The next morning after the world-changing news had been broadcasted throughout the world, hundreds upon hundreds of broadcasters stood in front of a giant gate. It was a giant and majestic black gate that separated the broadcasters from the seemingly noble lands behind it.
Despite waiting for an entire night, the broadcasters were still eagerly staring past the gate, waiting for something to happen. Soon after, a pigeon beastia from inside walked to the gate. The pigeon, who was as tall as an average person, was wearing a black suit paired with a black hat and a monocle. A bright emblem can be seen engraved on his suit. It was a golden crown floating above the Earth, which in turn is sitting on top of an open book. The pigeon beastia took his time walking to the gate, carrying a framed letter. When he was near the gate, the broadcasters moved away from him to give him space.
He did not come out. Instead, he slid the letter past the gaps of the gate and hung it on the lock where the gates meet. The frame was black, and the paper inside was plain white, but it carried a majestic aura on it, clearly showcasing the power of Arcane. On top of the letter, a symbol, the exact duplicate of the emblem worn by the pigeon beastia, was engraved. In the letter, it said:
To the population of Earth:
The Paragon Academy is thrilled at the decision of The World Council. It had been our long-awaited wish for the inclusion of humanity in this academy. With this, the academy can truly move to its goal of equality. Be assured; the academy will treat everyone equally. As such, to celebrate the inclusion of humans, we will have an entrance examination for all races a month from now, breaking our ten-year cycle for this special occasion. An individual must be less than 25 years old and must be at least at the Combatant Class to qualify. To encourage aspiring students even further, here is some interesting information: Another Paragon Class is going to be created. We have high hopes for this batch.
The Paragon Academy
***
The broadcasters were agape as they read the contents of the letter. They wasted no second as they immediately broadcasted the letter despite their shock.
The news reached even the depths of the Earth. Normally, each individual would only have one chance at entering the prestigious academy due to its decade-long hiatus, but now, a new opportunity has come.
The letter from The Paragon Academy made the world move. Hidden masters and disciples from all over the world traveled mountains and oceans for this grand occasion. This is an opportunity that only comes once every decade and is not to be missed.
This speaks volumes to the status of The Paragon Academy, which transcends The World Council itself. There had not been a single exception for its graduates; all of them were phenomenal. Even their dropouts, those who failed the curriculum, are powerhouses as well. This would have been enough to stir the world, but the opening of another Paragon Class ensured it.
There had only ever been four Paragon Classes, Northern Paragon Class, Eastern Paragon Class, Western Paragon Class, and Southern Paragon Class. This, together with the Central Paragon, a student government inside the academy, makes up the elites of The Paragon Academy. Each Paragon Class only caters to 20 individuals. This means that there are 20 slots open for grabs this enrollment, an unprecedented high in 400 years.
***
In a simple village somewhere, humans joyfully lived their day-by-day lives. There, an 18-year-old boy was holding a shield as he stared at the morning sun. The shield was bright and shining. It carried a kind and gentle atmosphere that warms those around it. He was wearing a tight shirt that emphasized his toned body, which made him look formidable despite his 5'7" height. His short black hair was gently caressed by a lady beside him.
"Who would have thought, Aeiz? A chance had been created. Our ancestors fought to the death for moments like this. Make sure you make our race proud," said A lady with a warm face and dark hair.
"I will, mom," Aeiz said with a hopeful face.
***
Meanwhile, in the throne room of a magnificent castle, an 18-year-old lady holding a spear was kneeling on one knee in front of a giant empty throne.
"My lord, please allow this lowly subordinate of yours to walk on this journey," she solemnly beseeched.
A long silence reigned over the room, but the lady continued to kneel without moving an inch. After another long while, a voice echoed in the throne room.
"Do not forget the bond of blood, and do not shame the banner of our kind, Adriana," a deep voice said.
"I will never forget this grace!"
***
"Boss, are you really going to enter?" a beautiful lady with long black hair asked a man sitting behind a desk.
"Yes, I trust all of you enough to leave the tasks in your hands," the man, who looked not older than 20, said as he tied up his long white hair.
"Tsk. You are just doing this to get out of the upcoming inspections," another lady said to him, but she stared at his piercing blue eyes with longing.
"You got me. Take care of everyone; I will have to take off now. I am going to miss all of you," he said before taking his black cane engraved with golden Runes.
"We are going to miss you as well, Aethus."
***
In a dark cave somewhere, a tomb with a sword stabbed in it was glowing brightly. It did not have any dust on it. It looked like it was just made yesterday. In front of it, a girl was kowtowing. She slammed her head three times on the ground before standing up and pulling the sword out of the grave.
"Mother, the time has come. An opportunity came. I will not shame our family. Justice will descend upon them! After I hone my blade in The Paragon Academy, I will show the world Justice!" she cried.