The sound of footsteps drew her attention to A grand stage, carved from gleaming obsidian, dominated the field. Inscribed with intricate runes, the platform shimmered faintly, pulsing with mana. Behind it, a crystalline monolith, the Awakening Spire, loomed—a towering construct of otherworldly brilliance. Its function was simple yet profound: to catalyze awakenings and connect individuals to the mysterious Veil Interface.
An elder, an esteemed professor of the academy, stood at the center of the stage, his long robe swaying gently as he spoke to the gathered students and families. His voice rang out clearly, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. "Today, you will unlock your true potential. You will awaken the talents that lie dormant within you, talents that may change the course of history. Do not fear what you may find. Embrace the power that awaits you."
Rachel's heart skipped a beat. It was such a simple statement, yet it carried so much weight. The thought of what awaited her, of the unknown that would soon be revealed, filled her with a strange mix of apprehension and excitement. The awakening wasn't just a test of strength—it was a moment of discovery. Some would find themselves, their powers, and their destiny, while others would falter. There was no guarantee of success, no certainty of what would emerge from the depths of the mind and body.
The elder's piercing gaze swept across the students before settling on the list in his hand. He called out the first name:
"Arlen Fenn!"
A boy with messy brown hair and bright green eyes stepped forward, his movements hesitant yet determined. His plain clothes were neat but simple, a stark contrast to some of the wealthier youths present. Behind him, his family—a modest-looking couple with weathered faces—watched with barely concealed hope.
Rachel's gaze shifted to Arlen, curiosity flickering in her ocean-blue eyes. A commoner family, she thought, noting their humble demeanor. And yet, there's something about him...
Around her, the murmurs began.
"Fenn family? Never heard of them."
"Looks like a commoner's child. What are the chances he awakens anything significant?"
"Still, every awakening is a mystery. Who knows what the 𝙑𝙚𝙞𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙚 might reveal?"
Arlen climbed the steps to the platform, his steps faltering under the weight of countless eyes. The elder gave him a reassuring nod. "Step forward, young one. Place your hand on the awakening crystal."
The crystal stood tall at the center of the platform, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow. As Arlen placed his hand on it, the crystal flared to life, emitting a brilliant red light. A wave of heat rippled outward, causing the crowd to gasp.
"Fire element!" the elder announced, his voice ringing with approval.
The crowd broke into murmurs again, this time tinged with awe.
"Fire! That's a good start."
"A strong element. The Fenn family might have some luck after all."
"Perhaps their fortune is about to change."
Arlen stood frozen, staring at the glowing crystal. His expression was a mixture of disbelief and elation.
But then, something even more remarkable happened.
From thin air, a translucent screen appeared before him, hovering silently. The crowd collectively held their breath as they recognized the unmistakable appearance of the , 𝙑𝙚𝙞𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚.
Arlen hesitated for a moment, then glanced back at his family. His father nodded encouragingly, while his mother clasped her hands together, her face filled with pride and tears. With a determined look, Arlen made the choice. He adjusted his interface settings, allowing it to become visible to all.
The interface expanded, displaying his name and details for everyone to see:
__________________________________________
Veil Interface
{General Information}
[Name] : Arlen Fenn
[Age] :16
[Realm] : Novice Realm
[Titles] :none
{Attributes}
[Physical Strength] : 5
[Agility] :6
[Endurance] :9
[Intelligence] : 10
[Mana Capacity] :12
{Talents}
[Fire Element]:
{Special Powers} - None
{Danger Level} – None
[Warning] : none
[Recommended response] : none
{Notes From The Veil}
[Message] :You have entered the realm of the awakened. The path ahead is fraught with challenges. Your powers are still in their infancy—mastery will come with time and discipline. Stay vigilant, for greater trials await beyond the veil.
_________________________________________
The crowd erupted in whispers, louder this time.
"Medium potential? Better than expected for a commoner!"
"He chose to show it off—smart move. His family will gain some recognition from this."
Arlen turned to face the crowd, his cheeks flushed with a mix of pride and nerves. The 𝙑𝙚𝙞𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚'𝙨 shimmering display was a testament to his awakening, a symbol that his family could finally elevate themselves above obscurity.
But amidst the applause and whispers, Rachel's mind was elsewhere. She couldn't help but think about the mysterious origins of the 𝙑𝙚𝙞𝙡 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚 . Her father had once told her that its creation was beyond the understanding of mortals.
There are whispers that the Veil Interface was created by a god known as Aelios, the God of Preservation. After the devastation of the legendary war, Aelios, seeing the fragile state of humanity, decided to intervene. Aelios created the Veil Interface as a safeguard to ensure humanity's survival in a world where power could easily be abused. The Interface was designed to monitor and guide the growth of human awakeners, keeping them from falling into the same destructive patterns that led to the war. It is said that Aelios bestowed the Veil Interface to humanity as a gift of guidance, to help them rebuild and prevent the rise of another catastrophic war.
Rachel was not someone who believed in these rumors, she knew that there was more to this so called veil interface.
Rachel's lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Arlen bask in the crowd's admiration. Why does the Interface reveal itself so willingly? And who—or what—controls it?
The elder dismissed Arlen, calling for the next candidate, but Rachel remained lost in thought.