Today was the entrance exam for the top intergalactic training academies, which were gathering at the local school. Each of these prestigious institutions was renowned for its commitment to excellence and boasted a rich history of producing skilled individuals across various fields.
The Stellara Royal Academy stood at the pinnacle of these academies. It was considered the first-ranked academy in the entirety of Stellara's education system, revered for nurturing exceptional leaders, diplomats, and experts in all disciplines. The academy's reputation was unmatched, and those who graduated from its hallowed halls were destined for greatness.
Not far behind was the Nebula Institute, the second-ranked academy. While it couldn't quite reach the prestigious status of the Stellara Royal Academy, it was highly regarded for offering a comprehensive education that covered a wide range of fields. Students at the Nebula Institute received a well-rounded education and often excelled in various areas.
The Celestial Vanguard Academy held the third rank, excelling in combat training and producing top-tier warriors. Although it offered diverse training in different disciplines, it was renowned for honing the skills of formidable fighters who could face any challenge.
The Stellaris Academy of Arcane Arts, ranked fourth, focused on the mastery of arcane arts, spellcasting, and other mystical disciplines. It attracted those with a penchant for magic and the supernatural, providing them with the knowledge and skills to become adept spellcasters.
Lastly, the Federation Military Academy, occupying the fifth rank, was a military institution designed to train individuals with lower-tier abilities. While it didn't boast the same prestige as the other academies, it played a vital role in preparing recruits to serve in the federation army, ensuring the safety and security of planet Stellaris.
Elliot knew that his future hinged on today's exam, and he was determined to prove his worth and secure a place in one of these renowned academies. As he got ready, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that his journey towards greatness was about to begin.
The soft hum of the shower filled the small bathroom as Elliot Rouge stood beneath the cascading water. With each drop that fell upon him, he could feel the weight of anticipation washing away, replaced by a sense of readiness and determination. As the water droplets traced rivulets down his lean and muscular frame, they seemed to invigorate him. His skin, kissed by the gentle warmth of the water – which, in reality, was icy cold, took on a healthy glow, as healthy as his pale skin could get. He stepped out of the shower and pulled his clothes on.
The scarlet shirt he had chosen for the occasion clung to him, a vibrant contrast to the black pants he'd donned. With utmost care, Elliot fastened the twin swords, Arth and Lily, on either side of his waist. The black overcoat, long and flowing, added an air of mystique to his ensemble. The dark fabric danced around him as he moved, its folds and creases giving him an aura of elegance and power.
The reflection in the bathroom mirror revealed a young man with scarlet eyes, a reminder of the extraordinary abilities he possessed. His hair, a shade of raven black, was neatly combed back, allowing his features to take center stage. As he gazed at his reflection, he found no scars or imperfections, a testament to his unique regenerative capabilities.
With a final glance in the mirror, Elliot exuded an air of quiet confidence. He was ready to face the day and embrace the challenges that awaited him at the school where he had spent his formative years. Today was not only a testament to his growth but also an opportunity to shape his destiny. As he stepped out of the bathroom, the scent of his chosen cologne lingered in the air, leaving an alluring trail in his wake.
With each stride he took, he moved with purpose, knowing that the eyes of the academies and his fellow students would be upon him. Today, Elliot Rouge was prepared to make his mark and seize the future he had envisioned for himself.
Elliot couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced at the stolen bracelets resting on the table. In the hustle and bustle of the previous night's events, he had almost forgotten about his plan to investigate their contents. With a wry smile, he shook his head at the oversight before turning his attention to the door.
As he swung the door open, his eyes fell upon Clara, who stood on his doorstep with her hand poised in mid-knock. The surprise of seeing him left her momentarily speechless, and she stared at him with a wide-eyed expression that seemed to hold a hint of admiration.
"Ellie...ot," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper as she struggled to form words. To an outside observer, it might have seemed like she was smitten, with stars dancing in her eyes at the sight of Elliot. However, Elliot's mind was occupied with other thoughts.
"Mornin', Clara," he greeted her casually, offering a pat on her head as he passed by. His attention was already shifting toward the day ahead, and he had little time for small talk. "Tell your ma I don't want any food today," he added before making his way out of the apartment.
Clara remained frozen in the doorway, her thoughts swirling in a dreamlike haze. She watched Elliot's retreating figure, a lovestruck expression painted across her face. Lost in her reverie, she didn't snap out of it until he had disappeared from view, already on his way to the public transport hub.
With an exasperated sigh, Clara finally regained her senses. She couldn't help but berate herself for not seizing the opportunity to speak with Elliot. "Elliot, you dummy!" she scolded with a mixture of frustration and affection, her voice trailing off as she closed the door he had left open. Though her encounter with Elliot had been brief, it had left an indelible mark on her heart, and she couldn't help but daydream about the mysterious young man who had captured her attention.
As Elliot strolled through the streets of District O52, his imposing presence was hard to ignore. Heads turned and conversations hushed as he passed by. The combination of his scarlet eyes, dark attire, and the twin swords sheathed at his sides made him look like a figure out of a legend. His long overcoat billowed behind him in the gentle breeze, adding an aura of mystery to his stride.
Groups of people who had set up makeshift stalls along the narrow alleys tried to seize his attention, each one vying for a potential sale. "Hey there, handsome! I've got the finest trinkets in the district," one vendor called out, thrusting a sparkling pendant in his direction.
Elliot merely shook his head with a polite but firm smile, declining their offers as he continued on his path. He was focused, his mind set on the upcoming entrance exam and the prospect of joining one of the prestigious intergalactic academies. He searched for the snake eyed musician but he was nowhere to be found.
The public transport hub loomed ahead, a sprawling terminal where hovertrains arrived and departed, connecting District O52 to the various middle districts of Stellaris. The place was a hive of activity, with travelers bustling about, clutching their bracelets and discussing their destinations. It was a testament to the bustling heart of Stellaris, where opportunities and dreams converged.
As Elliot approached the hub, he couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversations from the people around him. Excitement and nervousness hung in the air, as students from all walks of life gathered to showcase their abilities in hopes of securing a coveted spot in one of the renowned academies.
"I heard the Stellara Royal Academy has a top-tier combat faculty."
"My cousin works for a man who graduated from Nebula Institute last year, and now he's working for the Space Guild!"
The chatter was a reminder of the fierce competition he would face during the entrance exam. Elliot had trained tirelessly to hone his skills, and today was the day he would put them to the test.
Approaching the entrance to the hub, he paused to take a deep breath, his scarlet eyes reflecting a quiet determination. This was his chance to prove himself, to rise above the challenges of District O52, and to grasp the future he had envisioned.
With a resolute step, he entered the bustling terminal, ready to embark on the next chapter of his journey. The world of Stellaris awaited him, and Elliot Rouge was prepared to make his mark.
The gleaming hovertrain awaited its passengers, and as he boarded the sleek, futuristic vehicle, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. This journey, one he had taken countless times in the past, held a special significance today.
The hovertrain glided smoothly through the city, its large transparent windows offering panoramic views of the vibrant metropolis. Elliot gazed out at the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets below, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of District O52 where he had grown up.
As the train approached M34, the district that held his old school, his heart quickened with anticipation. He knew that today marked a turning point in his life, a chance to prove himself and secure a place among the galaxy's elite.
Upon arriving at M34, Elliot stepped off the train and made his way through familiar streets. The district was a vibrant mix of modernity and tradition, with futuristic buildings standing side by side with historical landmarks. He passed by the famous Stellara Fountain, its water shimmering in the morning light, and felt a pang of nostalgia for his school days.
Finally, he reached the imposing gates of his old school, the Stellaris Academy of Arcane Arts. The school's grand façade stood as a testament to its rich history and prestigious reputation. Today, it would serve as the venue for the entrance exam, a test that would determine his future.
Elliot took a moment to breathe in the familiar scent of the school's lush gardens and the distant echoes of laughter from students who had gathered for the exam. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and tension, and he couldn't help but smile. This was where his journey began, and today, it would take a new and promising turn.
With a deep breath, Elliot walked through the gates, ready to face the challenges that awaited him within the hallowed halls of his school.