Chapter 37: FIRST REINCANATE

Aaron could tell his older brother had a lot to say. Unfortunately, with so many students gathered around them, Damien seemed to be holding himself back.

Well, at least he’s keeping his mouth shut.

Meanwhile, the ceremony continued.

After Aaron’s assessment, several students began demanding another opportunity to touch the orb. Apparently, they hoped they could replicate his unusual experience by holding onto it for a little longer.

The Butler eventually permitted them to try. But the results were disappointing.

Not a single student managed to reverse their assessment, let alone replicate what Aaron had done.

No matter how long they held the orb or how tightly they gripped it, its response remained unchanged.

Aaron’s feat remained unmatched.

Even Finn, Aaron’s short friend, had turned out to possess a Third-Dimensional Nature.

Aaron was genuinely impressed.

He hadn’t expected that from him.

However, his surprise didn’t end there.

It was only when the Butler called the final candidate that things became even more interesting.

Tommy Warian.

The tall, slim and emotionless-looking guy who had been leaning against a tree while everyone else waited for the ceremony to begin.

The same guy Finn had identified as the strongest person on the field.

Under the watchful eyes of the students, Tommy casually stepped forward and placed his hand on the orb.

And with just a single touch...

It turned black.

The entire field was impressed.

The Butler even went as far as calling Tommy an expected anomaly.

Kelly, however, seemed somewhat displeased when Tommy turned towards her and winked with a casual smile immediately after his assessment.

Aaron noticed it.

Oh?

He found the interaction rather interesting.

As though aware that Aaron had been watching them, Tommy suddenly turned his attention towards him.

He offered Aaron a lazy smile before casually making his way to an empty spot on the podium and sitting down.

He looked completely detached from everything happening around him.

Leaving the newly Awakened to themselves, the Butler eventually left the field.

He was gone for a while before returning a few moments later, wearing an unusually stern expression.

He walked towards the students and addressed them in a serious tone.

"The gods have blessed us with fifty-seven Awakened beings."

He paused to take a deep breath before continuing.

"Twenty-nine First-Dimensional Natures, nineteen Second-Dimensional Natures, six Third-Dimensional Natures and three..."

His voice briefly trailed off.

"Three Fifth-Dimensional Natures."

His expression gradually hardened as he surveyed the students.

"Since the inception of this world, we have never produced such a remarkable collection of talents in a single awakening ceremony. This is a sign of favour from the Gods. Even the Royals and other higher-ups are elated. They are all looking forward to what you will accomplish in the future."

Aaron sighed inwardly.

Huh... Gods this, Royals that. Just get to the point.

"In the next three minutes, you will all be teleported to the Dungeon. I’m certain most of you already know the drill, while others may still be hesitant. However, the Dungeon is the only way for you to become fully-fledged Awakened."

The Butler paused and studied the students for a moment before continuing.

"I don’t have much to tell you. But once you arrive in the Dungeon, you will receive the ability to dive into your soul and examine your status, strength level and Ability details."

He stopped briefly, observing their expressions to ensure he had their attention.

Then, his eyes narrowed.

"I must warn you. Diving into your soul to read your runes should be the first thing you do upon arriving in the Dungeon. It may very well be your only chance at survival."

He rubbed the back of his head before adding:

"Also, try to form meaningful and trustworthy parties. They will be your surest means of completing the Dungeon trials and growing stronger."

The students listened quietly, their expressions growing increasingly grim.

It was obvious that his words had shaken them.

Perhaps sensing the heavy atmosphere, the Butler suddenly clapped his hands and forced a bright smile.

"Sharpen your weapons and clean your shields! The portal transporting you all will be opening in a few seconds."

For another two or three seconds, the newly Awakened remained motionless.

Then, chaos erupted.

Students hurriedly scrambled to retrieve and prepare their weapons. Some pushed past Aaron, while others brushed against him as they rushed to get themselves ready for the impending Dungeon journey.

Aaron, however, had something else on his mind.

He carefully studied the faces around him, hoping to find someone who might give him a clue about the whereabouts of Ren and Soran.

If they were anything like him and had failed to awaken through the ordinary process, they would definitely be here.

The only reason they wouldn’t be among the newly Awakened was if they had been born with their abilities, just like Velma, and had already found their way into the Dungeon.

Tsk! No clue. Nothing.

He was beginning to grow tired of turning his head in every direction, examining one unfamiliar face after another.

Eventually, he considered abandoning his search and starting his own preparations.

His mother had specifically asked him to clean his scabbard before the journey, and perhaps now was a good time to do so.

But just as he was about to move...

He froze.

Someone standing behind him had suddenly grabbed his right shoulder.

Aaron frowned.

His first suspicion was Damien.

The grip was firm and solid, far too strong to belong to Natasha. But when he turned around, he was met with a completely unfamiliar face. A boy he did not really recognize was standing behind him, wearing a smile.

His gaze, however, was anything but friendly.

It was scrutinizing.

As though he were carefully examining something—or someone.

It was a strange-looking boy with red hair and a bow resting against his back, clearly identifying him as an Archer.

He was one of the holders of a Second-Dimensional Nature.

Aaron remembered him quite well.

There hadn’t been anything particularly remarkable about the boy when he stepped onto the podium for his assessment. Even after becoming an Awakened, he hadn’t displayed anything extraordinary that would make him stand out from the others.

Yet, the boy standing before him now was... different.