Chapter 124: Paths Of Power. Pt 1
The hushed anticipation in the vast plaza of Astralis Academy’s Upper House was so thick it could have been spread like butter on a slice of very nervous toast.
Director Gareth Sterling, his earlier pronouncements about entrance tests and potential eliminations still hanging heavy in the air, gestured towards the dais.
As if summoned by an unspoken command, four new figures materialized silently beside him, their arrival causing a collective gasp from the thousands of assembled aspirants.
A subtle tremor ran through the polished obsidian floor of the plaza, a testament to the sheer, overwhelming power these individuals commanded.
"These," Director Gareth announced, his voice resonating with a new level of gravity, "are the Vice-Principals of Astralis Academy’s four primary schools.
They will be observing your performance throughout these tests, and their judgment will be instrumental in shaping your future here. Or, for some of you," his gaze swept sternly across the nervous faces, "your rather abrupt departure."
Daniel, standing calmly amidst the shifting crowd, felt his S-Grade [Aura Sense+] tingle with an intensity he hadn’t experienced since facing the Golden-Armored Blue Ape.
These were not just ordinary people, they were power incarnate, each a nexus of potent energy and profound authority.
He quietly evaluated them, already noting their potential, not just as mentors, but as valuable sources of assimilation data, even if currently out of reach.
The first to step forward was a towering man, built like someone who might wrestle Gravehounds for sport.
He was lean, almost wiry, but every line of his body screamed of contained, explosive power.