Ren awoke before dawn and the purple light outside his window fading .His body still hummed from the previous night's battle with the Frost Serpent, muscles sore yet alive with residual energy. He lay for a moment, listening to the faint sounds of the household stirring below: the kettle's soft whistle, his mother moving in the kitchen, his father's footsteps in the hall. He sat up, swung his legs off the bed, and took a steadying breath. Today was the day of the Awakening Ceremony.
In the kitchen, Yuna had prepared a simple breakfast: steamed rice, miso soup with tofu and wakame, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables. Takeshi poured coffee into a mug for himself and a mug of tea for Ren—"better for your nerves," Takeshi said. Ren slid into his seat at the small table
His mother placed a bowl of rice in front of him. "You look tired, Ren. You slept at all last night?" she asked with gentle concern.
Ren forced a yawn. "A little restless. Just thinking about school. He lifted his chopsticks and ate, tasting familiar flavors that felt comforting yet oddly distant. He thought of the frost still lingering on his hair when he returned home, the cold thrill of absorbing the serpent's power.
Takeshi seated himself across from Ren, placing the mug on the table. He regarded his son with a measured look. "Big day," he said simply.
Ren nodded. "Yeah." He drank tea, feeling its warmth settle his stomach.
Yuna reached across and lightly touched his arm. "Whatever happens, we're proud of you."
Ren met her eyes and offered a small smile. He wanted to share more, but he wasn't ready. Not until he understood how the military would react, how the world would respond if his devouring talent became known. He finished breakfast quickly, helped clear the dishes, and joined his parents to leave the apartment.
On the way to school, Takeshi's car moved through quiet streets. At a traffic light, he glanced at Ren. "My friend Hiroshi Tanaka mentioned he'd be there. His daughter is your class monitor right".
Ren nodded, remembering the Tanakas: a prominent family in the logistics and technology sectors, much like his own father's circle. Miyu Tanaka was polite and responsible—the kind of student who organized study groups and kept the class in line. Ren had greeted her in the hallway many times but seldom exchanged more than a few words.
They pulled up near the school gate. The morning air held a tense energy; even parents driving off to work paused to watch. Ren and his parents stepped out, and almost immediately a sleek black sedan rolled up. Hiroshi Tanaka emerged, impeccably dressed, followed by a poised young woman in the school uniform—Miyu. Her dark hair was neatly tied back; her expression was composed but carried an undercurrent of excitement.
"Ren-kun," Miyu said with a respectful bow. "Good morning." Ren returned the bow
Takeshi clasped Hiroshi's hand firmly. "Hiroshi-san, good to see you." Yuna offered a gentle smile. "Miyu-chan." Miyu bowed again, and Yuna ruffled Ren's hair briefly as she stepped aside to greet Miyu's mother, who had quietly accompanied them.
"It's quite the morning," Hiroshi said, glancing toward the sky. He gave Ren and miyu appraising look. "I trust both of you're prepared?"
Ren inclined his head. "I'll do my best."
Hiroshi nodded. "That's all we ask." He turned to his miyu. "We'll watch from the stands. Good luck."
Miyu's eyes flicked to Ren. "See you later." She offered a small, encouraging smile before moving toward the school entrance. Ren's followed "Ren felt the weight of expectation—both familial and societal—but also a strange comfort .
Inside school grounds, the corridors felt charged. Students gathered in clusters, murmuring anxiously about their chosen beasts. The announcement came shortly: final-year students who signed up for the Awakening Ceremony were to assemble in the gym. Takeshi and Hiroshi accompanied behind Ren and miyu as far as the entrance to the gymnasium, where military personnel in uniform stood at attention. Lieutenant Haruka oversaw the proceedings, clipboard in hand.
Takeshi approached his them , murmuring advice. "Focus and trust your instincts." Miyu bowed and moved to join her classmates. Ren found his place among the other students; some offered nervous smiles, others avoided his gaze. The mood was tense but underpinned by a shared understanding: this was no mere school event, but a step into their uncertain future.
Soon, Lieutenant Haruka's voice echoed: "Students, please form a semi-circle around the cages. You will choose which beast to face. Each of you has the right to select any contained creature. Military personnel will be on standby to assist if needed: if you cannot subdue it alone, they will hold it so you may deliver the final blow." A hush fell. "If you do not awaken on your first kill, you may return to choose another beast until you succeed. Once awakened, report your talent immediately. Those with remarkable talents will be noted and appreciated by the Global Stabilization Force."
A low murmur passed through the crowd. Ren's pulse quickened. He watched as several students stepped forward, selecting modest beasts—a rabbit or small lizard—some hesitated, glancing at larger cages. He observed the cages: each contained a mutated creature, their eyes glowing faintly behind barred shadows.
An early volunteer, a quiet boy named Sato, approached a cage housing a scaly, horned hare with jagged fangs. Murmurs followed him as he drew his blade. Ren watched from a distance. Sato lunged; the beast lunged back. Metal clashed against hardened hide, adrenaline surging. When Sato finally delivered the killing strike, a crackling rumble sounded as a spark ignited around him: a thunderous aura erupted, lightning dancing across his limbs for a heartbeat before dissipating. Gasps rose from the crowd.
Lieutenant Haruka stepped forward. "Talented indeed—Thunder Talent awakened." She nodded approvingly. Sato, stunned, looked at his hands as electricity flickered faintly around his fingertips before vanishing. The crowd whispered excitedly, and Sato allowed himself a relieved smile. His parents, watching from the stands, cheered quietly.
After first awakening students nervousness lessened.They also started to choose beast
But they all killed more than 2 beasts finally they Awakened.
Next was Miyu. Ren saw her approach a slightly larger cage containing a sleek avian-like beast, feathers mottled and wings hooked with serrated edges. She paused, then nodded to a soldier. The creature screeched as it lunged, but Miyu moved with calm precision, her blade tracing a swift arc. When the beast fell, a sudden swirl of wind lifted hair and uniform, then merged with soft flickers of flame dancing along her palms—dual wind and flame manipulation. The hall erupted in astonished applause. Hiroshi's proud expression beamed;
One by one, students took their turns and awakened : some awakened simple talents—enhanced strength, minor healing—others more unusual gifts. Each release of their power was instinctive: a brief flare, a momentary display before control settled. Military recorded each talent, noting the most promising candidates.
Then it was Ren's turn. He stepped forward, heart steady. He approached a cage containing a level 1 beast—a wolf-like creature with claws that gleamed ominously. The soldier at his side nodded. Ren slipped into the enclosed area, closing distance with measured steps. The beast snarled and lunged; Ren's reflexes, honed over countless hunts, guided him. He avoided its first strike, countered swiftly, and delivered a precise killing blow. The audience watched in tense silence. No visible reaction—no awakening spark.
Ren then turned to another cage, choosing a second beast: a fox-like creature with icy-blue eyes. Again, he met it head-on, blades moving with practiced efficiency. The kill was clean but carried force. Immediately upon the creature's fall.Ren deliberately released his frost talent a cold mist coalesced around his fingertips, frost forming in delicate patterns before swirling upward in a brief display: frost crystals glinted in the hall's lights, drifting like snowflakes before vanishing. A collective gasp echoed. He let the frost dissipate, breathing steadily.
Lieutenant Haruka stepped forward, expression unreadable for a moment, then gave a curt nod. "Frost Manipulation awakened. Impressive talent" The military officers murmured among themselves, recording notes. The principal, standing nearby, offered Ren a small, approving smile.
Ren exited the cage area, bowing to the onlookers. His heart thrummed not from fear but relief: he had revealed his talent on his own terms, demonstrating power . His parents rose to greet him. Yuna brushed a hand across his cheek; Takeshi clasped his shoulder proudly. Hiroshi and Miyu approached as well, Miyu offering a respectful nod, her eyes bright with admiration. Ren felt warmth spread through him—a rare moment of genuine happiness.
In the gym afterward, the principal addressed all awakened students: "Congratulations. Those whose talents show promise will be invited to join military training programs to learn control and application. You will return here in three days, at which time you will be escorted to the training station. Prepare yourselves—this is the next step in serving and safeguarding our world." The students exchanged excited and anxious looks. Some whispered eagerly about training regimens; others clenched fists, resolved to grow stronger.
As the assembly dispersed, small groups formed. Some students boasted their talents—one declared how he would use lightning to protect his family; another bragged about summoning vines to control crowds. Ren listened politely but remained quiet, content to walk back toward the exit with his parents and the Tanakas. Outside, the morning sun—tinted faintly purple at the horizon—felt comforting.
Miyu walked beside Ren. "Your frost talent is elegant and incredible," she said softly. Ren smiled. "Thank you. Yours was incredible too." She blushed slightly.
Takeshi and Hiroshi exchanged congratulations. "Your daughter's dual talent is remarkable," Ren's father said to Hiroshi. Hiroshi nodded, pride evident. "And Ren's frost ability—unexpected but formidable. Our children will have much to learn." They shook hands again, a gesture of solidarity.
Yuna chimed in: "We should celebrate tonight. Hiroshi-san, you mentioned a gathering?"
Hiroshi smiled. "Yes. I'll host a party this evening at my home to honor Miyu's awakening—and Ren's achievement as well. Please join us." Takeshi looked to Ren, then nodded. "We'd be honored." Miyu's eyes lit up at the thought of celebrating with friends. Ren felt a surge of gratitude: despite the uncertainty ahead, he had a support network—family and friends standing with him.
As they parted—parents exchanging farewells, students heading home or lingering to discuss training—Ren walked beside his father. He glanced up at the sky, thinking of the Frost Serpent, the hidden challenges awaiting, the need to refine his talents further. Yet in this moment, surrounded by familiar faces and warm smiles, he allowed himself a measure of hope. Tonight's celebration would be a brief respite, a chance to connect before the trials of training and the dangers beyond. He steeled himself for the road ahead, determined to honor both his hidden struggles and the trust his family placed in him.
The day's events had shown him the value of discretion and timing: revealing Frost Manipulation when the moment was right, forging alliances rather than drawing undue attention.
And so, with the ceremony behind him and the invitation to a celebration ahead, Ren stepped into the next phase of his journey, more resolved than ever to survive, to grow, and to protect those he loved in this changed world.