Yuki stepped into the bustling auditorium, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. It was the day of the Core Assessment, an event held annually for students to discover and understand their unique abilities. The vast hall was filled with students of varying ages, their eyes shining with curiosity and excitement.
As Yuki took his seat among the sea of faces, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy. The air buzzed with anticipation as each student eagerly awaited their turn to step forward and unveil their Core. This was their chance to glimpse their potential, to unlock the hidden depths of their abilities.
The assessment began with a display of awe-inspiring powers. Students showcased their talents, each Core unveiling its distinct name and abilities. Fire Cores spewed flames, Lightning Cores crackled with electricity, and Telekinesis Cores levitated objects with a mere thought.
Among the crowd, Yuki's eyes were drawn to Steven, a tall and imposing figure known for his bullying tendencies. Steven possessed a Level 7 Core, known as the Shadow Core. It granted him the ability to manipulate darkness, rendering him a formidable opponent. Yuki couldn't help but feel a knot of apprehension in his stomach, aware that his own Core paled in comparison.
And then, there was Alice—a vision of elegance and grace. Her Level 9 Core, the Celestial Core, bestowed upon her the power to control celestial energy and manipulate the elements. Alice seemed to radiate a natural beauty and confidence that commanded the respect of those around her. She was the epitome of a top-level Core master, her abilities revered and admired by all.
As the assessment continued, Yuki's turn approached. The room grew hushed as he stepped onto the stage, the weight of his perceived inadequacy pressing upon him. His voice trembled as he announced his Core's name—the Trash Core. A murmur of stifled laughter rippled through the crowd, and a group of students exchanged mocking glances.
Fuelled by the presence of Steven and Alice, the other students saw an opportunity to assert their dominance. They circled around Yuki, their taunts and jeers echoing in his ears. The weight of their words struck deep, reinforcing the belief that he was insignificant, a mere afterthought in this world of extraordinary abilities.
Yet, amidst the mockery and humiliation, a flicker of determination ignited within Yuki. He refused to let the bullying define him. He would rise above the doubts and prove that true strength lay not in the label of one's Core but in the resilience of one's spirit.
As the chapter closed, Yuki's gaze met Alice's, and he saw a glimmer of empathy in her eyes. It was a fleeting moment, but it sparked a tiny flame of hope within him. In the face of adversity, Yuki vowed to harness the power of his supposedly forgotten Core, to embrace his journey of self-discovery, and to rise above the shadows that threatened to engulf him.