Felix entered the pod, and logged into the game. His user ID information could be seen along with a fighter that looked nothing like Felix. Felix smirked, "I forgot to tell ya, you could also customize your avatar in this game."
The game then displayed an awakening tab. The list seemed almost endless.
"An awakening tab? Didn't you say it couldn't?" Raze asked.
"Well, it can't, but remember technology has improved. This awakening tab was added so the game could be used as a training tool. And guess what? It uploads awakening data of every awakening that is shared out there in the world, but only the ones that are out to the public. So my awakening and the original bloodlines awakenings aren't on there. Same goes to awakenings that are not yet discovered. However, I can select any awakening I want. Even though I can't use it in the real world." Felix said.
Raze and the others nodded. Now, most people who were playing the game wanted to get stronger and better at using their awakenings. Which means that they would usually only select their own awakening.
Felix smirked again, "Fun fact, did you know that this game is popular with the military schools? Well it was popular in the military even before these military schools were built." Felix paused briefly, letting the others soak up this information before continuing, "The military even have their own servers, which I'm pretty sure that they only connect to other military bases. Also, before you enter the game you can put in your power level. And once you do that, the game will match you with those who are around the same level."
Liam tilted his head slightly, "So, can I use this game to practice and improve my skill against other students without them knowing who I am?" he asked.
Beatrix, who was quiet till now, spoke, "Yes, you can. I've also played this game before. It actually helped me get better at hand to hand combat."
Meanwhile Raze was lost in thought. 'Perfect, this means I can play this game, get more experience in fighting, and improve my skills. This is exactly what I need. Maybe I can test out my skill, Piercing Slash in there…only if the pod can replicate the skill.'
Felix climbed out of the pod, smiling, "Well that's enough exploring for today. Let's freshen up for tomorrow, future soldiers!"
Beatrix rolled her eyes, but followed along.
Raze's gaze lingered on the pod just a little longer before the group started to head back to their dorm. 'Using the pods will definitely help me and prepare me for future battles.'
After a while the group finally made it back to their dorm.
The next morning, the dorm was already filled with activity. Sunlight filtered through the windows, catching the dust in the air as students hurried to get ready. Raze rubbed his eyes and swung his legs off the bed, stretching slightly. His half-ling body made mornings easier.
Felix was already awake, pacing in front of his bed while juggling a cup of something steaming. "Man, I swear, these mornings are worse than the VR pods sometimes," he muttered. "But hey, if we survive this, we'll be unstoppable."
Liam groaned from his bed, slowly sitting up. "I still don't get why breakfast has to be at 7:45," he complained, tugging at his messy hair.
Beatrix, as always, was calm. She already having her uniform ready and folded neatly. "Because discipline matters." she said flatly. "You'll get used to it, or you'll get left behind."
Raze smirked faintly and followed her lead, quickly getting dressed. He glanced at Felix, who gave him a thumbs-up before heading for the door.
By the time they reached the canteen, the smell of breakfast had filled the air. Students were grabbing trays and lining up, many chatting, and some silently staring at each other. Raze took a tray and grabbed a few pieces of fruit, careful to not waste any time. He noticed Felix digging in with his usual gusto, while Liam cautiously nibbled on bread. Beatrix picked at her food in an orderly manner, just enough to sustain herself.
After eating the breakfast, Raze's stomach felt empty despite the meal. 'I need more energy than this.' He made a mental note to try using the VR pods after classes.
After breakfast every student headed to their homeroom period.
Inside the classroom, Raze and his group sat at the back, taking their usual seats. The door clicked open, and Aria stepped inside. Her sharp, strict expression alone was enough to silence the room.
She moved to the front, her presence commanding, and began speaking. Raze barely registered her words at first. His gaze dropped to his wristwatch, the number 1 still glaring back at him like a brand. 'How am I supposed to deal with this?' he thought, frustration bubbling beneath his calm face.
He forced himself to listen, letting out a quiet sigh as he shifted his focus back to her voice.
As Aria wrapped up her lecture, the lights dimmed, and a bright blue projection shimmered into life at the front of the classroom. A massive holographic list filled the air, names grouped neatly under bold headers:
Enhancing Awakening
Shapeshifter Awakening
Elemental Awakening
…and more.
"Look carefully," Aria said, "These are your assigned combat classes starting tomorrow. You've been placed based in a class which you displayed during the tests. These aren't permanent. You may switch if you feel another class better suits your growth."
The students leaned forward, scanning for their names, murmurs rippling through the room.
Aria raised her hand and pointed at the screen. "If you don't see your name, that means one of three things: you're part of an original bloodline, a bloodline descendant… or your awakening is unique. In those cases, you're free to choose the class that best suits you."
Raze's eyes immediately darted to the holographic list. His name wasn't there. 'Of course… I should've expected this.'
Aria's voice cut in again, firm. "To choose your classes, check your wristwatch. You'll see a notification which says, 'Choose Your Class'. Click it, and you'll be taken to the registration screen. Remember this, you may only switch classes once per month. Choose wisely."
Raze looked at his wristwatch. Just as Aria had said, a small notification had appeared on the screen:
[Choose Your Class]
He tapped it, and another screen appeared. Instead of a set placement like the others had, his was wide open. Every category was unlocked, every option free for him to pick.
Raze stared at it in silence. 'The system really is keeping me on the outside of everything.'
Felix leaned closer, noticing Raze's silent look. "Yo, what's wrong? Don't tell me they forgot to put your name up there."
"They didn't," Raze said quietly, shaking his head. "I wasn't assigned at all. I get to choose."
"That's because you simply have no awakening." Beatrix said flatly.
"Ouch, that was kinda harsh, don't you think?" Felix said.
"Just speaking the harsh truth."
Liam, who still looked uneasy, glanced between them. "So, you get to choose which class you want to go to?"
Raze met their eyes one by one, his voice steady. "Yeah. I'm different. I don't know what that means for me yet… but I'm not going to fall behind you guys."
Felix smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Good. I'd hate to be carrying you forever."
That earned a small laugh from Beatrix, even Liam cracked a smile. Raze allowed himself the smallest of grins, before glancing back down at his wristwatch.