Chapter 58: The Path Awakens — Fates Revealed [3]

[14th Everdusk 2103]

The rank he received left the entire hall in stunned silence.

<E >—a single letter etched upon the crystal, its image projected for all to see.

Gasps echoed before an outburst of laughter rippled through the crowd. Many students had expected someone powerful, perhaps even overwhelming. Instead, they got what they believed to be a side character in someone else's story.

Some of the younger students who had awakened <D > ranked classes puffed their chests with pride, suddenly feeling superior. The Principal himself let out a faint chuckle, unable to mask his amusement.

But not everyone joined in.

Tess, Lyre, Lucas himself... and Evan.

Even with the oppressive aura Lucas had radiated moments ago, Evan managed to suppress the unsettling grin tugging at his lips. That aura—Evan had felt it before, in a different life. It was unmistakable.

Dragon Fear.

An aura no ordinary being could emit.

Only someone with a draconic trait could produce such pressure... and now Evan was convinced: Lucas was not ordinary.

The others hadn't recognized it simply because they'd never faced a dragon. But Evan had—on the battlefield of his past life. And if his instincts were correct, Lucas's future rank wouldn't just climb… it would soar—SSS-tier at minimum.

Just as these thoughts flickered through Evan's mind, a man stepped forward, blocking Lucas's path from the stage.

"Hey, kid. Mind if I ask you something?" Darian spoke, his tone friendly but laced with intent.

Lucas paused, eyes flicking up lazily. "Yes, sir? But please, don't waste my time with recruitment pitches. I'm sure even a third-rate guild can offer something better than yours."

The room froze.

Darian's smile twitched. "Kid, watch your tone. I could crush you where you stand. You're nothing but an ant to me."

Lucas tilted his head slightly, voice sharp and emotionless. "Then perhaps, sir, you should watch yours. Threatening a student with murder in broad daylight? That's... quite shameless."

"What?" The Principal's voice slipped out involuntarily.

Gasps filled the air.

"Did he just say that to Darian?"

"Lucas must've lost his mind... maybe the <E > rank broke him."

"He's got brain damage for sure."

The whispers only fueled the tension.

Darian's face turned red—tomato red.

"Watch your mouth, boy!" Miriam hissed, stepping in to ease the tension. "Apologize before you truly anger him."

"But didn't you say we should save time for important things? He was wasting mine." Lucas said, his expression the picture of calm innocence.

"You—!" Miriam turned to restrain him, but it was too late.

Darian's fury erupted.

"Listen here, brat," he growled. "You think you're some hidden prodigy? You're not. You'll crawl back after every guild rejects you, and when you do, then I might consider letting you in—after you grovel and beg."

Lucas met his gaze with a cold smile. "Let's see who grovels first."

The hatred in Darian's heart blazed.

The Principal stepped forward in a panic. "Sir, please, let's discuss—"

"I've had enough," Darian snapped. "Miriam, finish the ceremony. Once it's done, place this mana slip on the crystal—it'll activate the formation."

With a flick of his grimoire, Darian vanished, teleporting away without a trace.

"Lucas, what have you done?! Couldn't you just apologize?!" the Principal barked.

Lucas blinked, seemingly dazed—then broke into a wild grin as if he'd just won the lottery.

"Lucas! Are you listening?"

"Oh, yes, sir. I was just thinking."

The Principal rubbed his temples.

Miriam stood in silence, eyes narrowed. Is he cracking under the pressure?

She considered fabricating an excuse to smooth things over with Darian later.

"Just… go back to your seat and don't cause more trouble," the Principal sighed.

Lucas nodded and descended the steps, rejoining his section.

"Lucas, are you alright?" Tess asked gently.

"Oh, Tess—I mean, Miss. I'm fine. Just… need to think."

"Alright. Go sit down for a bit."

"Yes, thank you." He turned and walked off, heading toward a tree in the distance.

Only one person saw the slight smirk that curled his lips.

Evan.

Eyes sharp, unblinking, watching him like a hawk watches prey. Every move, every breath—Evan tracked it. And now, more than ever, he was certain.

Lucas was his target.

Elsewhere, Lyre's brows furrowed. Something wasn't right.

Lucas had never been this confrontational—especially not with adults. His behavior was completely out of character.

Is he really that affected by his class rank?

She began thinking of ways to help him… unaware that the truth was far more complicated.

The ceremony continued. The remaining students in Section 2 stepped forward one by one to awaken their classes.

And with that, the stage was set for the next group.

—To be continued—

Author's Note:

Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter~ The next one's already cooking and will be up in just a bit, so stay tuned and enjoy the chaos I've prepared! 🔥 Let me know what you think below!