Chapter 2: Awakening and the Bond of Warships

Seven Years Later

Seven years had passed since Shane Wyne’s second chance at life began. In this world, adulthood was recognized at 30 years old, but at 23, Shane was already standing on the edge of a new chapter—his Awakening.

The Awakening Ceremony was an annual event, the day when fate separated the extraordinary from the ordinary. Each year, approximately 1,000 individuals awakened, though the exact number varied. The conditions for Awakening remained a mystery—neither lineage, wealth, nor intelligence could guarantee success.

For Shane, this moment would decide his future.

The Grand Awakening Ceremony

The Awakening Ceremony was held in the heart of Orion City, inside the Hall of Ascension. Thousands gathered in the colossal structure infused with Psionic Energy, their gazes locked on the floating blue crystal at the center—the Celestial Core. It was said to hold the will of the cosmos itself.

A deep voice resonated through the hall.

"Let the Awakening begin!"

One by one, participants stepped forward, placing their hands on the Celestial Core. Some felt nothing—a silence that sealed their fate as ordinary. Others erupted with power, their names etched into history.

Then, it was Shane’s turn.

He stepped forward, heart pounding. As he placed his palm against the crystal, a surge of energy rushed through him. A blinding light enveloped his body, and an ancient voice whispered in his mind:

"You have been chosen."

The Ranks of Awakening

The Awakening was not just about gaining power—it determined one’s potential for controlling Psionic Energy and commanding warships. The ranks were as follows:

Dormant – No Awakening. Ordinary.

Flicker – The weakest rank. Limited control over Psionic Energy.

Ember – Basic command of Psionic Energy, slow growth.

Ignis – Moderate proficiency in warship control.

Blaze – Recognized as an elite, strong potential for warship combat.

Inferno – Among the top-tier, able to manipulate Psionic Energy efficiently.

Astral – Extremely rare, able to synchronize perfectly with their warship.

Celestial – Near-mythical, capable of commanding entire fleets.

Voidborn – The unknown peak, rumored to wield reality-bending power.

As the light faded, the examiner’s voice echoed through the hall.

"Shane Wyne… Awakening Rank: Flicker!"

A wave of whispers spread through the crowd.

"A Flicker? He barely awakened!"

"With that rank, he’ll struggle to control even a basic warship."

Shane clenched his fists. He had awakened… but at the lowest possible rank.

Yet, as doubt and scorn surrounded him, he felt something deep within—an ember of defiance. The rankings weren’t absolute.

"I may be a Flicker now… but I will rise."

The Palace of Warships

After Awakening, those who succeeded were led to the next stage—The Majestic Palace.

A colossal structure floating above the planet, the palace was said to be older than civilization itself. It was here that every Awakened individual would bond with a warship—an extension of their very soul.

Stepping inside, Shane felt a presence calling to him. He wasn’t just choosing a warship. He was forging a bond that would define his future.

Little did he know, his journey was only beginning.

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