The semi-transparent glass doors slid open with a soft sound, and Daniel stepped into the Association.
The air inside felt different from outside—like this place didn't fully belong to the same world.
The floor was made of thick glass, and underneath it, streams of blue and violet energy flowed. With each step Daniel took, ripples of light spread beneath his shoes.
The walls on both sides were covered in transparent, magical panels that turned into display screens when touched by staff members. All around, holograms displayed the Association's rules, floor guides, and warnings about power misuse.
Above him, silver letters shone brightly on a floating sign:
"New Awakened Registration – West Hall, First Floor"
Daniel followed the marked path without hesitation. The moving stairs brought him to the first floor, where the air was full of excitement, fear, and anticipation.
The West Hall… It felt like a silent battlefield. Hundreds of people stood in neat lines—some still confused and tired from their recent awakening, others dressed in fancy outfits, accompanied by coaches or family members. Everyone was waiting for the same thing: to be registered as an Awakened.
He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. In this world, Awakened people were more famous than celebrities. Not surprising, really—they were the ones keeping the world safe.
Daniel joined the end of one line. The hall was filled with murmurs, but his mind stayed calm. A few people stood in front of him, and it would take some time to reach his turn.
He focused on his class, unsure whether he should reveal his class rank or not.
He didn't want to hide his power, but at the same time, he didn't want the whole world knowing that he was the only person with a transcendent class.
That could be dangerous—for both him and his family.
On the other hand, hiding his talent and power might also block him from many opportunities—and he didn't want that either.
'Wouldn't it be better to just show my abilities? They don't need to know my exact rank. Just knowing that it's a high-rank class should be enough. Let them imagine the rest.'
In the end, he decided to keep his class rank hidden for now. No need to hide his power, though. In fact, maybe showing off a little wouldn't be bad.
He just needed a good excuse for why a "Priest" had deadly combat skills.
While lost in thought, a short argument a few steps ahead caught his attention.
"Get up, girl. Stronger Awakened get priority. This isn't a daycare," said a flashy woman in a tight outfit with an annoying voice.
"If you don't move, we'll make you. And you won't like that," added a large, rough-looking man beside her.
A teenage girl, about sixteen, with short brown hair and a simple uniform that had some armor underneath, tried to stand her ground calmly.
"I'm awakened too… It's my turn… Why should—?"
Before she could finish, the man put his hand on her shoulder and shoved her.
"This isn't a place for bullies. Everyone learned to wait in line. You two can learn it too… or get thrown out and learn the hard way." Daniel, who had stayed still until then, stepped forward. His voice cut through the air like cold metal on stone.
He hadn't meant to interfere, but the girl reminded him of his sister—and somehow, his instinct told him she needed saving.
But why? He had never had instincts like this before.
"Who the hell are you to tell us the rules?" the woman said with a mocking smirk.
"Get lost, kid. Or don't you get who you're talking to?" the man stepped forward, his breath stinking of alcohol.
"Who am I? I'm your fucking father! Didn't your mom teach you to respect your dad?" Daniel stared him down.
"What did you say? You got a death wish?" the man growled.
A few people stepped back. The atmosphere grew tense—like a fight could break out at any moment.
But just as the man raised his hand, a sharp, robotic voice echoed from the entrance:
"Violation detected. Identifying subjects…"
Two Association guards in black-silver armor emerged from the crowd. One scanned the man and woman's digital IDs, and floating information appeared in the air—fines, warnings, past misconduct…
"Third offense. Power misuse. Threatening others in official Association space. Penalty: six-month access suspension. You're done here." The guard's voice was flat and professional.
Before the woman could even protest, the guards lifted them both effortlessly and tossed them out of the hall. A brief silence, heavy with respect, followed.
Daniel returned to his place in line. The girl stood up near the wall, her wide eyes confused. She scratched her neck and said softly,
"Thanks… If it weren't for you, I don't know what would've happened."
Daniel just gave her a short look, like there was nothing to thank for.
"Just mind your place."
And he turned back to the line. To him, what he'd done wasn't about heroism or kindness—just sticking to his principles. No need to bring up his instincts.
After the scene, Daniel quietly returned to his spot. He could still feel the surprised gaze of the teenage girl behind him.
But he didn't show any reaction.
Some time later, the holographic panel announced:
"Number 1281, Booth 4."
Daniel walked to one of the booths. Behind the desk sat a woman in her early thirties, wearing a sharp, professional uniform. She had narrow glasses that displayed data directly into her retina.
"Welcome. Please answer a few questions to receive your Awakening Card."
Her voice was calm and formal, but her eyes were sharp and observant.
"Full name?"
"Daniel Noir."
Her finger moved across the glass panel.
"Awakening date?"
"Yesterday. During the incident at Educational Zone 39."
She paused briefly, cross-checking data, but said nothing.
"Class and rank?"
"Fallen Priest. I'd prefer not to share my rank."
Her eyebrows raised slightly—but her only response was a half-second pause.
It wasn't unusual for Awakened to hide their class rank, so Daniel didn't think it'd be a problem. Still, he caught that small flicker of surprise in her expression.
He looked at her, waiting for a question or reaction. But she stayed silent.
"Everything's confirmed. Please take this."
From the device beside her, a small metal pin emerged with a glowing circular emblem in the center. It looked like a digital necklace, but it was much lighter and tougher than normal metal or crystal.
"This is your Awakening Badge. It grants you access to low-tier dungeons, use of powers in controlled areas, and connection to the main systems."
"Losing it will result in a fine and temporary system lock, so take care of it."
Daniel took the pin. It felt special to the touch.
"As a registered Awakened, you'll now receive a base monthly income—about 25,000 Zen. This amount can increase based on your dungeon activity and performance analysis."
"You're also eligible to join the Awakened Online Community. There, you can talk with others, read dungeon reports, train, or join group missions. Survival often depends on information."
She leaned forward slightly and said more softly:
"When your rank increases, your access to resources will improve. The Association store unlocks for Rank D and above—you'll find rare items, boosters, and limited magical gear there."
She paused, smiling with a more professional tone.
"There are other benefits too. Like free medical insurance for your immediate family, access to advanced training centers, and invitations to skill enhancement programs."
Daniel nodded. All good info—but the only thing that really mattered to him… was something else.
"Thanks."
"Welcome to the Association, Mr. Noir. I hope your presence benefits both you… and the world."