I can see everything living beings do — no matter which world or universe they exist in. No matter how powerful they are, they cannot escape my eyes.
And now, I want to tell you a story — the story of a boy who became a man, and of a man who realized the importance of power and fame.
Oh! My apologies — I didn't tell you who I am. Well… I am the one they call "The Watcher."
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World: Thesis
Human Continent — Raven Empire, inside the Griffin Kingdom
Inside the Church of the Goddess Tishaa, the Goddess of Light and Judgment, the great hall was filled with children and their parents. Some looked nervous, others excited — for today was Talent Awakening Day, the most important day for anyone who had reached the age of sixteen.
A priest stood at the podium with a gentle smile. He cleared his throat and said,
"Hello, children — and parents. I know this is the day you've all been waiting for years. So, without any delay, in the name of the Goddess Tishaa, let us begin."
In the center of the hall stood an altar. Upon it rested a crystal orb the size of a human head. When a person who had turned sixteen placed their hand on the orb, it would reveal their talent — the special gift they were born with. Most awakened low-ranked talents, while high-ranked talents were extremely rare — one in a thousand, if that.
"The first name is Axal. Please come to the alter and place your hand on the orb," the priest announced.
A thin young man walked forward nervously. At this very moment, his future was about to be decided — not only for himself, but also the future human race children who is the age of 16.
Axal placed his hand on the orb. Suddenly, it glowed with an orange light.
"Oh! He awakened a D-rank talent."
"Well, a D-rank is common, but he can still live a comfortable life."
"Not bad, not bad."
"What do you think his talent is? Should I ask him later?"
"Shh! How can you ask that?" a third person said with a serious expression. "Don't you know it's taboo to ask someone about their talent?"
Indeed, revealing one's talent to others was dangerous. If an enemy learned it, the consequences could be fatal.
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Talent Ranks
Red — E-rank
Orange — D-rank
Yellow — C-rank
Green — B-rank
Blue — A-rank
Indigo — S-rank
Violet — SS-rank
White — SSS-rank
---
The ceremony continued. Many failed to awaken their talents, and those who succeeded mostly gained low ranks.
"Sigh… what a waste. Only low-level talents again this year."
"Yeah, not many good youngsters lately."
The priest cleared his throat again to draw everyone's attention.
"Now, the last person — Ragner," he said.
A boy in simple clothes stepped onto the altar. This was Ragner, the protagonist of our story. He placed his hand on the orb.
At first, nothing happened. Then, suddenly, a bright indigo light burst from the orb, flooding the entire hall with brilliance. The crowd gasped — indigo meant an S-rank talent!
"Wow! An S-rank talent!"
"Finally, the Griffin Kingdom has a third S-rank this year!"
"Yes! The first is the kingdom's princess, the second is that boy from a remote village — and now this one!"
"I heard both of them were invited to Astrid Academy. Maybe he'll get an invitation too. What luck!"
The people whispered excitedly.
The priest looked at the boy and asked gently, "Where are your parents, child?"
"I'm an orphan," Ragner replied softly.
"Oh… well, congratulations," the priest said with a kind smile.
Ragner only nodded and quietly left the church. Truth be told, he had only come here to try his luck — never expecting to awaken such a power.
Expect Ragner himself, no one knew what kind of S-rank talent he had gained.
But I know.
I know exactly what talent he awakened.
Because I am… The Watcher.
"Now… let the story begin".