The next morning, Axis awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the window. He stretched, feeling surprisingly refreshed despite the previous day's turmoil. A maid came to help him get ready as he was still a child.
She gently combed his hair and helped him into his clothes, a process that made him feel both pampered and slightly impatient to begin the day.
Once dressed, Axis left the guest room and navigated the corridors of the Magic Tower. The hallways were bustling with activity; robed figures moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing on the polished stone floors.
The air was thick with the scent of ancient parchment and the faint hum of magical energies. Axis marveled at the intricate tapestries lining the walls, each depicting legendary battles and ancient spells. It was a world that felt both mysterious and exhilarating.
As he walked, he encountered Avelie again. She greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good morning, young master. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you, Avelie," Axis replied. "I'm ready to start the day."
"That's the spirit," she said, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "The Tower Master has asked to see you. He wants to discuss your results and what lies ahead."
Axis nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. "Lead the way."
Avelie guided him through the maze-like halls of the tower, her steps light and confident.
They passed numerous rooms, each one humming with magical activity. In one room, Axis glimpsed a group of apprentices practicing levitation spells, their faces scrunched in concentration as objects floated precariously above their heads.
In another, a master wizard was inscribing complex runes into a glowing crystal, his brow furrowed in intense focus.
Finally, they reached the Tower Master's office. Avelie knocked lightly on the door before opening it and gesturing for Axis to enter.
The office was spacious, lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. The air smelled of old leather and ink. Sunlight streamed through a large window, casting a warm glow over the room.
The Tower Master looked up from his desk as Axis stepped inside. He was an imposing figure, with a long beard and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through you. "Good morning, Axis. I trust you slept well?"
"Yes, I did," Axis replied, taking a seat across from the Tower Master.
"Good." the Tower Master said, his gaze steady. "Despite what I told you yesterday, you have immense potential. But potential alone is not enough. You must work hard to develop your skills and abilities."
Axis nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Thank you, tower master."
The Tower Master smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Good let me tell you about the re…"
Just as he was about to continue, there was a knock on the door. The Tower Master paused, looking slightly annoyed at the interruption. "Enter."
The door opened, and in walked a woman with an air of confidence and authority. Her presence was striking, and Axis immediately recognized her—his sister, Lilithra.
"Good morning, Tower Master," Lilithra said, giving a respectful nod before turning to Axis. "And good morning to you, little brother."
Axis felt a mixture of surprise and relief at seeing her. "Lilithra, what are you doing here? Weren't you away on some business?"
"I've come to deliver some news," she said, her expression serious. "The results of your awakening ceremony are in. You've been placed in the special class."
Axis blinked, processing the information. "Special class?"
"Yes," Lilithra confirmed. "Your potential is much higher than what was initially assessed. The Tower Master wanted to temper your expectations to ensure you remain focused and grounded. But make no mistake, Axis—you have extraordinary potential."
The Tower Master nodded in agreement. "Your sister is right. I wanted to see how you would react under the impression of being average. You've shown resilience and determination, qualities that are just as important as raw talent."
"I have reflected on my actions," said the Tower Master, remembering the beating he received yesterday for lying to Axis but merely nodding as he needed to save some face.
"What is a special class though?" Axis asked, curiosity piqued.
"You know how ranks are classified, right?" Lilithra asked.
"Yes, from G to A." Axis answered as he previously read that commonly known ranks are G to A.
"Yes, for those who have potential from G to E, they are classified as the common class. Those who have potential from C to A are called the elite class, and those who have potential possibly above rank A are classified under the special class."
Axis felt a surge of emotions—among them, relief. "Thank you, both of you. I won't let you down."
Lilithra smiled warmly. "I know you won't. Now, you should head back to the mansion and share the news with Mother. She'll be proud to hear of your placement."
"Placement? To where?" Axis inquired.
"The classes are not in name only; there are different schools that nurture individuals who have successfully awakened their mana. The next placement is right around the corner, it's just next month," Lilithra explained.
"But what are placements?" Axis asked, still puzzled.
"It's an exam you have to undergo. It's simple, nothing major, and based on your results, you can decide which school you want to go to," she clarified.
"Are there many schools?"
"There are schools ranging from bad to better to good and excellent. There are all kinds of schools. Each Kingdom has more than one unless they are minor kingdoms, but that's for later. Let's go home; Mother is waiting."
Axis nodded, giving his pleasantries to the Tower Master before leaving with his sister. "I will. Thank you again for the hospitality tower master."
As Axis walked alongside Lilithra, he noticed many people looking at them. Some gazes were filled with admiration, while others held scorn. Employees made way for them as they passed.
They settled into the familiar carriage drawn by snow wolves. Once they were comfortable, the carriage began moving towards the mansion.
"Now that I think about it, you don't have a maid, do you?" Lilithra asked, breaking the silence.
"What are you talking about? I have a maid, don't you know?" Axis replied, confused.
"You have who?" Lilithra asked, feigning ignorance.
"Ranel. She's been taking care of me from the moment I woke up," Axis explained.
"I see. I must have forgotten," Lilithra said with a laugh, clearly hiding something.
"Lilithra, tell me the truth. How was my relationship with you and the other family members?" Axis asked, his tone serious.
'System, activate, analyze,' Axis thought.
Playing around with the analyze function, Axis found it quite amusing.
{Ding}
{Skill Analyze activated}
"Why would you ask something like that? We were clearly a loving family, and you were the favorite of us all," Lilithra said, trying to sound sincere.
{The person has lied}