Zar finished his breakfast with a deliberate calm, yet beneath the surface, his mind churned with unease. The hearty meal of eggs, bacon, and bread did little to settle the creeping anxiety he felt. Conversations buzzed around him in the inn's dining area, but one thread caught his attention: the city of Ironveil, known for its prestigious academy, where the most gifted individuals gathered to sharpen their skills and expand their knowledge. Today, Zar would face his greatest challenge yet—the academy's entrance examination.
He made small talk with Tom, a young man working at the inn who shared some local insights, like the best places to shop and eat in Ironveil. It was a pleasant distraction, but Zar's thoughts were elsewhere. He needed to see the academy grounds, to understand what he was up against. After thanking Tom, Zar stepped out into the city, his nerves hidden behind a mask of stoic determination.
Ironveil's streets were a blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation. The cobblestones beneath Zar's boots whispered of ancient times, while the bustling shops and modern amenities spoke of a city that had evolved with the world around it. Students, easily identifiable by their dazzling attire, moved through the streets like vibrant streaks of color. The sun caught the reds, blues, and greens of their garments, making them sparkle as they walked. Zar's own clothes—a tattered hoodie and worn pants—felt like a glaring flaw against the backdrop of such opulence.
The academy loomed ahead, a sprawling fortress of knowledge and power. Towering spires pierced the sky, and the intricate stonework of the main building radiated an aura of authority. Lush gardens surrounded the structure, meticulously maintained, as if even the plants were disciplined under the academy's exacting standards. Zar's heart quickened, a rare slip in his usual composure. This was the place where his fate would be decided.
As he approached the academy's grand entrance, a guard stationed by the gate caught his eye. The guard was a tall, imposing figure, his uniform gleaming in the morning light. Zar steeled himself and walked over, forcing his voice to remain steady.
"Excuse me," Zar said, his tone laced with a confidence he didn't quite feel. "I'm here for the academy. Can you tell me what I need to do to get in?"
The guard scrutinized Zar, his stern expression softening just slightly. "Ah, another hopeful. Today is the entrance examination. The academy will be busy, with many applicants arriving to prove themselves."
Zar's stomach tightened, but he kept his face neutral. "Entrance examination? I didn't know it was today."
The guard nodded. "It's a rigorous process. You'll be tested on various aspects—your skills, knowledge, and even your bloodline. If you've already completed the preliminary paperwork, you're good to go. If not, there may be additional steps, especially if you've taken the test before."
Zar thanked the guard, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He couldn't afford to fail. Everything he had done, every betrayal and choice, had led to this moment. Failure would mean that all of it had been for nothing.
The guard's words still echoed in his mind as Zar followed him through the gate. They passed through a series of winding corridors before arriving at a large, dimly lit room. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that settled in the pit of the stomach and refused to leave. The room was filled with about forty to fifty students, each one standing on the cold, oval flooring. The dim light made it difficult to see clearly, but Zar could make out faces if they were close enough. At the far end of the room stood a podium with five empty seats. Three people were already seated, their faces shrouded in shadow, while a fourth figure lingered in the background, little more than a blur due to the darkness.
"The first test will be a bloodline test," announced a woman seated on the far right. Her voice echoed through the chamber, commanding attention. With a wave of her hand, a knife and a small, pink rectangle appeared before each student.
Zar reached out, his fingers closing around the cool metal of the knife. His gaze flicked to the student standing at the back of the room. She wore a red, sparkly suit that stood out even in the low light. She stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tense silence.
"After pouring a small amount of blood on the tablet," she explained, "the tablet will display your statistics. This is similar to an orb but more detailed, showing your bloodline, and if you're not human, that's completely fine. Come to us afterward so we can verify your race and species. We do not discriminate at this academy, but we have strict rules. Once you're done, bring the tablet to the front and place it on this table here."
She gestured, and a table appeared at her feet, lower than the podium. Zar glanced around, watching as the other students hesitated. Some were visibly nervous, their hands trembling as they fumbled with the knife. The tension in the room was palpable, and Zar could sense the fear that gripped the others. But fear was a luxury he couldn't afford.
With a swift, practiced motion, Zar made a small cut on his palm. He watched as the blood pooled for a moment before he pressed his hand against the pink tablet. The device absorbed the blood, glowing faintly as it processed the information. Zar waited, his heart pounding in his chest, though his face remained impassive.
Moments later, the tablet displayed his results:
Bloodline: Human 100%
Soul: 7.9
Cultivation: 0.42
Mental: 2.4
Agility: 0.7
Strength: 0.5
Stamina: 0.4
Luck: 0.9
Magic Affinity: 0.0
Zar stared at the numbers, committing them to memory. His bloodline was pure human, but his soul strength was notable. Cultivation, however, was almost non-existent, and his physical stats were abysmal. It was a harsh reminder of how much he had yet to achieve.
He looked around as other students began to place their tablets on the table. Some were visibly shaken by their results, others relieved. Zar's expression remained unchanged as he walked to the front and placed his tablet on the table. He had taken the first step, but he knew this was only the beginning. The real challenge was yet to come.