Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 3 Part Two: Carey Family

(From the MC's POV)

The shouts from my mother annoy me greatly. I can't even enjoy extended hours of rest. "Oh, my God. What a world!" I grumbled under my breath. Getting up from the bed, I gently rubbed my head.

I headed straight to the mirror first. Checking out my handsome features has become my everyday habit. Standing there, I examined my reflection. Beyond my appealing appearance, my bodily power suffices. Yet, as a member of the Mage Family, this level of might falls short.

I resemble my father more than my elder brother in features. The long black locks and shadowy gaze match perfectly. Above all, my striking visage, pale complexion, and height nearing six feet stand out. The sole variance lies in my slimmer build compared to Dad. Once I admired my looks, thoughts turned to the day's happenings. Indeed, this marks the pivotal moment in my existence. The Second Mage Awakening Session.

Basic physical prowess is required for all before the awakening to endure the awakening platform's force. At fifteen, I didn't succeed. Most folks unlock their mage abilities during the initial ceremony. A follow-up chance to reveal one's aptitude is uncommon. My first attempt also left my mage potential dormant. Now, a rare second shot has come my way. Today, I aim to ignite my mage gift.

During that first try, I lacked the necessary baseline physical condition. That must explain my failure back then. But things differ now. I've achieved the required fitness standards.

Having motivated myself inwardly, I stepped in for a quick rinse.

A few minutes passed, and I emerged from the shower, ready to dress.

[Ding- Alarm – 9 A.M!]

The alert rang loudly in my ears. I had set it last night and forgot to silence it upon waking. Moving to the compact clock, I switched it off.

Shaking my head, I started getting ready. Dress codes don't apply to students. Like most from Mage Families. The idea of personal choice prevails among us. Thus, I picked my preferred outfit. Gray ranks as my top color. Opting for a gray hoodie from an emerging brand, paired with dark jeans. This duo brought me a sense of ease.

Once dressed, I neatly brushed my hair. Next came the array of grooming items: lotions for men, body sprays, and colognes. No, I won't bother with those, I decided, shaking my head again. On an ordinary day, I might try one. However, this day could reshape my future dramatically. So, such frivolities fail to capture my interest.

Sighing, I packed my bag. I tossed in a few books for the session. Typically, classes halt for the awakening event. But that applies solely to the debut ritual. Since most students succeed in the first round, a half-day suffices for the repeat ceremony. Just a handful, like me, opt for another go.

Breathing deeply, I assured myself, "I possess ample strength and won't scare easily." Yet, as the awakening time neared, I realized my error. A churn in my gut unsettled me, though I couldn't pinpoint why. Despite my resistance, anxiety crept in unavoidably.

Why act so ordinarily? I murmured deliberately. Curse it, mage lineage flows through me.

With my mind cleared, I strapped on my wristwatch, a piece of tech gadgetry. Completing my preparations, I left the room.

As I passed the dining area, the scent of breakfast hit me. The delicious smell made me pause. "I'm running late already, no chance." Sorry, but time's short now. "What to do?" I whispered softly.

My mind raced then, leading to a sudden idea. I grabbed the meal from the table and stashed it in the fridge. Mom would scold me if she noticed. I'd handle that afterward, though.

Next, I inputted the code to secure the door. Departing home, I headed to school on foot. The distance is brief. Mom and Dad's choice placed us in Red Water Province's capital. The central city offers every amenity.

Consulting my wristwatch, I verified the schedule. Logging in, I accessed my student profile.

While reviewing, a notice from the administration popped up. Spotting it, I tapped the link promptly.

[Student name: Vincent CareyClass: B6Second Awakening Schedule: 3:00 PM]

"What?" Shock gripped me.

I expected the awakening post-noon. But this slot feels outrageous. Waiting that long seems impossible. My belly already twists in discomfort. I'm clueless on how to proceed.

Frustration propelled me to rush toward school.

Minutes later,

[LITTLE STAR GATE HIGH SCHOOL]

Spotting the entrance from a distance, I hurried to the school gate. Along the path, numerous students streamed in, a few matching my pace. Despite the modest-sounding name, over 800 kids in my year crowd our institution.

In my B6 section, thirty students count me among them. Each section maintains equal size, sorted by scholarly merit. Ranging from A1 to A6, down to D1 through D6. Most D-section kids have human parents. Either both human, or dad a mage and mom human in certain cases. Hence, their aptitude tends to be lower.

Occasionally, Class D individuals manifest mage abilities via solid talent. They get shifted to Class A immediately. There, they pursue studies until graduation. Instructors there far surpass those in D. I remember a lass from D moving to A after unveiling Fire Mage aptitude at Middle level.

Reflecting on that, a sigh escaped me. Should I fail to rouse mage power with decent talent, demotion to Class D looms. Observing the throng, I advanced through the gate.