Divine Necromancer : Cultivating Life & Death

The halls of Xerth Academy were packed with students, their nervous whispers and excited chatter filling the air. The Awakening Ceremony was the first step in determining one's future as a Hunter. Talent, abilities, and rank—all would be revealed today.

Ashton and Felix moved toward their assigned hall, where a massive screen displayed the names of students currently undergoing the Awakening process. Large machines embedded into the walls hummed with power, their glowing cores pulsing with energy. At the front of the hall, examiners in academy uniforms monitored everything, ensuring the process went smoothly.

Felix nudged Ashton with a grin. "Excited?"

"Not really," Ashton replied flatly. Unlike the others, who were filled with anticipation or anxiety, he remained calm. His mind was already thinking ahead, calculating his next steps regardless of the outcome.

Felix smirked. "You're really killing the mood, you know that?"

In a separate section of the academy, two people observed the names flashing on the Awakening screens. One of them turned to the Dean of the Academy and the CEO of the Hunter Association, his voice filled with curiosity.

"This hall seems… different. There are too many high-profile students here."

The CEO of the Hunter Association, Sebastian Bane, crossed his arms. "It's no coincidence. Some of the strongest talents of this generation are in this batch."

The instructor nodded. "Indeed. We have—"

Samael Flameheart – Son of Draven Flameheart, the most powerful warrior in Aurelia.

Emily Bane – Daughter of the Hunter Association's CEO, already an S Rank Hunter before Awakening.

Axel Graves and Allen Graves – The genius twin talents of the Reaper Guild.

Felix Ashford – A powerful Werewolf from the Moonlight Guild.

Elarion Moonshade – A mysterious Elven Prince, rumored to possess extraordinary abilities.

The Dean stroked his beard. "This batch may shape the future of humanity."

Ashton stood beside Felix, waiting for his turn. The air buzzed with nervous energy as one student after another stepped forward for their Awakening. Felix was unusually excited, stretching his arms as he grinned.

When his name was finally called, Felix nudged Ashton. "Wish me luck, buddy."

Ashton rolled his eyes. "You don't need luck."

Felix chuckled and walked toward the Awakening pod. Ashton turned his attention back to the crowd, letting his gaze wander. That's when he saw him.

A boy—no, someone ethereal.

He stood slightly apart from the others, yet the space around him felt magnetized, as if people naturally gravitated toward him. His long silver hair shimmered in the light, framing a face that was flawless, neither too delicate nor too sharp—just perfectly balanced. But what truly caught Ashton's attention were his blond-gold eyes. They held an unreadable depth, calm yet piercing.

Without realizing it, Ashton found himself staring.

Something about that boy felt different. A strange, unexplainable connection stirred within him—like a thread pulling at his soul.

The moment stretched, their eyes locking.

The silver-haired boy's expression was unreadable at first. Then, almost playfully, he smirked.

Ashton quickly averted his gaze, his heart beating slightly faster.

What the hell was that?

He clenched his fists. "Something's not right… Why do I feel connected to him?"

The silver-haired boy chuckled softly, as if he had heard Ashton's thoughts, before turning away, effortlessly slipping back into the crowd.

Ashton frowned.

Who the hell is he?