The sound of footsteps drew Rachel's attention to the grand stage that dominated the field. Carved from gleaming obsidian and inscribed with intricate runes, the platform shimmered faintly, pulsing with a quiet, living mana. Behind it, the Awakening Spire rose like a monument to the impossible—a crystalline monolith of otherworldly brilliance, its surface catching the morning light and scattering it in a thousand colours. The Spire's purpose was simple, yet profound: to catalyse awakenings, to connect each candidate to the mysterious Veil Interface that governed their world's hidden truths.
At the centre of the stage stood an elder, one of the academy's most esteemed professors. His long robe swayed gently with every movement, and his voice, when he spoke, rang out clear and commanding, cutting through the nervous murmurs of the crowd.
"Today, you will unlock your true potential. You will awaken the talents that lie dormant within you—talents that may change the course of history. Do not fear what you may find. Embrace the power that awaits you."
Rachel's heart skipped a beat. The words were simple, yet their weight pressed down on her. The unknown loomed ahead, thrilling and terrifying all at once. The awakening was more than a test of strength—it was a moment of revelation. Some would discover their destinies; others would falter, their hopes dashed in the space of a single heartbeat. There were no guarantees, no certainties, only the promise of change.
The elder's gaze swept across the assembled students, then settled on the list in his hand. He called the first name.
"Arlen Fenn!"
A boy with messy brown hair and bright green eyes stepped forward. His movements were hesitant, but there was a quiet determination in his posture. His clothes were plain, neatly pressed but simple—a stark contrast to the tailored uniforms of the wealthier students. Behind him, his family—a modest couple with weathered faces—watched with hope shining in their eyes.
Rachel studied Arlen with a flicker of curiosity. A commoner, she thought, noting the humble pride in his parents' faces. And yet… there's something about him.
Around her, the whispers began.
"Fenn family? Never heard of them."
"Looks like a commoner's child. What are the chances he awakens anything significant?"
"Still, every awakening is a mystery. Who knows what the Veil Interface might reveal?"
Arlen climbed the steps to the platform, faltering slightly under the weight of so many eyes. The elder offered him a reassuring nod. "Step forward, young one. Place your hand on the awakening crystal."
The crystal stood at the centre of the stage, its surface shimmering with an unearthly glow. As Arlen pressed his palm to it, the crystal flared to life, erupting in a brilliant red light. A wave of heat rippled outward, drawing gasps from the crowd.
"Fire element!" the elder announced, pride ringing in his voice.
The murmurs shifted, tinged now with awe and surprise.
"Fire! That's a good start."
"A strong element. The Fenn family might have some luck after all."
"Perhaps their fortune is about to change."
Arlen stood frozen, staring at the glowing crystal, his face a mixture of disbelief and joy. But even as the applause began, something more remarkable happened.
A translucent screen materialised in the air before him, hovering silently. The crowd fell silent, recognising the unmistakable shimmer of the Veil Interface.
Arlen hesitated, glancing back at his family. His father nodded, his mother's hands clasped tightly in hope. With a steadying breath, Arlen adjusted his interface settings, allowing the display to become visible to all.
The interface expanded, lines of text appearing in the air for everyone to see:
Veil Interface
{General Information}
[Name]: Arlen Fenn
[Age]: 16
[Realm]: Novice Realm
[Titles]: None
{Attributes}
{Talents}
[Fire Element]
{Special Powers}: None
{Danger Level}: None
{Notes From The Veil}
[Message]: You have entered the realm of the awakened. The path ahead is fraught with challenges. Your powers are still in their infancy—mastery will come with time and discipline. Stay vigilant, for greater trials await beyond the veil.
The courtyard erupted in whispers, louder than before.
"Medium potential? Better than expected for a commoner!"
"He chose to show it off—smart move. His family will gain some recognition from this."
Arlen turned to the crowd, his cheeks flushed with pride and nerves. The Veil Interface's shimmering display was a badge of honour—proof that his family might finally rise above obscurity.
But as the applause swelled, Rachel found her thoughts drifting. She couldn't help but wonder about the Veil Interface itself. Her father had once told her its origins were a mystery, beyond mortal comprehension.
There were stories, of course. Some whispered that the Interface was the work of a god named Aelios, the God of Preservation. After the devastation of the legendary war, Aelios, seeing humanity's fragility, had intervened. He created the Veil Interface as a safeguard—a tool to monitor, guide, and protect awakeners from repeating the mistakes of the past. It was said to be a gift, a guiding hand to help humanity rebuild and avoid another catastrophic war.
Rachel, however, was not so quick to believe in legends. She knew there was more to the Interface than anyone let on.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Arlen bask in the crowd's admiration. Why does the Interface reveal itself so willingly? And who, or what, controls it?
The elder's voice rang out again, calling the next candidate, but Rachel remained lost in thought, the mysteries of the Veil swirling in her mind, unanswered.