The Awakening

The morning sun gently illuminated the village square, its golden rays painting every face with anticipation. Families gathered in joyful clusters, eagerly awaiting the Awakening Ceremony, their excitement palpable.

Kaelan stood calmly beside his parents, quietly breathing, heart steady. Elena placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her warmth easing the subtle tension in his chest.

"Are you nervous?" she asked softly.

Kaelan shook his head slightly, offering a gentle smile. "Not nervous. Just ready."

Lorian squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "You've worked hard, Kaelan. Today, the world will finally see your talent."

Kaelan nodded, inwardly reflecting that while the village would indeed see a part of him today, the depth of his true capabilities would remain hidden.

The village elder stepped forward, raising a hand to gather everyone's attention. A silence settled as he spoke, voice resonant and calm. "Today, our children awaken their talents, the gifts that will guide them into their future. May their awakenings bless our village and their paths ahead."

One by one, the village children approached the rune-carved altar, placing their palms upon its smooth surface. Soft glows illuminated faces, joyful cheers greeting each talent announcement.

Finally, the elder called gently, "Kaelan Elysian."

Kaelan stepped forward, footsteps steady. All eyes focused on him, anticipation thickening the air. He reached out calmly, placing his palm gently upon the cool stone.

Instantly, mana surged through him—an extraordinary torrent of energy unlike anything he'd felt before. His eyes widened slightly, heart racing as barriers he'd never consciously known existed shattered in rapid succession. Mana flooded every fiber of his being, saturating muscle, bone, and mind.

In that singular moment, Kaelan felt years of hidden, painstaking practice finally crystallize into true, tangible power. The intuitive skills he had carefully nurtured over the years now solidified into precise, powerful abilities, their complexity fully unlocked. His mana pathways expanded vastly, mana capacity multiplying severalfold in mere seconds, an unimaginable leap forward.

Privately, a status screen manifested vividly in his consciousness:

=================[Awakening Complete] ==================

Name: Kaelan Elysian

Talent Grade: S (Public) | True Grade: SSS (Hidden)

Physique: Mana's Chosen (SSS)

Trait: Arcane Prodigy (SSS)

Level: 15

Skills: - Mana Threading (B) - Mana Echo (C+) - Silent Burst (B) - Shadow Veil (B-) - Barrier Weave (B) - Frost Bind (C+) - Mana Pulse (C+) - Blazing Whip (C) - Stone Guard (C+) - Wind Step (B-) - Aqua Sphere (C) - Elemental Cloak (C+) - Healing Threads (C) - Illusory Mirage (D+) - Arcane Echo (C) - Mana Infusion (D+)

Trait Skills [Arcane Prodigy]:

- Arcane Mind (A) - Spellweaver's Focus (A-) - Adaptive Affinity (A) ===================================

Kaelan inhaled sharply, mind rapidly comprehending the sheer enormity of what had occurred. He had awakened at Level 15—a nearly unheard-of event. Each level manifested simultaneously, flooding his body with vast reserves of mana, heightened senses, and immediate physical and mental empowerment. It felt as if shackles he never realized existed had suddenly been cast away, freeing his full potential.

His Mana's Chosen physique now thrummed actively within him, deeply attuned to the abundant mana in his surroundings, exponentially magnifying his control and affinity. Simultaneously, his trait, Arcane Prodigy, surged powerfully in his consciousness, clearly granting explicit access to remarkable trait skills that enhanced every facet of his magical comprehension and execution.

He felt transformed—stronger, sharper, immeasurably more powerful than moments ago.

Outwardly, however, the rune altar merely flashed brightly, its runes glowing vibrantly as the elder's voice echoed clearly:

"S-level talent!"

The village square erupted into ecstatic cheers, applause ringing warmly through the air. Elena embraced Lorian tearfully, pride clearly shining in their eyes. Liam jumped excitedly, shouting Kaelan's name, while Ethan smiled knowingly, deeply impressed.

Kaelan stepped away calmly, maintaining careful composure despite the profound transformation within. As villagers congratulated him enthusiastically, he quietly accepted their praise, expressing humble gratitude without hinting at the true extent of his awakening.

Soon, Ethan approached him warmly. "Congratulations, Kaelan. With your talent, Luminis Preparatory Junior Academy will definitely offer you special admission."

Kaelan met his gaze gratefully. "Thank you, Ethan."

Ethan lowered his voice slightly, tone reassuring. "With your special admission, the academy provides minor family protection. Your parents will be safe, allowing you peace of mind while you study."

Kaelan exhaled gently, quietly relieved. "That's wonderful news."

Ethan smiled warmly. "Your journey is only beginning, Kaelan. With your talent, who knows—you might even secure top rank when you enter an elite academy someday."

Kaelan nodded thoughtfully, quietly resolved. "That's my plan."

Later, as the ceremony's excitement faded and villagers returned to their homes, Kaelan sat quietly with his parents, warmly sharing their evening meal. Elena radiated gentle pride, glancing at him often.

"An S-level talent," Elena repeated softly, smiling warmly. "We always knew you were special, Kaelan, but this… we're so proud of you."

Lorian nodded gently, voice steady. "Remember, talent is only the beginning. It's how you choose to use it that truly matters."

Kaelan quietly met his father's gaze, understanding clearly the wisdom behind those words. "I understand, Father."

Late that night, alone in his room, Kaelan sat cross-legged, calmly exploring the incredible transformation within him. His mana flowed effortlessly, instantly responsive. Skills he once practiced painstakingly were now second-nature, precise, powerful, and fully realized. The difference before and after awakening was astonishing, far exceeding his expectations.

His gaze drifted thoughtfully out the window toward the gentle moonlit village. This awakening marked an incredible beginning, unlocking strength and potential he'd only dreamed of.

Yet, Kaelan understood clearly this immense power was merely his foundation. Far greater threats awaited, and his journey toward true mastery had only just begun.

Author's note: His talent only displays S grade as it is the highest recorded in the kingdom . and The whole World ? We will see about that later .