Klein, Cynthia, and Arwen stood together in the bustling outer hall of the Grand Temple, waiting for their assigned sector to open.

Klein and Cynthia were chatting casually while Arwen stood beside them, quietly listening with a small smile.

With a thoughtful look, Cynthia asked "If only I had awakened when I was 21, what do you think I would have gotten? Maybe a super rare class like ’Seductress Queen’ "

Klein let out a dry laugh. "They don’t have classes like that."

"You never know," she winked. "The Goddess might take pity on me and grant me the power to make you blush on command."

Klein smiled softly and was about to reply when the sound of a powerful engine drew everyone’s attention.

Vrrrrrm-

A luxurious black and gold car pulled up right in front of the temple’s VIP entrance and the emblem of a golden lion holding a sword was proudly displayed on the hood.

he door opened and a woman stepped out gracefully.

She had striking, long crimson-red hair that flowed down to her waist.

She was wearing a high-end white combat dress and a golden brooch with the same lion emblem rested on her chest.

Murmurs immediately spread through the crowd.

"Isn’t that...?"

"Lady Eveline von Langford!"

"The Duke’s eldest daughter!"

Evelyne von Langford, daughter of Duke Evander von Langford, one of the most powerful nobles in the entire Eastern Region.

At only 24 years old, she was already famous as a genius with an Legendary grade class.

Klein blinked in surprise as he could feel the powerful aura emanating from her.

Right after Evelyne, another young woman stepped out of the car.

She appeared slightly younger with similar crimson-red hair, though hers was cut shorter, falling just past her shoulders.

Julia von Langford.

"That’s her younger sister," Arwen whispered beside Klein. "I think her name is Julia von Langford. She’s the same age as you."

Cynthia crossed her arms, "Seems like she is also here for the Awakening Rite."

Evelyne casually flipped her long red hair over her shoulder and began walking toward the VIP entrance.

Julia too followed her sister into the VIP entrance.

Several bodyguards and attendants followed closely behind her.

However, just as she was about to enter, Evelyne suddenly paused ’Spirit aptitude? And this much?’

Her eyes swept across the crowd and stopped directly on Klein’s group, more specifically, on Klein himself.

’Huh? Such pure spirit energy... from a man? Are my eyes deceiving me?’

She stared at him for a few long seconds and a faint, intrigued smile appeared on her lips.

Cynthia noticed the stare immediately and frowned.

"What’s her problem?" She muttered under her breath. "Why is she looking at you like that?"

Arwen also looked slightly uncomfortable but remained quiet.

Evelyne turned and continued walking without saying a word.

However, one of her attendants quickly approached Klein’s group.

"Excuse me," the well-dressed woman said politely. "Lady Evelyne wishes to know the name of that young man."

She pointed directly at Klein.

Klein raised an eyebrow "Why?"

The attendant smiled faintly "Her Ladyship said she sensed something about you. She would like to speak with you after the Awakening Rite concludes."

Cynthia’s grip on Klein’s arm tightened. "Tell your lady that he’s not interested."

The attendant ignored Cynthia completely, keeping her eyes on Klein, clearly waiting for an answer.

Klein stared at the attendant for a moment before replying "I will... think about it."

"I will relay that to My Lady." The attendant gave a slight bow and returned to Evelyne side.

As the noblewoman disappeared into the VIP section, Cynthia clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"These nobles really think they can just snap their fingers and everyone will come running," she grumbled.

"What do you think that was about, Kay?"

Klein shook his head, "I don’t know..."

Meanwhile, Arwen had a deep frown on her face ’Did she sense the spirit energy in Klein’s body?’

’Now that I think of it, Evelyne herself has great aptitude for spirit energy. So that must be it.’

’A man wielding spirit energy has never happened before.’

Sighing softly, she scratched her neck ’It is gonna stir up some trouble, I guess.’

A cold glint passed through her eyes ’Doesn’t matter. If she tried to do something, I will just kill her.’

Cynthia’s gaze condensed "Nobles really are something else."

Arwen glanced at Cynthia "She’s not just any noble. The Langford family controls nearly half the Eastern Region’s resources. If she’s interested in you... it could be both good and bad."

Klein shook his head slightly, "Let’s not worry about her right now. We should focus on the Rite."

The grand bell rang once again and a group of priests in white and gold robes stepped onto a raised platform in the center of the hall.

"Participants of Batch 47, please proceed to Sector C. The Awakening Rite will commence shortly," one of the priests announced. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"That’s us," Arwen said softly.

The three of them began walking toward Sector C, following the flow of nervous young men and women.

As they walked, Klein remained mostly silent as his mind was still lingering on that strange reaction he felt after seeing the Goddess’s statue.

Cynthia noticed his quiet mood and leaned closer, bumping her shoulder against his.

"Klein. No matter what happens in there... you know we’ve got your back, right?"

With a softchuckle, he nodded "Yeah... I know,"

They reached the entrance of Sector C and a large chamber with dozens of glowing circular platforms was arranged neatly.

Each platform was meant for one participant.

Priests and temple attendants moved around, guiding people to their assigned spots.

A young female priest approached them with a gentle smile.

"Welcome. Please present your identification."

After checking their IDs, she led Klein to Platform No. 17.

"You will stand here. When the ceremony begins, place your hand on the crystal orb in front of you and close your eyes. Let your mind relax. The Goddess will do the rest."

Klein nodded and stepped onto the platform. Arwen and Cynthia stood just outside the boundary line, watching him.

Arwen gave him a soft, loving look "We’ll be right here."

Cynthia winked at him "Give it your best shot, little Kay."

Klein took a deep breath and placed his hand on the glowing crystal orb.

The moment his fingers touched it, he felt a faint pull.

And for the first time, a faint mix of black and golden energy flickered deep within his body.

The head priest raised his staff high above his head.

"Let the 248th Awakening Rite... officially begin!"

A brilliant pillar of light shot up from the center of the temple, bathing the entire hall in divine radiance.

The Awakening has started.

Deep inside Klein’s chest, the black heart gave a single pulse.