-Zik Capital City, Aegis Empire-

The capital city of the Aegis empire was bustling more than usual. The cars were 10 times the usual number that usually drove the roads. People of different races filled the streets walking in different directions.

A middle aged man and his son were among the people walking on the streets. The usually vacant road they took home was filled to the brim. His son, no older than 7 years noticed the unusual bustling of the city and turned to his guardian.

"Papa, why are there so much people on the streets today?"

The middle aged man smiled at his son and replied.

"It's the awakening test today."

"Awakening? What's that?" The boy asked; his face filled with curiosity.

The middle aged man frowned. Damn this son of his. Him asking this question meant that his son rarely paid attention in class. This was basic knowledge that should have been drilled into his son's brain. He made a mental note to meet with his teacher the next day.

"It's the test taken by most kids when they reach the age of 14. If they pass the test, they will become very powerful and take care of monsters easily!"

The boy's eyes widened at the mention of the word powerful. He always wanted to be strong. If he was strong he wouldn't have to go to school and meet his teacher who always kept teaching him annoying things.

"Papa i want to awaken!" the boy shouted, looking at his father with a pitiful expression. Unfortunately, all he got was a knock in return. He was still rubbing his head when he heard his father's voice.

"You're still too young. When you're older, it'll be your turn"

The middle aged man grabbed his son's hand and they kept on walking. Soon, the father and son duo blended into the huge crowd.

***

-The Military Academy, Aegis Empire-

Lukas walked out of the shower after taking his bath; his bathrobe still draped around his naked body. His body was a sight to behold, firmly packed with the right amount of muscles for his age. He stood at a impressive 175cm tall. His skin a healthy brown colour. His face had lost any form of androgyny, looking very boyish. His silver hair was cut a bit low now. He wore earrings on both of his ears.

Lukas donned his military uniform and wore his boots before stepping out of his dorm. He was quickly joined by his fellow friends as they made their way towards the academy bus. Lukas entered the bus and took the seat by the window side. He brought out a pair of airpods from his bag and inserted them in his ears. He looked out the window as music played from the airpods.

It had been 4 years since he came to this world. Lukas was 14 now. Today, with his friends, were going to the capital city to take their test. This was the first time Lukas would be visiting the capital city. He had never left the 4 walls of the academy grounds except during drills. Even at that, the drills were done in either abandoned places or the military properties. Today he would he leave the walls of the academies and break free from its shelter. After today, he would have to fend for himself; whether he awakened or not.

***

-Zik Capital City, Etienne Mansion-

In a spacious and well decorated room in the Etienne mansion, Ayleen looked at herself in the mirror with confidence in her gaze. She was wearing a stylish black gown with beautiful yellow designs on it that brought out her blonde hair. She was finally going to awaken today. She was extremely confident that she would not fail.

In fact, it had never really crossed her mind that she would fail. She was also extremely confident that she would be the best among her age mates this year. All her training and exercises had been for this moment.

A knock on the door jolted her out of her thoughts.

"Ayleen? Are you there? It's me! Bella!"

"Coming!" Ayleen took one last look at her self before exiting the room. She greeted Bella and two of them chatted as they made their way to the expensive benz reserved for them. With all the special treatment it was obvious that they held special identities in the Etienne family.

Ayleen was the niece of the current Patriach of the Etienne family. Her parents had left the Etienne family around six years ago, when Ayleen was still 8 years old, for a S-ranked quest. She didn't know when they were coming back but she knew they were alive; as they sent her letters frequently.

Bella, Ayleen closest friend was the daughter of the captain of guards of the Etienne family. Her mother died while giving birth to her while her father was mostly busy so due to this Bella was always seen with Ayleen. The two were mostly inseparable.

Ayleen and Bella made themselves comfortable in the backseat of the benz. As the car sped towards the awakening center Ayleen couldn't help but smile. The day she had been waiting for had finally arrived.