Cherreads

Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: The Needs of the Times

Seeing that Sam Jett had obediently shut his mouth, Mr. Johnson ignored him and proceeded to inquire about and record the results of Alex Stone and Emily White's awakenings.

Alex was about to reveal his profession, and despite the significant disappointment he felt about being a farmer, he knew he had to face reality and had mentally prepared himself.

However, Emily preempted him, loudly announcing, "Mr. Johnson, I awakened as a fire mage! Except for slightly lower strength and constitution, all my other attributes are maxed out!"

As Emily spoke, she subtly glanced at Sam, who was standing to the side, clenched her small fist, and waved it at him.

In the early stages of awakening, mages, being ranged spellcasters, naturally countered melee classes like warriors, making Emily's gesture a clear threat to Sam.

Upon hearing that she was a mage, and a fire mage with explosive damage at that, Sam immediately wilted, regretting his earlier rash behavior and wondering why he had provoked this young lady in a moment of overconfidence.

Given Emily's privileged family background and the boost from such a top-tier profession, her growth would undoubtedly be much faster than his. Provoking her now meant he was bound to get a serious beating in the future.

Originally disgruntled by Mr. Johnson's scolding, he immediately lost his temper and quietly retreated backward without anyone noticing.

The other students standing further away couldn't help but reveal envious expressions upon hearing about Emily's profession and attributes. However, upon thinking about their own professions, they could only let out bitter smiles.

Mr. Johnson smiled and nodded upon hearing this. A fire mage was considered a top-tier profession in their school. With this profession among them, this year's class wouldn't be the worst, and they were on par with previous students.

"So, what is your innate skill?" Mr. Johnson's tone softened considerably as he looked at the lively girl in red, his expression filled with smiles.

Teachers naturally favored good students, and Mr. Johnson was no exception.

"Fire Affinity, which increases the power of fire spells by 20%."

Hearing Emily's answer, Mr. Johnson quickly recorded it in his notebook. Emily having such a talent was within his expectations, as talent awakenings generally corresponded with the profession. This talent was very suitable for a fire mage.

However, after loudly proclaiming this, Emily leaned closer to Mr. Johnson and whispered, "Mr. Johnson, could you please register Alex Stone's profession information privately later? He... please?"

As she spoke, Emily clasped her small hands together at an angle hidden from others, looking at Mr. Johnson with pleading eyes.

Hearing Emily's request, Mr. Johnson subconsciously looked at Alex, his brow furrowing as he vaguely guessed what had happened, hesitating to speak.

Looking at Emily, who had already awakened as a mage, Mr. Johnson ultimately sighed helplessly and gently nodded.

Emily's attitude had already indicated that Alex might have awakened a more ordinary crafting profession than a blacksmith. If that were the case, then out of consideration for the boy's pride, there was no need to inquire publicly.

Seeing Mr. Johnson agree to her request, Emily turned to Alex and winked playfully.

Alex smiled helplessly and didn't say much, naturally understanding his deskmate's good intentions.

After this period of self-adjustment, he had completely accepted the reality. Since fate had destined him to be a farmer, he could only continue down that path, with no other option.

At the moment of awakening, he seemed to have grown up a lot in an instant. Already somewhat mature from bearing the family's burdens too early, he was now even more composed and no longer cared as much about how others viewed him.

After much self-reflection, Alex's mind had also broadened: past glory was just that, in the past. People still needed to look forward.

Live his life well, take care of his younger sister, and strive to accumulate some savings when he was old, then exchange them for attribute points to venture outside the boundary, doing his best to fulfill his final wish of eradicating disasters on that battlefield.

The group continued to wait for a while until the North District's personnel were all present before embarking on the return journey.

With the advent of the Origin Energy Era, the old modes of transportation had gradually been phased out, replaced by new transportation machinery powered by Origin Energy.

Those who awakened as Refiners could use their professional skills to modify old machinery, making it perform far beyond its previous capabilities.

High-level professionals could also create new machines. With the profession's bonus, the success rate of their creations was also increased. Often, small inventions could greatly improve the convenience of life for the people in the base.

If it were in the peaceful era of the past, the Refining profession would have been a popular profession, second only to combat professions.

Unfortunately, in this era dominated by combat, Refining, while having a certain role, was ultimately limited unless those high-level Refiners could develop items that posed a certain deterrent to disasters. Low-level professionals had little effect.

Riding in the modified vehicle returning to the North District, Mr. Johnson deliberately sat next to Alex and Emily, asking Alex about his awakened profession in a voice that only the two of them could hear, and recording it. He still had to report the results of this trip to the school.

Alex also answered Mr. Johnson's question candidly. When he spoke the words "Farmer profession," his tone was calm, giving the impression that he had completely accepted his fate.

Hearing Alex's answer, Mr. Johnson thought, "Indeed, the profession that Alex awakened to is truly difficult to accept. I really feel sorry for all this child's efforts over the years!"

Although he felt very regretful, there was nothing he, as a teacher, could do. After all, awakening wasn't like the old college entrance examination, where if you didn't do well, you could still find a way to get a chance to review. Awakening was an irreversible process.

Mr. Johnson patted Alex's shoulder in consolation, then put away the record book.

Other information about lifestyle professionals did not need to be recorded according to regulations, firstly for the sake of the child's self-esteem, and secondly because lifestyle professions did not require them to focus on cultivation, so information records did not need to be overly detailed.

Mr. Johnson recalled those hard-working children from before, some of whom had smooth sailing, awakening to a profession with unlimited potential, and ultimately finding a place for themselves in this era;

Others, like Alex, awakened to a lifestyle profession and were subsequently lost among the crowd. This made him have to sigh at the ruling power of fate, the operator, which was truly terrifying!

More Chapters