All the children gather in a large hall after returning from the Abyss. Amidst them, Zack is lost in his own thoughts.
"If I think about it, Joshua's offer is actually quite good. If I join his guild now, and he eventually becomes the guild leader, it could be very beneficial for me. But joining right now wouldn't be the best decision. There are many forces in this world stronger than the Panther Guild, and I'm waiting for them.
If I join any guild now, it will become harder for me to level up. Everyone's attention will be on me. And more importantly, I still need to find out about the King of the Abyss.
So, it's better if I go to the Abyss alone for now and focus on leveling up."
"My ranking has been evaluated yesterday, and I also received my Awakener ID card. Today, the ability test is also complete."
As Zack is thinking all this, the Headmaster enters the hall, and everyone falls silent.
Headmaster Relai walks up to the stage, takes the mic, and greets everyone.
"My fellow Awakeners, today you have all officially become Awakeners. Even though we lost 10 Awakeners today, I salute the bravery you all showed. Especially you, Joshua—you did something truly courageous today, and for that, you will be awarded a medal.
Also, from today, all of you are allowed to enter the Abyss—but at your own responsibility."
The Headmaster congratulates everyone and honors Joshua.
All the students are then dispersed and start heading to their homes. Zack is also on his way when an instructor stops him.
"Zack, one minute."
"Yes, instructor?"
"The Headmaster has called for you."
"What? The Headmaster? Why is he calling me?"
Zack follows the instructor and enters the Headmaster's office.
The Headmaster looks at him and says, "Zack, come in. I was waiting for you."
"Sir, why did you call me?"
"Hmm, Zack, I think you already know why I called you."
"Wait, you saw what I did in the Abyss?"
"Yes. I had my eyes on everyone there. I watched everything through a drone. I saw how you suddenly disappeared and reappeared, and what you did after that was truly impressive.
You attacked a dagger straight into the monster's eye, and suddenly, the monster weakened. How?"
"Sorry, sir. I can't tell you that."
"That's alright. I didn't call you here for questions and answers. I have something to offer you."
"What kind of offer, sir?"
"As you know, the academy has a separate force that works for the C11 government. It's called the Battle Force. And I want you to join the Battle Force.
You don't have to give me your answer right now. Take a day or two to think about it—but I need an answer.
The reason I'm offering you this is because I saw something in you that I didn't see in any of the other students."
After hearing all this, Zack respectfully takes his leave from the Headmaster's office. Shortly after, another instructor enters and speaks to the Headmaster.
Instructor: "Sir, you offered that boy a place in the Battle Force. What exactly is so special about him?"
Headmaster (laughs): "Ha ha ha… You all didn't see what I saw. Come, I'll show you the recording of what he did."
The Headmaster shows the instructor the footage.
The instructor watches it, stunned, his eyes wide in disbelief.
Instructor: "My God… the way he threw that dagger—it was like a perfect critical hit. Joshua was just a pawn. The real game-changer was Zack. The decision he made in that moment… truly commendable. Sir, you made the right choice. We must bring this boy into the Battle Force. He doesn't just have talent—he has leadership qualities too."
Headmaster: " I know, Argon. That's exactly why I called you here."
Argon: "Why, sir?"
Headmaster: "Argon, you're an A-rank Swordmaster, and you're close to reaching S-rank. I want you to train Zack."
Argon (surprised): "Me? You want me to train him?"
Headmaster: "Yes."
Argon: "But… will he even agree to train under me?"
Headmaster: "Argon, don't doubt your own abilities. You are a skilled swordsman, and there are only a handful like you in all of C11. I trust that you won't let me down."
Argon (nodding): "As you command, Headmaster."
To be continue...