After a month
Vincent stood at the foot of Horizon Guild’s massive corporate building, its towering glass windows reflecting the morning sun. The air was filled with a nervous tension that was hard to ignore. Around him, other unregistered awakeners milled about, some chatting in low voices, others standing alone, lost in thought. They had all received the same call—an invitation that was more of a demand than a choice.
“Can you believe it?” one man grumbled nearby. “Forcing us into this draft. I didn’t ask to be an awakener.”
“I heard the dungeons have gotten worse,” a woman replied, arms crossed. “It’s not like before when high-rankers could just walk in and take care of everything.”
“They say we’ll be trained and all,” someone else chimed in, “but I don’t trust it. It’s the guilds and government looking out for themselves.”
Vincent said nothing, as usual, letting the conversation swirl around him. He wasn’t here because he wanted to be. Like the rest, he had hoped for a normal life, despite awakening. But it seemed fate, or rather the government, had other plans.
The crowd funneled into the large lecture hall. The rows of seats filled quickly, and Vincent found himself in the middle, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Some looked anxious, others excited, but most, like him, were simply resigned.
After a few mintues, a man soon appeared on stage, commanding immediate attention with his presence. He was a well-built man in his mid-30s, his gaze sharp and his posture disciplined. “Listen up,” he began, his voice booming through the hall.
“I’m sure many of you are wondering why you’re here,” the man said, his voice carrying through the room. “Let me make it simple. The dungeons have changed. Where once they were manageable, they now require the cooperation of many. The government has initiated a draft for all unregistered awakeners between the ages of 18 and 50. Whether you wanted this or not, you’ve been chosen.”
A ripple of discontent passed through the room, but the man ignored it and continued. “For the next three months, you will undergo training—training that will prepare you for the new reality of dungeon raids. At the end of this period, you’ll be tested. The dungeon you are assigned will match your rank, and success will mean a generous reward from the government.”
A man in the back stood up. “What if we don’t want to do this? We didn’t ask for any of this.” a voice echoing the sentiments of many in the room.
The instructor’s gaze darkened. “You can choose to leave but refusal means forfeiting the benefits that registered awakeners will receive in the future—protection, job opportunities, healthcare, and more. You either pass the training and live a comfortable life, or you’re left behind. It’s that simple.”
A murmur spread through the crowd again, this time with a mix of frustration and reluctant acceptance.
“They’re basically blackmailing us,” someone whispered nearby. Despite the grumbling, the instructor’s words seemed to strike a chord with the crowd. Slowly, the mood shifted from reluctance to reluctant acceptance. Some even started to feel the thrill of the challenge.
Vincent listened but remained expressionless. He wasn’t motivated by fame or fortune, but he wasn’t about to fight against the current either. If this was the path laid out for him, he would follow it—for now.
After the lecture, the group was moved to another part of the building. The unregistered awakeners would be staying at the guild’s training facility, in pairs. Their jobs were put on hold, with full pay, for the next three months. It was a small consolation.
Vincent wandered the halls, searching for his room. As he rounded a corner, he almost bumped into Nina.
“Vincent,” she greeted him with her usual smile. “Lost?”
“Not really,” Vincent said.
Nina chuckled, clearly amused. “I can help you find your room, if you want.”
Vincent shrugged, deciding to follow her. As they walked, the halls grew quieter, with fewer people around. Nina glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “You know, it wouldn’t hurt to give this a real shot,” she said softly. “Just for the next few months. You know you can become really fa-“
“I’ll try.” Vincent said as he smiled faintly.
Nina blinked, caught off-guard by his response. She had expected him to brush her off as usual, but instead, he agreed. She didn’t press him further, sensing this was enough for now.
When they reached his room, Nina was about to leave when the door swung open. Vincent’s roommate—a young man with blond hair and wide eyes—stood frozen in the doorway, clearly shocked.
“M-Miss Nina?” he stammered, his face turning red. “I’m not dreaming right? Why you are h-“
“I was just helping Vincent find his room,” Nina replied, smiling kindly.
The young man blinked, clearly awestruck. “I… I didn’t expect to see someone like you here… I mean, I am a fan and I wanted to- , but—wow.”
Nina laughed softly. “Since you’re at Horizon, you will be meeting more often. Don’t you think, Vincent?” Nina gave a quick wave and excused herself.
Vincent’s roommate turned to him, eyes wide. “You… you know Miss Nina?”
Vincent dropped his bag onto the bed. “Yeah.”
The young man, still in shock, finally introduced himself. “I’m Evan. Sorry for the awkwardness… I just didn’t expect to meet a celebrity like her so casually.”
Vincent nodded. Evan, though young and excitable, seemed friendly.
I don’t know what the training will be like, but it’s bound to be harsh. Will this kid be fine?
What am I even worrying about? I’m not sure if I can endure these three months. Why is it always like this? I just want to stay out of all of it.
