The Awakening

Michael closed the ancient tome with a sense of accomplishment. It had taken him two hours to read the **Awakening Guide**, and the knowledge within was invaluable.

 "It's a good thing I got the ring," he murmured to himself. "Without it, I don't know how I would have awakened. I would have had to ask Uncle Matt for help."

To awaken, one must meditate within a protection formation, isolating themselves from external disturbances. However, filling the formation with mana stones can be detrimental. While the rank of the stones doesn't matter, higher-ranked stones are harder to absorb. Thus, having an assistant to manage excess mana is crucial if one struggles with absorption.

 "I'm in this alone," he reminded himself. "If anything goes wrong, I'll need to rely on one of my SSS-ranked healing potions."

Once the mana core is awakened, the individual will also manifest their elemental affinities. Some may awaken multiple affinities, inherited from their parents or bloodline. For example, the emperor of the kingdom was born with six affinities, yet this did not automatically make him the strongest individual in Aetheria; the degree of affinity plays a decisive role in one's potential.

Elves typically awaken affinities tied to nature—plants, water, wind, or light. Demons are inclined toward fire, darkness, or shadow, while dwarves often awaken affinities for fire, earth, metal, or magma, making them expert craftsmen. Vampires possess a blood affinity and can also awaken affinities such as shadow, darkness, wind, or fire. Every race can potentially awaken affinities outside their norm, depending on individual talent. Humans, known for their adaptability, can awaken any element despite their inherent weaknesses.

After manifesting their affinity, individuals begin to awaken their class, a process that varies widely. Some may gain their class with relative ease, while others might face trials that test their limits. It's prudent for one to keep their class concealed, especially if it's legendary or forbidden. The kingdom closely monitors classes such as assassin, black magician, necromancer, and dimensional magician due to their potential for chaos.

"I just hope to inherit my father's kinship," he thought, contemplating the treasures that could aid in his development.

But first, hunger gnawed at him. "I'll think about it after I eat."

With that, Michael rose to prepare a meal.

---

Meanwhile, Uncle Tom was engaged in a tense conversation with his wife.

"Why are you still looking after this child? Haven't you done enough?" She questioned, frustration evident in her voice.

 "You don't understand," he replied. "I can't abandon him now. I owe so much to his father."

 "He's just a child!" No one should target him because of his parents. Those cowardly nobles did not dare breathe near them when they were alive. Now that they're gone, they have the audacity to harass the boy."

"I know. They're greedy, seeking to claim whatever his parents left behind. Even after searching his home and finding nothing, they persist in their harassment."

"Fine, but you must also help our daughter. She needs to pass her academy entrance exam."

 "I'll start training her tomorrow," he promised, his focus shifting.

---

The world of Aetheria, born from a colossal explosion of mana, is home to seven continents:

(Elysium): The human continent, primarily inhabited by humans, with a few mixed cities and perilous forests filled with monsters. The kingdom of Valoria is ruled by Emperor Emeryus Valen.

 (Sylvanor): A realm of enchanted forests housing various types of elves, known for their unity under the kingdom of Eldoria.

(Khazadun): The dwarven continent, characterized by rugged mountains and deep halls. The dwarves have built their kingdom, Stonehelm, amidst these harsh landscapes.

(Malakar): The demon continent, ruled by the Demon King, is a place steeped in brutality and destruction.

(Sanguinara): The dark continent of vampires, featuring the kingdom of Nocturnes.

(Grimkar): A harsh land inhabited by orcs.

 (Frostholm): A cold, untamed expanse that serves as a refuge for various ancient creatures, including dragons.

The demons and vampires have formed an alliance to combat other races, successfully occupying parts of dwarven, Orcs, and human lands. However, the elves have remained resilient against these incursions, and Frostholm remains untouched due to its formidable guardians.

Michael knew he must journey to Frostholm; it was the last known destination of his parents before their demise.

Currently, he resides in Arcadia, a city governed by Duke Marceline Fargo. The duke had been an acquaintance of Michael's parents, but after their deaths, he severed ties with Michael, failing to protect him from the noble's wrath. If not for Uncle Tom, Michael might not have survived.

The duke's children attended the same school as Michael. Though they attempted to bully him, their lack of awakening left them weak. Despite his youth, Michael had undergone combat training from his parents. The only time they managed to injure him was when they summoned an awakened individual to confront him.

To avoid further trouble, Michael had taken leave from school until after his awakening.

As the moment of awakening approached, Michael descended into the basement of his home.

"It's time," he thought, determination coursing through him.

He had eaten until full, ensuring he was in peak condition. After checking the formation set up by his parents, he meticulously followed the manual, filling the formation with mana stones and preparing several healing potions.

Activating the isolation formation around the house, he ensured that excess mana would be dissipated and that no one would sense the mana fluctuations.

 "All that's left is to sit in the formation," he said, a mix of anxiety and excitement in his voice. "Dad, Mom, it's time."

Removing his shirt, he stepped into the formation and settled cross-legged at its center. He placed a grade S mana core before him, contemplating the risks.

"I know this is reckless, but I can't let this opportunity slip away."

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes.

As time passed, fluctuations began to ripple through the room. The mana core levitated before him, and Michael felt the surrounding mana being drawn into his body. He sensed his mana core forming, a small presence developing near his heart.

 "Thank goodness, everything is going smoothly," he thought, relief washing over him.

The speed of mana absorption intensified as he began awakening his affinities. A rush of elemental energies flooded his senses, and he realized he was awakening more than one affinity.

 "I've awakened multiple elements!" he exclaimed internally, excitement bubbling within him.

But as he transitioned to awakening his class, an unexpected eruption shattered the mana core, sending shockwaves through the formation. Michael's body became overwhelmed as he absorbed mana with insatiable greed, causing him to bleed from the exertion.

"W-What's happening? Everything was going so well!" he gasped, pain rippling through him.

Grimacing, he gritted his teeth, fighting against the agony. Suddenly, a cataclysmic explosion rocked the formation, and darkness enveloped him as he lost consciousness.

When Michael regained awareness, he found himself in an expanse of unending blackness.

 "Where am I? Did I succeed in awakening my class?" he wondered, disoriented.

Suddenly, a glimmer caught his eye. Focusing on the light, he was taken aback as blue windows materialized before him.

"What? A system?" he exclaimed, realization dawning.

"Hahahaha! Of course! I've been reincarnated and granted my golden finger!"

His laughter echoed through the void, a mix of disbelief and exhilaration at the possibilities ahead.