Gathering Wives with a System

"Today marks the beginning of your future. Talent Awakening will decide your path, but it is only the first step. Whether you rise or fall depends on your determination and hard work. Now, let the Awakening begin!" 

The students erupted into cheers. 

The first student stepped forward and entered the massive test tube-like chamber. 

A few seconds passed. 

Then, the Awakening Crystal floating above shimmered with a faint glow. 

"Shielder, Combat Talent, F-rank!" the principal announced. 

The student stepped out. 

He was crying tears of happiness, relieved to have a Combat Talent. 

The principal had a disappointed look in his eyes. An F-rank Talent wouldn't take him far. 

If he had a Life Talent, it might've been a different story. 

Life Talents, even F-rank, were in high demand. 

'Isaac, what is happening outside? I can feel the fluctuation of power energies,' Emily's voice echoed. 

'It's the Talent Awakening Ceremony,' he replied. 

'Talent?' 

'Yes, we humans have a unique Talent each. They allow us to protect our fortified cities.' 

Emily became excited upon hearing the information. 

Coming outside for the first time, she was psyched about knowing everything. 

'What kind of Talent did you awaken?' 

'I haven't had my chance yet. Though, I'm hoping I awaken a Life Talent.' 

Talents were ranked from the lowest F to the highest SSS. 

They were also divided into three types: Combat Talent, Support Talent, and Life Talent. 

'Warriors, berserkers, mages, and similar Talents are counted as Combat Talent.' 

'Healer, Priest, and Cursemancer—these Talents that can utilize abilities like buffs and stealth are Support Talent,' Isaac explained. 

'What about Life Talent?' she questioned. 

'They are the rarest batch of Talent. Only 1% among the Awakeners have them.' 

'Life Talent abilities are related to survival, crafting, farming, blacksmithing, and alchemy.' 

'They might not be strong in direct combat, but they are the most in demand, and without Awakeners with Life Talent, no city can be maintained,' he said. 'The only reason humanity is still surviving is because of them.' 

'Isaac is going to awaken the strongest SSS-rank Life Talent!' Emily encouraged him. 

'Thank you. I hope for the same.' Isaac laughed, knowing the chances of awakening an SSS-rank Life Talent were lower than winning a lottery. 

He shifted his focus back to the ceremony. 

More students entered the chamber one by one. 

"No Talent…" 

Some students screamed in despair. Most cried. Others fell to their knees, shaking. 

It was a common sight every year. 

The principal's expression remained calm. 

He continued calling students forward. 

"No Talent!" 

"No Talent!" 

"Super Tongue, Combat Talent, F-rank!" 

"No Talent!" 

"No Talent!" 

"Wind Ranger, B-rank Talent!" 

Gasps echoed through the crowd. 

The girl with twin ponytails stood frozen for a moment on the stage. 

She let out a sharp breath before grinning. 

A B-rank Talent! 

She clutched her hands together. 

Her eyes were practically shining. 

She was almost guaranteed a spot in the Top 10 Universities with her B-rank Talent! 

Her future became bright in just one afternoon! 

Isaac exhaled slowly. 

"It'll be fine," Alice said in a calm voice. 

"I'm not rich like you, my lady. If I don't awaken something good, I might end up on the streets." Isaac smirked. 

Alice shot him a look, while Peter snickered. 

The three of them had been good friends throughout their years at the academy. 

Peter and Alice were childhood friends, practically siblings. 

Isaac met them by chance during their first year. 

"Guys, it's my turn. I'll be back shortly," Peter winked and jogged toward the stage. 

He was slightly out of breath as he stepped before the Awakening device. 

The moment he entered, the Awakening Crystal shone brightly. 

The glow forced the students standing close to the stage to close their eyes. 

"Golem Master, Life Talent, S-rank!" 

A roar of cheers erupted. 

An S-rank Talent! 

Peter was bound to become one of the most influential people in the city. 

He had the chance to become an Explorer—an elite who ventured beyond the city to hunt monsters. 

It was the highest status one could achieve! 

"Congratulations, Peter Parkinson." 

The principal clapped him on the shoulder with a wide smile. 

It had been decades since their academy produced an S-rank Awakener. 

They could reclaim their former glory with Peter's Talent. 

Peter stepped down, grinning ear to ear, as more students were called. 

No one awakened an A-rank Talent, let alone coming close to Peter. 

"Coming through! Step aside, please." 

Peter made his way back to Isaac and Alice, shaking hands and thanking those who congratulated him. 

He stopped in front of them, still grinning. 

"Hahaha! I got an S-rank Talent, baby!" 

"Congrats," Isaac said. 

"Good for you. Now you don't have to worry about losing the baby in your stomach," Alice added. 

Peter patted his belly and laughed. 

"I think I can afford another one here now." 

Alice's brow twitched at his shamelessness. 

It was her turn before she could say anything. 

"Go break a leg!" Peter cheered. 

Alice walked forward, her piercing red eyes fixed on the Awakening Machine. 

The crowd naturally parted for her. 

It was the result of her natural charisma. 

She had long legs, a slim waist, and just the right amount of muscle. Her arms and legs, while lean, were toned from years of training. 

Her skin was milky white, smooth, and flawless—enough to make models doubt themselves. 

She stepped into the Awakening machine and waited with bated breath. 

"No Talent!" 

The principal's voice rang out. 

Murmurs spread instantly. 

Alice came from a wealthy family, had a sharp mind, and was an incredible beauty. Everyone had expected her to awaken something powerful. 

Whispers. 

Snickers. 

Pitying glances. 

She ignored them all and walked back to Isaac and Peter. 

"Uh… are you okay?" Peter asked hesitantly. 

"I am," she replied without any change in expression. "Only 20% of people awaken a Talent. It all depends on luck. It's normal to be part of the majority." 

Her voice was steady, but Isaac noticed the faint tremor in her hands. 

"Isaac, it's your turn!" the principal called him before he could comfort Alice. 

He took a deep breath and walked up to the stage. 

"Isaac, good luck," the principal said, his voice filled with expectation. 

Isaac nodded and stepped into the Awakening machine. 

A powerful force invaded his mind. 

It was forcefully stirring his soul.