Vale stood before the enormous golden gates of the Central Academy. The walls stretched beyond what the eye could see, towering several meters above him.
The Academy was said to be a city within a city, known as the safest place in all of Verythmia. Its walls were not only reinforced with the strongest metals but also lined with turrets—infused with mana crystals, capable of firing mana beams that could disintegrate both dormant and awakened creatures in an instant.
No monster had ever breached the Academy's defences. In fact, none had even come close—between the turrets' long-range capabilities and the sheer number of awakened warriors ready to defend it, the Academy's defences were considered indestructible.
It was a place of legends and countless tales. Vale had read about the Central Academy many times, but seeing it in person was breathtaking—almost otherworldly.
Yet, he knew it wasn't as glorious as it appeared. Along with boundless opportunity and unparalleled safety, the Academy's purpose was to create more Awakened. Those who entered were required to face trials—and in doing so, accept the possibility of death.
Vale studied the Academy grounds through the massive gate, watching as numerous students walked around, chatting and laughing as if their only goal wasn't to confront death itself. It was an odd sight.
They all seemed so carefree and so immature. How would they survive the second trial?
"How did they even survive the first one?"
Before Vale could further question the abilities of his soon-to-be peers, the massive gates began to open. A deep hum resonated through the air as the enormous metal doors swung wide.
The atmosphere shifted. The overwhelming presence of countless Awakened pressed down on Vale, and in that moment, he realized just how low he stood in the hierarchy. The Academy wasn't just filled with weak or dormant students—it housed powerful faculty members and those preparing for their third trial. His journey was only just beginning.
A young woman stood before him. She had long blonde hair that swayed in the wind and piercing blue eyes that gazed down at him. She was tall—at least a few centimeters taller than Vale. He had never met a woman taller than himself before, and it caught him off guard. He wasn't short, in fact, he was taller than most people his age.
The woman appeared to be in her late twenties. She wore a dark navy Academy uniform, adorned with silver ornaments, paired with dark leather boots. Her uniform looked pristine and freshly pressed, with not a single speck of dirt on it.
"Hi there! Congratulations on completing your first trial!" she said with a warm smile.
Vale frowned slightly.
"How does she know I completed my first trial?" he thought.
"It's my unique ability—I can see how many trials a person has completed and when they completed them," the young woman said before he could even ask.
"My name is Luna. I'm the student representative, assigned to show you around."
"Assigned? You knew I was coming?"
"We have many talented individuals here, including a few oracles who can predict when someone new will arrive at the Academy."
Vale blinked. He knew the Central Academy housed powerful and knowledgeable individuals—after all, it was the second-largest organization in the world—but to know precisely when someone would arrive at its gates? He had underestimated the Academy capabilities.
"I know it's a lot to take in. Everyone reacts the same way," Luna continued. "We only know that someone will arrive. We don't know who, why, or exactly when. My job is to greet that individual and guide them."
"I'm Vale."
"Nice to meet you, Vale. Come, I'll show you around."
Luna led him to the dormitory building. After briefly studying his appearance, she decided he needed to wash up and change before continuing the tour. Vale agreed—his ripped and bloodied pajamas made him stand out too much, not to mention the stench.
Luna waited outside while Vale entered his room.
The space was fairly large, with a single bed, a dresser, and a desk, all made of polished oak wood. A pleasant, earthy scent lingered in the air. Though the room was smaller than his quarters at the royal estate, compared to the Demon Realm, it seemed oddly luxurious.
Vale stepped into the shower, savouring the felling of hot water. After days of being stained with the blood and bodily fluids of the monsters he had slain, the soothing streams washed it all away. He took longer than necessary, reluctant to leave the comforting warmth, but after spending another couple of moments lingering under the stream of hot water, he finally turned off the tap and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Noticing a mirror, he decided to study his reflection. The injuries he had sustained in the Demon Realm were completely healed—no scars remained from the deadly wounds he had endured. His physique had also changed, his muscles appeared more defined, and his skin had a healthier glow.
Indeed, the effects of the trials weren't limited to newfound abilities or knowledge—they transformed everything. Vale had never lacked in appearance, but the aftereffects of the trials seemed to enhance his natural features, making him look even stronger and more refined in every way.
Vale continued to study his appearance for a couple more minutes, before remembering that Luna has been waiting for him this whole time. He swiftly left the bathroom and dressed in the dark navy uniform, which was already waiting for him on his bed. The deep navy colour of the uniform contrasted sharply with his pale skin, creating a striking image.
He nodded in approval seeing how the uniform fit him perfectly.
"How did they even know my size? Did the oracles help with uniforms too?" he mused as he opened the door.
Luna had been waiting outside for quite some time. A flicker of surprise crossed her face when she saw him. Now clean, dressed neatly in the Academy uniform and standing tall with confidence—he looked as regal as one could.
Without further delay, the pair continued their tour of the Academy.