Chapter 2: Incomplete EX grade
"And she has gained the Ice Mage Combat Profession. She's an Ice Princess now," added the other.
In Su Yanran's perspective
Just moments before, she placed her hand on the Pearl Stone, and a dazzling array of colors filled the Xth classroom.
A prompt appeared in her mind:
[World System activated]
[You have awakened an 'S grade Talent,' 'Ice Mage Combat Profession'].
Her face lit up in response.
"Wow! She has awakened a high-grade Talent and acquired a rare Profession," the Awakened teacher exclaimed upon seeing Su Yanran's prompt on the awakening device.
"Sir, it looks like your class has produced a genius," remarked the homeroom teacher, clearly delighted.
Approaching Su Yanran, the homeroom teacher smiled warmly.
"You've done exceptionally well, young lady. Work hard to fulfill your potential."
"Thank you, sir, for your kind words. I will put in my utmost effort," Su Yanran replied respectfully before returning to her seat.
A swarm of curious students immediately surrounded her, bombarding her with nonstop questions.
...
"Sam, which talent do you think I will awaken?" Wang Feng asked, his curiosity piqued.
He continued speaking, but I just smiled, choosing not to respond. Someone pulled Wang Feng aside.
"Why bother asking the silent guy? He won't answer you," they remarked.
"It's just that his parents left him a fortune, and he does well in school. What's so special about that?" another person chimed in dismissively.
Several voices joined in, all casting judgments on me.
Among my classmates, I was popular, yet many found me aloof and arrogant.
Wang Feng attempted to defend me with a smile. "Actually, Sam is just a quiet person. He doesn't like to talk much."
Unfortunately, no one believed him. I overheard their conversation but chose not to clarify.
There was no need for explanations.
"Sam," a voice called.
"Yes, sir," I responded, walking toward the 'Pearl Stone.'
"What are your thoughts on this boy?" the homeroom teacher asked the awakening teacher.
"He excels in every school event and academic performance."
"Sir, you're being too ambitious. You know how rare it is to awaken high-grade Talents. Your school has already produced a genius. His achievements in school events and academics have no bearing on talent awakening," the awakening teacher sneered.
The homeroom teacher understood this, yet he couldn't help but hold onto hope.
Sam's awakening of the rare 'Main Combat Profession' marked a historic moment, breaking the academic history of 5 years.
The 'Pearl Stone' illuminated and burst into a spectacular array of colors.
"What is going on?" the homeroom teacher exclaimed in surprise.
"It seems to be much more mobile than the previous one," the awakening teacher noted, equally amazed.
A prompt appeared on the awakening device, revealing my astonishing Talent grade: "S grade, Combat Profession: Necromancer."
My mind reeled, not just because of the S grade Talent, but also due to the two prompts that intruded upon my thoughts, accompanied by a torrent of memories flooding my consciousness, causing a sharp pain to lance through my head.
One prompt came from the enigmatic 'World System,' displaying my incomplete 'EX grade Talent' and a 'Necromancer Combat Profession.'
The other was an intriguing invitation from the 'Supreme Exchange System,' offering me the chance to bind with it.
Upon learning my Talent grade from the 'World System,' a sense of relief washed over me, for the future remained veiled in uncertainty.
Nonetheless, the combination of my EX-grade Talent and the additional System assured me of accelerated progress towards becoming a high-ranking player.
As for the misinformation about my Talent grade, I paid it no mind.
My true Talent grade was EX, an extraordinary rarity that had never graced my ears before.
Revealing such valuable information to others solely for praise would be foolish.
Amidst the chaos of my thoughts, I resolved to check my memories in the solace of my home.
As I pondered the recent events, the commotion of voices interrupted my contemplation.
"Oh! Another S grade Talent. Sir, it seems that this year, your school got lucky," the awakening teacher exclaimed, sharing the news with the homeroom teacher.
"Yeah, this year's student has broken the record of 5 years," the homeroom teacher replied excitedly, walking towards me.
"Young boy, you have to work very hard," he said with a hint of pride, patting my shoulder.
Grasping that the homeroom teacher was alluding to the challenges that awaited me on my path, I nodded, acknowledging the hard work ahead.
As I turned to take my seat, Wang Feng playfully demanded a treat, and I obliged with a nod and a teasing remark.
"Fatty, are you going to awaken an 'A grade Talent' and become a 'Sword and Shield Knight Battle Class'?" I asked Wang Feng, tauntingly.
"Brother, didn't I already tell you that I'm going to awaken an 'A grade Talent' and 'Sword and Shield Knight Battle Class'?" Wang Feng retorted, sporting a smirk.
Amused by his response, I jokingly cursed, and we exchanged light banter.
Observing Wang Feng approach the 'Pearl Stone,' I felt fragments of memory surfacing in my mind. If he awakened the same Talent as I described, my belief in reincarnating into the 'Return as Strongest Player' novel would grow stronger.
My gaze then fell upon Su Yanran, and I scrutinized her intently. According to the memory fragments, she and Wang Feng were 'Supporting Characters' in the novel.
Su Yanran had already awakened the same grade Talent and Profession, leaving only Wang Feng.
As Wang Feng placed his hand on the 'Pearl Stone,' a prompt appeared on the Awakening Device:
[Talent: A grade, 'Sword and Shield Knight Battle Class'].
A similar prompt emerged in Wang Feng's mind, confirming his awakening as an 'A grade Talent' and a 'Sword and Shield Knight Battle Class.'
Witnessing this, my belief in the novel's world deepened.
With a happy countenance, Wang Feng returned to his seat, reaffirming his aspiration to become a knight.
I rarely showed a smile, but now I couldn't help but give Wang Feng a thumbs up, expressing my support for his future endeavors.