The world shifted again in a flash of white light.
Kael blinked and found himself standing in a sleek classroom, a blend of polished obsidian floors and floating holographic panels. The ceiling glowed with soft artificial starlight—another reminder of Aetherion Academy's futuristic-victorian brilliance.
One by one, students began appearing, most still catching their breath from their combat trials. Within an hour, nearly every seat was filled.
Without delay, a transparent screen blinked into existence in front of each student.
> "Welcome to the Practical Knowledge Assessment," a voice announced. "You will be tested on mana theory, magical creatures, sword and artifact logic, elemental harmony, and general academia. Begin."
Kael glanced at the questions. Mana diffusion rates… artifact compatibility scaling… soul fragment harmonics…
His mind surged into gear.
Enhanced Cognition activated silently.
With a calm expression, he wrote.
Time ticked. People groaned. Others whispered under their breath.
Kael remained still eyes sharp, answers flowing from mind to paper like a river of thought. Within the final minute, he leaned back slightly, having solved 98% of the questions.
---
A quiet tone sounded. The results appeared on the main screen, names appearing in descending order:
---
Top 5 – Practical Knowledge Assessment
1. Phoebe Elixmore
2. Elira Morvayne
3. Jin Eldraven
4. Kael Vernier
5. Samantha Solaris
---
Kael raised a brow slightly. He hadn't expected Phoebe to be first.
> "So she's here too…"
Before the thought could settle, the white light returned and the entire room vanished.
They were back in the grand main hall, with Headmaster Eryndor standing atop the marble staircase.
His voice boomed across the room:
> "Based on your practical and combat performances, dorm assignments will now be distributed. These are tailored to both your potential and your future paths."
Simultaneously, every student's watch pinged with a location.
Kael tapped his, revealing:
> Dorm: S-Rank Division – Room 01
Without delay, he began making his way through the sprawling academy grounds. His surroundings shimmered with beauty crystal walkways, floating garden lanterns, and stone towers wrapped in mechanical vines.
He finally stood before a black-gold plated door, marked with an S-rank insignia carved into its surface.
His fingers reached for the handle until
> "Hey!"
A feminine voice, sharp and irritated.
Kael paused.
Slowly, he turned.