The wind howled across the training grounds as dozens of teenagers stood in a long line.
Today was the most important day of their lives.
The Spirit Awakening Ceremony.
At the center of the field stood a tall crystal glowing with blue light. One by one, students stepped forward and placed their hands on it.
The crystal responded immediately.
"Fire affinity!" the examiner shouted.
Flames burst from the boy's hand, and the crowd cheered.
Another stepped forward.
"Wind spirit!"
A gentle storm swirled around the girl's body.
Excitement filled the entire field.
But at the very end of the line stood a boy with dark hair and quiet eyes.
Arin Vale.
He watched silently as everyone celebrated their powers.
Inside, his heart pounded.
This is my chance.
Finally, his name was called.
"Arin Vale. Step forward."
The crowd fell slightly quieter as he walked toward the crystal.
Some people whispered.
"That's the kid with no talent."
"I heard even his training scores are average."
Arin ignored them.
He placed his hand on the glowing crystal.
The light flickered.
Once.
Twice.
Then…
Nothing.
The crystal went dark.
The examiner frowned.
Silence spread across the entire field.
After a moment, the man spoke in a cold voice.
"No Spirit Mark."
The words echoed like a hammer.
A few students gasped.
Others laughed quietly.
"No power?"
"That means he's an Unchosen."
Arin slowly removed his hand from the crystal.
His chest felt heavy, but his expression remained calm.
So it was true.
He had nothing.
The ceremony continued as if nothing happened.
But as Arin turned to leave the field, something strange happened.
A faint whisper echoed inside his mind.
A voice that no one else could hear.
"System detected..."
Arin froze.
"User confirmed."
His eyes widened slightly.
"Initializing… Unchosen Power System."
Before he could react, a strange blue screen appeared in front of his eyes.
[WELCOME, USER.]
[YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED.]
Arin's heartbeat thundered in his chest.
Everyone else had received powers from the world.
But he had just received something… completely different.
And far more dangerous.
Arin Vale… the boy without a mark… had just awakened the most forbidden power in existence.