Carlos Ramirez never expected to wake up again.
At thirty-three, he lived as a Filipino seafarer—crossing oceans, loading cargo, and fighting storms that could tear ships apart. Yet despite the danger, his greatest passion was anime, manga, and isekai stories. During long nights on deck, he dreamed:
"If only I could awaken a system…"
But during one violent storm, a massive wave slammed into the deck and dragged him into the freezing sea. As darkness swallowed him, his last thought was filled with regret.
"So this is it? No second chance?"
Then a voice echoed in the void:
[New Host Detected.]
[System transferring consciousness…]
When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer drowning.
He was a newborn baby, wrapped in a blanket, held by a smiling woman.
"Welcome to the world… Charles."
Cal Ramirez had died.
Charles Reyes was born.
---
Sixteen years passed.
The Reyes family lived a humble life in a small three-bedroom apartment in West Astra City. The rooms were cramped, the furniture was old, and space was always tight—but it was home.
His parents, Ronald and Maria Reyes, operated a small family food stall outside their apartment building. Together, they woke up at dawn to cook rice meals and snacks for office workers and students. They weren't wealthy, but they were hardworking and honest people.
Because of his family's modest background, Charles—who attended a prestigious school on scholarship—was often mocked by wealthy students.
"Look, the food stall boy is here."
"I bet he'll awaken something useless."
"Don't get close, you might smell like street food."
He learned to endure it calmly.
Thankfully, he had two loyal friends:
Lance Harrow — a wealthy, cheerful troublemaker
Arianna Velhart — elegant, intelligent, and fiercely protective of him
Despite their backgrounds, they never treated him differently.
---
"Charles! Breakfast is ready!" Maria called.
"I'm coming!" Charles answered as he finished fixing his uniform.
A soft meow came from below.
His black cat, Midnight, rubbed against his leg. Midnight had been with him since childhood—a constant companion who always waited at home.
Charles picked him up. "Wish me luck today."
Leaving his room, he was instantly attacked by excited energy.
Three younger brothers—Christopher, Christian, and little Charlie—ran toward him.
"Big bro, you're going to awaken an S-Rank!"
"No, an SSS-Rank!"
"You can do it, big brother!"
Their father, Ronald, still wearing an apron from their food stall, smiled proudly.
"Whatever happens today, son, your mother and I are proud of you."
Charles nodded, grateful yet nervous.
Today was the Awakening Ceremony—the day he would discover his power in a world filled with danger.
---
Starlight Academy's auditorium was filled with students, all buzzing with anticipation. The glowing Awakening Crystal stood at the center.
When Charles walked in, some rich students sneered.
"There he is."
"The scholarship kid."
"I bet he'll awaken something useless."
Before Charles could respond, a calm voice spoke behind him.
"Just ignore them," Arianna said, stepping beside him.
Lance grinned and slapped Charles's shoulder. "If anyone bullies you today, I'll personally handle them."
Charles smiled. "Thanks… both of you."
Then the doors opened.
A team of Awakening Bureau officers entered, led by the famous Telepath Seraphine Vale.
"Students," Seraphine announced, "step forward when your name is called. Your awakening will determine your future."
One by one, students touched the crystal. Light flared, ranks were revealed, families cheered, and some cried.
Then—
"Charles Reyes."
Charles walked forward, heart pounding.
He placed his hand on the Awakening Crystal.
BOOOOOOM!
A massive explosion of light erupted.
Wind blasted outward.
The crystal shattered into floating shards.
Students screamed.
Teachers panicked.
Arianna gasped.
Lance dove behind the nearest chair.
Seraphine froze. "What… is this reaction?!"
And then Charles heard it.
A familiar voice in his mind:
[System Rebooting…]
[Host Verified: Carlos Ramirez → Charles Reyes]
[Cheat System Initialization Complete]
[Welcome, User.]
Charles felt his entire world shift.
The system from the night he died…
had followed him into this world.
More messages appeared:
[Primary Class Awakened: Bishop]
[Public Rank: F]
[TRUE Rank: SSS – Divine Support Class]
[Hidden Sub-Class: Valkyrie Commander]
[Summon Unlocked: Valkyrie Astrid]
A faint winged silhouette appeared behind him for a second before fading.
Charles's breath caught in his throat.
A weak F-Rank Bishop on the outside…
but secretly an SSS-Rank Divine Bishop with a Valkyrie summon?
The system continued:
[True Rank Hidden.]
[Fake Profile Activated.]
Perfect.
A low-key awakening.
No attention.
Exactly what he needed.
---
After the ceremony, Charles returned home.
The moment he entered the apartment, Midnight ran up to him, meowing loudly.
"You won't believe what happened today," Charles whispered.
Then his system suddenly opened a new window:
[System Shop Unlocked]
[Recommended Item: Awakening Potion (Pet Grade) – 10 Points]
Charles blinked. "Pet grade… what?"
Midnight pawed at the invisible window—
[Purchase Confirmed.]
[Item Delivered.]
A glowing vial materialized on the floor.
"Midnight—NO!"
The cat sniffed the vial…
and drank it instantly.
FWOOSH!
Black and gold aura exploded around Midnight.
[Pet Awakening Complete]
[Species: Shadow Rift Panther (Cub)]
[Skills: Shadow Step • Darklight Claws • Rift Sense]
Midnight's eyes glowed bright gold as he let out a proud meow.
Charles stared in disbelief.
"…My cat awakened before I even fully processed my own class."
Midnight flicked his tail smugly.
And with that moment, Charles's journey as the hidden SSS Bishop officially began.