Chapter 2

"S-rank! Miles awakened as an S-rank!"

"How many years has it been since Cosa City produced an S-rank Awakened?!"

"What was that phantom? It looked terrifying…"

"I heard the teacher say it's a succubus."

"A succubus? You mean the kind that specifically drains people of their…? That kind of demon?!"

"Damn, Miles hit the jackpot!"

"Jackpot, my ass. That kind of thing is fine in your fantasies—do you even know what a succubus is? You'd be drained dry in seconds."

The Awakening Chamber erupted into chatter. Even though Miles had summoned something as fearsome as a succubus, most of what filled the air was envy and jealousy.

Becoming an Awakened already meant a meteoric rise in status—let alone an S-rank. That was the kind of existence others could only look up to.

Even Dario stood frozen, stunned. He had never expected a small place like Cosa City to produce an S-rank Awakened.

The phantom faded, and everything returned to normal.

"Miles… your future is limitless," Dario said, his voice trembling with excitement. "In a few days, the Four Grand Academies will be fighting over you. Cosa High is about to become famous."

His eyes gleamed with intensity.

In a school like this, producing even an A-rank Awakened was rare. Now they had an S-rank as well—its reputation would soar because of Miles.

Beside him, Patrick was practically glowing with joy, his face flushed as if he'd just been handed a fortune.

An A-rank Beast Path—Adamantine Bear—and an S-rank Summoning Path… both from his class. His status in the school would be untouchable now. He might even be transferred to a higher-tier academy.

"Miles, congratulations. Come with me to the principal's office later."

Barely containing his excitement, Patrick added, "Jaxon, you come too."

"Got it."

Miles nodded and stepped aside to let the remaining students finish their awakenings.

The moment he moved back, countless eyes turned toward him—some filled with envy, others with admiration. A few girls even cast flirtatious glances his way.

An S-rank Awakened…

If they could get close to him, their futures would be secure.

Miles ignored the attention and walked over to Jaxon.

"Miles, that's fuckin' dope! An S-rank Awakened!" Jaxon shouted, his face lit with excitement.

There wasn't a trace of jealousy—only genuine happiness.

He knew how hard Miles's life had been. Now that he'd awakened—and at S-rank, no less—those days of struggle were over.

"Can you keep it down? You're about to rupture my eardrums," Miles said, wincing.

"Heh, sorry." Jaxon scratched his head sheepishly.

Miles himself was just as thrilled. Not only had he obtained a system—he'd drawn a succubus.

A succubus!

Just thinking about it made his heart race. If there weren't so many people around, he would've summoned it on the spot.

"Miles… can you, uh… summon that succubus and let me see it?" Jaxon asked eagerly. He wanted to know what an S-rank summon actually looked like.

After all, they'd only seen a vague silhouette. Since it was S-rank, there was no way it was weak.

Even though Jaxon lowered his voice, everyone nearby heard him loud and clear. Heads turned instantly—curiosity burning in their eyes. They wanted to see it too. Was it really as alluring as the rumors claimed?

"No problem." Miles agreed without hesitation. He was curious himself.

Just as he prepared to connect with his Summoning Path, Dario's voice rang out, "He doesn't have enough essence yet to summon an S-rank creature. Forcing it would damage his core. Focus on your discipline—your future is boundless."

Miles paused, then quickly understood.

"Yes, sir."

Dario raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. He had expected arrogance from an S-rank Awakener—but Miles showed none.

'Good temperament. A promising seed,' he thought.

The awakening session soon concluded. Aside from another C-rank Weapon Path—a spear—no one else succeeded.

After teaching Jaxon how to control his transformation, Patrick led the two of them to the principal's office.

…

At the Principal's office, Principal Steve Hitchcock had already received the news and was waiting eagerly.

"S-rank! This is it—I'm getting promoted and rich!" he muttered to himself, barely containing his excitement.

"Principal Hitchcock, I've brought Miles and Jaxon," Patrick called from outside.

Principal Hitchcock personally opened the door to greet them. Building a relationship with an S-rank Awakened was absolutely essential.

"Come, come—Miles, have a seat."

He ushered Miles in warmly. A pot of premium tea had already been prepared.

"Miles, I never imagined you'd awaken an S-rank Summoning Path. You've brought great honor to Cosa High!"

Principal Hitchcock laughed heartily, his face flushed with excitement.

Miles wasn't surprised by the sudden change in attitude. In a world where strength reigned supreme, power naturally commanded respect.

"Principal Hitchcock, it's all thanks to you and Mr. Leron for your guidance," Miles replied modestly.

"Not arrogant, not impatient. Good." Principal Hitchcock nodded approvingly. He took out two cards, placed them on the table, and pushed them toward them.

"There's five thousand in this one—consider it a personal reward from me. The school's official reward has already been submitted and should be approved by tomorrow.

"Jaxon, yours has two thousand. Like Miles, your official reward will arrive tomorrow."

With their talent, Cosa City would never be their final stage. Building goodwill now was crucial.

"Thank you, Principal Hitchcock."

Miles accepted without hesitation.

Jaxon had wanted to refuse, but seeing Miles take it, he followed suit and expressed his thanks.

Satisfied, Principal Hitchcock nodded.

"In the next two days, the Four Grand Academies will come recruiting. Be prepared. Each one is excellent—it'll come down to your choice."

Anyone who awakened an A-rank or higher Path qualified for direct admission—no exams required.

"Two days? That fast?" Miles asked, surprised.

He had just awakened today, and they were already coming?

"It's perfectly normal," Principal Hitchcock said with a smile. "An S-rank isn't something you see every day. Now that one's appeared, of course they'll rush over like mad."

"I understand."

Miles nodded.

Principal Hitchcock then briefed them on the basics of the Four Grand Academies.

By the time Miles left the school, evening had fallen.

"Jaxon, be careful on your way home," Miles said as they parted at an intersection.

"See you tomorrow, Miles!" Jaxon replied, brimming with excitement. He couldn't wait to tell his parents.

"Guess I'll skip work today… Better head home first. Succubus, here I come… heh heh heh…"

Miles's wicked little chuckle echoed down the street.