El Lira Vethar [3]

[Essence: Hero]

[Rank: A]

A collective gasp spread through the hall, followed by a loud murmur of amazement. The students, teachers, and the director were stunned, and even the elders exchanged astonished glances. Awakening an A-rank essence was rare enough, but to awaken the essence of a Hero—a role revered for its strength, courage, and ability to inspire—was something extraordinary.

Harry's eyes widened, and he nudged Max, who looked just as surprised. "Wow, that's amazing," Harry muttered. "Arthur's gonna be like the protagonist of a novel! I knew he would fit the hero archetype!"

Max nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on Arthur. "He… he looks like he was born for this," he said softly, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Arthur stood tall, his face betraying a mixture of pride and humility. He had always been a steady presence among his classmates, but now, with the essence of a Hero, he seemed to radiate an aura of confidence and authority.

The elder standing beside Arthur addressed the crowd. "For those who are unfamiliar, the Hero essence grants incredible physical strength, heightened reflexes, and the ability to rally and protect others. It is one of the most powerful essences an individual can awaken to and is often accompanied by a natural talent for leadership."

The elder then turned to Arthur. "Arthur, now we will help you to unlock your full status. Would you be willing to display your full status for everyone to see? It might help them understand the potential of a high-rank essence."

Arthur hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I'll do it. If it can help others understand what they might awaken to, then it's worth it."

With a gesture, the elder directed Arthur to place his hand on a crystal pedestal that had been brought forward. The moment he touched it, a new window appeared above him, larger and more detailed than before.

Name: Arthur Wainwright 

Essence: Hero (A-Rank) 

Health and Stamina:

- HP: 20/20

- SP: 20/20

Core Attributes:

- Agility: 10 (Max)

- Strength: 10 (Max)

- Endurance: 10 (Max)

- Vitality: 10 (Max)

- Intelligence: 10 (Max)

- Willpower: 10 (Max)

Essence Abilities: Heroic Strength | Valor's Aura | Guardian's Shield | Leadership Insight

Skills: Hero's Aura

_______

The crowd erupted in applause, even louder than before. The list of abilities displayed on the screen was impressive, showcasing the true potential of an A-rank essence. Students whispered excitedly among themselves, speculating about what they might awaken to and how it could change their futures.

However, Harry and Max were surprised by another thing - Arthur's stats. It was true they were all 10, exceptionally good. However, what made them surprised was the (Max) beside each core attribute of Arthur.

"Strange, right?" Harry asked Max who seemed confused. Max nodded since his all attributes were 15 and he even had Perception. But this boy's stats were only 10 yet it was already Max.

"Guess, we are special then," Harry muttered reading Max's mind. "I also have 3 attributes with 10 but without Max."

"Oh," Max nodded somewhat understanding. It seems like the two of them were indeed a bit special.

The ceremony continued with more students stepping forward to awaken their essences. Each one brought a new wave of excitement and anticipation among the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the hope and dreams of the young students eager to discover their potential.

After a few more awakenings, the crowd gasped again when Claire, the top student in academics, approached the pedestal. Claire was known for her intelligence, diligence, and exceptional performance in all subjects, but no one except Harry expected her to awaken an A-rank essence.

Claire placed her hand on the crystal pedestal, her expression calm and composed. The window above her flickered to life, revealing her essence and attributes.

[Essence: Scholar Sage] 

[Rank: A]

The crowd buzzed with amazement, and Harry couldn't help but grin. "Of course, she'd get something related to knowledge. It's like the universe knows what it's doing," he remarked to Max.

The elder explained to the crowd, "The Scholar Sage essence grants immense wisdom, heightened perception, and unparalleled memory retention. It also allows the wielder to manipulate arcane knowledge and enhance their understanding of mystical energies."

Claire's full status was displayed, showing impressive stats but with a focus on intelligence and a new stat called wisdom. The crowd applauded her achievement, acknowledging her potential to become a powerful mage or scholar.

Shortly after Claire, Logan, the captain of the soccer team, approached the pedestal. Logan was known for his athletic prowess and leadership on the field, and his confident stride showed he was eager to discover his essence.

He placed his hand on the pedestal, and the window above revealed:

[Essence: Storm's Champion]

[Rank: A]

Gasps filled the hall once again. Logan's essence, much like his personality, was strong and vibrant. The elder explained, "The Storm's Champion essence embodies the power of storms, granting the ability to control lightning and thunder, as well as enhancing physical speed and strength."

Logan's status was also displayed, showcasing his focus on strength and agility. The crowd cheered loudly, impressed by yet another A-rank awakening.

As the ceremony continued, the excitement in the room seemed to build with each awakening. More students stepped forward, awakening various essences of different ranks. The anticipation was palpable as everyone wondered who would be next to reveal something extraordinary.

Finally, it was Max's turn. Harry nudged him gently, giving him a reassuring smile. "Remember what I told you, Max," he whispered. "Whatever happens, keep your cool. And no matter what, don't show your status. Just nod and stay calm."

Max nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Despite his amnesia, he had quickly come to trust Harry's judgment, knowing that his friend had a knack for navigating these kinds of situations.

Max walked up to the pedestal, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on him. He glanced back at Harry, who gave him a thumbs-up, his expression surprisingly calm and composed for someone who was usually the class clown. This helped Max feel a bit more at ease as he reached out and placed his hand on the crystal pedestal.

The moment Max's hand made contact, the pedestal began to glow brighter than it had for any of the previous students. A tense hush fell over the crowd as everyone watched with bated breath.

The window above flickered, displaying the words:

[Essence: ??????] 

[Rank: ?]

A murmur of confusion rippled through the crowd. The elders exchanged puzzled glances, and even Lord Elias seemed taken aback.

"Strange..."