The Weight of Weakness

Leaving the Awakening Hall-

Leon stepped out of the Celestial Awakening Hall, the sound of laughter and murmurs still echoing in his ears. The cool evening air hit his face, but it did nothing to clear the heavy fog in his mind.

He walked without direction, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his head low. The streets of Ironvale City were alive with celebration—groups of newly awakened adventurers cheering, bragging about their classes, making plans for the future.

Leon wasn't part of it.

His name was already forgotten.

He glanced up at a giant holographic screen that floated above the marketplace, broadcasting the top awakenings of the day.

Damian Falken – A-Rank Warblade (Signed to Ironfang Guild)

Elara Morn – S-Rank Holy Paladin (Personally invited to Sanctuary Guild)

Gareth Rael – B-Rank Arcane Swordsman (Selected for Elite Training Program)

Leon's name wasn't on the list. Not even among the lowest ranks.

His fingertips curled into fists.

They had erased him before he even started.

Reality Hits Hard

He kept walking, the sounds of the city blending into a dull hum. Then, a sign caught his eye—one carved into the stone wall of a famous adventurer guild.

[Titan's Vanguard – Recruitment Board]

A large parchment was pinned to the center, listing the requirements to join.

Minimum E-Rank Power Level for Entry

Combat Ability Required

Healing and Support Classes Considered

Leon's chest tightened.

He wasn't even qualified to apply.

Before he could look away, the doors of the guild swung open, and a group of young warriors stepped out, laughing among themselves. Their weapons gleamed under the city lights, and their armor was freshly polished, the emblems of their guilds proudly displayed.

One of them, a tall spearman, glanced at Leon. His eyes flickered with recognition—then amusement.

"Hey, wait a second. That's the guy from the Awakening Hall!"

His friend, a dagger-wielding rogue, snickered. "Oh yeah—the one who got 'Zombie Lord.'"

Leon said nothing. He kept walking.

But they weren't done.

"Bro," the rogue continued, barely containing his laughter, "even Slime Tamers are more useful. At least they can summon something fast."

The group burst into laughter, their voices echoing through the street.

Leon clenched his jaw and quickened his pace.

But no matter how far he walked, their words stuck in his mind.

He was about to turn a corner when a well-dressed man stepped into his path. He wore a dark suit with golden trim, the emblem of Titan's Vanguard pinned to his chest.

"Leon Drayven?" the man asked, his voice smooth and professional.

Leon stopped. His heart jumped.

A recruiter? Did they see something in him?

"I represent the Titan's Vanguard Guild. We saw your Awakening…"

Leon's pulse quickened. Could they have noticed something the others missed?

But then, the man smirked.

"We're in need of janitors. Since you won't be adventuring, why not clean up after those who actually matter?"

For a second, Leon didn't move. The words didn't register at first.

Then, the warriors nearby—the same ones who had been mocking him earlier—burst into laughter.

"That's cold, man!" one of them cackled.

"Perfect fit for a guy with zombie summons," another added. "Trash cleaning up trash."

Leon's stomach twisted.

He turned away before they could see the rage burning behind his eyes.

He walked off without another word, his hands shaking at his sides.

System Activation – A New Hope

That night, Leon sat in his tiny, dimly lit room, staring at his own reflection in the mirror.

His own eyes looked unfamiliar.

The weight of the day crushed him. The humiliation, the rejection, the mocking voices—it all replayed over and over in his head.

He clenched his fists.

"Am I really just… trash?"

A sharp ding echoed in his skull.

His vision flashed blue.

A translucent screen appeared before him, hovering in midair.

[System Detected… Initializing…]

[Zombie Lord System Activated]

[Beginner Summon Available]

Leon's breath caught in his throat.

This wasn't the standard necromancer ability.

This was something else.

Then, another message appeared.

[This System does not follow the rules of this world.]

[Do you wish to begin?]

Leon stared at the words, his mind racing.

And then—he reached out.

(TO BE CONTINUED…)