The morning sun crept through the shutters of Ren Ashford's room, painting stripes of light across his face. He groaned, rolled over, and pulled the blanket tighter. "If destiny wants me, it can wait until noon."
The door slammed open. Lyra stormed in, braid bouncing, eyes blazing with excitement. "Wake up, lazybones! It's the ceremony day!"
Ren buried his head under the pillow. "Ceremony of disappointment, you mean."
Lyra yanked the blanket off him. "You can't be late! What if you miss your chance to awaken the Sleep System?"
Ren sat up, hair sticking out in every direction. "That's the plan. Maximum efficiency."
Downstairs, Elira's sharp voice rang out. "Ren! Don't embarrass us in front of the everyone today. Get dressed properly!"
Darius's deeper tone followed, calm but firm. "Your system will be like steel son. Shaped by fire, tempered by effort."
Ren muttered, "Or melted into scrap."
Breakfast was a hurried affair—bread, eggs, and stew reheated from last night. Lyra stuffed extra bread into her satchel, earning a glare from Elira. Ren chewed slowly, commenting, "Ceremonial carbs. Very important."
The Artisan District buzzed with life as Ren stepped outside. Forges roared, bakers shouted prices, and rune‑lamps flickered even in daylight. He walked with Lyra partway, listening to her chatter about how she'd cheer the loudest when he awakened.
"Don't faint," she teased.
"I'll faint on purpose," Ren replied. "Adds drama."
Lyra peeled off toward the spectator entrance, waving. Ren continued alone, passing through the city's veins.
The Market District was crowded with merchants hawking wares—mana shards clinking, cores glowing faintly in lockboxes. Farmers unloaded carts of produce, adventurers bargained for potions. Ren thought of his mother, always haggling here, dragging him along to carry baskets. He smirked. "She'd probably awaken the Ledger System if Merchant hadn't already claimed her."
Farther north, the Noble District gleamed. Carriages rolled past, marble streets shone, fountains sparkled with enchantments. Ren muttered, "Even their dogs probably awaken better systems than me."
Finally, the Academy District loomed, spires rising high, banners fluttering. Students streamed toward the grand hall, excitement buzzing in the air.
Leon spotted him at the gates, waving. His noble uniform was crisp, polished, and irritatingly perfect.
"You look half‑asleep" Leon said, grinning.
"That's my battle stance" Ren replied.
Leon clapped him on the shoulder. "You'll surprise everyone today."
Ren smirked. "Surprise them by snoring during the ritual."
Together, they walked into the grand hall, joining the line of students. There was no division—artisan children, merchant heirs, and noble scions all sat shoulder to shoulder, buzzing with nervous anticipation. Ren dropped lazily onto the bench beside Leon, earning a glare from a nervous classmate who was trying to sit properly.
Leon leaned closer. "Try not to embarrass yourself."
Ren muttered, "Too late. Existing is embarrassing."
The grand hall was vast, its ceiling arched high, rune‑lamps glowing like stars. Rows of benches stretched across the chamber, filled with students waiting for their names to be called. Behind them, the audience filled the gallery—parents, guild representatives, and curious townsfolk. Everyone sat together, a sea of faces watching intently. The only distinction was at the very front, where nobles occupied the best seats, their jeweled attire glittering under the rune‑light. They leaned forward with practiced poise, eager to see which systems would emerge, while artisans and commoners craned their necks from further back.
At the center of it all stood the crystal altar, humming faintly with power. Its glow cast shifting colors across the hall, a reminder that destiny was about to be decided.
Before the ceremony began, a hush fell over the hall as a tall figure in ceremonial robes stepped forward. His presence alone commanded respect—the Empire Awakener, a seasoned mage entrusted by the Eryndor Empire to oversee the ritual. His robes shimmered faintly with runes, and a staff tipped with a crystal core pulsed in rhythm with the altar.
He raised his hand, and the restless chatter of students and audience alike died instantly.
"Children of the Eryndor Empire" his voice rang deep and steady, echoing through the hall, "today you stand at the threshold of your future. The systems you awaken are not mere gifts—they are bonds between your spirit and the world itself. Some of you will gain powers that shine brightly, others will awaken paths that seem humble. But remember this: no system is worthless. Each is a thread in the tapestry of our Empire, woven together to protect, to build, and to endure."
He paused, eyes sweeping across the rows of nervous students.
"Do not measure your worth by applause or envy. Measure it by how you use what is given. The Eryndor Empire thrives not only on heroes, but on healers, artisans, merchants, and couriers. Destiny is not in the name of your system—it is in the choices you make with it."
With that, he lowered his staff, and the crystal altar flared brighter, signaling the ceremony's start.
Ren muttered "Place looks like it's about to summon a chandelier."
Maris, the studious girl, stepped forward first. The crystal glowed soft green.
"Maris Elwood… Herbalist System," the instructor announced.
Maris beamed, already imagining herself brewing potions.
Next was Joren, the burly blacksmith's son. The crystal flared orange, sparks dancing.
"Joren Hale… Forgeheart System."
His father cheered loudly. Joren flexed, grinning.
Selene, the quiet noble girl, placed her hand gently. The crystal shimmered silver, elegant and refined.
"Selene Veyra… Moonblade System."
Gasps of admiration filled the hall. Nobles whispered of her destined greatness.
Tomas swaggered up, winked at the crowd, and slapped his hand on the crystal. It glowed faintly blue.
"Tomas Grell… Aquatic Courier System."
The hall erupted in laughter. "So you'll deliver fish now?" someone shouted. Tomas bowed dramatically. "Fear not, the rivers are safe in my hands!"
Ren smirked. "At least someone's destiny is comedy."
After almost everyone was awakened Leon's name was called. He stepped forward confidently, hand steady on the crystal. It blazed with radiant gold, flooding the hall with light.
"Leon Brightshield… Radiant Hero System." The instructor shouted almost seemingly more excited than the awakener himself.
The hall erupted in cheers. Nobles applauded, artisans admired, and Leon stood tall, glowing with pride.
Ren muttered under his breath, "Figures. Of course he gets the chandelier system."
Finally, Ren's name echoed through the hall. He sighed, dragging his feet toward the altar. Nobles leaned forward, artisans whispered, and Lyra waved frantically from the audience.
Ren placed his hand on the crystal. For a moment, nothing happened. He smirked inwardly. "Maybe I broke it. That'd be fitting."
Then the crystal pulsed dark, unsettling, unlike the radiant glow it had given Leon. The instructor's eyes widened, voice trembling as he read the inscription that appeared.
"Ren Ashford… Parasite System."
Gasps rippled through the hall. Nobles exchanged weird glances, artisans muttered, and Lyra's jaw dropped. Leon's smile faltered, concern flickering in his eyes.
Ren blinked, deadpan. "Parasite, huh? Figures. Cosmic joke delivered. Guess I'm officially the empire's disappointment."
The crystal dimmed, leaving the hall in tense silence.