Five centuries ago, they say, the world ended—and was created anew in the same breath.
That is how history books described the Great Awakening.
On a single day, all the technology humanity depended on suddenly stopped working. Satellites began to fall, cities were consumed by spatial distortions, and reality itself was torn open as alien terrains collided with Earth. Dungeons appeared without warning. Monsters followed soon after. Then, in a display that seemed to be laugh at humanity's despair, the System descended.
Those fortunate enough to live gained powers beyond human limits.
Now, after five hundred years, the world had settled.
Humanity rebuilt itself not on the basis of nations but on the basis of strength.
Education was the core of that strength.
The huge doors of Aetherius Academy loomed beneath the morning sun, inscribed with ancient runes that glowed faintly with mana. Tens of thousands of students assemble in the ritual plaza, their voices buzzing with excitement, anxiety, and ambition.
It was Awakening Day today.
For most, it was the day the fate would be sealed.
Kael Ardent stood near the back of the crowd with his hands in his pockets, his posture casual. His black hair was a little ruffled, his academy uniform plain but nothing to write home about. He really didn't give off an aura of confidence, and he's no looker either. That was intentional.
So this is it, he thought calmly.
Kael remembered another world—one without mana, systems, or monsters. A normal Earth. A short, unremarkable life. No regrets, no grand ambitions. Just quiet days and quieter nights.
Then death.
And rebirth into this world.
From infancy, Kael understood where he was. A world ruled by dungeon ranks, ability tiers, and leveling screens only he could see as naturally as breathing. Unlike most, the System had never felt foreign to him.
If anything, it felt… familiar.
"Next group, step forward!"
The instructor's amplified voice echoed across the plaza.
Crystal pillars rose from the ground, each inscribed with glowing sigils. These were Awakening Monoliths, ancient relics designed to resonate with a student's soul and reveal their special ability.
One by one, students stepped forward.
"D-Rank Ability: Enhanced Vision."
"C-Rank Ability: Steel Skin."
"B-Rank Ability: Wind Manipulation."
Cheers followed the higher ranks. Sympathy followed the lower.
This was reality. Rank determined resources, instructors, dungeon access—everything.
Kael watched with mild interest, his gaze unfocused.
Statistically, he thought, most awaken between C and B. A-Rank is rare. S-Rank is once every few years.
SSS-Rank?
Those were legends. Myths.
Officially, only three had ever existed in recorded history.
"Lyra Vael."
The name alone shifted the atmosphere.
A red-haired girl stepped forward, her presence commanding attention without effort. Her posture was straight, eyes sharp, expression confident. Mana stirred around her unconsciously.
Kael recognized her.
Top of the written exams. Perfect attendance. Outstanding combat simulations.
A prodigy.
Lyra placed her hand on the monolith.
The crystal erupted into brilliant crimson light.
Mana surged violently, wind spiraling outward as flames danced across the pillar.
The instructor's eyes widened.
"A-Rank Special Ability: Blazing Tempest!"
The plaza exploded into cheers.
Lyra withdrew her hand, fire dissipating as she turned calmly. A faint smile crossed her lips—not pride, but satisfaction. This was expected.
Her gaze swept the crowd—and briefly paused on Kael.
He met her eyes for half a second.
She frowned.
Who is that? she wondered. He looks… unimpressive.
Her attention moved on.
"Kael Ardent."
His name drew no reaction.
Kael stepped forward.
The moment his hand touched the monolith—
The world froze.
No sound. No movement.
Only a translucent blue screen unfolded before his eyes.
System Notification
Compatible Soul Detected
Reincarnated Consciousness: Confirmed
Synchronization Rate: 100%
Kael's expression did not change.
So it acknowledges it.
The monolith reacted violently.
Black and silver light intertwined, the crystal cracking under pressure as spatial distortions rippled outward. Several instructors took a step back instinctively.
Then—
The light stabilized.
The instructor swallowed.
"S-Rank Special Ability: Spatial Manipulation."
Gasps erupted.
S-Rank.
That alone placed Kael among the elite.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"A teleport-type ability?"
"Space abilities are rare!"
"No way—him?"
Kael released the monolith and stepped back, face calm, heartbeat steady.
But the System had not finished.
Hidden Ability Detected
Rank: SSS
Name: Absorption and Synthesis
Status: Concealed (User Preference)
The second ability settled into his soul like a sleeping dragon.
Kael exhaled slowly.
Good.
Only the System knew.
The instructors, unaware of the truth, nodded respectfully.
"Report to the S-Rank division after orientation."
Lyra stared.
Another S-Rank?
Her interest sparked despite herself.
Orientation ended swiftly.
Students dispersed, buzzing with excitement.
Kael walked alone toward the training grounds when a presence blocked his path.
"Hey."
He stopped.
Lyra Vael stood before him, arms crossed.
"You're Kael Ardent, right?"
"Yes."
Her brow twitched.
"That's it? You don't seem very excited for someone with an S-Rank."
"I am."
"You don't look it."
Kael tilted his head slightly. "Is there something you need?"
She studied him, eyes sharp.
"Spatial abilities are powerful—but they rely heavily on control. Power without mastery is dangerous."
"Noted."
Her irritation flared.
He's dismissing me?
"Let's spar," she said suddenly. "No abilities. Just basics."
A small crowd gathered instinctively.
Kael hesitated, then nodded.
"Fine."
The duel lasted less than thirty seconds.
Lyra attacked aggressively, her movements sharp and precise.
Kael dodged—once, twice—then stepped inside her guard and stopped his fist an inch from her shoulder.
Silence.
He withdrew immediately.
"I concede," he said.
The crowd blinked.
Lyra stared at him, stunned.
He moved before I even realized…
Her heart raced—not from defeat, but from something else.
Kael turned and walked away, unaware of the storm he had just ignited.
Behind him, Lyra clenched her fist, a fierce grin forming.
"This isn't over, Kael Ardent."
High above, unseen by all—
The System observed.
Fate Variable Detected
Hidden King Initialized
World Line: Shifting
And thus, quietly—
The story began.