The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Fruity turned to her with curiosity. "What is a Saint?" he asked softly. He had read about immortals in the monastery\'s texts. The writings spoke of their ability to fly and move through the air, but he had never heard of a Saint before.

"A Saint is a cultivator with control over certain elements," Aurelia explained. "They have the ability to influence these elements in ways that let them defy some natural laws. For example, they can walk on air, fly, or travel long distances in mere seconds."

Fruity\'s eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, which is more awesome, Saints or Immortals?" he asked with a grin.

Aurelia looked puzzled by the term "awesome" but quickly understood the gist of the question. She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Immortals are generally stronger than Saints. Their abilities are more extensive and their endurance is unmatched. However, both are remarkable in their own ways."

Fruity nodded, still smiling. "So, Immortals are awesome, but Saints are also awesome."

Aurelia nodded in agreement. "In a way, yes. Both have their own special qualities that make them remarkable. It\'s not just about who is stronger, but also about what they can do and how they use their abilities."

"It\'s decided, I want to be a Saint," Fruity said looking at the figure whose legs finally touched the ground. Aurelia looks at him curiously and smiles. They focus their attention back to the Saint that just appeared.

"I know you are all here to awaken and become cultivators, so I won\'t waste anyone\'s time," the Saint said, forming a hand seal. From behind him, a giant pillar, about 30 meters tall, rose from the ground.

The pillar had ten segments, each marked with intricate symbols. As soon as the pillar appeared, everyone\'s faces lit up with excitement. It was the Awakening Pillar. They said that if you touch it, strange energy would enter your body, linking your soul with your consciousness and opening the path to the spiritual sea, opening a way for you to cultivate.

"This is the Awakening Pillar," the Saint continued. "As you can see, there are ten segments, which can be viewed as levels, ranging from one to ten. When you touch it, it will connect your consciousness with your soul, awakening your latent talents and class. After that, it will measure your level based on your talent and class."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "If you rank at level one, it means your talent and skill are mediocre. At most, you might become an Ascended or remain as an Awakened. If you rank at level ten, it means your talent is extraordinary."

The crowd murmured with excitement at the thought of their potential. "Those who rank between levels five and nine will be directly recognized by the King and receive special attention from the kingdom," the Saint added.

Suddenly, a calm and reserved voice broke the murmur. "Uncle, what if someone ranks tenth?" Fruity asked, casually chewing on a piece of candy as if he hadn\'t just interrupted a Saint.

Everyone turned to look at Fruity, surprised by his nonchalant demeanor. The Saint turned his gaze towards Fruity and replied, "Nobody has ever reached the tenth level, but if someone did, I am sure the Emperor himself would take notice."

Fruity\'s eyes gleamed with interest. "Does that mean you could meet the Ice Princess if you rank tenth?"

The Saint nodded. "That is possible, yes." For some reason, he felt calm talking to the Kid.

"Good, I guess I\'ll awaken and rank ten so I can also meet her," Fruity said with an excited smile.

Some of the youngsters around him exchanged confused glances. "

\'Who is this strange kid?\' they wondered, observing Fruity\'s childish behavior.

While many were anxious about their potential rank, Fruity seemed completely unfazed. His casual attitude and broad smile seemed out of place at such a serious moment. A few people even felt a pang of irritation, wanting to slap him for his lack of concern. However, most just sighed, recognizing that Fruity\'s behavior was simply a sign of his immaturity.

The Saint glanced at Fruity for a moment, his expression unreadable, before continuing with his speech. "As I was saying, you will be measured based on your class and talent."

He stepped aside to make way for the elders. "Without further ado, the awakening ceremony may begin."

"Matin Gent, you are first." And the elder called out. A young man with striking blue hair walked confidently to the pillar, his shoulders held high. He approached the pillar and paused, turning around to face the onlookers before turning back to the pillar.

"Tsk, show off," Fruity muttered under his breath, feeling an inexplicable urge to slap Matin. However, recalling his teachings, he took a deep breath and whispered, "Inner Peace."

Aurelia watched Fruity with a soft smile. She found his reactions endearing and couldn\'t help but think that Fruity was too charming to be just a monk. In her mind, he seemed more like a prince from a grand kingdom.

If only Aurelia knew that Fruity was actually a prince. But who\'s asking?

Matin gently placed his hand on the pillar. At first, nothing happened. Then, after a few seconds, the pillar began to hum and light up. The first segment glowed blue, brightening steadily. The second segment followed, lighting up green. The third segment shone yellow, and then the fourth segment illuminated in violet.

But after the fourth segment, the pillar\'s light stopped.

"Impressive," some of the parents and guardians remarked. "Matin Gent awakened with Level 4 talent. This is impressive; his future looks bright."

Matin Gent, who had just achieved Level 4, was pleased but not as elated as he had hoped. He had not reached the fifth level, so he wouldn\'t receive special recognition from the King. The realization slightly dimmed his happiness.

"Stacy Hendrik," the elder called out. A slender young lady with attractive features stepped forward. Unlike Matin, she placed her hand on the pillar immediately, and it lit up in response. Just like Matin, she too stopped at Level Four.

With a smile, she walked down the stairs, satisfied with her result. As more names were called, Fruity watched with increasing curiosity. To his surprise, none of the other candidates reached Level Five. Most fell between Levels Three and Four, with only a few managing Level Two, a rare occurrence.

"Aurelia Jenkis," the elder announced.

Fruity\'s attention snapped to the young lady beside him. Aurelia, with her long silver hair, hourglass figure, and graceful legs, walked confidently toward the pillar. She gave Fruity a warm smile before she approached the Pillar.

"I\'ll cheer for you, Aurelia!" Fruity shouted.

Aurelia glanced back at him, her smile widening as she appreciated his support. She reached the pillar and placed her hand on it. The pillar responded immediately, beginning to light up in a dazzling display.