"Alright, brat, go line up behind these newcomers," the old man instructed, gesturing towards a throng of nervous youths milling about. "One by one, they awaken their Class and Attribute. Some awaken as Necromancers, some as Paladins, Warriors, Healers, Assassins, Fire elementals... the possibilities are vast."
Lu Kai, still feeling the weakness from his injuries and the loss of his System, joined the line. He approached the large, ornate machine designed for the Awakening Ceremony. As he placed his palm on its shimmering surface, a cascade of light erupted. The machine whirred, and a panel materialized before Lu Kai's eyes:
**Name: Lu Kai**
**Lv: 0**
**Mental: ?**
**Strength: ?**
**Stamina: ?**
**Class: Infinity Aura**
**Rank: Premium**
**Other Attributes:**
**(Hidden)**
Lu Kai stared, his mind racing. He felt a deeper connection to this panel, a sense of truth that resonated within him. This was his real status. But what others saw was different:
**Name: Lu Kai**
**Lv: 0**
**Class: Frost**
**Rank: Unique**
**Stamina: 30**
**Strength: 35**
**Mental: 20**
A flicker of understanding crossed Lu Kai's face. He had two panels. One, the "fake" one displayed publicly, showing his remaining elemental affinity as his Class. The other, his true Class, "Infinity Aura," and his hidden attributes, remained concealed. The machine could only reveal what it was programmed to recognize, or perhaps what was not explicitly hidden.
The old man approached, a pleased expression on his face. "Ah, Frost Class! A Unique rank, no less! Excellent, young man." He chuckled, oblivious to Lu Kai's deeper revelation. "Now, this is your room key. Your teacher will be Lu Mie. She's known as the coldest teacher here, with an Absolute Freeze Class – a Legend rank, no less. She'll be your instructor. Now, I must attend to my own duties. Take this – your academy credit. You can also earn more credits by completing academy tasks." He clapped Lu Kai on the shoulder again. "I'm already late. Brat, see you later. In six months, there will be a newcomers' sparring competition, so prepare well!"
After the ceremony concluded, Lu Kai found himself wandering through the academy grounds. He sought out a quiet spot and sat on a bench in a nearby garden, trying to process everything. The loss of the System, the limited elements, the hidden Class... it was a lot to take in.
Suddenly, a small figure darted behind the bench where he sat. Lu Kai turned, his senses still sharp despite his weakened state. "What happened? Why are you hiding?" he asked softly.
A shy voice responded from behind the bench, "I'm Bai Lizi. I'm a newcomer. Some seniors are chasing me with knives!"
Lu Kai looked in the direction she indicated, a grim expression settling on his face. He patted the bench beside him. "Sit here with me. I'll see what this is about."
(To be continued...)