The entire venue seemed to hold its breath as Amelia responded casually, "Oh, I'm not a student. In fact, I arrived on Planet Stellaris just three days ago."
A collective gasp swept through the audience, and Miss Avensworth's expression became one of deep concern. She quickly addressed the awkward situation, "I am terribly sorry about this situation. Since she isn't an official student, we can declare her test void and move on to the next student."
However, as the professors exchanged knowing glances and shared subtle smiles, it became evident that not everyone was in agreement with voiding Amelia's test. The unexpected turn of events had sparked curiosity and intrigue, making it a unique and memorable moment in the entrance exam.
Solara's authoritative voice cut through the tension, her declaration carrying the weight of finality. "There is no need for that. She has joined my academy, and that is final."
As Miss Avensworth attempted to voice her concerns once more, she found herself gently silenced by Seraphina, who offered a wise and understanding smile. "Dear teacher, let it go," she advised softly, "Once Solara wants something, it's futile to try and stop her."
With that, the matter was settled, and the entrance exam continued with Amelia's enrollment into the Celestial Vanguard Academy, marking the end of an extraordinary day filled with surprises and exceptional talents.
As the venue began to clear out, Elliot, Adrian, and Amelia found themselves standing together. Adrian, ever the conversationalist, couldn't help but inquire about Amelia's choice, curiosity bubbling within him.
"So why would you choose this academy over the Nebula Institute?" he asked, a hint of eagerness in his voice. "I mean, isn't that a higher-ranked institution?"
Amelia's response was as sharp as a blade, her eyes briefly flicking in Adrian's direction.
"I don't need your opinion on my choices," she retorted, her tone curt and dismissive. Her gaze then shifted to Elliot, who stood beside Adrian, his presence seemingly of greater interest to her.
Adrian, undeterred by her abrupt response, continued in a light-hearted manner, trying to establish a connection.
"Well, I'm certainly glad you chose this academy," he remarked with a cheerful smile. "Having such a beautiful student would definitely make our academy better."
Amelia's reply was as swift as her prior remarks, her focus unwavering.
"Physical appearance does not matter in battle," she stated matter-of-factly, her gaze remaining locked onto Elliot.
Elliot felt the weight of her unwavering stare, a sense of unease creeping over him. Adrian, caught in the exchange, attempted to steer the conversation in a different direction.
"Who's talking about battle?" Adrian chimed in, attempting to break the tension.
Amelia, however, continued to direct her attention solely at Elliot, as if the other student were mere afterthoughts.
"What's your deal, Void guy?" she questioned, her tone sharp and probing.
Elliot, though somewhat taken aback by her directness, responded calmly, "Me? What's your deal?"
Amelia's persistence did not waver as she pressed on, "I asked first."
Elliot, choosing not to divulge more than necessary, replied, "And I am choosing not to answer."
Adrian, feeling somewhat left out of this intriguing interaction, interjected with a touch of humor, "I'm still here, you guys."
Amelia's piercing gaze bore into Elliot, her words dripping with skepticism.
"You don't look strong," she asserted, her tone challenging.
Elliot, unshaken by her blunt assessment, returned her gaze with a hint of intrigue.
"Why don't you try me?" he countered, his voice steady and unwavering.
Adrian, sensing the tension and attempting to maintain harmony, interjected with a touch of urgency.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, let's all get along, okay?" he implored, attempting to steer the conversation away from confrontation. "Can we talk about how we got rented out for military service?"
Amelia, her attention momentarily diverted from Elliot, finally acknowledged Adrian's presence, and he couldn't help but feel somewhat gratified by the acknowledgment.
"What?"
"Yeah, I'll be in the mili—," Adrian began to explain, but his words were abruptly cut off by Amelia's dismissive interruption.
"I don't care about you," she declared with an air of indifference, her focus shifting back to Elliot.
Adrian, slightly taken aback by her bluntness blinked in confusion..
"Will Void guy be there?" she asked, Adrian nodded bewildered by her sudden interest.
Amelia, however, remained silent, walking purposefully toward Solara. Their hushed conversation intrigued Elliot, leaving him to ponder what exactly she wanted from him.
Amelia rejoined the group after her discussion with Solara, her intentions still a mystery.
"Okay, I'm going too," she declared abruptly, catching both Elliot and Adrian off guard.
Adrian, his frustration evident, questioned her decision.
"What? Why would you do that?" he inquired, perplexed by her sudden change of plans.
Amelia's response was unambiguous and pointed.
"Because Void guy's going," she stated, leaving Adrian flabbergasted.
As Amelia walked away, Adrian pulled Elliot aside, seeking answers from his enigmatic acquaintance.
"Do you know this girl, or what, man?" Adrian questioned, his charm and charisma failing to make an impression on her. "My charms just aren't working."
Elliot, puzzled by the entire situation, responded honestly.
"I have never seen her in my life," he admitted, their unexpected encounter shrouded in mystery and uncertainty.
As the sun began its descent beyond the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the landscape, the day at the academy's entrance examination slowly came to a close. The professors, their expressions varying from intrigued to amused, departed from the venue, each carrying the weight of their new recruits' destinies on their shoulders.
The crowd, which had been buzzing with excitement just hours earlier, now dispersed in all directions, leaving behind echoes of conversations and the scent of anticipation. Students chatted animatedly, speculating about the days to come, and the academy life they were about to embark upon.
For Elliot, the journey back home was a tranquil one, the fading sunlight casting long shadows as he navigated the familiar streets. He couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day and the month that lay ahead. In just four short weeks, his life would undergo a significant transformation as he began his training at the Celestial Vanguard Academy.
Thoughts swirled in his mind as he walked. He pondered the strange encounter with Amelia, her enigmatic presence leaving him with more questions than answers. What did she see in him, and what role did she intend to play in his life at the academy?
As the sun dipped lower, the hues of the sky shifted, painting a breathtaking canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. The beauty of the setting sun served as a reminder that despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, there was still much to appreciate and look forward to.
With every step he took, Elliot couldn't help but feel a sense of determination welling up within him. The academy beckoned, and he was ready to embrace the trials, friendships, and mysteries that awaited him.
As Elliot made his way through the darkened alleys of District 052, the fading light of the setting sun left the narrow pathways shrouded in shadows. The atmosphere was thick with an eerie stillness, broken only by the distant hum of city life. Elliot was lost in thought, contemplating the challenges he would face in the upcoming month at the Celestial Vanguard Academy.
Suddenly, with a swift and predatory grace, a figure lunged out of the darkness. It was a lizard woman, her reptilian features eerily reminiscent of the lizardman he had encountered earlier. Her emerald-green scales glimmered in the dim light, and her yellow eyes locked onto Elliot with a hunger that sent shivers down his spine.