The atmosphere of the platform did not settle easily even after the second stage concluded. Conversations surged in waves, reactions overlapping as candidates and observers alike tried to process what they had witnessed.
Talents, blessings, bloodlines—everything that defined the future of an awakener had been laid bare, and among all of it, a few names stood above the rest.
And his—Was one of them.
Kang Jinhyuk remained at the center, his gaze sweeping across the remaining candidates, this time no longer simply evaluating, but acknowledging.
"This concludes the second stage,"
he said, his voice steady, cutting through the lingering noise.
"Those who stand here now… have proven their foundation and potential."
A brief pause followed, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"But potential alone is meaningless without the ability to use it."
The weight of those words settled deeply.
"The final stage will be held tomorrow."
A subtle shift moved through the crowd.
"One-on-one combat."
No unnecessary explanation was needed.
"Your placement will be determined there,"
he continued.
"Whether you enter this academy… or leave it behind."
Silence followed. Not fear. But realization. Everything would be decided. Tomorrow. Kang Jinhyuk's gaze lingered briefly on a few individuals—Min Seoah… and then, him.
A faint nod.
"Rest well,"
he said.
"Because tomorrow… you will need everything you have."
With that, the platform began to clear. Candidates slowly dispersed, some in groups, discussing strategies, others alone, lost in thought. The observers above began to leave as well, though not without one last glance at the few who had stood out.
As he turned to leave, he could feel it. Eyes. Still watching him.
"…As expected," he thought calmly.
But he didn't linger. There was no reason to.
By the time evening settled, he had already secured a place to stay. The lodge wasn't extravagant, but it was quiet, clean, and sufficient. A temporary space before the next step of his path.
He entered his room, closing the door behind him as the noise of the outside world faded completely.
Silence returned. This time—It felt different.
He walked slowly toward the window, looking out at the distant lights of the academy grounds. Tomorrow would decide everything, yet his mind was not restless.
It was focused.
"…Let's see where I stand."
He sat down and closed his eyes briefly.
"Status."
The response was immediate. A clear interface unfolded before him, precise, organized, undeniable.
Name: Lee Hyun
Talent: SSS Rank – Heavenly Demon's Blessings
Technique: S Rank – Dragon Blade Dance (Growth Type)
Level: 0
Strength: 25
Physique: 30
Agility: 27
Stamina: 21
Vitality: 75
Mana Qi (Mana+Spirit): 89
Intelligence: 92
Luck: 20
Bloodline: To Be Awakened
Magic: 0 Tier – No Element Awakened
Sword Power: Unknown
Demonic Power: Unknown
Cultivation: Mortal
Summoning Contract: Not Awakened
Blessings: Heavenly God Accord, Demonic Abyss Authority – Grants compatibility with all forms of energy, techniques, and power systems. Bless with extra 20% Exp and free attribute points when level up. All Atk, defence and agility increased by 30%
His gaze moved slowly across the information.
"…Level 0."
A faint breath escaped him. It wasn't surprising. He had just awakened. Everything—Was at the beginning. But what mattered wasn't where he stood now.
It was what he could become. His eyes shifted toward the attributes. Strength. Physique. Agility. Balanced, but not overwhelming. Then—
Vitality: 75
Mana Qi: 89
Intelligence: 92.
A faint pause.
"…So that's my strongest point. And may be i can cultivate, so it combined two forms of energy into one? And made the Mana Qi. But what method is this? I haven't heard of it before.."
It is a question, which will be solved later. Still It explained everything—his clarity, his control, his ability to adapt quickly.
"…Good."
Then he moved further. Magic. 0 Tier. No element awakened. His expression remained calm as he processed it.
Magic in this world wasn't simply about having it—it was structured in layers, each tier representing a deeper level of understanding and control.
The first tier was the foundation, the stage where one had access to raw energy but had yet to form a true elemental connection. Beyond it, higher tiers allowed specialization, evolution, and eventually mastery over elements that could shape battlefields.
"…So I haven't chosen a path yet."
Or rather, He wasn't restricted to one. His gaze shifted again.
Strength classification followed a similar structure. Each tier marked a threshold of physical and internal capability. The first tier represented basic enhancement—above normal humans, but still limited.
The second and third tiers expanded into superhuman levels, while higher tiers broke those boundaries entirely, turning individuals into forces capable of overwhelming environments themselves.
"…Everything starts from Tier 1."
A foundation. A base to build upon. Then—
Sword Power: Unknown.
Demonic Power: Unknown.
Cultivation: Mortal.
He understood what that meant. Untouched. Unrefined. Potential. Waiting.
"…And this…"
His gaze rested on the final part.
Blessings.
Heavenly.
Demonic.
Two opposing forces. Both within him. Both granting him something that shouldn't exist.
"…Compatibility with everything…"
A faint smile appeared. That alone, Was enough to break the rules of this world. He leaned back slightly, letting the information settle completely.
"…Also grants with extra 20% Exp and free attribute points when level up. All Atk, defence and agility increased by 30%.. Meaning I'll be always one step ahead from everyone... Not bad for a start."
Then, Another thought surfaced. The login reward.
"…Lottery ticket."
His eyes sharpened slightly. He had already experienced it once. And the result, Had not disappointed.
"…Let's try again."
He activated it without hesitation. The system responded instantly. A familiar sensation appeared, the subtle rotation of unseen probability, the quiet anticipation of what could emerge.
For a moment, Nothing. Then, It stopped. A notification appeared. His gaze focused. Whatever came next, Would be his next step forward. And tomorrow, Would be the stage where he used it.
---
To be continued...