernham was packed with people. The building was simple, but today it felt like the most important place in the world. The children about to be Awakened sat in rows, some trembling with nervousness, some almost impatient to show their potential to the entire village.
Kael sat at the very edge, hugging his knees, trying to steady his sluggish breathing.
Today was supposed to be the start of a new life.
It should have been.
"Kael, come here! Come closer, you're blocking the way."
A man from the front row glared at him.
Kael quickly shifted and lowered his head.
He was used to it.
Since childhood, he had been different: he had no mana whatsoever.
Mana is the essence of life in Archeon. Even newborns typically exhibit a small spark of mana—a soft glow within their bodies. But Kael? Empty. Like an endless cave that reflects nothing.
And so, for the past fifteen years, Kael had lived with one label:
"Weak."
"Kael Vernius," called the attendant.
The entire room fell silent.
Some people whispered.
"Finally, it's that kid's turn."
"It's no use. He doesn't have any."
"Maybe the altar can fix it? Hahaha—no way."
Kael clutched the hem of his clothes.
He knew everyone was waiting for failure.
He knew everyone wanted to see proof that he was a complete zero.
But he still moved forward.
Step by step, he headed toward the Origin Altar that stood majestically in the center of the room. The ancient stone emitted a turquoise light, and when someone touched it, the world system would reveal their status.
Kael placed his hand.
Instantly, the altar's light dimmed.
People began to whisper.
The attendant tried to suppress his expression… but failed.
Then, the crystal displayed glowing text.
[Awakening Result]
Name: Kael Vernius
Age: 15
Mana Capacity: 0
Element: —
Job: Commoner
Rank: F
Skill: —
Not just bad.
This was the worst outcome in the history of Vernham Village ceremonies.
Silence.
Total silence.
It was as if all the air had been sucked out of the room.
Until someone started chuckling.
Then another.
Then the entire room.
"Hahaha! Commoner Job? Seriously?"
"I didn't even know that could happen!"
"No skills. No mana. No element. Wow, that's a complete set."
Kael froze. He knew this would be bad, but not… this bad.
An adventurer instructor even whispered, but loud enough for everyone to hear:
"…it's better that the altar didn't activate anything in the first place. It's embarrassing."
Kael bit his lip until it tasted salty.
He wanted to say something, but what?
What could he say when the world itself was rejecting his existence?
"Hurry up, don't waste time," the attendant said.
"Next!"
Kael walked away with his head down. The room felt colder than before. It was as if every stare was an arrow piercing his back.
And even if he managed to escape the hall…
Their words followed like poison.
"A complete zero."
"A burden on society."
"He can't even be a guild servant."
Even When He Came Home, There Was No Place
As Kael passed through the village streets, no one greeted him. No greetings. No smiles. Some even closed their doors when they saw him.
Kael sighed and walked toward his small house at the end of the village, where he lived with his aunt, Lira. She was a kind woman… but even she must have been disappointed.
Sure enough.
As Kael entered, his aunt stared silently at the Awakening results imprinted on a small stone the committee had given him.
Commoner.
Rank F.
No mana.
No skills.
In a world like Arkeon, that meant:
No more valuable than dust.
Kael covered his face with his hands.
"Why… why did I have to be born like this?"
No one answered.
A Foolish Decision That Became Destiny
That night, Kael sat by the window.
In the distance, the black mountains could be seen faintly.
Among them, there was one place forbidden to the villagers:
The Forest of Darkness.
A forest where high-level monsters roamed.
A place where people disappeared and never returned.
A place where even B-Rank guilds were wary of entering.
A place… where one could die without a trace.
Kael stared at it for a long time, then made a decision that made even him tremble.
"I'm going."
He packed a small bag: bread, water, a small knife.
That was it.
If he stayed in the village, he would only be a burden for the rest of his life.
If he went out into the forest… he would probably die.
But between the two…
it was better to die trying, than to live meaninglessly.
Kael stepped out of the house silently.
The night breeze caressed his skin, as if asking:
Are you sure you want to do this?
Kael took a deep breath.
"Yes… because there's nothing left for me here."
He left the village of Vernham behind him.
The First Step into the Abyss of Destiny
The journey to the Dark Forest took two hours on foot. Kael's heart was pounding the entire time—a mixture of fear and curiosity.
When he finally reached the edge of the forest, he stopped.
The large trees looked like black gates swallowing the light.
The air was colder, quieter… too quiet.
Even the insects seemed reluctant to approach.
Kael gripped his knife.
He knew the chances of leaving this place alive were slim.
"This might be… the worst decision of my life."
He swallowed.
"But… this is the first time I've had a choice."
With heavy but determined steps, Kael stepped inside.
Darkness immediately enveloped him.
The forest seemed alive—watching, lurking, waiting.
Little did Kael know that that night, in that forbidden forest…
Arkeon's fate would change forever.
Because something in the depths of the darkness had sensed his presence.
Something ancient.
Something that should not have awakened.
Something… that was hungry.
And he whispered a word in a language that modern humans have never heard:
"…Vessel."