In the Unified Earth Empire, Auro Province, Nova City, the Akashic Records Academy had opened its annual virtual gateway. Through the Ether Network, the consciousness of every eighteen-year-old student was transported into the academy's awakening hall.
In the wide white arena, more than a hundred first-year students stood in quiet rows, waiting for the ceremony to begin. The supervising instructor, Arvan, addressed them from a raised platform.
"Students, after years of study, you now understand the basics of Ether abilities. Today is your Awakening Day. The ability you receive will shape your future path. I won't say anything unnecessary—my hope is that some of you will rise to great heights, just like our former prodigy, Rena Lucian."
Rena Lucian was the academy's most famous graduate. She had awakened an Epic-grade ability and later reached level 72. Her achievements were always used to motivate new students.
Among the students stood Azil, quietly observing the nearly completed Awakening Formation in the center of the arena. He understood well the nature of the world he lived in—one powered by Ether, where abilities awakened at adulthood determined a person's place in society.After awakening, ability users would explore Gates, clear unknown zones, and battle Ether creatures to level up, strengthen their skills, and obtain equipment.
Countless people had lost their lives over the years to maintain humanity's stability.
The awakening success rate was 100%, but the quality of the awakened ability varied greatly. Combat abilities were the most desirable, followed by support and livelihood abilities. Still, Azil knew the classification was only general—some support abilities were stronger than combat ones, and certain livelihood abilities could become extraordinary when evolved.
Strength depended on the ability itself, not on its category.
Once the Awakening Formation was complete, a pillar of light shot upward. Arvan raised his hand and said:
"Follow me."
The students moved forward. Blending into the group, Azil wondered what kind of ability he would awaken. There was no way to predict it. An average student might awaken a powerful combat ability, while a top student might receive a simple livelihood ability.
Even though Azil was among the top two academically, it meant nothing in the awakening.
Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder. It was Samer, his classmate, smiling casually.
"So, Azil, what ability are you hoping for?"Azil shook his head lightly. "I'm not expecting anything."
Samer laughed. "Come on. I'm hoping for a combat ability—maybe Shock Guard. I've got the physique for it."
Samer did indeed have a build suited for defensive abilities, but the chance of awakening a combat ability was only about 10%. Out of more than a hundred students, maybe fifteen would awaken combat abilities.
While Samer chatted excitedly, Azil remained quiet with a faint smile. Known for his strong grades but introverted personality, he had few friends and was often mistaken for being cold or arrogant.
Two students pulled Samer aside, whispering loudly on purpose:
"Why talk to him? He barely answers anyone."
"Yeah. Good grades don't mean much."
"Watch him get a weak livelihood ability."
Samer sighed. "Azil just doesn't like talking. That's all."
Most didn't believe it.Azil didn't bother explaining; he didn't feel the need to.
When they reached the formation, Instructor Arvan approached an elderly man politely.
"Thank you for your assistance, Grandmaster Zaheer."
Zaheer nodded. "It's nothing."
His information was not hidden:[Zaheer Haleem – Level 51 – Ether Formation Grandmaster]
Azil was surprised. Formation Grandmaster was a high-tier support class, rare and extremely valued. Their formations could shift the outcome of entire battles.
After finishing a brief exchange, Arvan took out a list and spoke clearly:
"When your name is called, step into the Awakening Formation. You've been prepared for this. Stay calm.First—Raed, step forward."
Raed entered the formation nervously. The formation activated with a soft rumble, and a flash of light covered him. Moments later, his result appeared:
[Livelihood Ability: Farmer]
Raed's expression stiffened.
Some students whispered:
"Farmer?"
"It's not that bad. If he evolves it into Great Farmer or Sacred Farmer, it becomes pretty strong."
"Yeah, among livelihood abilities, Farmer is decent."