Chapter 76: Awakener's Association
VROOOOM!
A sleek, black levicar hovered effortlessly over the immaculate streets of Volaris City Mainland, its thrusters humming with smooth precision. The city stretched far in every direction—a futuristic sprawl of high-rise towers and glowing sky-bridges, where magic and technology coexisted in perfect harmony.
Ambient mana shimmered faintly in the air, infused into the wind like invisible threads of energy. The scent of magical blossoms wafted from the surrounding urban gardens, blending with the metallic tang of mana-powered machinery. Unlike Volaris Prime—the gilded district of nobles, aristocrats, and ancient bloodlines—this part of the city pulsed with the restless spirit of enterprise and ambition. Elves ran arcane boutiques, dwarves hammered enchanted tools in open-air forges, and beastkin merchants bartered under holographic signs.
Within the vehicle, Lei Feng leaned back into the plush leather seat, eyes half-lidded in thought. Beside him, Ling Mei sat cross-legged, scrolling casually through her phone. At the front, Eira guided the hovercar with practiced ease, one hand on the wheel, her gaze sharp as ever.
The vehicle coasted to a gentle halt before a colossal structure.
"We're here," Eira said, glancing over her shoulder. "The Awakeners Association."
Lei Feng looked up and froze.
Towering into the clouds, the Awakeners Association was a breathtaking marvel. Its crystalline glass facade glinted in the sunlight like a mountain of polished diamond. Golden veins of mana circuitry ran across the outer walls in spiraling patterns, pulsing slowly like the heartbeat of the building itself. At the peak of the skyscraper sat a colossal emblem of a dragon's head, crafted from obsidian and inlaid with luminous emerald eyes. Below it, emblazoned in radiant golden letters, were the words:
AWAKENERS ASSOCIATION.
"So this is it, huh?" Lei Feng whispered, awe curling in his voice. "The place where legends begin…"
He turned to exit, but—
"Wait!" Ling Mei snapped her head up, momentarily pulled from her phone. "You have a phone now, right? Let's exchange contacts."
"Alright." Lei Feng smiled faintly.
Their fingers brushed as they tapped through the interface, syncing numbers.
Ling Mei hesitated. "Are you… really not coming to Ventus Valley with me?"
Lei Feng's face hardened slightly. "I'm sure. It's probably for the best."
"…Aah," Ling Mei sighed, leaning back into her seat with a pout. "I just wanted to spend more time with you."
"You'll get plenty of chances," Lei Feng murmured. "Now… how do you open this door?"
He tugged at the handle, but the door wouldn't budge.
"That's because…" Ling Mei giggled.
"…I haven't let you out yet," Eira said calmly, not turning around.
Lei Feng blinked. " what Is it Senior Eira?"
Eira reached back and handed him a sleek, white book. Its cover gleamed softly, inscribed with emerald runes that glowed as he touched it.
Lei Feng flipped it over, eyes widening. "Mystic Veil? A skill book?"
"It's a concealment technique," Eira explained. "Rare grade. It allows you to mask your aura and mana signature, making your level unreadable or appear far lower than it actually is. If you fully master it, you can completely erase your presence… almost like you don't exist, even when you're standing right in front of someone."
"Wow… that's incredible," Lei Feng said, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you, Senior Eira."
"Don't thank me yet. Just learn it well." Eira smiled faintly. "You're free to go."
The car door hissed softly and unlatched.
Before stepping out, Lei Feng reached across to ruffle Ling Mei's hair. She closed her eyes involuntarily at his touch.
"Goodbye, Mei. Good luck with your training."
"Bye-bye… brother," she whispered in a near inaudible voice.
Click.
Lei Feng stepped out onto the white marble pavement, his boots clicking against the tiles. Behind him, the levicar's engine hummed back to life.
VROOOOM! With a burst of acceleration, it rose into the sky, vanishing into the ether.
Lei Feng turned to the colossal skyscraper again.
"Alright," he muttered, exhaling deeply. "Let's get this over with."
---
The Awakeners Association's main entrance opened into a grand atrium that seemed to pulse with mystical energy. A massive chandelier made of levitating mana crystals floated high above, spinning slowly, casting soft rainbow hues across the gleaming tiled floors.
The building's interior was alive with movement. Dozens of Awakeners—of all races and classes—moved through the space. Tall elven archmages in flowing robes whispered in ancient tongues. A group of dwarven rune warriors clanked past in reinforced mana-plate armor. Beastkin assassins padded silently along the polished floors, their eyes sharp beneath hooded cloaks. Here and there, humans mingled freely, some in magewear, others in adventuring gear—light leather armor, spell pouches, arcane staffs, and glowing weapons strapped to their backs.
Floating terminals projected mission boards, Guild messages, and international quests in multiple languages. A holographic map of the continent shimmered in the air above the central dais.
Lei Feng couldn't help but stare in silent wonder. Then, almost on instinct, he pulled out his phone and snapped a photo.
At the far end of the hall stretched a long, marble counter. Behind it stood a poised, bespectacled elf woman. Her skin was pale as moonlight, her silver-blue hair tied in a braid that fell over her shoulder. She wore a sleek navy uniform with the Association's emblem embroidered on the chest. Her amethyst eyes locked onto Lei Feng as he approached.
"Welcome to the Awakeners Association," she greeted, her voice smooth and melodic. "How may I assist you?"
"I'm here for the Adventurer Ranking Exam," Lei Feng said evenly. "I need an Adventurer ID card."
"Of course," the elf replied, tapping swiftly on a crystal tablet. "Please fill out this registration form. You'll be tested on your magic class, combat skills, and tactical proficiency. Upon success, you'll receive your official Adventurer ID and rank."
She handed him a form and an elegant mana-quill.
He filled it out quickly, hands steady. Once finished, he passed it back.
"Please proceed through the door on your left," she gestured. "You'll find the other candidates waiting. Exams are conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis."
Lei Feng gave a curt nod and made his way down the hallway. The floor beneath him shimmered faintly, embedded with mana-activated pathways.
Stopping before a heavy black door, he paused.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Silence.
He turned the handle and stepped inside.
---
The waiting room was quiet, dimly lit with soft, ambient blue light. There were six others already inside.
A tall man stood near the wall, long black hair tied into a low ponytail, a massive greatsword strapped to his back. His posture was perfectly still, eyes half-closed like a coiled dragon.
On a nearby bench sat a lean youth with spiky hair and sharp ears—likely a half-elf. A red bandana tied around his forehead. He sat cross-legged, eyes closed in meditation.
Closer to the center, a stunning woman with crimson lipstick reclined in a chair, one leg crossed over the other. Her outfit was a blend of functionality and allure—tight leathers with two wicked daggers strapped to her thighs.
Next to her sat a girl in black robes and a wide-brimmed witch's hat that shaded half her face. A long staff rested across her lap, covered in etched runes.
At the corner were two teens—twins, unmistakably so. The boy had messy brown hair and a cocky grin, a short blade sheathed at his waist. His golden-brown eyes sparkled with energy. The girl beside him had a more reserved presence—long reddish-brown hair tied back in a braid, sharp eyes, and a bubble gum pop echoing in the silence. Both wore stylish matching hoodies.
"Uh… hey," Lei Feng said awkwardly.
Everyone nodded in acknowledgement without a word.
"Hey!" the boy waved. "Come sit!"
Lei Feng shrugged, walking over and sitting beside him.
"I'm Ethan, this is my sister Ember. You?"
"Lei Feng. Nice to meet you, kid."
"Hey! Don't call me—!"
Creak.
The door burst open.
A towering figure entered.
It was a Lionkin—a beastman of immense stature and presence. He wore a dark military coat with golden trim. His mane-like hair, fire-red and wild, flowed down his shoulders. Faint fur lined his arms, and his golden eyes carried a weight that commanded silence.
He surveyed the room, pausing briefly on Lei Feng… and then the twins.
"He is..." Lei Feng eyes widen in recognition.
"I am Leo, your examiner," the Lionkin spoke, his voice deep and powerful.
"The previous group has concluded. Now, we begin."
He raised a digital tablet.
"There are seven of you. Each will take the test individually. You will undergo three challenges, unique to your current level. If you pass all, you will receive your Adventurer ID and official rank."
A beat of silence.
"Understood?"
"Yes sir!" they all answered.
"Good."
Leo tapped his tablet. "Kenzo Tanaka—you're first."
The man with the ponytail rose, sword clinking at his back. "Ready."
"The rest of you, wait your turn. Good luck."
Leo's gaze lingered on Lei Feng for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
BAM! The door shut behind them.
"…That look," Lei Feng muttered under his breath. "He knows something."
He clenched his fists.
The exam had just begun.