MTLNOVEL Chapter 28: The Luck Awakening
The Luck Awakening
1. A Name Etched in Gold
Tom stepped onto the small stage at the front of the classroom, his pulse pounding. The teacher gestured toward an Awakening Crystal—a large, gleaming gem set into a ceremonial pedestal. It shimmered with a soft glow, waiting to pull forth his true ability.
He could feel the weight of every gaze on him.
Stacy grinned from her seat, practically bouncing in excitement. The students murmured behind him, placing bets on what power he would awaken.
Tom's fingers twitched. This isn't real.
He knew it wasn't.
And yet, as he reached out toward the crystal, his doubts grew louder.
What if…
What if it was real?
What if he had never been a cosmic gambler fighting against fate? What if he had never rewritten probability, never defied the Council, never watched his mother reshape timelines?
What if he had always been here?
What if everything else had been a dream?
He swallowed hard.
And then—
His fingers brushed the crystal.
A pulse of energy surged through his body.
The classroom exploded with golden light.
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2. The Impossible Talent
The teacher staggered back, shielding his eyes. The students gasped.
Tom felt something shift inside him.
The Roulette Wheel—the one he had always carried—spun wildly in his chest.
But this time, it wasn't the golden, omnipotent artifact he had wielded in battle.
No.
It was smaller. Simpler.
A system ability.
A skill.
Above him, golden text burned into existence.
[Awakening Complete: S-Rank Ability - Cosmic Fortune]
The room erupted in chaos.
"S-Rank?!"
"Holy crap! He's got the rarest tier!"
"Cosmic Fortune? Is that… is that a luck-based ability?"
Tom's breath hitched.
The world felt too perfect.
Too convenient.
And yet—
The Awakening Crystal never lies.
---
3. The Dream Grows Tighter
The teacher cleared his throat, trying to recover from his shock. "Ahem. Tom Peters, you have awakened the ability Cosmic Fortune. This is… unprecedented."
Tom barely heard him. His hands clenched.
His mind screamed at him to fight this. To reject it.
But the momentum of the world swept him forward.
A notification flashed in his vision.
[Cosmic Fortune: Your luck has surpassed mortal limitations. Probability bends in your favor at all times. The world ensures your survival and success.]
The words sank into him.
And then—
A sudden beep.
A new system message.
[Exclusive Trait Acquired: Jackpot Effect]
[Whenever you obtain an item, skill, or reward, there is a 100% chance it will be the best possible outcome.]
Tom's breath caught in his throat.
No.
No, no, no.
It was too much like the Wheel.
It was too perfect.
But… if it was fake… why did it feel so real?
---
4. The Dungeon Invitation
Before Tom could process what was happening, the teacher coughed again, composing himself.
"Well," he said, "this is highly unusual. S-Rank Awakenings don't happen often. We will need to send your information to the Hunter's Association immediately."
Tom blinked. "The… what?"
The teacher looked at him strangely. "Tom, don't tell me you've forgotten. Hunters, dungeons, the monsters that threaten society? You'll be receiving your first Hunter license today."
A new notification appeared before Tom's eyes.
[Congratulations! You have unlocked access to the Hunter System.]
[You have been granted a free entry pass to your first dungeon!]
The class erupted in cheers.
"He's gonna be rich!"
"S-Rank awakenings can make billions a year!"
"Lucky bastard!"
Tom felt lightheaded.
Everything was moving too fast.
He turned to Stacy.
She was grinning, thrilled.
"I bet I'll get something just as awesome," she whispered excitedly.
Tom's fingers curled into fists.
This was wrong.
This was not real.
And yet—
A small voice whispered inside him.
Why fight it?
---
5. The First Hunt
Tom didn't remember how he ended up outside.
One moment, he was in class.
The next—
He stood at the entrance to a dungeon gate.
A shimmering, blue portal pulsed before him.
He wasn't alone.
A group of fresh hunters stood nearby, some he recognized from school, others strangers.
And beside him—
A Hunter Instructor.
"This will be your first dungeon raid," the instructor said. "Remember: stick together, don't panic, and always prioritize survival."
Tom stared at the portal, feeling its energy swirl.
And then—
Another notification.
[New Quest: Survive Your First Dungeon]
[Reward: Random S-Rank Equipment Drop]
His head pounded.
It was just like every manhwa he had read.
Too perfect.
And yet—
His fingers twitched.
A strange feeling settled over him.
As if something deep inside wanted this to be true.
As if the world was pushing him forward.
As if fighting against it would be… wrong.
"Tom?"
Stacy's voice pulled him back.
She grabbed his sleeve, eyes shining with excitement.
"I wish I could go too."
His breath hitched.
If this was an illusion…
If this was a trick…
Why did it feel like it had given him everything he ever wanted?
Tom turned back to the portal.
And for the first time—
He hesitated.
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6. A Gambler's Dilemma
He could walk away.
He could fight back.
He could reject this lie.
…Or he could step forward.
Into the dungeon.
Into the dream.
And just for a little while—
He could pretend it was real.
The portal pulsed.
Tom stepped through.
And the world welcomed him home.
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