In the centre of Karta Academy stood a cavernous hall. Commonly used as a training hall that could accommodate hundreds, today, it was where the applicants would gather.
Hearing the announcement through their respective medallions, students from all walks of life flowed into the hall one after another.
From scholarship students trying their luck to high-born nobles who were raised for this moment, all shared a look of anticipation.
Azrael stood among the river of students; although most people were used to seeing other races, he still managed to stand out.
Azrael Brightwing was a member of the angel race. And was the sole son of a Count of Angel State, a small province where the majority of the race resided.
Although members of the angel race could be considered among the rarer races along with dragons and unicorns, Azrael knew that the stares he was getting weren't because of that.
Behind Azrael, two vast wings spread out behind him, yet instead of being a dazzling white, his wings were black. Each feather appeared crafted out of liquid darkness, their unveiling spreading a consuming shadow across the ground.
The angel race was known in the world of Immisso as the cursed race. They were often being referred to as fallen angels or dark angels instead of their real name.
Hundreds of years ago, the world would shake if the angel clan moved. Producing members with Gold Encrusted potential one after another.
The levels of talent in Immisso could be seen upon the revelation of the ace card.
The translucent dim ace meant little to no potential.
The bland ace is seen as the standard throughout the world.
Possessing a detailed ace shows a higher level of talent and would make common people see you as special.
Obtaining a lifelike ace card upon awakening would mark you as unique, and you would often be groomed into a lead warrior.
Only geniuses among geniuses would possess a gold-encrusted ace card, able to break through the ranks quickly. If allowed to grow, they would become elites.
The final level was so rare that just obtaining it was enough to have your name written in the history books.
The unique ace card allowed its wielder to break free from conventions and control over laws themselves.
Examples of this in history include the time card. It was an ace with a clock centred on it, granting the wielder the power of regression.
Despite the former glory of Azrael's clan, overnight, that changed. The secret art of the angel clan was lost. Blackness began to stain the angels' wings, eventually resulting in every child being born with black wings.
Although this destroyed their pride as pure beings, the real damage was far worse. The talent of the race was lost; only dim and bland cards were manifested from then on.
Causing the angels not to send a representative to the academy for tens of years.
Although Azrael was considered an anomaly among the dark angels due to his detailed talent, he couldn't help but lower his head, knowing that in this room, he was plain average.
Standing on the highest level of the great hall, four silhouettes could be made out. A lanky man with intensely spiked brown hair could be seen in the centre as he observed the applicants gathering below.
The odd-looking man was none other than Headmaster Croft of Karta Academy, a peak 'Queen' rank existence only below the 'King's' that served as a nation's trump cards.
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Author's Note: I'm going to put power ranks in inverted commas from this point on to prevent people from getting confused with the actual nobility.
So in ascending order its, 'Ace', 'Jack', 'Prince', 'Queen', 'King' and 'Emperor.'
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Turning his head to the men behind him, Croft asked in a stern, machine-like voice.
"What is the current level of students looking like this cycle?"
Responding to this, a handsome man with blue hair spoke with a smug grin.
"Oh, I would say that we are blessed with a true golden generation this year."
He was especially happy as the teacher of the royal class. Knowing he would receive the lion's share of these students.
"And which gems are the ones that are going to shine the brightest."
Croft replied, still scanning the crowd below him.
Knowing he would be asked such a question, the blue-haired man had long prepared an answer.
"Although it's still unclear, the rumours from the palace imply the first Princess's Ace card is unique."
Even the mechanical Croft's eyes widened at this revelation.
'This is the second confirmed unique talent in this batch alone. I guess the new really do surpass the old.'
The headmaster's eyebrow slightly rose at the unusual sight he was seeing. He was observed as Regulus approaching Azrael.
'A dark angel and a boy without a trace of card energy. If they make it through the old man's class will be worth watching.'
Chuckling at the absurdity of such a duo making it through the tests, Croft began preparing to start.
Weaving through the crowds of people, Regulus was searching for a familiar energy he didn't expect to find here.
Like a black sheep in a crowd, Regulus saw Azrael. There was no mistake; the energy that was lingering on him was celestial energy.
Approaching him, Regulus called out to the irregularity.
"Hey, black chicken!"
Although this method of calling to Azrael got him some funny stairs, it certainly caught Azrael's attention.
Not knowing what an angel was, Regulus prepared to quiz Azrael when he felt a heavy gaze on him. Instinctively turning his head in the direction he felt the gaze come from. Only to see Croft turning away.
'That man's strong'
Regulus thought as he approached the cowering Azrael, who expected to be berated by the noble-looking man who called him 'black chicken.'
"You, who's that man looking down on all of us?"
Pushing aside his curiosity about the lingering celestial energy, Regulus asked.
Surprised at the fact that he wasn't getting insulted for his race as well as the simplicity of the question. Azrael slowly opened his mouth to answer.
"That's the headmaster of the Academy, Erwin Croft, a peak 'Queen' rank existence."
After explaining the ranking system of Immisso to Regulus, the two engaged in small talk as Regulus queried, and Azrael responded.
Enjoying being able to talk to someone seemingly so ignorant, Azrael was explaining his family's curse to Regulus when a soft yet commanding voice was heard.
"Settle down everyone."
Despite his words' soft tone, they carried such weight that not even the wind dared to make any noise.
"It is now time for the test to begin."
-Author's Note-
Adding to your collection and power stones helps the novel.
Thanks Dayden_Brown, for the 3 power stones. Your bonus chapters are coming soon.