Kael, Ethra Prime Ethra System
Kael followed the other applicants through the sleek, metallic corridors of the Silvercrest Magic Knight Academy, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy as they approached a futuristic examination room, its walls lined with glowing panels and advanced technology. The room felt sterile, almost clinical, and Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they were stepping into an entirely different world.
"Alright, everyone, listen up!" a young female attendant called out, her voice cutting through the chatter. "We need to split into two lines—boys on the left, girls on the right. You'll be required to undress down to your underwear before entering the scanning machine."
Kael exchanged glances with Leo and Mira, both of whom looked equally apprehensive. "Undress? Really?" Leo exclaimed, his eyes wide. "This is getting serious!"
"Just follow the instructions," Mira said, her tone steady. "We'll get through this."
As they formed their lines, the girls were led to a separate room. Kael felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He had always been self-conscious about his missing arm, and the thought of standing in front of others in just his underwear made him uneasy. But he pushed the thoughts aside, reminding himself that everyone was in the same situation.
Once they were lined up, the attendant gestured toward the massive machine at the center of the room. It towered over them, its sleek design reminiscent of a futuristic pod. "When it's your turn, step inside the machine and stand still while it scans you. It will determine your elemental affinities."
Just as Kael was about to step forward, a nearby screen flickered to life, drawing everyone's attention. The image of a young news anchor filled the screen, her expression serious. "We interrupt this program for an emergency broadcast from the Silverlien Federation," she announced, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.
The room fell silent as they all turned to watch. "Earlier today, the Federation's Navy made contact with an alien species for the first time. Initial attempts at a diplomatic approach were met with aggression, and we have reports of battles breaking out in the outer systems of the Federation."
Kael's heart sank. He exchanged worried glances with Leo and Mira, the weight of the news settling heavily on his chest. The anchor continued, "The aliens, identified as the Archons, are a mechanical race with extremely advanced technology. Initial reports indicate that the situation is dire, but the government urges everyone to remain calm and trust in the Guardians and Knights who are currently engaged in combat."
The screen displayed images of ships and explosions, the chaos of battle unfolding in real-time. Kael felt a chill run down his spine. This was the first time humanity had made contact with an alien race, and it was already turning into a nightmare.
"More news will be available shortly," the anchor concluded, her expression grave. "For now, we urge everyone to stay informed and support our brave defenders."
As the screen went blank, the room erupted into murmurs. Kael could hear snippets of conversation, a mix of fear and disbelief. "Did you hear that? Aliens attacking us?" one applicant whispered. "What are we going to do?"
"Stay calm, everyone!" the attendant called, trying to regain control of the room. "We're here to take a test, and we need to focus. Talk can come afterward."
Kael took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. Leo stepped closer, his expression reassuring. "Hey, don't worry. We'll get through this. We're training to be knights, right? We'll be ready to fight if we need to."
"Yeah, but this is different," Kael replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "This isn't just a training exercise. This is real."
"I know," Leo said, placing a hand on Kael's shoulder. "But we can't let fear control us. We have to focus on what's in front of us."
Kael appreciated Leo's words, but the worry gnawed at him. The thought of an alien invasion was terrifying, and he couldn't shake the feeling that their world was about to change forever.
As the line began to move, applicants were called one by one to enter the scanning machine. Kael watched as several boys stepped inside, their faces a mix of determination and anxiety. One boy with black hair and striking red eyes emerged from the machine, and the room erupted in cheers.
"Three elements! Fire, Darkness, and Earth!" the attendant announced, her voice filled with excitement. The boy grinned, basking in the attention.
"Wow, that's incredible!" Leo exclaimed. Then his face grew somber
"Yeah, but it's rare," he added, his brow furrowed in thought. "Most knights only have one element."
As the scanning continued, Leo was called next. He stepped into the machine, and Kael held his breath, hoping for the best. A few moments later, Leo emerged, his face beaming with joy.
"I passed! I have Wind and Light!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. "Light is a healing element! This is amazing!"
"Congratulations!" Kael cheered, his spirits lifting with Leo's excitement.
Finally, it was Kael's turn. He stepped forward, feeling the weight of the murmurs surrounding him. As he undressed down to his underwear, he could sense the eyes of the other applicants on him, their whispers filled with doubt and judgment. He held his head high, determined not to let their negativity affect him.
"Step into the machine, Kael," the attendant instructed, her voice professional yet kind.
Taking a deep breath, Kael stepped inside the scanning machine. The interior was cool and metallic, and he felt a slight hum as the machine powered up. He stood still, trying to calm his racing heart as the machine began to scan him.
Moments passed, and Kael felt a sense of unease wash over him. The machine beeped and whirred, but the attendant's expression shifted from focused to puzzled. "Um... it seems we're having some trouble," she said, glancing at the screen.
Kael's heart sank. "What do you mean?" he asked, anxiety creeping into his voice.
The attendant frowned, tapping the screen. "It's not detecting any elemental affinities."
Panic surged within him. What if he didn't have any affinities? What if he was a failure? Just as he was about to spiral into despair, a senior instructor approached, his expression serious.
"What's going on?" he asked, looking at the attendant.
"I can't find any affinities for Kael," she replied, her brow furrowed in concern.
The instructor frowned, tapping the screen himself. "Let me see." He flipped a switch, and suddenly, the machine emitted a series of beeps, the screen flashing with new data.
Kael's breath caught in his throat as the instructor's eyes widened in surprise. "Incredible," he murmured, looking at Kael with a mix of awe and respect.
The attendant's eyes widened as well, and she quickly scribbled notes on her clipboard. "This is unprecedented," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The instructor turned to Kael, his expression serious yet kind. "You've passed this part of the exam.
"Now get dressed and follow me to a side chamber," the instructor instructed, leading Kael out of the scanning room.
As they walked, Kael could hear the whispers of the other applicants, their laughter ringing in his ears. "What do you think he's being called for?" one boy sneered. "Probably getting kicked out."
Kael's heart sank, but he pushed the negativity aside. He had passed the first two parts of the exam, and he wouldn't let anyone take that away from him.
The instructor led him to a small side room with white metallic walls and a single table with two chairs. Kael took a seat, his mind racing with thoughts of what had just happened. He was still processing the revelation about his ability to control Sul when the door opened, and an older man with silver hair entered.
The man exuded strength and authority, and Kael could feel the energy radiating off him. "You must be Kael," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "I'm Dean Blakestrom Silverdrake."
Kael nodded, feeling a mix of awe and nervousness. "It's an honor to meet you, sir."
"Likewise," the dean replied, his gaze piercing yet kind. "I understand you have a unique ability. You can control Sul, which is a rare gift indeed."
Kael swallowed hard, his heart racing. "Sir? Is that what they were excited about. I didn't know i had this ability."
"Most don't," the dean said, leaning back in his chair. "Your ability to control Sul means you can access all elemental powers, not just one or two. This is a significant advantage, but it also comes with great responsibility."
Kael nodded, absorbing the weight of the words. "I understand."
"Because of the rarity of your ability, we want to keep it a secret until you officially enter the academy," Dean Silverdrake continued. "You will be admitted regardless of the outcome of the third part of the exam."
Kael felt a rush of gratitude but also a pang of conflict. "Thank you, sir. But I still want to take the third part. I don't want anyone to think I didn't earn my place here."
The dean regarded him thoughtfully. "You're a determined young man, Kael. I respect that. Very well, you may take the third part, but remember: you cannot disclose your abilities or that you passed the previous tests until you receive your official acceptance letter."
"I understand," Kael replied, his heart heavy with the weight of the secret he would have to keep from his family.
"Good. Now, let's get you back to the others," Dean Silverdrake said, standing up. "You've got a test to complete."
As they left the room, Kael felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. He was about to face the final part of the exam, but the knowledge of his abilities weighed heavily on him. He rejoined Leo, who was waiting anxiously outside.
"Hey, what happened?" Leo asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"I passed," Kael said, trying to keep his tone light. "But I can't tell you what my elements are."
"Why not?" Leo asked, confusion etched on his face.
"The dean told me not to," Kael replied, feeling a pang of guilt for keeping the secret. "But I did pass."
"Awesome!" Leo exclaimed, his excitement infectious. "We're going to be knights together!"
As they walked back to the main area, they rejoined Mira and the other girl applicants. Mira's face lit up when she saw them. "You guys! I passed too! I have three elements: Wind, Water, and Space!"
"Wow, that's incredible!" Kael and Leo exclaimed in unison, their spirits lifting at the news.
"Thanks! I can't believe it!" Mira said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "What about you two?"
"I passed!" Leo said, grinning from ear to ear. "I have Wind and Light!"
Mira's eyes widened. "That's amazing! Light is such a rare element!"
Kael hesitated, feeling the weight of his secret. "I passed too," he said, trying to keep his tone casual. "But I can't tell you what my elements are."
"Why not?" Mira asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"The dean said I can't," Kael replied, feeling a pang of guilt. "But I'm still in!"
"Whatever it is, I'm sure it's amazing," Leo said, clapping Kael on the back. "We're all going to be knights together!"
As they were led to the classroom for the third part of the exam, Kael couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He was grateful for the support of his friends, but the weight of his secret loomed over him. He wanted to share his news with his family, to show them that he was worthy, but for now, he would have to keep it hidden.
As they entered the classroom, Kael took a deep breath, steeling himself for the final challenge. The journey was far from over, and he was determined to face whatever lay ahead.