As Adrian stood among his peers in the bustling halls of the Blessed Academy, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Some of his classmates had awakened the Blessings they had long prayed for, while others were left yearning for a connection with the gods that never seemed to manifest.
Becoming a Blessed was a coveted title, bestowed upon those who received the powers of the gods. Each Blessing varied in strength, and to differentiate between them, the Blessed were ranked on a scale from F to S. These rankings determined not only their current strength but also their potential for growth and mastery of their Blessing.
In Adrian's class, an impressive array of Blessed individuals emerged, including one student who had awakened a formidable Rank B Blessing. The boy had quickly become the school's idol, adored by both students and faculty. The principal wasted no time in capitalizing on the success, broadcasting the news throughout the city and even featuring the student in a local ice cream parlour commercial.
But Adrian's story was different. Despite his fervent prayers, he remained ordinary for several months while his peers flourished. He couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment and resignation, as though he were destined to remain on the side lines.
One fateful day, however, Adrian's frustration reached its peak. Overwhelmed by a sense of abandonment, he clenched the statue of the rain god—a deity he had faithfully revered since childhood. With a surge of anger, he prepared to cast it aside, ready to sever his ties with a god who had seemingly forsaken him.
But in the midst of his rage, a sudden message appeared before him, displayed on a shimmering, floating screen. Startled, Adrian dropped the statue, his attention instantly captivated by the ethereal words that materialized:
"Like a descendant of Dracul, your anger towards the god you once loved resonates deep within you. You have served faithfully, only to be rejected in favor of another. Your emotions align perfectly with the Dracul Descendant System. To prove your determination, you must undertake a series of life-and-death trials, never relenting in your quest for improvement. Will you accept?"
Adrian's mind swirled with a maelstrom of emotions. It was unheard of for a Blessing to be tied to a specific lineage, especially one as notorious as the Dracul bloodline. The Gods, once revered by humanity, had long faded into obscurity, the lord of blood Dracula still held sway over those who dared to seek his favour.
Without hesitation, Adrian accepted the enigmatic task laid before him. The prospect of finally attaining a Blessing, albeit one with an unprecedented origin, filled him with both trepidation and exhilaration. He understood that this opportunity might never come again—a chance to rise above his ordinary existence and unlock powers that lay dormant within him.
The screen vanished, leaving Adrian with a newfound sense of purpose. Days turned into nights as he eagerly awaited the screen's return, questioning whether the encounter had been a figment of his imagination. But the seed of determination had been planted, and Adrian remained resolute in his pursuit of the Dracul Blessing.
With a photo of a mysterious woman, her dark hair cascading like midnight, Adrian found solace and inspiration. The image served as a constant reminder of the heights he aspired to reach, the strength he sought to obtain.
The following day, Adrian set foot in the Blessed Academy's vast Testing Grounds. A sense of anticipation hung in the air as students lined up, each carrying their own hopes
and dreams. The Testing Center staff had organized the process into multiple queues, minimizing wait times and ensuring a smooth flow. Adrian sought out the line with the fewest participants, his heart pounding with anticipation.
The Blessing Test was not without its cost. A fee of $50 was required for each test, a sum that posed a significant financial burden for Adrian. Nevertheless, he remained resolute, knowing that this sacrifice could potentially unlock a path to greatness. He signed his name on the registration form, ready to undergo the trial that would determine his fate and grant him entry into the fortresses.
As Adrian waited his turn, his mind buzzed with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He understood the magnitude of this moment—the test that would ascertain whether he possessed the qualities befitting a Dracul descendant. He knew he had to give it his all, to showcase his unwavering resolve and indomitable spirit.
The time had come for Adrian to step into the testing chamber, to face the challenges that awaited him—a crucible that would forge his character and unveil his true potential. With each stride, he drew closer to his destiny, ready to confront the fortresses that stood as formidable barriers, guarding the Blessing he so desperately sought—the mark of a Dracul descendant.