The commotion that had erupted when Lyra entered the room slowly died down, the excited murmurs and whispers fading into silence. Levi sat in the back, his expression indifferent, preferring the quieter moments when the attention wasn't on him. He had slipped into the testing room unnoticed, deliberately avoiding any sort of grand entrance. He found it annoying—people making such a fuss, as if it somehow mattered how one walked into a room.
Lyra, meanwhile, stood out not only because of her presence but also because of the way she was dressed. She wore a sleek, form-fitting outfit in shades of deep crimson and silver, highlighting her white hair and red eyes.
Levi leaned back in his seat, watching Lyra with narrowed eyes. "Of course, she'd be dressed to impress the students and make them her subordinates," he thought with a tinge of disdain. He didn't care much for appearances, but he knew what was coming. Every noble will try to join some force in the academy, he mused, his gaze drifting toward the crowd of students who couldn't take their eyes off Lyra. I don't know why everyone's so eager to bootlick—joining an upper-class noble, and that noble will join a faction of the Top 4 clans.
It irritated him. The whole system of aligning oneself with the powerful, not for loyalty but for convenience, felt shallow to him." I don't hate keeping subordinates", he reflected, "but I hate the ones who bend over backward just to kiss someone's feet". Watching the dynamics unfold made him all the more certain of one thing: he needed loyal subordinates—people who would follow him out of respect and shared goals, not because they were looking for a way up the ladder.
Levi's gaze returned to Lyra, who was now seated comfortably in the front row. The chairs there were different from the rest, more like luxurious sofas than the stiff seating provided for the 4 noble clans. There were four in total, each occupied by a noble—status visibly clear from their relaxed postures. Lyra sat in one, her white hair and red eyes drawing attention even as she remained poised. All the chairs were filled except for one, the second from the right, standing out like an invitation meant for someone important.
"That was my seat actually", Levi thought, his gaze lingering on the empty chair, "but I don't want to sit there. It's tiring to feel like you always have to play the role of a young master like a kid who does that". He shifted in his spot near the back, finding more comfort in the simplicity of where he was.
"Let them have their little thrones," he mused. "I'd rather watch from here, away from all the eyes and expectations." It wasn't that he couldn't sit there—he just didn't care for the show of status. Yet, despite his distaste for flaunting power, Levi had already decided he would defeat every opponent in the test.
"I don't like to show off", he thought, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "But when it comes to a fight, I like to dominate".
Just as Levi thought, the atmosphere in the room shifted, signaling the start of the entrance test. The lively chatter gradually faded, and the lights dimmed slightly, as if on cue, pulling everyone's attention toward the center of the room.
A hush fell over the room, and all eyes turned to the stage. A man stepped forward, drawing attention not with grandiosity, but with a calm presence. His yellow hair contrasted sharply with the dark robes he wore, giving him an impressive look. This was Thorfin, the president of the Drifters Association, a well-known figure in this world.
"Welcome, students, to the Entrance Test," he began, his voice steady and clear. "My name is Thorfin, and I'm glad to see so many eager faces here today."
"Drifters are those who stand as protectors of humanity," Thorfin continued, his voice steady. "When we were deciding on a name for ourselves, we chose 'Drifters' because it represents our mission and our purpose. Just like drifters in the wind, we navigate through challenges, adapting to whatever comes our way."
He looked out at the gathered students, his gaze serious. "We are the ones who face the unknown, who venture into the dark places where others fear to tread. It is our duty to safeguard the future of our world and to ensure that hope remains alive."
"From today until the end of your academic journey, you will undergo rigorous training," Thorfin stated, his voice firm yet encouraging. "This training is not just about enhancing your physical abilities or honing your elemental skills. It's about shaping you into individuals who can withstand the battles that lie ahead."
"But before we dive into the training, let's go over some essential rules of the academy," Thorfin continued, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "First and foremost, the noble rankings that hold so much weight outside these walls will mean nothing here. Once you enter this academy, you must rely on your own abilities and determination."
He paused, "You will need to complete missions to earn Contribution Points, or CPs as we call them. These points are your currency within the academy. Whether you want to make a phone call, buy food in the cafeteria, or access additional training resources, you will need CPs to do so."
"Okay then, let's begin the test," Thorfin declared, his voice resonating through the arena.
Thorfin continued, "You'll be competing against each other, and the stakes are high. The top ten contestants will earn a place in a separate building for their accommodations, where you'll enjoy greater comfort and privileges. Everything in this academy hinges on your ranking, influencing not just your living arrangements but also your access to resources and opportunities. So, I encourage you all to give your best effort."
"Now, step forward as your name is called. The first test will commence shortly, so prepare yourselves."
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Author's Note:
I apologize for the late update! I've been busy with my tests and working on improving my story. As the world-building expands, it becomes more harder to keep everything cohesive. I'm taking my time to ensure it's right, but don't worry—I'm not dropping the story unless I die.