Coal Archer

The Land of Swords

It was once the birthplace of one of humanity's three great heroes, a warrior whose sword strikes felled millions of monsters, paving the way for humanity's survival. With his unparalleled strength, alongside the other two heroes, they brought peace to Earth, vanquishing the demons who sought to eradicate humanity. They even stood against the gods who treated mortals as pawns, delivering justice to all players who abused their power.

In their honor, grand statues were built in their homelands, and cities grew around these monuments, believed to offer protection against the ever-lurking monsters.

Year 974 AC (After the First Calamity)

Current Event: The Day of Awakening

The Day of Awakening is a momentous occasion where every person receives their rank and class. The luckiest awaken with powerful classes that promise a brighter future, while others receive less fortunate roles, destined for simpler lives. The ranks range from the coveted Diamond to the lowest, Copper. Society places high value on this high Rank, as they can secure wealth, status, and influence.

At the base of the Hero of Swords statue, glowing crystals float in midair, casting an ethereal light. Lines of students stretch toward them, each filled with hope, dread, or pride. Mages in flowing robes stand ready to guide the ceremony, their soft chants merging with the tense murmurs of the crowd. Beyond the crystals, the foreboding gates of the 10 Dungeons of Trials await. Awakening is merely the first step; surviving the trials determines who among them has what it takes to walk the path of a player.

The gathered students form groups, their chatter a mix of nervous excitement and speculative bravado. Some speak of the class they dream of, others fret over their ability to survive the trials, and a few radiate confidence, secure in their belief that greatness is their destiny.

Among them, one student stands apart, panting slightly, his mismatched attire drawing a few curious glances. He wears thick, layered jackets over moss-colored pants, and his leather shoes appear heavy and worn—clothing more suited to a harsh winter than this momentous day. Fixing his hood to compete covering his face, he begun to have his inner dialogue

It's been over two decades since I was reborn into this world. Today, I'll finally awaken as a player. To think this moment would come... Honestly, it feels surreal. But compared to the life I had before this? It's not much. I mean this is not even that surprising for me, i live in a world were zombie's were literal demi god that can destroy an entire continent on their own.

He wipes his brow and adjusts his layers. Still, it's strange to remember my past life. Not everything, though—just bits and pieces. Most of it's a blur.

"Hey! Hey! HEY!"

The sharp voice snaps him from his thoughts. Turning, he sees a white-haired boy flanked by several well-dressed students, their expressions a mix of amusement and disdain.

"Ugh, not this guy again," he mutters under his breath. From elementary to high school, he's been a thorn in my side.

The white-haired boy smirks, his tone dripping with condescension. "What's with that look of yours? You do realize today is the Day of Awakening, right? Shouldn't you dress better, orphan?"

The lone student clenches his jaw but forces himself to remain calm.

"I dressed like this on purpose," he replies only in his head. It's not like I had much choice. Since I was reborn here, I realized something: I can't wield weapons or fight. I can't even retain knowledge about the gates or this world's mechanics. No matter what I tried, it never stuck.

His eyes flick toward the looming gates in the distance. The trials are an unknown. If something I can't see attacks me as i entered those high chance I won't be able to dodge it , I'd rather have layers of defense than flashy clothes.

He looks back at the white-haired boy, who is still smirking.

I really hate this kid. Still to think this kid would become into this kind of person

this kid used to be decent—back in elementary school, before the ranking of our grades were revealed he was so clingy to me.

Ever since then, he's been obsessively competitive.

Sorry, kid. But you're not fighting against someone your own age. If i add all the thing i have done and accomplished back then, I've probably been alive longer than your parents.... Even if you combined their age.

He scoffs, shaking his head.

And no need to remind me about being an orphan. Beside I still don't buy the story about my parents dying in a B-rank dungeon. They were both powerful players—level 8, for crying out loud, Back then, that's equivalent to being over level 80 today. No way they died in a level 40 red dungeon. Someone killed them. I don't have proof, but I know it wasn't just a freak accident.

As he loses himself in thought, a booming voice interrupts the buzzing crowd, echoing across the courtyard.

"Attention, everyone! The Awakening will now commence. Please line up and do not attempt to sneak in. Everyone will have their chance to awaken. Also, mind your manners. This year, we have a special guest joining us."

The announcement sends ripples of excitement and speculation through the students. Whispers spread like wildfire.

"A special guest? Who could it be?"

"Even an S-rank player came out to announce it—must be someone big."

The booming voice returns, silencing the crowd.

"Allow me to introduce the New Saintess, who traveled all the way here from the Holy Land!"

.

..

...

....

The students erupt in shock, their murmurs growing louder.

"The Saintess? Here? No way!"

"She came all this way? By herself?!"

The lone student's brow furrows as he watches the crowd's reaction. He mutters under his breath.

The Saintess, huh? Must be some big deal if even S-ranks are making a fuss.

"Quiet!" the announcer barks, regaining order. "We will now proceed with the Awakening. All of you should already know the process by now. If you don't... why are you even here?"

A few students laugh nervously, but the crowd settles down as the instructions continue.

"Here's a refresher: when it's your turn, place your hand on the crystal, focus your mind, and pray for your Awakening. Once it's done, your rank and class will appear. Simple enough. Now, proceed in an orderly fashion."

The announcer's voice softens. "And don't worry about the Saintess. She's only here to observe your advancement."

The students form neat lines, their earlier conversations replaced by a tense silence. All eyes dart between the glowing crystals and the figure of the Saintess standing in the distance.

The lone student adjusts his heavy jacket and sighs.

Here we go. Let's see what kind of joke the system has for me this time. Last time it appeared when everything was already gone

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