This ceremony wasn't just about awakening talents.
The event was more than just a gathering—it was a political spectacle, a grand display, and a fierce competition for talent. While everyone understood that, as the owner of the Labyrinth, he would have the first pick of the most extraordinary students, the sheer number of promising candidates left plenty for the others to contend over. Each faction took their designated place, dressed in their finest formal attire, ready to vie for whatever remained.
And in the presence of these titans of power, every student here knew—Whatever happened today would shape the rest of their lives.
Meanwhile Gareth Drakethorne stood at the base of the Rune Stone, his towering frame commanding attention.
Clad in his signature obsidian battle armor, with a crimson cape draped over one shoulder, he looked every bit the Overlord that he was—a conqueror of Labyrinths, a man who had carved his legend into history itself.
His golden eyes scanned the gathered students, his mere gaze weighing down on them like an invisible force.
At that moment, Gareth Drakethorne stepped forward, the atmosphere shifted.
His golden eyes swept over the students, and the weight of his gaze alone was enough to steal the breath from their lungs.
A conqueror. A legend. A man who had carved his name into the very foundation of this world. For many students, this was the first time seeing him in person.
They had heard the stories—tales of his impossible victories, of how he had cleared entire Labyrinths, of how he had crushed invading races without mercy.
But stories were one thing.
Seeing him in the flesh—standing there in his obsidian battle armor, his crimson cape flowing like blood against the light of the Rune Stone—was something entirely different.
A few students instinctively took a step back, their bodies reacting to the sheer pressure of his presence.
Others found themselves holding their breath, too intimidated to even blink.
Some, those with stronger wills, clenched their fists, trying to steel themselves, but even they couldn't fully suppress the cold sweat forming on their backs.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"T-that's the Overlord... I can't believe he's really here."
"He looks even more terrifying in person."
"Is this what true power feels like?"
A few students, those from elite families, tried to maintain their composure, but even they couldn't hide the subtle tension in their posture.
For the first time, many of them understood the difference between strength and absolute power. Without meaning too, Gareth's aura filled the entire place.
They were mere seedlings, while he was the storm that could uproot them with a glance.
The murmurs stopped abruptly as Gareth spoke, his deep voice cutting through the air like a blade.
And in that instant, the entire ceremony fell into complete silence.
Then, he spoke.
"Power is everything."
The single phrase sent a shiver down the spines of everyone present.
Gareth's voice was deep, unwavering, carrying the weight of absolute authority.
"Many of you stand here today, hoping for a talent that will define your future. Hoping for a power that will make you stand above the weak."
His gaze swept over the crowd, his presence suffocating yet intoxicating—a force of nature that demanded admiration.
"But hear me now—talent alone is not enough."
His voice rose, resonating through the open-air chamber.
"It is not talent that builds nations. It is not talent that conquers Labyrinths. It is not talent that protects humanity from extinction."
He paused, letting the silence settle in, before his next words cut through like a blade.
"Strength must be earned. Power must be taken. The world does not grant mercy to those who wait for fate to favor them."
The students listened in awe, hanging onto his every word.
"If you awaken a weak talent today, do not despair. If you awaken a great talent, do not grow complacent."
His golden gaze flickered towards Ethan, just for a fraction of a second.
"For in the end, power belongs to those who have the will to take it."
With that, he turned away, gesturing towards Magister Seraphine, who stood waiting beside the Rune Stone.
"Let the Awakening Ceremony begin."
The tension was thick as the first student stepped forward.
The student—a tall, broad-shouldered boy named Callan Ryse—approached the Rune Stone with nervous determination.
Following the instructions given yesterday, he took a small dagger from the podium, pressing it lightly against his thumb.
A single drop of blood fell onto the glowing green surface of the Rune Stone.
Immediately, the pillar pulsed, sending a surge of radiant energy into the air.
A holographic window formed in the beam of light.
[Callan Ryse - Awakened Talent: Titan's Endurance (Rank B)]
A mix of cheers and nods of approval filled the air. A B-rank talent—not extraordinary, but still powerful enough to secure a future as an elite warrior.
Callan exhaled in relief before stepping away.
One by one, students were called, repeating the process.
Some talents were strong. Some were weak. But each one held its own significance.
As he waited for his name to be called, Ethan couldn't ignore the constant buzzing of voices around him.
"Ethan, you think you'll get an S-rank? Your father is literally the Overlord, so it's basically guaranteed, right?"
"Man, you're so lucky, even if you awaken something decent, Lord Gareth will probably train you personally!"
"Hey, Ethan, if you awaken a strong talent, don't forget about us, yeah? We should stick together after this."
Ethan kept his expressions neutral, offering small nods and casual responses.
He had no interest in entertaining these people, but he understood the game they were playing.
They weren't here because they genuinely cared about him.
They were here because of his name.
Because of what he could offer them.
But Ethan had no intention of being their stepping stone.
Selene, standing beside him, clung onto his arm like she had every right to be there, her violet eyes gleaming.
"I can't wait to see what kind of talent you get, Ethan~" she whispered, pressing closer.
Ethan sighed.