Chapter 3: Another System?

Chapter 3: Another System?

The principal gazed at Alister with a sad look in his eyes. Running this academy for years, moments like these were a common sight for him now.

He knew it was never good to get one's hopes up before the awakening ceremony because hopes like that were often dashed. But when it came to Alister, a part of him wanted to believe things would be somewhat different. After all, he knew all the hard work the boy put in.

'Such a shame for such a radiant soul to be treated so poorly,'

He thought, knowing Alister's life had been far from easy. Before he had even become a student at this academy, he and his now bedridden sister were living in the wastelands, the world beyond the city's gates, densely populated by monsters.

It is still a mystery to this day how they were able to survive in such a world without talents. But the fact they did always made those who saved them that day believe they were nothing short of miracles. Their lives were preserved so they could one day lead humanity to greater heights.

Magister sighed, The Awakening Ceremony, was a day often exposed to the cruel realities of human nature. He cleared his throat, forcing a smile as he addressed the crowd.

"Alright, let's move on to the next student. Chase Turner, your turn."

Chase, wearing a stoic expression on his face, offered Alister a single, cold glance. "This is goodbye, Alister. Don't blame me for this. It's a decision I have to make." He then turned and walked towards the crystal, leaving Alister standing alone on the dusty plaza.

Yanzi lingered for a moment, her gaze lingering on Alister's downcast expression. "We can't be seen together anymore, Alister. It might give people the wrong idea." She said, before she too turned away, leaving Alister feeling utterly alone.

With a heavy heart, Alister turned to gaze as Chase placed his hand on the crystal. The familiar blue light erupted, bathing Chase and the crystal in its ethereal glow. This time, however, the light intensified much faster, pulsing with a white brilliance that momentarily blinded the crowd.

Magister Vance, his eyes wide with surprise, squinted as the light subsided. A collective gasp filled the air as a shimmering window materialized above Chase, displaying his awakened Talent.

"Chase Turner!" Magister Vance boomed, his voice filled with awe. "Awakened Talent: Absolute Zero (Rank S)!"

The crowd erupted in a frenzy of cheers and applause. An S-rank Talent, a powerful ability that granted its wielder immense control over ice! It was a rare and coveted power, a proof of Chase's exceptional potential.

Chase, a wide grin plastered across his face, raised his hand. A massive shard of ice suddenly materialized out of thin air, hovering above his palm. With a flick of his wrist, he shattered it into a million shimmering fragments that rained down on the plaza, sending chills down the spines of the onlookers.

Alister could only stare, a mix of emotions churning within him. Relief, for Chase had awakened a powerful Talent, and a flicker of envy, a feeling he quickly squashed. But mostly, he felt a need to work even harder.

"But would it ever be enough?" he wondered, gazing down at his open palms. Blisters from his training could still be seen. He had his doubts; after all, his hard work so far didn't get him what he wanted. He let out a sigh, deciding to let go.

Chase, his chest puffed out with pride, locked eyes with Alister. "That's how you awaken a Talent, Alister," he said, with a condescending tone.

With that thought in mind, he mentally called out, 'Talent window.'

Immediately, a familiar blue window materialized beside the yellow one. This one, however, held the information he was familiar with:

「Name: Alister Hazenworth

Age: 19

Gender: Male

Talent: Summoner

Talent Rank: SSS

Talent Info: Allows the user to summon monsters from other realms to fight alongside them. Talent rank bonus (100% taming success rate).

Stats:

- Strength: 70

- Agility: 85

- Intelligence: 95

- Endurance: 60

- Luck: 80

- ?Summoning Power?: 100

- Mana: 1200

± overall combat power: 1690 (Rank E+)」

Seeing the talent window materialize further confused Alister, 'Two system windows? How is this even possible? What is Dragon forge?'