Last Change of Awkening

Once everything had calmed down, Mr. Harrison gave a satisfied nod. Stefan had pulled off some serious fire control, and the class was slowly settling back to normal. But the teacher still had a few important things to say.

"Alright, everyone," Mr. Harrison said, his tone shifting to something a bit more serious but still upbeat. "Some of you managed to awaken your elements today. That's awesome. For those who didn't—don't worry. This is just the beginning."

The students nodded. Some looked curious, others a little nervous. Awakening an element wasn't exactly something you could do just by trying hard. A lot of them weren't even sure if they could do it at all.

"As I've told you before," Mr. Harrison went on, pacing slowly in front of the class, "everyone awakens in their own time and in their own way. You can't force it. But don't panic—your chance isn't over yet."

That got everyone's attention. Even the ones who looked like they'd already given up were now sitting a little straighter.

"One week from now," he continued, "we'll meet at the school's Awakening Platform for the second session. And this time, we're not just testing for elemental powers. You'll also awaken your role—the part you're meant to play, based on your true potential. So yeah, this is your chance to try again. And trust me, there could be some surprises."

Some students exchanged hopeful glances. Maybe next week would be their turn. But a few faces still looked tense.

"But," Mr. Harrison said, and now his voice was serious again, "if you can't awaken your element this week or next, that means you're not meant to be a Coder."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

In this world, being a Coder wasn't just a career—it was everything. A symbol of respect. Of power. Of access to a mysterious realm that only a few could even dream of. No element? No access. No exceptions.

"So for those of you struggling, don't give up," Mr. Harrison said, his voice softening again. "You've still got time. Every step you take now, even the hard ones, gets you closer. I believe all of you have something amazing inside you. Don't let one setback keep you down."

Stefan listened carefully. He'd already awakened fire, but lightning—that was still a mystery. And this talk about "roles" and Coders? That really caught his attention. What was a role, anyway? And what did it have to do with his powers—the ones he didn't fully understand yet?

Mr. Harrison looked around, making sure every student was still tuned in.

"Look, if your element hasn't awakened yet, don't beat yourself up. Use this week to figure yourself out. The Awakening Platform isn't just about powers—it's about discovering the path you're meant to take. Your role matters. It shapes everything."

Stefan's mind was racing. If he was supposed to awaken something else—like lightning—would it just come out again on its own? Or was that a one-time thing? And this role stuff... did it mean he'd have to come clean about having more than one element? Or keep hiding it?

Mr. Harrison kept going. "If any of you feel unsure or scared, that's okay. Just remember—there's no such thing as 'too late' in the world of awakening. What matters is your effort and your belief in yourself. You all have a shot at becoming something more. Something great."

The room went quiet. Everyone was lost in thought.

Stefan let out a slow breath. Next week wasn't just going to be another test—it could change everything. He had to prove himself again. Not just with his element, but with whatever role he was meant to play. Could he handle it? Would his role have anything to do with the double element he was keeping secret? Or would he have to keep pretending?

Those questions kept circling in Stefan's head as the class moved on, diving into deeper talks about powers and potential. But for him, next week wasn't just about learning more. It was make or break.