The familiar chime of the bell jingled as Ethan stepped back into the Vale family café. The comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wrapped around him like a familiar hug, laced with the subtle sweetness of vanilla his mother always added to the morning batches. The café was small, but charming—a dozen wooden tables scattered around, each adorned with a tiny vase holding a fresh flower plucked from the backyard garden.
The soft cream walls had faded in places, signs of time and care, and behind the counter hung chalkboards with the day's specials written in his mom's graceful cursive. A couple of customers lingered this afternoon: an elderly couple sharing a cappuccino by the window and a young man buried in his laptop in the corner.
Ethan made his way behind the counter where his parents worked in tandem. His mom frothed milk with the fluid grace of habit, and his dad cleaned mugs while checking the inventory beneath the counter.
"There he is," his dad called with a grin. "Our big-shot Mage. Did you manage not to torch the garden?"
"Hey, no fires," Ethan replied with a smirk. "Though, I did pass out twice. Don't tell Mom."
His mom shot him a glare over her shoulder but it was more amused than angry. "If you're going to pass out, at least do it on the couch next time. The grass can't be comfortable."
"I'll keep that in mind," he said, grabbing a towel and helping his dad with the mugs.
The rest of the afternoon flowed in peaceful routine. Ethan cleared tables, took a few orders, and talked magic with Alice while she pestered him from her perch on a bar stool.
"What does it feel like?" she asked with round, curious eyes. "The fireball?"
Ethan thought for a moment. "It's like holding sunlight in your hand. Warm and bright and a little wild. Then you just throw it."
"COOOOL!" Alice shouted, almost falling off the stool in excitement. "When can I learn magic?!"
"Not for a while, squirt," their dad said with a chuckle. "Let your brother figure it out first. We don't need you both setting the café on fire."
The laughter that followed filled the cozy space. For a moment, everything felt unchanged—simple, calm. But Ethan knew better. Things had changed. And tomorrow, they would change even more.
…
That night, Ethan lay in bed, eyes tracing the familiar cracks on the ceiling. Sleep was nowhere to be found.
His thoughts spun in endless loops—the thrill of his Awakening, the rush of casting Fireball, the power of his Mana Overflow Talent. But more than anything, his thoughts were filled with plans for the next day.
He'd already done the calculations. If his Mana regenerated at 160 per hour, he could reasonably manage ten full cast-and-collapse cycles per day if he paced himself. That meant ten boosts to his Mana and Spell Power every single day.
It was insane growth. Most Mages spent months just to see a few stat increases when their spells ranked up. Ethan could get stronger just by passing out a few times.
Tomorrow, he thought, grinning into the darkness. Tomorrow I start for real.
Eventually, his excitement surrendered to exhaustion, and he drifted off to sleep.
…
Sunlight filtered in through faded curtains as Ethan woke the next morning. 6:00 AM. He felt more energized than ever.
He threw on a plain T-shirt and jeans, ran a hand through his messy black hair, and jogged down the stairs. The café was already buzzing with early morning activity.
His mom was busy behind the counter, humming softly as she baked. The smell of cinnamon and sugar filled the air. His dad sat at the corner table with his usual black coffee and news tablet. Alice was curled in the window nook, doodling in her sketchpad.
"You're up early," his mom said as he grabbed a plate of toast and eggs.
"Couldn't sleep," Ethan replied. "Heading to the Training Hall today. Gonna buy a pass and spend the whole day casting Fireballs."
"Bring me a Mana Crystal!" Alice shouted, not looking up from her sketchpad.
He laughed. "We'll see. No promises."
His mom poured him a cup of coffee, setting it down with a warm smile. "Be careful, alright? And try not to pass out this time."
"I promise," Ethan said with a sheepish smile.
His dad closed his tablet and stood, stretching. "Wait a sec, son. Before you head out."
He went behind the counter and returned a moment later with a white envelope. He placed it gently in front of Ethan.
"This is for you."
Ethan blinked, then slowly opened the envelope. Inside were neatly stacked bills.
"Five thousand dollars?" he breathed.
"We've been saving it," his dad said. "In case one of you kids ever Awakened. Training costs money. You haven't had time to save much yourself, what with school and helping here."
Ethan's throat tightened. "I can't accept this."
"You can," his mom said firmly, squeezing his hand. "We're proud of you, Ethan. Go chase this dream. We'll be right here."
He nodded, swallowing hard. "Thank you. I won't waste it. I'll pay it back tenfold."
"We know you will," his dad said, clapping him on the shoulder.
…
With breakfast finished and his backpack packed with a snack, towel, and water bottle, Ethan stepped out into the crisp morning air.
The city was beginning to stir. Shopkeepers rolled up shutters, commuters walked briskly down sidewalks, and delivery vans rumbled past. He took his time, soaking in the quiet hum of the city and mentally preparing for what was to come.
Thirty minutes later, he stood in front of the Awakened Training Hall.
It was massive—a modern complex of steel and glass with tall banners fluttering overhead. The Hall's emblem, a sword and flame crossed over a shield, glimmered in the morning light. Dozens of Awakened moved in and out of the wide entrance, chatting or marching with purpose.
Ethan walked inside.
The lobby was sleek and clean. A large digital board hovered over the reception desk, displaying training options and promotions. Behind the counter stood a young man with short dark hair and a sharp uniform.
"First time?" the receptionist asked as Ethan handed over his Awakened ID.
"Yeah. I want to buy a training pass."
"We have a few options." He pulled up a holographic menu.
Training Hall Access — Pricing:
1-Day Pass: $300
1-Week Pass: $1,500
1-Month Membership: $5,000
"Most new Awakened go with the one-day or one-week pass. You can upgrade anytime."
Ethan nodded. "One-week pass, please."
The receptionist processed the payment and handed him a sleek black wristband. "Wear this inside. It tracks your usage and prevents spellcasting outside of designated zones. Welcome to the Hall."
Ethan thanked him and stepped through the reinforced double doors into the training area.
What he saw stole his breath.
The main hall was enormous. Rows upon rows of reinforced dummies filled the floor, each spaced perfectly. Some were simple wooden constructs. Others shimmered faintly with mana-reactive enchantments. Spellcasters of all kinds trained all around him.
Fireballs, ice lances, lightning arcs—energy crackled through the air. Grunts, cheers, and laughter echoed in every direction. This was a sanctuary for the Awakened.
Ethan scanned for an open space—but his attention was pulled elsewhere.
Toward the far end of the room stood a girl about his age, long brown hair pulled into a ponytail. She held a wooden sword, facing off against a reinforced dummy. She was slender but carried herself with quiet determination.
She whispered something, and the blade shimmered with a faint aura.
With a cry, she struck. The dummy flashed brightly—but as the light faded, so did her strength.
She staggered, then collapsed to the floor.
Ethan didn't hesitate. He ran toward her.
"Hey! Are you alright?"