3 Chapter 1 [The Cliche Beginning]
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"Marcus... Marcus! Wake up," his mom's voice called out from the kitchen.
Gradually opening his eyes, Marcus sat up in bed. He reached for his glasses on the bedside table.
"What time is it?" Marcus wondered to himself in his soft, undeveloped voice.
The alarm next to him indicated 8 in the morning as he gave it a tired glance.
"Ah... It's just 8 am... Tsk."
"............."
"IT'S 8 AM!!!"
Marcus's eyes widened as he realized he only had half an hour left until his Awakening Test!
"The alarm didn't ring as usual, Goddammit!" (It did)
Gritting his teeth, Marcus hurried to his bathroom attached to his room and grabbed the toothbrush.
In just a minute, speedy Marcus finished brushing his teeth and dashed out of his room after a quick bath.
His straight red hair was damp, hanging loosely on his forehead like a towel left out in the rain. Marcus rummaged through his wardrobe and selected a T-shirt and a pair of black and blue denim jeans.
After choosing the black one, Marcus jumped on his bed and pulled the pants up to his waist.
He was already rushing down the stairs when his mom called for him again, but he paid no attention.
"I'm going! Bye, Mom!"
"Wait, Marcus!! You haven't had your breakfast yet!"
"It's OK, Mom! I'll share lunch with Dave."
Marcus hurried to his dad, who was reading the newspaper in the living room.
The redhead placed his dad's hand on his head.
"Do you need my blessing?"
"No... My hair's wet."
Albert chuckled as he warmed his hand, evaporating the moisture from his son's hair.
"Thank you... Bye, Dad!"
*CLACK*
The door shut behind Marcus as he ran. He had to reach the Academy ASAP! Why, you ask? Let me explain while he runs. Today was the day he had been waiting for because today was the day he activated, or rather, in revoker terms, awakened his seed. It was also his last day in school.
A train of thoughts raced through his mind as he sprinted toward 'The Krozon Inter Academy'.
One of those thoughts was, 'I hope she's had her breakfast.'
...
Marcus finally caught his breath as he reached the gates of his Academy. His eyes darted around, and his mouth formed a happy smile when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Dumbo, you're late too?"
Dave stumbled up to him, panting hard.
Marcus grinned at his friend, who leaned against the wall, hands on his knees. Dave's spiky yellow hair was damp with sweat, and his boots were covered in dust. Dave ran his hand through his hair and spat on the ground.
Dave, being athletic and tall, a whole 180 cm at the age of 16, looked like a giant compared to Marcus.
"Hi, Grandpa Dave."
"Shut up, you four-eyed lizard."
Both of them laughed while trying to catch their breaths.
After a minute of catching their breath, they started strolling towards the Academy. Now that they had some time to spare, the anxiety had faded, at least the uncertainty of arriving late to school.
The Krozon Academy was the largest on the continent, if not on the planet. The only reason Marcus got accepted was that his dad was one of the mages under the king. His mother and father were brilliant mages with Unique Seeds and Dominator Soul levels.
But as soon as Marcus was born, his mother had to give up her career as a mage to take care of him. His dad was unhappy about it, feeling that his wife had to give up her dream as a mage. He was even ready to give up his position so that his wife could fulfill her dream as an aspiring mage.
Because, to his father, "GENDER EQUALITY RULES."
But she declined his offer, giving up her dreams for Marcus, her son. Today was the day he had to prove that her sacrifices were not in vain.
*TRING*
Marcus was jolted from his thoughts as the loud school bell echoed through the hallways.
The vibrant flashbacks of his 16 years of life mixed with the piercing echo of the bell welcomed his consciousness. Marcus, along with Dave, joined the stream of students filling their respective grades.
Marcus was in Class A along with his childhood friend Dave. Dave, his only friend, pal, and comrade since the age of 5, had helped him through the tough and agonizing days at the Academy.
Marcus remembered those days when they were cornered and beaten up by the King's second son and his friends. But he realized there was nothing to remember because it happened every single day of his school life.
Then he thought, doesn't being royalty mean he's supposed to act differently? 'Where's his dignity as a prince?' 'Why would he stoop low to beat up weaker guys?'
The realization was harsh, and it hit him again. 'Yeah, he'll stoop that low alright!' *Sigh*
He should've complained about the atrocities committed by the King's younger son. But Dave insisted that it wouldn't do them any good; in fact, it might cause them more trouble since the entire academy was funded by the King himself.
The only thing they could do was keep quiet and endure... endure even if they didn't want to. If only they had an endurance stat, it would have been maxed out.
"Hey, Marcus... Oi Marcus!"
Dave slapped Marcus behind his ear and tugged him closer.
"There she is... your soul mate, hehe."
Dave motioned toward the door, where a girl was leaning against the wall, chatting with her friends.
The girl had violet stripes in her blue hair. Her eyes were bright, with irises a mix of sky blue and violet. She wore a black camisole and denim pants.
'She is an angel,' Marcus thought as he saw her smile.
Alisha Eleanor, the most gorgeous girl in the Academy, and of course, Marcus's crush, along with about a thousand other boys. Marcus was lost in his dream when Dave interrupted him.
"This is your... our last day here... What do you think? Wanna give it a try?"
Marcus blushed again, knowing what Dave meant, but was he ready?
"No way, she's out of my league, dude."
Dave raised his hand again, palms facing Marcus.
"Stop it, okay, okay... I'll try."
Marcus pulled out a piece of paper from his bag and slipped it into his left hand.
"What's that?"
"This, my boy, is a writer's way of proposing."
Marcus smiled confidently.
"That's the lamest way, too," Dave replied without sugar-coating his words.
Sheepishly, Marcus stood up and forced his trembling legs to move. His whole body was shivering as he made his way toward Alisha.
Just before he reached her, his nervousness compelled him to glance back at Dave. His friend gave him a thumbs-up.
"Okay... Here I go."
"Ali... Sha."
*Gasp*
"What are you doing, scumbag?"
Marcus jerked back as a figure confronted him.
"Ga... Gabriel?"
A punch struck Marcus's jaw, sending him tum
bling back into a table.
"Who gave you permission to call me by my name, you insignificant bastard?"
Gabriel Richard, the King's second son and the most popular boy in the academy, towered over Marcus. His green hair was slicked back with gel, and his face was pristine without any acne. His gaze was sharp, and his black eyes glared down at Marcus.
Gabriel wore a gold-coated jacket and jeans made of high-quality material. His attire glistened as the daylight hit him through the open window.
In addition to being the King's younger son, Gabriel had a brother named Arthur Richard, a Legendary Seed user with a Soul level of a Dominator, ranking 5th on the Revokers list. This added to Marcus's already brimming issues.
A bit confused, Marcus sat up and brushed his palms. His jaw throbbed as it moaned in pain. Marcus had always been fragile since childhood. The number of times they had visited the doctor was uncountable.
Even after being forced to take nutrients, Marcus just couldn't bring himself to consume them. His body was weak, and he knew it. He often wondered why he was so vulnerable, even at the age of 4, when most children were full of energy and enthusiasm.
But things started to get better from the day he met Dave. Dave was the complete opposite of Marcus. Energetic and enthusiastic, Dave brought out the child in Marcus, and it benefited him greatly. If it wasn't for Dave, that punch would have knocked him out cold.
"Ouch," he caressed his swollen jaw and blinked his eyes.
He suddenly realized he was missing something—the letter! He frantically scanned the floor around him while adjusting his glasses to stay in place. But, to his dismay, it was nowhere to be found.
"Well, well, what's this?"
Marcus's eyes widened as Gabriel opened the letter in his hands.
"Sir Gabriel, I am very, very sorry. Please return that to me; it is not worthy of your recognition! I implore you, sir."
Marcus pleaded with a bowed head.
"Dear Alisha."
Marcus and the entire class fell silent as Gabriel started reading the letter, loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Alisha rushed to Gabriel's side and read it along with him. A minute later, she glared at Marcus in contempt.
Heartbroken, Marcus stood up and kept his head low. Dave rushed towards him and helped him up.
"What a waste! Do you dare propose to my lady? She is destined to be mine and mine only."
Gabriel grabbed Alisha's hand and kissed it, making her cheeks turn red as if she accepted his claim. She then scornfully looked back at Marcus.
"Garbage."
All the positive thoughts Marcus had about the girl he liked shattered. She was a devil!
"Let's go, Marcus, let's get out of here."
Dave stood up and pulled his friend's shoulders, leading him outside the classroom. Dave shielded his ears from the laughter and murmurs of their unsupportive classmates.
They entered the boys' restroom, and Dave pushed the door open, helping a dumbfounded Marcus inside. He led him to the sink.
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After some thought about what had happened, Marcus splashed water on his face.
"Ugh, she sucks, doesn't she? Just like that thot who thought the MC was a retard. KEK!"
Dave chuckled as he referenced the comics they had read yesterday in an attempt to change the topic.
"Yeah."
"You should be glad she didn't accept you. A girl like her? Makes me laugh."
Dave continued.
"Yeah."
"What's with you now?"
Dave inquired, annoyance lingering in his words. He didn't like the cold manner in which Marcus was speaking.
"Nothing."
Dave pushed Marcus back.
"Forget about what happened right now! Be the Marcus I know. Why did you like someone like her? Just because she's gorgeous? Just because she's a noble? Huh?!! Huh??!"
"ANSWER ME, MARCUS! If glamour were enough to win love, then MEN COULD F*CK THOSE TREES BECAUSE THEY ARE WAY MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN THESE THOTS!"
"AND DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT TREES? THEY DON'T EVEN COMPLAIN!!"
There was no reply, just a bellow that echoed from Marcus, from somewhere deep inside him.
"Ah *sigh* Let it go, man."
Dave said, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Hmf *sniff*."
Marcus broke down as tears streamed down his face, even though he kept on splashing water over it.
"I am gonna make them pay, make them pay for what they put me through."
Marcus cried, and losing control, he punched the mirror in front of him.
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An awkward minute passed.
"Mpfhhh."
Marcus winced, clenching his hand. Within seconds, a scream echoed through the lifeless restroom.
"That hurts a lot, AARGH FU*K!"
"Pffft."
The laugh Dave had held back escaped through his nostrils as he snickered.
Marcus, gaping at his pathetic friend beside him, finally smiled.
"This looks cool in comics, though."
Marcus chuckled, wiping his tears.
"HEHEHE, I KNOW, RIGHT!"
"Even the mirror's laughing at you."
"SHUT UP, Dave!"
"Pffft."
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After composing themselves, Marcus and Dave exited the restroom with determination.
They straightened their posture, walking with their chests held high, and made their way back to the classroom. The door creaked open as Marcus pushed it open with trembling hands.
Everyone's eyes were on Marcus.
Marcus, feeling the weight of their stares, began to slump his chest, but a reassuring hand reached him from behind.
Dave's encouraging gaze pushed him forward, and he dismissed everyone else from his thoughts. They reached their designated seats at the back of the class.
Gabriel, sitting at the front row, sneered at them, holding Alisha's hand as she sat next to him.
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The murmuring class fell silent as the teacher entered. A woman in her early 30s leaned against the homeroom table. She had curly black hair and wore a wizard's hat on her head. Her fair skin contrasted with her black mage's cloak jacket.
Miss Sylvie was their homeroom teacher, a summoning mage by occupation. Her demon bond, Thunder Hawk, a Demon Monarch ranked beast, elegantly perched on her shoulder, surveying the classroom.
"So, students! Listen up," Miss Sylvie paused to make sure everyone was paying attention before continuing. "Today is going to be the most momentous day of your life! Today is the day when you are going to be reborn as a Revoker!"
Excitement and anxiety filled the classroom, with some students exclaiming in delight and others expressing their nerves.
Miss Sylvie smiled at her students, pleased to see their interest.
"That's it. I wish you all the best. Students starting from the first bench, stand up and walk slowly towards the Awakening Podium."
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After some excited and enthusiastic commotion that lasted for about five minutes, everyone was present at the Awakening Podium.
'This is it,' Marcus thought, taking his seat beside Dave. He nervously clutched his jeans.
"Wish you luck, bro," Dave's voice quivered
. Marcus was convinced that his friend was just as nervous.
"Same, bro."
Both of them wished each other luck. Dave and Marcus both aspired to become the greatest Revokers the world had ever seen, and their dreams were about to come true.
The wind picked up, and the podium abruptly began shaking.
The Grand Mages materialized out of thin air, each exuding their elegance and causing the podium to emit a blinding light.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE
EDITED CHAPTER!!
DAVE = THOT SLAYER (Spam in the comments) (he'll soon be one ;) )
I KNOW, CLICHÉ! But I assure you, no clichés in the future chapters. DON'T LISTEN TO ME, READ ON.
BTW, I AM STILL EDITING, SO IF YOU FIND ANY CLICHÉS OR MISTAKES, DON'T WORRY, THEY'LL BE SOON RECTIFIED. OR READ THE COMMENTS, WHERE MANY READERS' DOUBTS HAVE BEEN CLEARED, AND MAYBE YOURS MIGHT BE ONE OF THEM?
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I hope this revision meets your expectations. Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!
