Beside Eldritch, Theodore Winters, a genteel man donning glasses, spoke up, "Principal Blackwood is being modest. In Stellarburg, who doesn't know about John, the prodigy from StellarSea Academy? It's only because Seraphina heard of his reputation that she insisted on coming here to see for herself."
In the room, a portly man adorned in lavish jewels, Baron Goldworth, squinted his eyes and chuckled, "I just hope that when a promising seed emerges, you gentlemen will be willing to part with them. Of course, I won't let your efforts go unrewarded. I, Baron Goldworth, may lack many things, but money isn't one of them!"
His words unmistakably revealed the flamboyance of a tycoon.
General Stratford scoffed, "Humph! You tycoons reek of money from top to bottom! Let me make it clear, if a promising talent does appear, the military won't just stand by and watch!"
The others in the room smiled silently.
Although unspoken, it was clear to all: their presence here, given their statuses, was solely in pursuit of talent.
The pleasantries exchanged were just formalities; in the end, it would be a matter of ability and influence.
Just as Eldritch was about to smooth things over, a sudden green glow appeared in the MystiMirror.
Baron narrowed his eyes, "Looks like a promising candidate has emerged."
Theodore adjusted his glasses, "Seems to be the young scion from House Foster."
Inside the Awakening Temple, Alex stood before the statue of the Archer class, radiating in green light, his face unable to hide his ecstatic triumph.
He burst into a haughty laugh, "Haha, I knew I would awaken successfully!"
The awakening mentor beside him announced, "StellarSea Academy: Alex, awakened battle class: Vine Archer, talent level: B-level!"
The announcement sent ripples of astonishment throughout the entire Awakening Square.
This was the only awakener with a talent level above C-level so far, and a B-level battle class at that.
StellarSea Academy truly lived up to its reputation!
Emerging from the Awakening Temple, Alex made a point of approaching John, smugness written all over his face.
"Peasant, now that I've awakened successfully, let's see how you'll stand against me in the future!"
John didn't even bother to glance at him, opting to ignore him completely.
Alex, sneering, retorted, "Hmph, enjoy your arrogance while it lasts. If you fail to awaken later, I can't wait to see you groveling at my feet!"
Daniel, standing nearby, defiantly responded, "Alex, don't get too ahead of yourself. It's just a B-level talent, what's the big deal?"
It was then Daniel's turn to undergo the awakening.
With a snort, he pushed past Alex and strode into the Awakening Temple.
Alex mocked, "If Daniel awakens, I'll eat my hat!"
No sooner had Alex's words left his mouth than a terracotta-hued light burst forth from the warrior statue, illuminating his astonished face.
The awakening mentor announced, "StellarSea Academy: Daniel, awakened warrior class: Rock Shield Warrior, talent level: B-level!"
John couldn't help but laugh, patting Alex's shoulder jokingly, "Commissioner Foster, don't forget what you just said. If you need more, I'll ask Daniel to get some for you, to make sure you're full!"
The students nearby, having heard Alex's earlier boast, burst into snickers.
Alex's face turned an unsightly shade of red, and he quickly turned to leave.
After all, who would want to stick around after such an embarrassment?
Following this, it was StellarSea Academy students' turn to awaken.
John could distinctly feel that the success rate among these students was noticeably higher.
StellarSea Academy's status as Stellarburg's flagship institution was no mere coincidence.
Interestingly, John noted that he hadn't been included in StellarSea Academy's batch of awakeners.
Even as the noble academies began their awakenings, his turn hadn't come.
According to Benjamin, it seemed a VIP had rearranged the order, and he was set to awaken alongside Seraphina.
John's eyebrows raised as he glanced towards the noble academy.
At that moment, Seraphina's gaze also met his.
Their eyes locked. Surprisingly, John discerned a strong sense of combativeness in the eyes of this ice beauty.
A smirk tugged at his lips, realizing she too was someone who relished competition.
He also noticed that many from the noble academy looked at him with hostility.
John, accustomed to unwarranted animosity, paid it no mind.
The noble academy had a relatively small cohort, just over a hundred, and more than ninety percent of them awakened to a class, a terrifyingly high rate.
Even those who didn't awaken didn't seem discouraged, maintaining their composure and cheerfulness.
Evidently, their families had prepared awakening artifacts for them, giving them confidence.
Once all from the noble academy had undergone their awakenings, it was Seraphina's turn.
The eyes of the powerhouses atop the Awakening Temple and the tens of thousands in the square all converged on her.
She walked towards the temple steps with a calm demeanor.
Just before entering the Awakening Temple, Seraphina turned to look in John's direction.
Lifting her delicate chin slightly, her lips parted silently, conveying a message clear as day: "I will not lose to you!"
With those words, she turned and entered the Awakening Temple.
The next moment, a dazzling blue light soared into the sky, illuminating the entire temple.
The temperature around the Awakening Square plummeted as icy blue snowflakes began to fall from the sky, creating a wondrous phenomenon.
At the top of the Awakening Temple, several streaks of light shot out, all observers visibly astonished by the scene unfolding below.
General Stratford, slightly surprised, remarked, "An awakening phenomenon? Could it be a hidden class?"
Baron shook his head, "Not quite, but it's close!"
Eldritch, seasoned and knowledgeable, expressed his awe, "This is the phenomenon brought forth by an S-level talent. It appears to be the rare class of a Frostweaver. Lord Winters has done an exceptional job in nurturing her. His daughter's future is boundless!"
Theodore laughed heartily upon hearing this, "This isn't my doing, but Seraphina's own choice. If she had used the class scroll I provided, such a talent would not have been possible!"
Inside the Awakening Temple, Seraphina was enveloped in a shimmering icy blue light, with delicate snowflakes swirling continuously around her.
The awakening mentor, visibly astounded, loudly proclaimed, "Noble Academy: Seraphina, awakened in the rare battle class: Frostweaver, talent level: S-level!"
As his words echoed, the Awakening Square erupted into murmurs of astonishment.
Everyone gazed at Seraphina in shock.
An S-level talent in a rare class was a superlative genius, a rarity in the entire Federal. They were witnessing the rise of a new star in the Federal.
Perhaps in a decade, Seraphina would become one of the legendary awakeners of the Federal, a name among the very top.
As Seraphina stepped out of the temple, her demeanor remained neutral, betraying no emotion.
Her hair had turned an icy blue, adding to her already chilly aura, akin to a snow goddess.
John couldn't help but notice that her chin seemed raised even higher, and as she exited, she seemed to glance intentionally in his direction.
Was there a hint of self-satisfaction in her eyes?
John chuckled softly to himself, "This woman is interesting."
Shaking his head, he readied his mind, stepping forward without hesitation towards the Awakening Temple.
Now, it was his turn to awaken!
Every eye, including those of the formidable figures in the sky, was fixed on John.
The reputation of Stellarburg's foremost genius was well-known to all.
What class could he possibly awaken to?
This question stirred everyone's curiosity.
At the entrance of the Awakening Temple, John and Seraphina passed each other.
No words were exchanged, but their eyes met - one as aloof as an ice mountain, the other as untamed as a lone wolf.
Under the watchful gaze of the entire audience, John didn't hesitate or delay; he stepped into the Awakening Temple with a firm stride.
Inside the grand, glittering temple, a raised platform stood at the center of the hall, upon which rested a softly glowing Crystal Ball.
Flanking the hall on both sides were several towering statues, each several meters tall.
They represented various classes - warrior, magus, priest, and others.
Each sculpture was exquisitely lifelike, emanating an aura of majesty.
The awakening mentor took an extra moment to observe John, having heard of this prodigy from Stellarburg.
He advised, "Place your hand on the Crystal Ball and clear your mind."
John nodded, stepped forward, and placed his hand on the Crystal Ball.
It was warm to the touch, with a hint of coolness. Closing his eyes, John allowed his mind to become tranquil and empty.
Guided by the Crystal Ball, his consciousness seemed to enter a mysterious space.
Here, stars shone brilliantly against the vast expanse of the universe.
Feeling a connection, he looked up.
In the infinite starry sky, a series of majestic and solemn golden eyes were gazing down at him.