NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 2: ECLIPSE ORIGIN
The Eclipse Awakening occurs in individuals who possess an Eclipse Affinity which is an innate yet dormant potential that only manifests in chosen individuals after the Catastrophe. This awakening is most commonly triggered during adolescence or in moments of extreme emotional or physical distress. However, the process is so unpredictable that some experience agonizing transformations, while others awaken effortlessly, as if their abilities had always been part of them.
A person who undergoes this awakening is granted supernatural abilities, categorized into Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Epic, and Legendary ranks, with the rare and mysterious Unique rank standing apart. An Eclipsed Individual, or simply an Eclipse, can possess powers ranging from minor physical enhancements to godlike abilities, drastically shaping their role and influence in society.
The moment an individual awakens, their Gift Rank is determined instantaneously. Unlike conventional skill progression, an Eclipse cannot train to ascend the ranks. Whatever they awaken with is their absolute limit. However, mastery and refinement can still enhance their effectiveness.
While the fortunate few awaken at Advanced or higher, the vast majority find themselves bound to the Basic or Intermediate ranks, possessing only minor enhancements or supportive abilities. Yet, fate is not without irony that some of the most formidable abilities can manifest in the unlikeliest of individuals.
Those who awaken with a Unique gift exist outside the conventional power system. Unlike standard ranks, where multiple individuals may share similar abilities, a Unique gift is truly one-of-a-kind which is impossible to steal, copy, or duplicate. These gifts can be either a blessing or a curse, ranging from reality-warping powers to seemingly useless gimmicks.
Although an Eclipse's innate gift is set in stone, there exists a phenomenon known as the Second Awakening. A near-mythical event that allows an Eclipse to transcend their original limitations. However, the conditions for triggering a Second Awakening remain an enigma. Even if one were to replicate every detail of an individual who has undergone it, the outcome would remain unchanged and nothing would happen. The rarity of this event is staggering, with the number of recorded Second Awakenings being fewer than the decimal places of pi itself.