Chapter 97: Talent Test [2]
He opened his left hand this time. A metallic sheen spread across his palm. Silver. Gleaming. Sharp. The air grew cold, heavy, and dense. A faint clinking sound echoed through the room, like the clash of distant swords. The walls seemed to shudder. The Principal’s sharp eyes locked onto the metal, and his breath caught in his throat.
Everywhere became silent like a graveyard.
The Principal watched this with his eyes wide open, unable to believe what he was seeing. He checked the aura and confirmed. His mind almost blew.
"SSS-Rank Metal."
His composure shattered completely. The excitement he had been holding in burst forth.
"Hahahaha!"
A loud, genuine, booming laugh echoed through the office. The Principal threw his head back, his laughter filled with pure, unbridled joy.
"Two SSS-Rank talents! In one person! Hahahaha!"
He slammed his hand on the desk, the wood groaning under the impact. His sharp eyes gleamed with something between awe and madness.
His thoughts had gone further. Having gauged Lucien’s talent, he knew of Lucien’s clan and bloodline. Their awakened bloodline talent couldn’t be lower than other origin elements. This meant that Lucien still had another SSS-Rank Talent. As for how many, he didn’t know. But this was enough.
"Hahahaha!"
He laughed out again.
He looked at Lucien and smiled. "This is truly unprecedented, young Lucien. Even though I know you have more to offer, this old man can’t take it any longer. And it’s better to keep your talent a secret."
Lucien met his gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips. He closed his hand, and the metal faded.
His aim had been achieved. He was betting on the character of the old man.
The Principal leaned back in his chair, still chuckling. His sharp eyes were filled with admiration and wonder.
"You are going to shake this academy to its very foundations, young Lucien. And I will be here to watch it happen."
He waved his hand, still smiling.
"Welcome to Aethel Academy, truly and fully. Your talents will be kept secret. I think it’s best it doesn’t go beyond us that are here."
Lucien nodded. "Thank you, Principal."
The Principal’s smile widened. "No, young Lucien. Thank you."
The Principal then waved his hands, flinging an origin ring towards Lucien. "That contains your uniform you will use in the academy."
Lucien caught it as he smiled. This brought back memories. In his past life, because his body was weak and fragile, he wasn’t able to attend school. All he did was online lectures and tutorials. He felt a hidden anticipation of how things would go.
As he proceeded to check the uniform in the origin ring, something appeared in his mind. He had sensed it due to the system, but since it had no hostile intent, he allowed it.
"That will give you the necessary information you need to know about the academy," the Principal said as Lucien digested the information.
Lucien had a grasp of the academy now with this information.
The academy had different fields that students could learn from: Alchemy Runes Field, Formation Runes Field, and many more. There were also different kinds of Originators that students could become: Sword Originators or Blade Originators, Origin Element Originators, and many more. Different kinds of Armaments existed, and students were trained so that their talents were completely excavated.
And most importantly, there were different kinds of students: First Year Students, Second Year Students, and Third Year Students. He could now distinguish the students he saw when they were coming.
The uniforms were distinct by year.
First Year Students wore deep navy blue with silver trim. The tunic was simple, without excessive embroidery, symbolizing their entry into the academy. A silver academy emblem was stitched over the left chest.
Second Year Students wore midnight black with silver trim. More intricate embroidery lined the sleeves and collar, indicating progress. The academy emblem was slightly larger and glowed faintly.
Third Year Students wore royal purple with gold trim. Intricate gold embroidery covered the sleeves, collar, and hem. The academy emblem was detailed and glowed with power.
And among this distinction, there were still levels. Even in the academy, the notion of the strong preying on the weak was rampant. In every year, there were those in the top 50 of the academy—they had different uniforms. Or if you automatically awakened an S-Rank Talent, your uniform was different. All these students were called Honor Students.
Lucien absorbed this information, his curiosity piqued. "Honor Students?"
The Principal nodded. "Yes. They are the elite among elites. Students who have proven themselves through strength, talent, or achievement. Their uniforms reflect their status."
Lucien looked at the origin ring in his hand. "And mine?"
The Principal chuckled. "Yours is different. We designed it specifically for you. It’s a mix of the standard uniform and honor student features. You’ll see when you wear it."
Lucien raised an eyebrow but didn’t question further. He could wait.
"Honor Students," the Principal continued, "wear their class base uniform with gold and silver trim. Their embroidery is more intricate, and the academy emblem is larger, more detailed, and embroidered in gold and silver. It marks them as the best of the best."
Lucien nodded. "I understand."
The Principal smiled. "You’ll have the chance to rise through the ranks, young Lucien. With your talents, I have no doubt you’ll become a force within this academy."
Lucien met his gaze. "I intend to."
The Principal’s smile widened. "I expect nothing less."
The Principal waved his hand. "Now, go. Settle in. Your first classes will begin tomorrow. Your uniform is in the ring. If you need anything, Sylas will assist you."
Lucien nodded and stood. His wives stood up with him. They had watched as Lucien displayed his talent. This was their darling
"Thank you, Principal."
He turned and walked toward the door, his wives following, Alexia trailing silently behind.
"Oh yeah, would you love to meet your brother." The Principal voice rang out from behind as he paused.
"Our meeting will be up to fate." Lucien chuckled.
The Principal nodded, not saying anything again.
’Young Lucien, I want to see how strong you will grow. I hope to witness your incredible rise.’
The principal thought as he watched Lucien step out. As Lucien stepped out of the office, the heavy doors closed behind him.
Lucien let out a slow breath. His first day at Aethel Academy was about to begin.
A/N: The uniform image will be published in the discord. Continue to support this author with Golden Tickets, Power Stones, and gifts. Your support is my greatest motivation.
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