Basics

Sezel slumped at his desk, lost in a storm of thoughts, the classroom's murmurs a distant hum, everyone was more shocked than being happy or motivated about being a Slayer.

The teacher's grim warning about the Spirit Realm's inescapable grip lingered like a blade over their dreams. Sezel could wager most were already plotting safer paths—teachers, researchers, anything but Slayers. But the last line the instructor added had shattered their hope.

The question arises, why would one want to be a Slayer?

"I am aware most of you are thinking what pros are there of being a Slayer," the teacher spoke as if reading the thoughts of the men sitting in front of him. The class stiffened, eyes snapping to him. Sezel leaned forward, his red eyes glinting. Maybe he did read their thoughts, after all, there was always a possibility.

The teacher continued, "Being a Slayer isn't mandatory, but it's the fastest path to power and wealth in this broken world."

Sezel's brow furrowed, 'Money and power?' he pondered. What are they worth in front of your life? Nothing. But they are also everything here, among nobles in tailored cloaks and veterans with scarred faces, those words held weight. And then there was the part that even those who fled the Spirit Realm would be entangled by its will.

Was any Awakened really safe, if that was the case?

The teacher sensed the tension and decided to change to a lighter topic. He strode to the front desk, his enigmatic smile unsettling. "You all have awakened, and I am here to teach you everything you need to know about being an Awakened in this world."

Everyone's faces seemed to lighten. "At its core, Awakening is measured by Spirituality Rank, Rank 1, the weakest, to Rank 5, the strongest."

The class was still, there was no special reaction as it was already common knowledge, even Sezel knew all this.

"Those of you who have awakened as Rank 1 can use Spirit energy to enhance your physical capabilities," he paused, his gaze sweeping the room. Then continued again, "Those who have awakened as a Rank 2 can use Spirit energy to enhance your physical capabilities as well as infusing weapons or tools and other stuffs you will learn in practical class."

He stopped completely, his expression turning darker and tone cold, "Rank 3 and above… that's where it changes." The class tensed, some students, perhaps Rank 3, shifted uneasily.

"Those who awaken at Rank 3 or higher receive a Fable," the teacher said, his words heavy. Sezel too got alert, this was the most interesting part of the whole thing.

"We do not know exactly what a Fable is and how does one get it, but as far as our research has gotten us, we have concluded that it is a card that binds your soul to the Spirit Realm in exchange of providing an ability."

Sezel gulped hard, 'Binds the soul?' The intensity of those words was enough to make him feel anxious.

The teacher turned to the wall, his voice low. "The ability given by the Fable is what shapes the Awakened. Fables come in tiers: Black for Rank 3, Bronze for Rank 4, Silver for Rank 5." He faced the class, eyes gleaming.

"Then there is Golden Fable, a legend perhaps. But the findings tell that only one man ever bore it, the first human to ever become a Sovereign - Akijo Kyoko, had a Golden Fable."

Gasps rippled through the room, but Sezel's mind blanked, that's what he heard the voice say before he passed out in the Spirit Realm. But then again, he was just a Rank 0, a non-existent awakening Rank.

'It was my imagination… wasn't it?'

He looked up again at the teacher, and their eyes met for a brief moment. Sezel hesitantly looked away, heart pounding.

'Why is he looking at me like that?'

The teacher turned, concluding, "That's the basics. Any questions?"

Out of the calm class a sole hand rose, "I have a question, if I may." A young boy clad in a pristine outfit asked, formally, his voice smooth as silk.

The teacher nodded, giving a smile.

"How does one know their Fable's ability?" he asked, his voice calm and graceful.

'Rich bastard.' Sezel cursed, looking at the clock.

The teacher walked a few steps backwards, thinking of an appropriate answer, then spoke, "That is for later, you will be given particular classes for that."

Sezel laughed inwards.

The class fell silent, instructor looked around, "Any other questions?"

No one spoke. Sezel burned with questions, but the translating device only let him listen, not speak their tongue.

The teacher bowed and left, leaving the room in an ominous hush. All the attendants sat straight in silence, preparing mentally for the next classes.

'Wonder what kind of class would be next.' Sezel leaned back, white hair veiling one crimson eye, staring at the clock. Five minutes ticked by, his hunger gnawing as he noticed a group of teens circling a slim boy, their laughter sharp.

He was clad in an elegant red shirt and black pants. His blonde hair, flowed like silk. Sezel felt a little envious of the boy, 'Damn rich rat must be bragging about something.'

Suddenly a shout shattered the silence, everyone turned towards the door. Captain Raelion stormed in, sinking into the front chair, biting into a crisp apple. Sezel gulped hard, his stomach growled.

The apple made his hunger boil, but contrary to that, Sezel just noticed that he wasn't feeling weak. Instead, after his bath, he noticed that he had gained some weight and his body was a little bit more muscular.

'The effects of Awakening perhaps.'

Raelion's voice boomed, snapping the class to attention, "So I will be your instructor of practical classes. Are you all ready?"

Students straightened, a spark of awe in their eyes. Sezel couldn't understand the sudden change, maybe Raelion was someone worth admiring.

He took a final bite of the apple, and Sezel glared, vowing, 'Soon I will also eat those apples.'

Raelion stood up, exhaled sharply, "How many of you know what is the Spirit Meridian?" he asked, voice deep. The question hung heavy.