My sweeping gaze surveyed the vast expanse of the university gym, which was teeming with anticipation and nearly reaching its maximum capacity.
My rough estimate put the gym's capacity at over 1000, yet it was astonishingly close to being filled to the brim.
It wasn't just the incoming freshmen who had gathered here, the crowd was diverse, with faces that appeared to belong to sophomores and even seniors.
It was as though everyone wanted a front-row seat to witness this year's selection process.
Amid this sea of students, two figures nearby caught my attention.
Their distinct physical features set them apart from the crowd, marking them as individuals who didn't belong to the major clans.
Unlike the more subtle appearances of those from the major clans, these two exuded a distinct air of confidence and self-assuredness, unmistakably placing them in a different league.
"Why did you insist on dragging me here?" one of them grumbled, clearly annoyed by the decision to attend this event.
It was clear from their conversation that they weren't part of any major clan, further piquing my curiosity about their backgrounds.
"Don't you get it? It's a rare year! Nearly all the clans have chosen our university, and some of these new students have impressive family backgrounds within the major clans. We're looking at a bunch of freshmen with considerable potential."
"What do you mean by that?" The first guy asked.
"You really haven't heard?"
"Heard what?!"
"The Wood Clan has sent their freshmen this year!"
"So what? Isn't it expected, especially with the upcoming *war*?" His friend remained nonchalant.
"Stop mentioning the *war*. You never know who might be listening, and we could get into serious trouble." The other warned.
"Okay, okay, I get it."
Their conversation then shifted to predictions about the impending power rankings.
"In that case, this year's power rankings are going to be exhilarating. I'm willing to bet that we'll see plenty of freshmen making it into the top 20." The first guy, with unwavering confidence said.
"No, I think a few might even break into the top 10."
"Hold on, isn't that pushing it too far? Are you underestimating the current top 10?" The first guy argued.
"I'm not underestimating them. I'm just sharing my thoughts on what might happen. I believe this year's power ranking system will serve as a gauge to determine which major clan will dominate. It will depend on how many students from the major clans secure spots in the top 10, or even the top 20." His friend clarified.
The question that loomed was how many freshmen would achieve such a feat this year.
"I can't say for sure, but I think around five freshmen will secure places in the top 20. Most of them will likely hail from the Dark, Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind clans."
"What about the 'Wood Clan' you mentioned earlier? Aren't they a major clan too?"
With a tinge of disbelief, the first guy asked. "Do you honestly think the Wood Clan stands a chance in today's world? They've been hiding away for so long that their strength is likely diminished. Besides, members of that clan are so elusive that I doubt they've sent anyone formidable."
"Have you seen any students sent by the Wood Clan to our school?"
The guys pause briefly.
"Hmm..not yet, but my guess is that they've sent individuals of average caliber. With their prolonged isolation, their knowledge must be limited compared to ours. We've been mingling with other clans, acquiring a broader range of skills."
"You make a valid point." His previously clueless friend nodded in agreement.
At this juncture, I noticed that the two young men had departed, presumably to find better vantage points.
They hadn't seemed to notice my presence, likely because I had positioned myself in the farthest, most secluded corner of the gym, far from the center.
Curious glances from the crowd were now directed my way.
From the conversation I had overheard, it was evident that news about the 'Wood Clan' had spread like wildfire among the student body.
This was the very clan I belonged to, and it wasn't a stretch to assume that the student they were alluding to was none other than myself.
While the existence of the Wood Clan might not have generated much excitement among the general populace, as the first guy had mentioned, it was known for its enigmatic nature.
Nonetheless, our clan held its rightful place as a major clan.
However, doubts lingered regarding our role in the ongoing power struggle between the clans.
Current events seem to be shaping up as a competition to determine which major clan will emerge as the dominant force. If that happens, the dominant clan would wield authority over all the others, as the major clans act as a stabilizing force, preventing any single clan from gaining undue dominance.
There were currently six major clans recognized on the continent: the Dark, Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, and the 'Forgotten Clan,' which was none other than the Wood Clan.
Yet only five clans actively partook in these gatherings. My clan had opted for a path of isolation, a choice that had led other clans to overlook our significance.
Heh, this is bound to be an intriguing spectacle.
A wry smile played on my lips as I quietly mused.
The surge of excitement coursing through my veins....
My clan may have refrained from active participation in the major clan gatherings, but we hadn't completely faded into obscurity.
The prevailing belief that our clan had deteriorated, perhaps grown weaker, drew a chuckle from me.
Heh! They think we've gone feeble, do they?
They'll soon discover that the clan they've dismissed as past its prime will return to remind them not to underestimate us.