Awakening (3)

Alex was mesmerised by what he saw, experiencing the world in a profoundly different way. He could perceive all sorts of waves coming and going.

He turned his head to examine the walls and could see bright glows from objects along with an aura surrounding the shapes, which were visible to him.

Naturally, the shapes he was observing were humanoid.

Alex already had an understanding of what he was experiencing and why he could see what was before him, as this situation had happened countless times before.

'I see… Our bloodline must have had a Dark-Sclera human ancestor at some point. It must have been diluted if my sister never reported something like this.' His line of thought brought a smile to his face.

He was pleased to have one more advantage that could assist him in becoming a formidable hunter. While lost in thought, the same voice that spoke earlier resounded in the chamber.

[Your awakening is completed. You may proceed to the testing centre on the second floor.]

Alex blinked once, and his vision returned to normal, allowing him to realise that he could switch it on or off.

He tested this a few more times, and it was indeed the case. All he had to do was will for his vision to change, and voila, it would follow.

Alexander quickly got up and made his way out. 'Hehehe… This is good….' He mused, feeling good about himself.

...

When Alex came out, Ross and Julia, along with everyone else, were waiting for him.

"So, how was the experience?" Ross wasted no time, wishing to compare how the awakening felt.

"Not as bad as I thought," Alex replied smugly. Of course, he was not going to say he nearly passed out when Julia was right beside him.

The Knight princess still possessed that glow about her that captivated everyone. 'Does she really have a cold and unwelcoming persona?' Alex wasn't convinced.

So far, he hadn't seen Julia show any form of coldness towards him or the people around him.

'Maybe it is as she said, she's different with the people she wishes to form connections with.' Alex's reasoning was interrupted when Ross's response came.

He was not aware of this at the time, but his thought process had increased exponentially. He could have multiple thoughts in a second and still manage to hold a conversation as usual. 

"Right? I was kinda expecting screaming and crying, but nothing of the sort." Ross bragged proudly.

"Really, my experience at the time was hellish," Olivia interjected, wondering if she was just a weakling.

Although she had no grand ambitions of becoming a hunter, her physical abilities were not average, as she could put a normal one-horned in their place without breaking a sweat. 

"I guess everybody's experience is different." Alex shrugged, turning to look at Julia. "How about you? Were you feeling uncomfortable?"

"No, not really. I've been prepared for this all my life, and I also expected the discomfort, so it wasn't bad." She replied, mimicking Alexander's shrug.

"Brother? What skill did you get?" Aaron asked eagerly. He had been silent and in his mother's care all this while. Needless to say, this was to ensure that he didn't say anything inappropriate.

"Well, we will soon find out," he said with a grin as they finally reached the second floor.

This floor was equipped with everything needed to measure physical abilities and test the abilities of the awakeners, for a fee, of coure.

But the data generated would be needed for those who wished to apply to the academy for hunters.

Once the small details were addressed, the three teenagers proceeded to the testing area, while family members observed from the spectator's area.

The floor primarily consisted of glass compartments, strengthened to endure the full impact of a mountain falling atop it. Its transparent nature also made it easier for people to watch the tests.

"Who wants to go first?" Alex asked, looking at Ross and Julia by his side.

The physical test equipment was for strength and speed. This was then followed by the tester going to an empty space where they activate their given ability for the first time.

The space was isolated to protect the people around it, as there had been accidents in the past.

"I'll go," Ross answered, stepping forward.

Alex and Julia nodded, stepping back to watch as the redhead approached the equipment designed to measure his strength through the power of his punch.

The goal was to produce as much power as possible with one swift blow.

When Ross got near the equipment, the instructor by the machine attempted to help him with his stance, but Ross stopped him, saying, "Don't worry, I know the proper stance."

The instructor nodded and stepped back, as this was not a new occurrence; most people who came here had some level of combat experience.

Alex and Julia observed Ross take his form, making a fist with his right hand.

"How much power do you think he can produce?" Alex asked, curious about her take.

"Hmm… Since he's a One-Horned human, and if we also take his build into account, I think he will be on the extreme side of the set limit." She gave her estimates.

As a reference, when a person awakened for the first time, they were classified at the F-Tier level. And it was rare for individuals to produce results that exceeded the set limit, as this limit had been established at a higher extreme.

A typical F-Class level could produce strength in the ranges of 390 – 600 units. This level of strength was enough to shatter a small mountain. At the same time, they could move at speeds between 90 km/h and 170 km/h.

Alex concurred with her viewpoint without further comments, his attention focused on the redhead. At last, Ross positioned himself and delivered a punch.

BOOM...!

Everyone's attention was quickly drawn to the display above the equipment that indicated the amount of power produced by the punch.

[578 units]

The value raised eyebrows among all who were watching!

It must be understood that 600 units was the limit set, which was already being stretched, as the next class above, E-Class, had units starting from 600 units!

Ross turned around and looked at the shocked expressions of everyone and flashed a victorious grin.

"What do you think? Hehehe…"