Chapter 2: The Path Before the Awakening

The morning sun crept through the window of Riven’s small room, casting golden lines across the floor. He blinked his eyes open slowly, the weight of tomorrow’s Awakening Ceremony still pressing heavily on his chest.

Stretching stiffly, he walked out of his room. His father sat quietly on the old sofa in the living room, his eyes locked on the television. His mother, wearing her usual apron, moved swiftly between the stove and the sink, preparing breakfast.

On the TV screen, news of the Awakening Ceremony was in full swing. A reporter stood in front of the capital’s Awakening Platform, a magnificent structure surrounded by crystal towers and shimmering energy fields.

“Tomorrow marks the 128th annual Global Awakening Ceremony,” the reporter said. “All registered seventeen-year-olds will be transported into the Awakening Space where their talents and potential shall be tested.”

The broadcast cut to a debate panel. Prominent figures discussed the expected top talents of the year. A photo of a beautiful girl appeared on the screen.

“Elira Valen,” the host announced, “daughter of Drake Valen — Rank 1 in the national leaderboard — and Sylvia Valen — Rank 15. It’s predicted she may receive an S-rank or higher awakening.”

Riven’s gaze lingered on the screen, heart racing. Tomorrow… was everything.

He ate breakfast quietly. Though he forced calm onto his face, a storm raged inside him. Fear. Hope. Determination.

What if I don’t awaken?
What if I’m just like everyone expects… weak… worthless…

He clenched his fists beneath the table.

Evening fell.
A soft chime buzzed from his phone. It was a message from the school:

"Dear Students, the school bus to the capital for the Awakening Ceremony will depart tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. Assemble at the front gate by 6:45 a.m."

The moment was close.

The Next Morning

The sky was still pale and quiet as Riven’s parents stood by the gate of their small home.

His mother adjusted his collar one last time, her hands trembling slightly. "Take care of yourself," she said softly.

His father placed a hand on Riven’s shoulder. "Be strong, son. No matter what happens."

Riven nodded. He wanted to say more — wanted to promise them that he’d return stronger — but the words lodged in his throat. Instead, he bowed his head and walked away.

At school, the bus waited.

As Riven stepped inside, laughter erupted. Some students turned to whisper. Others simply ignored him. He walked to the back and sat alone.

A few minutes later, their homeroom teacher boarded and called out, “Everyone, sit tight. We’re heading to the capital.”

The bus began its journey.

Out the window, the scenery shifted from quiet countryside to dense cityscapes. Riven saw expensive vehicles zoom past and sparkling buildings stretching into the sky.

At the front of the bus, a few students discussed which guild they hoped would scout them.

Near the middle, five boys laughed loudly. Derek Vale, their leader, was boasting again.

“My dad says the Dracon Guild already has eyes on me. I’ll probably awaken at least an A-rank.”

Derek’s cronies — Joren, Mikail, Zane, and Rudy — nodded eagerly. They had been Riven’s tormentors since childhood. Sons of powerful awakeners and rich business figures, they looked down on everyone — especially Riven.

Near them sat Mira, a girl with soft features and chestnut hair. She smiled sweetly in public but had always been a hidden blade to Riven. Her subtle pranks, snide remarks cloaked in kindness, and manipulations had hurt more than open bullying. Yet, in front of others, she wore the mask of an angel.

Riven looked away.

As the capital skyline emerged, a hushed awe spread through the bus.

As the capital’s skyline rose in the distance, filled with sleek towers, golden guild banners, and dazzling light displays, Riven leaned closer to the bus window.

For a moment, the world around him faded.

He had seen this before.

Not in reality — but in a dream.

He was much younger then. Standing in a vast, endless field under a violet sky, a giant blue crystal floated above him, pulsing with soft light, whispering things he couldn’t understand. The dream felt so real, like it had etched itself into his soul.

He remembered reaching out toward the crystal… and then waking up with tears in his eyes, heart pounding, and a single thought in his head:

“One day, I’ll find that light.”

Now, staring at the capital, with the awakening platform just ahead, a strange chill ran down his spine.

Maybe that day was closer than he thought.

The bus pulled into a wide plaza filled with hundreds of other school buses from across the country. Guild banners waved. Expensive private cars gleamed nearby. Reporters, spectators, and scouts filled the grounds.

Floating above it all was the Awakening Platform.

A large circular arena suspended in air by four crystal pillars. Each pillar glowed a deep, mystical blue. Floating stones encircled the platform’s center, where a swirling, glass-like pool shimmered. It reflected the sky above and the gathered world below.

Screens along the sides displayed rankings — Provincial, National, and Global Leaderboards. Riven’s eyes fixed on the top of the national board:

#1 - Drake Valen - Level 213 - Guild: Dracon

Dracon — the most powerful guild in the country. Its towering headquarters stood just across from the platform, its emblem — a silver dragon entwined around a sword — gleaming with menace and pride.

The five bullies pointed at the screen, bragging about their fathers and uncles who ranked high on the board.

“Someday, my name will be up there too,” Derek smirked.

The intercom buzzed:

“All schools, please assemble at the designated spots near the Awakening Platform. Batch One will begin shortly.”

Riven’s teacher turned and waved. “Come on, everyone. Stay in line.”

Riven stepped off the bus, his heart pounding.

He had reached the place where everything would begin.

The Awakening Platform loomed ahead — beautiful, terrifying, and full of promises.

And Riven walked toward it, holding his breath, ready to carve his path.

End of Chapter 2