Chapter 2: The Awakening: Gabriel Heart

Gabriel Heart was a student enrolled at Green Leaf Academy, one of the most renowned and prestigious academies in the country. The academy was known for its exceptional academic programs and rigorous curriculum, designed to provide students with a comprehensive education and prepare them for their future careers.

Just two days ago, Gabriel experienced a profound awakening that unlocked his full potential, allowing him to tap into his skills and talents. This transformative experience left him feeling more confident and empowered than ever before.

For centuries, the world's progress had been shaped by the struggles and hard work of ancestors who endured wars, bloodshed, and toil to pave the way for future generations. It had been precisely three centuries since the first recorded invasion of the dungeon, a mysterious and mystical source in the world. The events that followed were catastrophic. Numerous powerful and monstrous creatures emerged from the dungeon, wreaking havoc and causing widespread destruction.

To make matters worse, during the same time, an unknown type of energy began to spread throughout the world. This energy caused various animals, insects, and marine life to mutate, giving them unique abilities and increased intelligence. These creatures began to call themselves "Magical Beasts" and roamed the land and seas, causing further confusion and fear.

The world was never the same after these events. The dungeon and its creatures became the stuff of legends, while the Magical Beasts remained elusive and mysterious, with only a few brave souls daring to explore their world.

As domestic animals began to rebel and livestock started attacking their owners, the human population gradually decreased. Adding to the misery, the spread of a plague from insects devastated communities.

Amidst this chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of an unknown energy called "Mana." This energy not only affected the Magical Beasts but also the human race. People discovered they could harness Mana's power to their advantage.

Some people developed the ability to control the elements, while others gained the power to heal. Some acquired extraordinary strength and speed, becoming more agile and resilient. The class system allowed humans to become stronger by honing their skills and abilities.

With these newfound powers, humans were able to resist the monster invasion and repel the Magical Beasts. They used their magical abilities and strength to fight back, marking a turning point in history that paved the way for a new era of progress and prosperity.

In this world, people discovered that after awakening, one could undergo a class advancement and become an Orion, a revered protector who hunts monsters and Magical Beasts. This discovery led to newfound admiration and respect for those who became Orions.

Over the years, many endured countless trials, shedding sweat, blood, and tears to achieve this esteemed status. It was found that the ideal age for awakening and becoming an Orion was between 15 and 19 years old. The chances of a successful awakening were highest at this age, making it the ideal time for transformation. While awakening was possible at a later age, the probability of success was much lower.

Becoming an Orion was considered the highest honor in the world, and those who achieved this status were highly respected. Orions were tasked with guarding their regions and hunting monsters and Magical Beasts, ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities.

In Orion society, education was seen as crucial to a person's growth and development. A child's formal education began at the age of five. The initial nine years focused on imparting theoretical knowledge and building a strong foundation for the future. The academy's curriculum was designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful Orions.

At fifteen, students underwent an awakening ceremony conducted by the school. This ceremony was an important rite of passage, marking their transition into adulthood. The awakening ceremony was a significant event in the life of an Orion, a testament to their growth and maturity.

After the awakening ceremony, a final assessment evaluated the student's abilities and knowledge. This comprehensive evaluation determined whether the student had mastered the skills and knowledge required to become an Orion. Only those who passed the final assessment were considered graduates and allowed to call themselves Orions. The final assessment was rigorous, requiring students to demonstrate competence in both theoretical and practical areas.

...

At this moment, the time for the awakening ritual had arrived.

The atmosphere was tense as the students assembled in the classroom, ready to undergo the long-awaited ritual. The teacher, with a stern expression, began calling out names one by one. Each student anxiously awaited their turn, hoping for a successful awakening.

As the teacher called out the first name, Tigram Gray, the room fell silent. All eyes were on him as he walked up to the podium and placed his hand on the crystal ball. The ball glowed brightly, indicating a successful awakening. The teacher congratulated him, and the other students cheered.

Tigram had awakened a new class designed to train individuals in combat skills. The focus of this class revolved around Viking or barbarian combat styles, emphasizing hand-to-hand combat and weapon handling. This class was ideal for those interested in historical combat styles or improving physical fitness and self-defense abilities.

The next student, Gwen Grant, stepped forward, trembling with excitement and fear. She placed her hand on the crystal ball, and a blue light enveloped her. The teacher announced her successful awakening, and the students clapped and cheered once again.

According to the classification system in the magical world, Gwen Grant had awakened as an elemental mage, specifically of the water element. Her magical abilities allowed her to manipulate and control water in various forms, such as conjuring rain, creating ice, and causing tidal waves.

As the teacher continued calling names, some students were overjoyed with their success, while others looked crestfallen. Those who were unsuccessful tried to hide their disappointment, but their expressions revealed their devastation.

Despite the mixed emotions in the room, the ritual continued. Each student approached the podium, placed their hand on the crystal ball, and awaited the results. Some were successful, while others were not. But all of them knew this was just the beginning of their journey, and they would have to work hard to hone their skills and become powerful beings in their own right.

Several minutes passed as more students completed their awakenings. Suddenly, Gabriel Heart's attention was caught by the sound of his teacher calling his name. It was now his turn to undergo the awakening, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement as he made his way to the front of the classroom.