Chapter 3:Awakening Ceremony 2

After Denji awakened his S-rank talent, everything else felt... unimportant.

The awe in the crowd was so thick, it silenced even the cocky ones. The air simmered with envy and admiration. Denji stood there like a chosen one, his aura pulsing with raw power.

Then came Rex.

He awakened a mole-type power, sturdy and earth-aligned. Looked like he'd grow into a brute just like his father before him — solid, dependable, dangerous. The instructors nodded in quiet approval.

Others followed.

Some awakened dog-type spirits. One had a pig. Another, oddly enough, a parrot. Their ranks ranged F rank (Bronze) to F rank (Silver), and no one really paid them much attention. After Denji's explosive awakening, they all felt like background noise.

Then... it was my turn.

My name was called.

I was nervous — no, terrified. My legs felt stiff, my heart drummed like war. I stepped forward slowly, tense, holding my breath.

The Awakening Altar loomed before me — ancient, cold, humming with power. I placed both hands on it.

A faint blue energy circled around me. I felt a small surge entering my chest. It wasn't overwhelming — more like a whisper than a roar.

Mr. Ain stepped forward, observing.

The entire class fell silent.

It wasn't anticipation — it was curiosity. Or maybe pity. They all waited… hoping for a miracle. Something unusual.

Then Mr. Ain's voice rang out.

"Honey Badger. F-rank. Bronze."

The silence stretched. Then—

"A honey badger? Seriously?"

"Haha… a loser is a loser, I guess."

"Ain't honey badgers known for being troublemakers? Perfect match!"

Laughter erupted. No one held back.

Even Denji gave a small snort. My face burned.

As the others began returning to the school bus, Mr. Ain gently tapped my shoulder.

"It's alright," he said. "This isn't the end of the world. You can still get stronger."

I forced a smile and replied, "Yeah."

It felt fake. Hollow.

He left.

I was alone now, standing in the center of the altar, hands clenched at my sides.

I was angry.

I was sad.

I was disappointed.

A storm of emotions twisted inside me — shame, rage, despair. But through it all, I smiled. I whispered to myself:

"I can get stronger… stronger than anyone. Stronger than even an SSS-rank. I'll prove it."

And then—

Bing!

A soft chime echoed in the air.

I looked up, startled.

Floating before me was a glowing hollow blue screen.

[Detecting Host…]