The sun hung high over Jingzhou as Qin Lan and Lin Yue made their way through the city streets. The noise of carts, merchants calling out, and townsfolk moving about filled the air, but Qin Lan's mind was focused ahead — on the towering gates of the 3rd High School.
The school stood proudly on the edge of the city's education district, its stone walls weathered but strong. A crimson banner fluttered above the main entrance, embroidered with the characters: "Jingzhou No. 3 High School."
Beyond the gates, the courtyard was already buzzing with activity. Groups of students, some nervous, others excited, gathered in clusters, their uniforms crisp despite the tension in the air.
Lin Yue squeezed Qin Lan's hand gently. "This is it," she said softly. "The Awakening Ceremony. Everything changes after today."
Qin Lan swallowed, her heart pounding. The memories she carried mixed with the uncertainty of the future, but here, standing at the threshold of the school, those feelings steadied into resolve.
Inside, rows of teachers and officials lined the front steps, waiting to welcome the students. The headmaster, a tall man with silver-streaked hair and sharp eyes, raised his hand in greeting.
"Welcome, students of Jingzhou," his voice rang clear across the courtyard. "Today marks the beginning of your true journey. Your awakening will determine your path in this world."
Qin Lan glanced around. Some faces shone with determination; others were pale with worry. She wasn't sure what her awakening would bring, but one thing was certain — she wasn't alone.
He paused briefly, letting the weight of his words settle.
"About one hundred years ago, our world changed forever with the arrival of the Game Rules."
"Alongside these rules came the discovery of Awakening Stones — mysterious crystals that grant the power to awaken latent abilities within individuals like yourselves."
He raised a hand, palm open, as if revealing something invisible.
"Shortly after, strange dungeons, mazes, and towers began to manifest across the land — gateways to unknown realms filled with trials and treasures."
"Yet, these dungeons also brought danger. From their depths emerged evil beasts — corrupted creatures that threaten the balance of our world."
His gaze grew firm and resolute.
"You are the generation born after this great change, and today you stand on the threshold of awakening. Your talents and strength will be crucial in facing these threats and shaping the future."
He looked across the courtyard, his voice steady.
"Remember, the power you gain is a gift, but also a heavy responsibility. Use it wisely to protect what you hold dear."
As the headmaster stepped back to the podium, his voice grew calm and instructional.
"Now, before you begin your awakening, it is important to understand the paths that lie ahead. Once awakened, you will choose your profession — a path that will shape your skills, your role, and your place in this new world."
He paused, letting the students absorb his words.
"There are three main categories of professions: Combat, Auxiliary, and Life."
The students leaned forward, eager to hear more.
"Combat professions are those who face danger head-on — warriors, archers, mages, and assassins. They protect, fight, and lead in battles against the evil beasts and threats born from the dungeons."
He raised a hand, emphasizing each category.
"Auxiliary professions support those on the front lines — healers, strategists, scouts, and enchanters. They provide essential skills to keep their allies alive, enhance abilities, and uncover hidden truths."
His eyes softened.
"Life professions are the creators and sustainers of society — blacksmiths, alchemists, farmers, and merchants. Their skills build the foundation of our world, crafting tools, potions, and resources necessary for survival and growth."
The headmaster's gaze swept the courtyard once more.
"Each path holds value and honor. No path is greater than another. Your choice will define your journey, but it is your heart and determination that will determine your success."
He nodded firmly.
"Soon, you will awaken and discover your true potential. Be ready to face the challenges ahead."
With that, the headmaster stepped aside, allowing the ceremony to begin.
As the headmaster's final words echoed through the courtyard, a solemn silence fell over the students.
Then, with a signal from one of the faculty, several teachers stepped forward, wheeling out a large rectangular platform. Atop it rested nine smooth pedestals, each holding a shimmering stone the size of a fist — the Awakening Stones.
They pulsed faintly with light, like hearts beating in sync with the air itself.
"Class 3-A, step forward," called a staff member.
The students filed in one by one, nervous energy buzzing in the air. Qin Lan and Lin Yue stood somewhere near the middle of the line.
The first to step up was a tall boy with short brown hair and a cocky grin.
"Liu Zemin," a teacher read out.
He placed his hand on the stone.
A flash of red erupted from it, swirling around him like flames.
"Fire-Type Warrior. Good potential," the teacher noted with a small nod.
Liu Zemin turned to the crowd with a satisfied smirk and stepped back.
Next was a shy girl with glasses, her hands trembling.
"Han Meiyu."
She hesitated, then placed her palm on the stone. A gentle green light shimmered out.
"Botanist-class. Auxiliary Life Path."
Some students whispered in disappointment, but the teachers offered a reassuring nod.
"A strong support class in the right hands."
The line continued.
"Zhao Peng!"
A streak of blue and silver flashed the moment he touched the stone.
"Windblade Scout. Fast and agile," a teacher commented.
Cheers and murmurs followed.
A few more students awakened in turn — minor combat classes, basic life classes, and even one rare appraiser-type.
Then came Lin Yue.
She stepped forward with quiet confidence, her long hair swaying gently as she walked. The crowd fell into a hush.
She placed her palm against the Awakening Stone.
For a brief moment, nothing happened—then suddenly, a sharp gust of wind erupted outward.
A pale silver aura surged up from the stone, shaped like an ethereal sword slashing into the sky. The entire courtyard seemed to tremble.
The teachers exchanged glances.
"Swordmaster," one of them announced, his voice tinged with surprise. "High-grade combat class. Excellent potential."
A wave of murmurs rolled through the students.
"She got Swordmaster?"
"I thought she'd awaken something support-type…"
Qin Lan watched, a strange pride swelling in her chest. Even though the memories weren't hers, she could feel the original Qin Lan's joy at seeing her closest friend succeed.
Lin Yue turned and walked back with calm dignity, though her fingers were clenched tightly — whether from excitement or pressure, even Qin Lan couldn't tell.
Now, it was Qin Lan's turn.
She stepped forward.
The Awakening Stone pulsed quietly, waiting.
Her fingers hovered just above it for a moment… then she placed her hand down.
A soft, steady glow enveloped her palm, rising into the air above her head.
> Life Profession — Musician
A ripple of laughter broke out in the crowd.
"Musician? Seriously?"
"Guess someone's destined to perform in taverns."
"Hope she can at least sing on key!"
"Good luck slapping monsters with a song!"
The mockery spread like wildfire. Even some students who hadn't laughed openly exchanged smug looks.
Qin Lan stood frozen, her eyes fixed on the floating words.
The teacher in charge — who had been lively and encouraging for the previous awakenings — now only glanced at her with a dull nod.
"…Qin Lan. Life Profession: Musician. Common classification. Please step aside."
His tone was flat. Mechanical. As if he were reading from a script.
No congratulations. No encouragement.
Qin Lan lowered her hand and stepped back, her expression unreadable.
But the moment she moved, her vision trembled.
And then — a zither appeared in her mind.
Floating in the darkness of her consciousness, it gleamed faintly with silvery strings, as if made of moonlight and memory. Its presence thrummed softly in her soul, resonating with something deep and ancient.
Qin Lan stood there, her heart still heavy with embarrassment. The laughter had faded, but the sting remained sharp in her chest. The word "musician" echoed in her mind—something common, something seen as useless. Her fists clenched at her sides.
Then came the soft touch of a hand on her arm.
"Lan Lan," Lin Yue said gently, stepping close. Her voice was warm, like sunlight breaking through a cold fog. "Don't let them get to you."
Qin Lan looked up, eyes meeting Lin Yue's. Her friend's face held no judgment—only calm determination and a fierce kind of loyalty.
"But Yue'er… they're not wrong," Qin Lan said softly. "Musician… it's not even an auxiliary profession. It's just… it just sings."
Lin Yue shook her head. "No, you are a musician. That's different."
She took Qin Lan's hand firmly in hers. "I don't care if it's combat, life, or support. You awakened something real, and you're going to make it shine. We'll figure it out together."
Qin Lan blinked, surprised.
Lin Yue smiled with that steady, unwavering light in her eyes. "I promise, Lan Lan—I'll help you upgrade it. No matter what it takes. I won't let anyone look down on you."
A lump formed in Qin Lan's throat. For the first time since awakening, she felt something anchor her—something real.
"Thank you… Yue'er."
Lin Yue gave her hand a squeeze. "Always."
The zither in Qin Lan's mind thrummed softly, as if responding to the bond between them. And though uncertainty still lingered, a spark of hope quietly began to bloom.
Qin Lan closed her eyes and reached inward, focusing on the zither that now lived in her mind.
The image of the instrument appeared clearly—a sleek, elegant zither with strings that shimmered faintly like threads of silver light.
A translucent panel hovered beside it, glowing softly with information:
> Heavenly Melody Zither
Rank: 1(Upgradeable)
Type: Weapon
Soul-bound: Cannot be removed.
Skills:
Sound Wave Attack (Active): Releases a concentrated wave of sound that can damage enemies within range.
Healing Wave (Active): Sends out a soothing melody that heals wounds and restores vitality to allies.
Amplify Effect (Passive): Increases the power and effectiveness of all skills by 5 times at Rank 1. This multiplier grows with each rank upgrade.
Growth Potential: Unknown.
Qin Lan's eyes snapped open. This wasn't just a useless "singing" tool—it was a real weapon, capable of both offense and healing.
And that passive skill—amplifying skill effects fivefold—was a game changer.
If I train hard, this could become powerful enough to rival even combat professions.
A faint pulse of pride stirred within her chest as the zither's strings vibrated softly in her mind, waiting for her command.