SSS Rank Regressor : My Growth Has No Limit

"The classes can be divided into the following main categories: Knight, Swordmaster, Mage, Paladin, Healer, Butcher, Berserker, and Assassin. These eight are considered the major battle classes," the instructor began, his voice steady and practiced.

"However, there also exist countless unique and hidden classes. Aside from battle classes, we have auxiliary classes ,support-based roles that don't fight directly but hold immense value. These include the Chef class, the Botanist class, the Blacksmith, Alchemist, Tamer, and more," he continued, pausing for effect.

"Now, beyond the class types, there are also class grades. Grades range from F to SSS—F being the weakest and SSS being near-mythical. Auxiliary class users typically fall within the F to E range, though there are rare exceptions. For example, the legendary 'God of Cooking' class is an S-rank Auxiliary class capable of creating dishes that grant buffs, restore vitality, or even help someone break through to a higher level. No class should ever be underestimated."

He stepped back and looked at the sea of young faces.

"Your names will be called soon. When you hear it, step forward and awaken your fate. Good luck."

A tense silence followed his words. Dozens of students stood stiffly in the grand hall, their breaths uneasy, their eyes wide with hope or dread.

The level 50 Class-C Mage leading the ceremony raised his hand and summoned a glowing stone roughly a foot in diameter. A soft, bluish aura pulsed from it as he placed it on the altar.

"This is the Awakening Stone," he said. "Touch it when your name is called. It will reveal your class , grade and your future."

As the stone settled, the tension in the hall spiked. No one spoke. No one moved.

"Dia."

A girl stepped forward, her steps slow, eyes trembling with fear. She reached out and placed her hand on the Awakening Stone.

The instructors and the Mage watched closely.

"Class Awakening Successful."

"Class: Mage. Grade: C."

Relief swept through the hall like a wave. Excited murmurs followed. It was a decent start.

Everyone seemed to sigh in unison everyone except Liam, who simply sneered.

So it really wasn't a dream, he thought coldly. My past life happened... which means my class is still the same. And all these people smiling now... most will be in despair soon.

More names were called. Some awakened classes, most didn't. For every cheer, there were twice as many tears. The air grew heavier with each failed awakening.

But Liam wasn't moved.

This is fate, he thought. The same ones weeping now will be the ones locking me away soon.

"Aiden."

That name snapped Liam out of his thoughts.

A boy stepped forward and flashed him a grin.

"Wish me luck," Aiden said with forced cheer.

Liam merely nodded. In his last life, he'd encouraged him ,offered words of brotherhood. But not this time.

Why waste words on the one who kills you?

Aiden touched the stone.

Then...light.

A brilliant flash flooded the hall, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.

"Class Awakening Successful."

"Class: Paladin. Grade: B."

Gasps filled the hall.

A B-rank awakening? From a Yellow-Zone city?

Even the mage's eyes widened in surprise.

"Congratulations," the mage said, visibly pleased. Aiden accepted with a modest nod, though his excitement was written all over his face.

The Mage wasted no time. He offered Aiden a guild contract on the spot one with decent benefits and a real future. If Aiden stayed on this path, he could become a level 80 powerhouse. A hope for humanity.

From the back, Liam watched silently as Aiden waved at him.

Liam returned the gesture with a nod, his mood unreadable.

Then...

"Liam."

His name was called.

Liam sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a brief moment.

So it begins again.

As he stepped forward, Aiden gave him a thumbs up.

How sweet, Liam thought bitterly.

Everyone stared as Liam approached the stone. After all, he was the genius of the Yellow Zone. Expectations were sky high.

"Make us proud," the mage whispered with a smile.

Liam returned it politely.

"Thank you… for the encouragement."

I remember that face. You were the first to sneer when I awakened the Plant class. Don't worry. I don't blame you... not anymore.

He turned to the crowd one last time. Their faces filled with awe, admiration, belief.

He inhaled... and touched the stone.

Silence.

A boy in the crowd wiped his eyes and asked, "What do you think Liam will awaken?"

"B-rank, at least," another whispered.

"Too low," someone added confidently. "He could be S-class."

After all, even the weakest genius had awakened an A-rank class before.

But then...

No light.

No sound.

The stone pulsed faintly… then dulled. A beat passed. Another. Nothing. Not a single flicker of aura.

The crowd went from anticipation… to confusion… to horror.

Someone finally broke the tension.

"Wait… no glow? No reaction?"

A murmur spread.

"His class can't be B... maybe C?"

"That would make him the weakest of the geniuses."

"Disappointing..."

"Yeah… what a shame."

Just as the crowd began to lose interest..

A shock was delivered.

"Class Awakening successful."

Class: Vine Caller

Grade: F

"Trash..."

The word dropped like a stone, and as if on cue, the disgust on everyone's faces deepened.

Gasps, sneers, and whispers erupted across the hall.

Disbelief was written on every face.

How could he the so-called genius be this pathetic?

They had praised him once. Tried to get into his good books. Fought to be close to him. And now? Now they felt embarrassed by it. That shame quickly twisted into scorn.

"You... so disappointing. How can you awaken as an F-Class?"

"Even the weakest here got at least an E-Class…"

The crowd murmured in agreement. The instructors bowed their heads in silent disapproval.

The nearby mage had his mouth open in disbelief but worse than that was the look in his eyes: sheer disgust.

When was the last time humanity had seen an actual F-Class awakening?

Class Grades like A and S were rare… but so were F-Grades for the opposite reason. They were too useless to exist.

And now, standing before them was a living embarrassment… and a genius, no less.

"Step down," the mage said coldly, not even bothering to stop the insults being hurled at Liam.

Liam took it all in.

Each word.

Each stare.

He stood frozen, even pitying himself for a moment.

People who hadn't even awakened at all people with no class were even mocking him.

Was he really that pathetic?

Still, he walked forward. One foot in front of the other.

Then he hesitated.

What if I'm wrong? What if Aiden isn't like them…? These hypocrites, sure but Aiden…

Liam lifted his head, eyes searching.

And then he saw it.

Aiden's gaze met his.

Cold. Indifferent.

A moment ago, they were laughing. Friends.

Now?

Now Aiden looked at him like a stranger.

Like a stray dog.

"Why are you standing there, pig? Get out of here. That pretty face of yours is wasted on an F-Class loser."

Liam flinched. He turned his gaze downward.

Fists clenched.

He walked out of the hall, his steps echoing between laughter and mockery.

But he knew this wasn't the end.

Soon, these very same classmates would come for him again to beat him, humiliate him, break him.

You all… You all…

Liam's chest trembled. His rage was boiling. But worse… was the helplessness.

What could he even do?

What could a Vine Caller possibly achieve in a world like this?

Even with all the planning in the world… he'd still be sacrificed by Aiden.

Just like before.

(Ding! Congratulations, Host, for awakening the Infinite Growth System.)

(Newbie Gifts have been granted.)

(Would you like to open them?)

A mechanical voice echoed inside Liam's mind.

His thoughts were still a mess rage, confusion, pain and he didn't even think as he replied.

"Yes."

(Congratulations. You have acquired the SS-Class: Sword God.)

(Congratulations. Unique Skill unlocked: Ability Copy.)

(Congratulations...)