"2030, our world suffered an unknown disaster, after which horrible monsters we called Gods appeared and hunting people everywhere."
Teacher is giving speech about history on the lectern.
"In the following decade, the society and civilization of human beings are totally destroyed. Until 2040, some began to awake different superpower and fight back Gods, we call them the Awakened."
Kael sat at the back of classroom, leaning on the wall and yawning loudly.
Boooooring. Those bullshxt useless lessons should all be canceled. At such an apocalyptic, only becoming awakened and holding power can get oneself survive, not those stupid courses and exams.
"After years of efforts, human beings win themselves several peaceful areas to catch a breath. We call the new established city Security Zone, "
Yet Kael's yawn didn't stop teacher's talk. Although he cast a angry look on Kael.
Kael shrugged his shoulder, not caring at all.
Everyone in the school knew he is doing bad on learning, while being an orphan, living poorly at the suburbs of suburbs.
At this, Kael put his hands up to interrupt in the lecture. "I got a question, sir!"
The man standing showed confusion, didn't reply, for Kael never give good shxt.
As if not noticing his indifference, Kael asked loudly.
"How to become an Awakened?"
This question ignited other students' enthusiasm about it.
After all, everybody hope one day they could awake and get power, because being Awakened not only means you're powered, there are also many privileges.
The teacher rolled his eyes and replied in an mocking voice.
"You guys just stop asking this kind of nonsense and making daydreams. Especially you Kael!"
He pointed Kael.
"Only a very small group of people would awake power, and they're often happening among those with great wealth or political authority."
"Instead of making dreams like that, you'd better focus on your learning and get to a better academy after high school graduation. Although most of you won't pass the exam, you could still find a job to get your ends meet after leaving the school. Otherwise you just look forward starvation in the future!"
At this, the noise in classroom began to dim out. Students knew he is right. They have rare chance to get in that. During the past 7 years of school history, there was none awakened after all.
Withdrawing the standing hand, Kael switching his view to the outside of window, mind emptying.
Kael letting out of a sign. He has read some pieces of paper from books about Awakeneds' story.
Initially, humanity had no means to resist the attacks of the Gods, and existing weapons proved utterly ineffective against them. It wasn't until the first Awakened emerged after the catastrophe—a warrior sequence Awakened, who barehandedly slew the first God ever killed by humans—that the tide began to turn.
At this thought, Kael couldn't help but sigh. "Studying could never save human beings."
Rather than wasting time in class, he'd be better off figuring out how to fight skills he'd need to deal with the gang of troublemakers constantly harassing him in the outskirts.
Lost in thought as he stared out the window, Kael failed to notice his homeroom teacher spotting his distraction. The middle-aged man, his face etched with stern disapproval, bellowed at him:
"You idiot! Still not attending your lesson? The government spends so much money to feed and educate orphans like you for free, and this is how you waste it? Get out and stand in the hallway for 1 hour!"
This wasn't the first time. Kael briskly rose and walked out to the corridor, where he resumed his vacant gaze at the sky. High above the distant danger zones, flocks of avian Gods circled ominously.
Gradually, Kael's eyelids grew heavy, and his vision blurred.
Suddenly, fragmented whispers began to fill his ears—soft murmurs at first, then swelling into a deafening roar.
In his mind, countless cryptic symbols materialized, their strokes writhing like black worms, unconsciously rearranging themselves into a language he could understand:
***
Sequence: Gods Eater
Level: 0
Ability: Eat Gods to strengthen yourself
***
Kael's heart raced. Had he awakened ability? Become one of the Awakened?
Though no special power manifested yet, the awakening Sequence had already drastically enhanced his physical condition. His once frail body, weakened by hunger and cold, visibly filled out with newfound strength.
A mix of shock and exhilaration surged through him. This meant he'd no longer be bullied—those who looked down on him would pay.
Kael scrutinized the words in his mind. Years of cautious survival sharpened his instincts, and he quickly realized his ability seemed unique: "Devour Gods to strengthen oneself."
From what he knew, human society still had no effective way to utilize the remains of the Gods. There had been daring researchers who tried consuming the carcasses of fallen deities, but the results were clear: no danger, but no effect either.
The thought of being dissected in a lab for his unique ability sent a chill down his spine. He decided to explore it alone first. Only when he was strong enough would he reveal his awakening.
OK, let's head to the Internet cafe and check it out. There is a forum dedicated to the Awakened, and there should be a lot of useful information.