The sun rose gently over the village of Elderwill, casting golden light over the cobbled paths and wooden homes. A soft breeze carried the scent of fresh bread and wildflowers, but beneath the surface of calm, the village buzzed with anticipation.
Today was the Awakening Ceremony.
Cassian—though only Harry knew the truth—stood silently among the others his age. His black hair ruffled slightly, and his green eyes, reflecting a light too gentle to belong to him, gazed forward without expression.
He didn't care much for the ceremony. But the body did—Cassian's soul had longed for this day.
The village square had been transformed, runes drawn with ash and salt, a ceremonial altar at the center, where the elder would awaken each child's destined class.
One by one, villagers stepped forward.
"Warrior!"
"Elementalist!"
"Knight!"
Each name was met with cheers, warm embraces, hopeful tears. The young ones beamed, their futures beginning.
Then came his name.
"Cassian," the elder called, voice solemn.
He stepped forward. His body moved smoothly, calmly. He could feel Elwill's eyes on him, and his mother clasping her hands tightly to her chest.
The elder placed a hand over his heart and muttered ancient words.
The wind stilled.
A faint, glowing white light spread from his chest. It wasn't fiery like the knights, or wild like the mages. It was gentle—almost soft.
A small glyph appeared above his head.
And with a voice that felt like a curse, the elder spoke:
"Healer."
Whispers. Silence. Then laughter.
Some laughed quietly, some with pity. Others looked away, faces twisting in annoyance.
"Another one?"
"What a waste of potential."
"They always die first."
Cassian stood frozen.
The elder's gaze, however, didn't falter. He leaned close, whispering, "Yours… is no ordinary healing. The light in you is strange. Almost… divine."
Cassian blinked.
"Just don't let the world twist that light."
He returned to his family, who smiled at him like nothing had gone wrong. Elwill grabbed his sleeve. "Big brother's a healer! That's like… a magic doctor, right?"
He smiled weakly.
But deep inside, Harry was seething. A hated class? A non-combat role? How could he survive in a world like this?
Yet, when he tried to curse under his breath or grumble about his misfortune… his body refused to let him.
A soft sting pierced his chest. A divine warning.
'Right…' he thought bitterly. 'I'm still being punished, aren't I?'
The celebration that followed was awkward. The other teens were already dreaming of adventures, guilds, and glory. Cassian's future looked like a path made of thorns.
But then… a voice whispered:
[Your class: Healer (Rare)]
[Special Trait Gained: Power of Belief]
("When your intentions are pure, and your heart unwavering—your belief will grant what you wish.")
He stared at the glowing text no one else could see. And for a moment, the bitterness in his chest dimmed.
Maybe he couldn't fight. Maybe he was hated.
But he had a second chance.
And this time… he'd carve a new legend with nothing but kindness and spite.
-To be continued...