Chapter 2: system awakening 2
The names were called one after another, each child stepping forward as the city watched with anticipation. For most of the commoner children, the system color revealed was blue , a sign of the lowest tier potential. A few were green, offering a spark of hope for a better future. Yet not a single yellow had appeared among them so far. Despite this, the families still clapped, smiled, and cheered, their eyes filled with hope and pride. To them, awakening at all was a miracle, proof that their child might have a chance in the harsh world.
In contrast, the noble families sat under ornate pavilions with faces masked in forced calm. Their eyes, however, betrayed their emotions,pride when the light glowed green or higher, and disdain when it settled on blue. For them, a child's system rank wasn't just about potential; it was reputation, prestige, a symbol of lineage. A noble child awakening with blue was worse than a commoner child awakening with none,it brought shame, ridicule, and whispers of disgrace.
A unique ritual awaited each awakened child. After their system was revealed, they were guided to an altar bearing five cards, each tied to one of the system ranks,blue, green, yellow, purple, and black. These cards could only be activated by those , whose systems matched their color. Upon touching the correct card, a random item would be generated ,sometimes a potion, sometimes a weapon, occasionally a skill scroll. Among nobles, these cards were considered priceless treasures. They could be traded, hoarded, or even used to bargain with rival factions. But their real power lay in the potential of unlocking legendary items,items powerful enough to shift the fate of entire cities.
The air grew still as a new name echoed across the plaza.
"Neal Throdan of Lanskar, please come forward," the old announcer called, his voice ringing with authority.
From the front row of noble pavilions, a boy emerged. Golden-haired, blue-eyed, his porcelain skin seemed untouched by the sun. Dressed in finely embroidered robes, Neal walked with the grace and confidence of royalty. Despite being the same age as Kaelen, his demeanor was leagues apart,composed, trained, calculated.
As he stepped onto the awakening altar, all eyes turned to him. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Expectations soared.
Neal stood tall, placed a hand to his chest, and calmly declared, "System."
A hush fell.
The altar lit up with a soft blue glow. Then it turned green. Gasps followed as it shifted to yellow. The light paused. Then, slowly, it surged to purple.
"A purple! A noble-tier system!" someone shouted.
The crowd erupted in applause, but the spectacle wasn't over.
The light grew brighter, pulsing violently, until suddenly the entire city was drenched in monochrome. Black and white replaced every hue. The plaza froze in silent awe.
"B-Black... That's the legendary rank!" someone stammered.
"Only five in our entire history!" another cried.
"Humanity shall rise again!"
Even the Duke, a composed man of immense strength and rank, took a step forward, eyes wide in disbelief. "Hohoho... a blessed child indeed. This year has truly borne fruit."
He raised his hand, addressing the boy, "Reach out and ask for your gift. Let the world see what fate has granted you."
Neal's fingers trembled slightly as he extended his hand toward the black card. It shimmered ominously, drawing gasps from every corner of the square.
But before he could touch it, the Duke stepped in once more.
"Neal Throdan of Lanskar, I, Duke Bolster, would personally like to mentor you," he said, placing a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder. Though spoken softly, the implication behind his words was clear.
It was not just a gesture of favor,it was a declaration of protection.
The crowd understood. The Throdan family may be powerful, but a black system awakening was like blood in water. The world's strongest factions, kingdoms, even entire races might try to claim the child or destroy him. And as much as the card promised strength, the temptation it presented to others was far more dangerous.
Even the Duke himself, once tempted, had only awakened with a purple system. He could never use a black-tier item. That limitation was the only thing restraining greed in the presence of power.
The Throdan couple looked at one another, concern clouding their noble masks. Before they could answer, a voice rang out, echoing louder than any before.
"I, Sterem Star, crown prince of the Starfall Kingdom, vow this day: no man shall lay a hand on this child. Any who dare shall face my wrath."
The crowd froze again.
Sterem Star's presence was rare. The fact that the crown prince had intervened personally spoke volumes about the value of a black awakening.
For a moment, time itself seemed to hold its breath.
Then, the noble couple bowed deeply toward the prince and the duke. "We offer our deepest gratitude. The House of Throdan shall never forget this kindness."
"Please," the crown prince said calmly, "let the ceremony continue."
Duke Bolster nodded, then turned back to his list. Though his hands remained steady, there was something in his eyes that hadn't been there before.
The names resumed.
But no one could ignore the looming shadow cast by Neal Throdan.
The legendary light had returned to the world.
And in the crowd, hidden among commoners, a small boy with curious eyes and quiet thoughts watched every moment unfold.