AWAKENING CEREMONY

Jake and Alex made it to the awakening ceremony, a grand event that marked the beginning of a new era for the vanguards. The atmosphere was electric, with vanguards from all over the world gathered to witness the awakening of the new generation. This was an event that determined the future of all those who looked forward to being vanguards.

The awakening ceremony was a majestic spectacle, a culmination of anticipation and excitement that filled the air with an palpable electricity. The grandeur of the occasion was evident in the majestic architecture of the ceremony hall, adorned with intricate designs and symbols that represented the rich history and legacy of the vanguards. As Jake and Alex entered the hall, they were met with a sea of faces, each one filled with hope and expectation.

The atmosphere was charged with an almost palpable sense of destiny, as if the very fate of the world depended on the outcome of this ceremony. The room was filled with vanguards from far and wide, their diverse abilities and strengths a testament to the rich tapestry of the vanguard community. Some wore ceremonial robes, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols that represented their unique abilities, while others wore sleek, high-tech suits that seemed to hum with energy.

At the front of the hall, a raised platform beckoned, where the leaders of the vanguard community stood, their faces filled with pride and purpose. The air was thick with anticipation, as if the very fabric of reality was about to be altered in some profound way. As the ceremony began, a hush fell over the crowd, and the room was bathed in a soft, ethereal light.

"My dear citizens, we gather here today to witness the awakening of our future generation," the leader began, their voice echoing through the hall. "These young individuals have shown great potential and dedication to our cause. Let us unlock their true powers and welcome them into our ranks." And like that, the name calling started.

The first person that was called was sent up to the podium where a special crystal known as eclipse crystal was placed. He was then told to place his hand on top of the crystal and the process will end. The boy appeared confused but did it whatsoever. As soon as the boy placed his hands on it, a bright light enveloped him In a bright energy yellow energy signifying that his body accepted the mana within him making him an unawakened.

The crowd roared in uproar as it was only the first person but the results were actually an unawakened. In this society, unawakens were left in bitter taste since the awakens believe that the unawakened relied on the power of the mechs to match up with their power. The boy after realizing that he was an unawakened broke down in tears "Kid, do not fret, although you are an unawakened, we will still welcome you to the vanguard society with open arms, that is, if your interested,"The leader's words were met with a mix of applause and murmurs of discontent from the crowd.

The boy, still tears-eyed, nodded sadly, grateful for the acceptance. And like that, he left the podium but he knew that it wouldn't be as simple as that. Everyone knew as they eyed the boy with pity. As the ceremony continued, the names of the others were called, each one stepping forward to unlock their true powers with the Eclipse Crystal. Some awakened their abilities as awakeners and immediately went to go brag to their parents while also receiving rounds of applause.

Some became unawakeneds but although there were applauses, it still paled compared to the one for awakeners. Soon, it became Jake's turn. As Jake stepped forward, his heart raced with anticipation. He placed his hand on the Eclipse Crystal, and a bright light enveloped him blinding the crowd. The crowd held its breath as they waited for the result.

The bright light disappeared allowing their sights to reach Jake and they immediately went Into an uproar. Jake was on his knees, his pores dripping with blood. It was a bloody scene but also a celebrational occasion. The priest then came with his hand out which was enveloped in a bright light which healed the injuries on Jake in a flash. This sign meant that Jake had officially awakened as an awakener.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, congratulating him on his achievement. Jake stood up, still in shock, but a smile spread across his face as he realized the magnitude of his newfound powers. Amidst the celebration, Alex's face was full of wide smiles as he held Jake in deep regards and respect. He couldn't wait for him to also be called out so that he too could awaken.

The ceremony continued, with Alex's name finally being called. He stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the Eclipse Crystal, his heart heavy with anticipation. As Alex placed his hand on the crystal, but even after waiting for some time, nothing happened.

The crowd turned silent.

They were stunned as even as an unawakened, he should have produced a slight reaction to the mana entering his body.

The priest, now anxious and nervous,

"Kid, don't worry, I'm sure there's something wrong with the eclipse crystal,"

So the priest told his assistants to bring another one.

And so, the assistants quickly brought a new Eclipse Crystal, and Alex placed his hand on it once again. But still, nothing happened.

The crowd's silence turned into murmurs of disbelief and concern. Alex's face fell, and he looked at Jake with a mix of sadness and frustration. Jake, sensing his friend's distress, walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, don't worry, Alex. We'll figure this out," he said, trying to reassure him. But despite Jake's words of encouragement, Alex couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and uncertainty.

He knew that being an unawakened was seen as a limitation in their society, and he feared that he would be left behind. The ceremony continued, but Alex's name was not called again. He was left standing alone, feeling like an outcast. It was discovered that it was not the crystal that was the problem, but rather Alex's unique physiology. It turned out that Alex's body was immune to the mana that flowed through the crystal, making him unable to awaken.

Hearing that struck a cord in Alex's heart. Being born in a world where the strong survived and the weak died was not a place to be trifled with. Alex had given a whole new level of meaning to the word known as unawakened. He had become a true unawakened who had no talent, ability or any way to protect himself.

Jake tried his best to cheer Alex up but Alex didn't budge an inch.

Jake was soon led by a group of vanguards leaving Alex to his fate which made Alex feel a lot worse.

As the ceremony ended, he remembered the promise he made to himself,

"He wanted to smack his past self for that.

Protect them, what a laugh, I wouldn't be even able to protect myself"

Alex's eyes dropped, filled with a sense of despair and hopelessness. "I'm nothing," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm a true unawakened, a freak of nature. I'll never be able to protect myself, let alone others."