Aeron Pov
Fp: 2803---> 5853 (+2000 from Xavier Granger +50 from Valencia Nocturna)
'Did the MC get a new quest due to my presence?'
When Xavier rushed in, I too stared at him.
He wasn't the best looking, slightly above average with ginger hair, brown eyes, and freckles.
What he had was a personality that befitted someone of his stature: a savior.
Benevolent to the weak and treating everyone with respect, he was liked by the masses, and even the most cold-hearted would melt given time with him.
Clearly, personality mattered.
And already it was clear to see.
He had already apologized, yet he was bent over, most likely looking at his status screen, but he looked quite remorseful.
This resulted in him earning a few looks of approval and even some students encouraging him to stand up.
He eventually did so.
I was seated at the back of the hall, hidden from view, seated on a table.
The principal and vice principal, as well as 20 A rankers, stood floating in the air, looking down at us.
Many spoiled kids didn't like this, and frowns of discontent began to appear.
The Godborne trio remained impassive and unaffected by the standings, so no one had chosen to interrupt either.
But they would do so if given the chance.
Pretty soon one of the teachers would release their true presence, and many would faint. This decided the order of the participants for the test.
I wanted to stop relying on Poker's gaze and see how long I could truly withstand the pressure before fainting.
Putting my focus back onto the principal, he neared the end of his speech.
He was old, but he looked like someone in his 30s. Being a part elf, he had a face many women fanned over.
Quintus Logos.
He was known as the [Conjurer].
Being the only friend of [Dawn Lunar] already gave him a brilliant status, but paired with his long white hair and golden eyes, it gave him a halo that everyone admired.
His abilities were that of illusions and reality manipulation within his domain.
If he wanted, all of us would be trapped in an illusion for life, and it wouldn't even burden him, with us being E-rank.
"---I hope you enjoy the academy and strive to become heroes that will shield us in the incoming dark times."
We all clapped, especially the girls that cheered. He gave a dazzling smile before turning to leave.
Fading away, his quiet voice was heard by everyone.
"I wish you all luck."
'Here I go.'
I was prepared and the rest were not, but I wanted to see my current standings against just the pressure of A-ranks.
The students were still contemplating over the words of the headmaster, but a select few had already gotten into a stance looking at the A-rankers.
A female voice rang across the hall.
"This is no longer your home. Here there is no safety net for you to fall back on. None of you will be living in your childish fantasies any longer. As of now only power matters, and your social status is expired in the academy."
Silence across the hall ensued.
"This is reality."
One of the A-rankers stepped forward with his arm outstretched.
A sudden pressure pressed down on me, and I couldn't breathe. There was bloodlust mixed within the presence.
Shutting my eyes, I could feel my muscles screaming as they began to compress.
My veins bulged.
I struggled as my knees began to creak.
Red painted my vision, and fear sprouted.
I wanted to fall over.
Time passed.
I wanted to kneel.
Cry.
Give up.
Die.
I wanted to be free.
Dying was not the way.
Incoherent thoughts flowed in my mind.
' Free. free. 3. 3. let me be free. Please.'
I begged as I felt my shoulders slump downwards.
My knees fell forward.
Was this all I had?
'Is this all I have?'
The Noah Grey.
'Is this all I HAVE?'
I choked on my saliva, and my elbows slammed against the floor stuck to them.
I was a kid when I first started my life, a kid without a choice.
My food was flowery compliments and water the looks of envy from the masses.
I smiled as I swept through the Earth.
I had it all.
Looks. Talent. Voice.
Everything you wanted I could give.
My body. My mind. My wealth
.
.
All except my freedom.
Snatched away at birth.
I realized something...
'I was Noah Grey, a person without a choice.'
'Now I am Aeron Araxys.'
Blood could be tasted on my tongue.
My elbows slammed into the floor, sinking in gradually.
'It hurts'
'How long has it been?'
The pressure began to feel weaker.
Not by a lot but just a thin margin.
I had already faced the greatest pressure.
My greatest burden.
My greatest fear
It wasn't the pressure that weighed on me.
A life without a choice.
That was my greatest fear.
This time, I had a choice.
To faint again or to push through?
My teeth grinded as I coughed out more blood.
My elbows sank further into the floor.
'I want to rest'
My head rang, urging me to sleep, knowing my passive would heal me quickly.
I wouldn't be controlled by anything again, not even my body.
If I were, I would just break the shackles.
Again.
And again.
Till no more remained.
As long as I had a choice, I wouldn't stop.
The pressure eventually stopped, and I heard voices in the distance.
With a red blurry vision, I gradually stood up and smiled.
A smile, one even I had never seen, bloomed on my face.
It was probably a grotesque sight with blood dripping from my eyes and mouth.
Nevertheless, I smiled.
.
.
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Brian Maverick POV
"This is reality."
I pitied them for what they would now feel.
Raising my arm, I unleashed my presence, mixed with some bloodlust from the demons I had slain.
All of them looked alarmed as my aura crashed upon them.
Some immediately fainted.
Some resisted.
Those that did would feel the most pain but ultimately also faint.
The Golden Trio withheld for some time before coughing up some blood and fainting.
'This is reality'
I kept my presence active for a few more seconds before suppressing it.
I sighed.
A human's future is reduced to such a state. Hopefully, this would break their inflated egos.
'It is for the best' as I looked over the 1200 students sprawled unconscious across the once white polished floor.
I was one of the few who pleaded against this decision. I wanted the 14-year-olds to be eased into the reality of the world where only the strong mattered.
It was a dog-eat-dog world where only the strong ruled. Everyone was slaves to true power, and they needed to know that.
Shaking my head, I slowly turned around to face my colleagues before saying to Clara.
"Are you happy now?"
I didn't receive a reply.
Confused, I met her eyes, but her attention was not on me. Her eyes were wide, gaping, and my fellow A-rankers also stared, some frowning, some smiling.
All their eyes were pointed in one direction. Eyes of shock, curiosity, and excitement flooded their faces.
Concerned, I too turned back to face the collapsed children.
My brows trembled in awe.
At the back of the hall was a thing that shuddered. He was on his knees, elbows dug into the floor. Like he was prostrating.
I could sense an unnatural wave of defiance emanating from the quivering figure.
A black and white mask fell off his face as he rose.
An image of perfection greeted me. His hair turned from brown to jet black, which absorbed the light.
His skin, previously a darker shade, turned into an alabaster white reflecting light.
His mouth was slightly agape, with a stream of blood trailing out.
Planting one leg on the floor, he kept trembling as he gradually stood up.
A flawless smile rose on his lips, painted by blood.
Grey eyes perfected his features, but they were blank with tears of blood leaking.
Still, he smiled, blazing with happiness.
His unwillingness.
His defiance.
His perseverance.
My jaw clenched at the sight, and my heartbeat quickened.
'When did I last feel like this?'
The sight was majestic yet pitiful.
He stood there slightly wobbly.
Grinning, he looked up at the ceiling.
He had finally fainted.
Stillness.
The only sound was the sound of whispers of 'How?' from the others.
Clara slowly floated toward the boy and carried him in a protective embrace.
"He will be under my jurisdiction for his test when he wakes up. I will also inform the principal on the matter."
She picked up the mask we had recognized earlier. Yet we hadn't known such an exquisite sight lay underneath.
Even Clara, the vice principal, seemed astounded by the E rank.
It was abnormal, considering the fact she always had a cold outlook.
Many of us had thought about courting her, but she didn't let anyone get close to her, yet this boy was in her embrace.
I could feel eyes of envy from my co-workers.
Now we would all wait here till the 'first' student woke up and began the tests.
As the boy and vice principal left, the trio stirred.
The order began with:
Adrian Evangeline.
Valencia Nocturna.
Celeste Edevane.
Which were all expected.
Lux Bloodborne.
Xavier Granger.
The pair seemed to be friends, but they were unknown people who were recommended by The Godly Seraph. They too seemed quite strong, comparable to the Godborne Trio.
Yet still, at the depths of my heart, there was a hint of dejection.
The sight of the boy, only at E-rank, had changed my overall outlook on the first years.
These 5 were all E+, yet I couldn't see the light I saw in the boy.
We were all curious as to how his test would turn out—what rank he would reach.
'I must find out his name.' I thought.
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.
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Adrian Evangeline POV
As I stirred awake, a spiking headache pierced my head.
I groaned as I sat up. Hundreds of students were still unconscious, and I could see Valencia beginning to awaken too.
'I have faced my B-rank teacher's pressure, but an A-rank is truly a different breed'
The fear made me feel powerless and small.
I didn't know the difference between ranks would be so high despite being the son of the greatest guild leader.
'How strong is my father being an S+ rank then?'
My father was often busy, so I had to improve quickly to receive his mantle and reduce his burden.
Moreso, I enjoyed the looks of admiration and envy by the masses of my looks and talent.
A form of attention I couldn't get from my father.
As my headache receded, I stood up and looked at the arrogant A-rankers. The vice principal was gone, but it was fine.
Expecting words of congratulations for my fast recovery, an odd silence filled the hall.
I looked around,
'Did someone wake up earlier than me?'
Where were the praises that would usually rain on me? I looked at the teacher's expressions, but a contemplative look was on their face as if they were thinking about something... something other than me.
Perhaps a problem had occurred, and as I was about to ask the teacher who had forced his presence,
"Adrian Evangeline, you will be the first candidate for the test. Please follow me."
I hid my frown and let out a refreshing smile.
"Of course, teacher."
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.
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Aeron POV
Gently, my eyelids fluttered open. A blinding light shone on me, and I squinted.
Cool Mind worked wonders. My body, which I expected to creak, felt refreshed, and any signs of fatigue were not present.
Taking in my surroundings, I was lying in a bed, which was probably the infirmary.
I opened my status screen and looked at my Fate Points.
FP:5853--->5953 (+100 stealing the spotlight)
Those were not my intentions. I just wanted to see my current limits.
Needless to say, I was far—very far from what I needed to become.
Using 3000 to upgrade Fujin to E+, I inspected the white handle.
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Fujin (wakizashi)
Rarity: Mythical
Description: 'I defended for too long, till my burdens weighed me down.'
A blade formed from only wind mana in the atmosphere. The color of the wind is based on the user.
All attacks with Fujin are imbued with wind.
Rank cap: {C+} can be evolved
Rank: {E+}
Passive: Increased sensitivity to wind. Unaffected by wind attacks of the E rank.
Ability 1: Retribution
Receiving attacks creates a wind that attacks the enemy, half the strength of their attack.
Ability 2: One with the Wind
The wind will shield you from any attacks, giving Str+20%. In this state, your aura and presence increase in pressure by 100%.
Dependent on Dex and Cha.
{???}
{???}
{???}
{???}
___________________________________
'If I activated Poker's Gaze and One with the Wind... I would have to test that out later.'
Taking a long side look at my Fate Points, I was back to being broke.
FP: 5953--> 2953 (-3000)
'How should I approach the test? With or without weapons. Since my weapons are soulbound, I can still use the abilities without drawing them.'
I pondered.
It was time I unlocked the second part: The Plum Blossom Steps.
'Raising the proficiency to 60% is enough, right?'
Lost in my thoughts, the door to my room opened.
Black hair tied in a ribbon and black eyes with a pair of sharp-rimmed black glasses.
It was Clara Havelock: The Vice Principal. A cold beauty about to step through to S rank; the youngest in history.
She wore a modest shirt and skirt that hung over her knees. Her specialty lay in her proficiency with lightning and ice as a swordsman—a katana user.
We stared at each other and I greeted her.
"Miss Havelock" before nodding my head at her slightly.
She handed me my mask while still staring at my eyes. I received it, giving back the same treatment.
'Should I use Poker's Gaze?' I put on the mask going back to my 'original' appearance.
The silence continued before a light and graceful voice said,
"Aeron Araxys, you will have a private duel under my judgment and will be sorted in your ranks in that way. Is that fine with you?"
"Yes, it is."
Her demeanor relaxed a little before questioning.
"What weapons are you using?"
"For now, I will do unarmed combat as I have yet to obtain a battle art, which I will get soon."
One of her perfect eyebrows rose before relaxing.
"Before we start Aeron, would you like to be my student?"
"No," I replied immediately. I wouldn't mind being taught, but receiving the gazes of hatred and jealousy was not worth it. More headaches I could not be bothered with.
Her eyebrows scrunched in displeasure and confusion.
"Is there something about my appearance you don't like?"
"Teacher, you are stunning, but I already have a teacher, and unfortunately, you are not stronger than him."
"If I beat him, you will become my student," she asked while cocking her head to the side.
"Yes, if you can beat an S+ rank, be my guest, and your weapons do not match my style."
Once again, a cute frown appeared on her displeased face.
"I recommend you teach Adrian Evangeline and Xavier Granger together."
"Their eyes are full of selfishness and benefits, yet yours are clear with a high passion to gain strength."
"Individual strength won't save everyone, Miss Havelock.'' She shook her head.
"We will begin the test. Please get in the pod."
To my left was a futuristic pod. I sat into it, and she stared at me, and I returned it as darkness clouded my vision.
I was standing in a white world in my suit, and my'stats' were shown on the floating panel.
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_Aeron Araxys_
Rank E-
Str: 3 {E-}
Agi: 3.9 {E}
Int:3 {E-}
Dex: 3 {E-}
Per:5.5 {E}
Cha: 10 {E+}
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'It looked so bad without Vanity of the Binded, but at least it looks like it works.'
I wasn't even E-rank, but I had the presence of one.
There was another panel that consisted of weapons. I picked up the bandages and wrapped them around my wrist.
"Are you ready?"
My first 'real' fight. There will be no more underestimating.
"Yes"
Summoning Generation One first-year rank 999/1000
A metal dummy with a spear materialized and got into a stance.
I activated Blooming, One with the Wind, and One with the Lightning.
In an instant, I appeared in front of the dummy, sending it an axe kick imbued with my lightning.
Fierce sparks of black lightning spat out when my leg landed on the shoulder of the dummy.
The dummy shot downwards into the white floor, crumpled like a can being stepped on.
''Challenge completed.''
Summoning Generation One first-year rank 950/1000
'...How could I improve my proficiency like this?'
This time a dummy with a sword appeared. I only activated blooming, as getting the second ability was my goal.
The dummy charged at me and slashed. I could see everything, and it happened in slow motion. With the 5% boost, my agility was 8.6, so it made sense, but was this really the first generation?
I casually dodged every slash stab with side steps before launching a fist into its abdomen, and it slumped over my fist.
"Challenge completed"
'I shouldn't get arrogant. This is only the 950th rank. The difficulty will increase, so it will be best to get my unarmed combat art proficiency to 60% before 'failing.''
That was my only goal.
Rank didn't matter for now.