The Third Return of the Necrotic Magic Swordsman

As the formation for the class awakening ceremony was finally prepared, Darian clapped his hands to draw the students’ attention. His status alone demanded respect, and none dared ignore him—earning his disfavor could mean a bleak future.

"Alright, everyone. If you're ready, allow me to introduce the formation that will guide your awakening today—whether it aligns with your destiny or not," Darian announced, his voice steady and calm, yet brimming with authority. “Step forward, one line at a time. Enter the formation and stand in its center. Soon, you will feel a strange energy stir within you—do not resist it. Let it guide you. That energy will reveal the class slumbering inside your soul. Come now, and meet your fate.”

A wave of applause followed, rippling with nervous excitement. His words struck a chord in every student present.

“Students from Section One, proceed according to your roll numbers,” the Principal instructed, while the teachers moved into position, prepared for the long-awaited ritual.

Cedric stepped to the front of his class. "Alright, I will call your number. When I do, approach the stage and begin the process."

“Number one.”

A brown-haired student walked forward, his steps measured. Brown was a common hair color here, though others like black, blonde, fiery red, ocean blue, and even forest green also existed. But let’s not dwell on appearances—the moment was far too important.

The student bowed respectfully to the Principal and Darian before stepping into the center of the glowing formation. He placed his hand on the Awakening Crystal.

A brief glow emitted from the crystal, and his expression contorted as a strange sensation crawled through his body. He flinched but resisted the urge to pull away, knowing it might ruin the awakening.

Suddenly, his body shone with radiant light, and above him, a phantom warrior holding a massive shield materialized for all to see.

"A <Shield Bearer>," Darian murmured, his voice tinged with intrigue. “Not offensive, but highly useful in a team. His defense will be invaluable.”

The Principal remained composed, but inwardly, he was thrilled. A combat class right at the start was a great sign—even if it wasn’t flashy, it was practical. That could earn favor from the CGA’s branch and validate the academy’s formation.

As the illusion faded, the Awakening Crystal flickered again. A letter emerged—
<D>

The class’s rank.

Among hunters, grades mattered. Anything below <C> was considered low-tier, unlikely to gain recognition.

"A decent class, though sadly a low rank," the Principal commented, just loud enough to be heard.

The student bowed once again and walked off the stage. Though a part of him was disappointed, the cheers and congratulations from his classmates lifted his spirits. He had awakened. That alone was a victory.

Then Cedric called the next student—a girl known for her kindness and popularity. Everyone watched with hopeful anticipation.

She stepped onto the stage and entered the formation. At first, a soft glow, then... nothing.

No phantom. No flash of light. No awakening.

The silence was deafening.

She had not awakened a class.

Though she still possessed mana and could live an ordinary life, her path as a hunter was sealed shut. Her knees buckled, and she crouched in the middle of the formation, sobbing quietly.

Cedric, despite his arrogance during teacher competitions, showed a rare softness. He approached her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and offered quiet words of support. He knew her pain. He, too, had once failed to awaken.

Eventually, she returned to her friends, who hugged her, tears in their eyes. There was nothing they could do. Class awakening wasn’t something effort alone could achieve.

A short moment of silence followed—the first failure was always heavy.

The Principal gave Cedric a subtle nod. Darian didn’t have time to wait on sentiment. There were many more students to go.

Evan stood nearby, watching with narrowed eyes. He wasn’t here just to observe. He wanted to see this Lucas—possibly his future rival. If the boy was a destined talent, it would be smarter to eliminate him early. A strong destiny given time was always dangerous.

The ceremony continued. More students stepped into the formation, awakening to various classes—Knight, Archer, Assassin, Mage, Brawler, Martial Artist. Others received vital support roles like Healer, Shield Bearer, Scout, Formation Master, and Trickster—a rare class specializing in illusions and charm magic.

There were auxiliary awakenings too—Blacksmith Apprentice, Alchemist, Enchanter, Gardener, and Teacher.

Then, came a moment that captured everyone’s attention.

A girl awakened as a Paladin—a rare and noble class. Her visage revealed a radiant knight standing tall. Then, as if drawn by fate, the skies above the auditorium darkened. Thunder rumbled.

A beam of pure light descended like a divine judgment. Darian raised his hand calmly, creating a transparent barrier across the ceiling. The light passed through it unhindered, striking the ground before the knight's illusion.

The knight grasped the sword of light, his figure blazing like a chosen champion.

Moments later, the light faded, leaving behind a stunned audience and a class rank revealed—
<B>

The highest rank of the day so far.

Darian nodded. “This one… I recommend her for the CGA.”

With that, the awakening of Section One concluded. Eleven students had not awakened. None had surpassed <B>—but that was already a monumental achievement.

The Principal, recalling a certain past incident, whispered to Darian, “Let’s move this outdoors.”

Darian agreed.

Minutes later, the students were gathered on the academy’s main field. The formation was reassembled.

The teachers grumbled among themselves. The Principal had insisted on the auditorium, despite their advice. Now, he avoided their glares, clearly embarrassed by the failure.

Without delay, the awakening for Section Two began.

— To Be Continued —