Chapter 4: First Skills, First Struggles

"Ahem, everyone quiet down for a moment."

Principal Hiroshi Watanabe stepped forward, his voice, boosted with spiritual energy, echoing across the square.

The excitement over Yuna Hoshizaki's choice to join the Support Class immediately quieted.

Silence fell as all eyes turned to the principal.

"Today marks one of the most important days of your lives."

"Today, you've awakened your powers and found your place in the academy."

"I hope all of you will grow into your abilities and follow the best path for your future."

"That's it. Dismissed."

Clap clap clap—!

Thunderous applause followed.

Renji Takahashi clapped along, quietly respecting how brief and to the point Watanabe was.

After all, most principals would drone on for hours saying, "I only have three points, and each point has three sub-points."

But Watanabe wrapped it up clean.

With the ceremony over, the students began to leave.

Some grouped together happily in their new classes, making plans.

Others, less fortunate, looked lost, realizing they were surrounded by strangers.

As always, class division brought joy to some and disappointment to others.

But the Support Class... had the biggest emotional swing.

At first, landing in the weakest class had crushed their spirits.

But once Yuna Hoshizaki joined them, everything changed.

Sharing a class with the school goddess?

Suddenly, the Support Class didn't seem so bad after all.

Heck, some students were actually jealous of them now.

"Alright, time to go home."

With nothing else to do, Renji left Azure Dragon Academy and headed home.

Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the Awakening Ceremony. Reward: 50 energy points!

The system's voice echoed in his mind as soon as he stepped out the academy gates.

"Oh? Fifty points? Nice!"

This was a great surprise.

"Open the system shop."

A dazzling menu opened before him, but Renji quickly filtered out everything he couldn't afford. He focused on practical, cheap techniques.

[Wood Release: Wood Wall Jutsu | D-rank | 10 Spiritual Energy to use | 10 Energy Points to unlock]

(System: A highly cost-effective defensive jutsu. Recommended.)

[Wood Release: Wooden Spear Jutsu | D-rank | 10 Spiritual Energy to use | 10 Energy Points to unlock]

(System: Reliable single-target offense. Recommended.)

[Sharingan - Basic Illusion | C-rank | 20 Spiritual Energy to use | 20 Energy Points to unlock]

(System: Foundation of illusion mastery. Recommended.)

[Sharingan - Basic Copy | C-rank | 20 Spiritual Energy to use | 20 Energy Points to unlock]

(System: A must-have for a Copy Ninja. Recommended.)

[Sharingan - Basic Insight | C-rank | 20 Spiritual Energy to use | 20 Energy Points to unlock]

(System: Boosts close combat awareness. Recommended.)

Renji only had 50 energy points, just enough to unlock a few skills.

He thought carefully.

"Defense first—Wood Wall is essential."

"For offense, I could go with the Wooden Spear, but if I invest in Sharingan's illusion instead, I could attack indirectly..."

"And between Copy and Insight... Copy is clearly more versatile. I could literally steal other people's moves!"

Decision made.

He unlocked:

— Wood Release: Wood Wall Jutsu

— Sharingan: Basic Illusion

— Sharingan: Basic Copy

Boom. All 50 energy points gone.

"If I had just a few more points, I wouldn't have to stress so much over this..."

Sighing, Renji closed the store and headed home.

The streets of Azure Dragon City were lively as always. Food stalls lined the roads, filling the air with the smell of street food.

But beyond the hustle and bustle, towering walls surrounded the city, a stark reminder of the danger beyond.

Centuries ago, spiritual energy returned to the world—and with it, chaos.

Humans weren't the only ones who awakened powers.

Animals transformed into terrifying monsters.

Humans were now called psychics.

Animals were called beasts.

Both fought for survival.

The terrifying part? Animals vastly outnumbered humans.

Take ants, for example—what was once a harmless insect could evolve overnight into a monster the size of a tiger after awakening its powers.

Against this flood of awakened creatures, humans built towering walls to protect their cities.

The walls of Azure Dragon City stood fifty meters tall, strong enough to stop Level 4 beasts and below.

And floating above the city, a glowing energy barrier shielded them from flying monsters.

It was only through constant vigilance—and powerful psychics—that humanity survived.

After walking for about ten minutes, Renji finally reached his home.

The Takahashi estate, located in the eastern part of Azure Dragon City, was one of the two most powerful families in the region.

"Master Renji, welcome back. The head of the family is waiting for dinner." A house servant bowed politely as Renji passed through the gates.

"Got it."

Renji crossed the grand hall and made his way to the dining room.

"Son, you're home. Go wash up. We'll eat together," his father said warmly.

Seated at the head of the table was a man in his early forties, built like a warrior, his presence commanding respect.

This was Ryoji Takahashi, head of the Takahashi family—and one of Azure Dragon City's strongest psychics. A fifth-level warrior with A-rank Lightning powers.

"Something smells amazing. Did you cook tonight, Dad?"

As Renji washed his hands, the mouthwatering scent of dinner filled the room.

"Sweet and sour ribs, glazed fish, tofu stew, fried meatballs... all your favorites."

Renji sat down and grinned at the feast before him.

"Knew it. Only you cook this well."

"Of course. Today's a special day—your Awakening Day. I had to make something special myself."

A proud smile spread across Ryoji's face.

"So? What powers did you awaken?"

Renji paused, chopsticks halfway to his mouth.

"…About that."