A silvery black machete flashed through the air with blinding speed and nearly perfect precision, cleaving a 4-meter-tall pangolin in two. The creature, with its shimmering silver scales, fell to the ground, split cleanly down the middle. Ethan stood over its massive, lifeless form, breathing heavily but satisfied. His training and expeditions in the Beast Plane had paid off.
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Level Up!
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It had been a few days since Ethan's duel with Leon. In that short span, he had grown stronger, thanks in part to the quests and battles he fought in the Beast Plane.
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System Update
Name: Ethan Smith Junior
Race: Mixed Human
Rank: Novice (Peak)
Strength: 43.0
Speed: 43.2
Stamina: 41.3
Perception: 38.0
Willpower: 100
Affinity Energy: 120
Level: 13 [01/130]
Stat Points: 27
Current Form: [Mixed Human]
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Although his stat increases had slowed and leveling up was becoming more difficult, Ethan could feel the breakthrough to the Advanced Rank was within reach. His body was stronger, more attuned to his growing powers, and the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable were now just steppingstones in his path.
He stretched his limbs, feeling the tense muscles relax as he prepared for the day ahead. Today was a significant day for Ethan and all first-year graduates. It was not only the day they officially graduated from their first year but also the day Ethan would be formally initiated as a Tyrant.
After taking a quick shower, Ethan began to dress for the occasion. The graduation and initiation ceremony were scheduled for 10 a.m. in the academy's auditorium, and students from Year 1 to Year 4 were required to attend. The thought of stepping into his role as a Tyrant, a title that commanded both respect and fear, filled him with anticipation.
Ethan reached for the black storage box, a small item no bigger than a Rubik's cube, which held his uniforms. Inside were five outfits—three of the same style, and two distinct ones, one of which was a customized tracksuit. Today, though, he would wear the ceremonial uniform reserved for formal events like the graduation ceremony.
He carefully pulled out the components of his attire:
The uniform featured a sleek black military coat made from luxurious matte fabric, with a sharp white lining on the right side bordered by silver thread, extending from shoulder to hem. The shoulders are adorned with ornate gold-embroidered epaulets featuring a phoenix design, symbolizing authority. A high-collared neckline with a silver clasp engraved with a stylized eye and flames represents vigilance. The inner collar is lined with royal blue velvet. Pair this with slim-fit black trousers, accented by a single gold stripe along the sides with subtle flame and wave patterns, ending in silver-edged hems. The ensemble includes crisp white gauntlet gloves with gold-embroidered laurel leaves on the cuffs and a small silver crest on the back. Polished black Oxford shoes feature golden eyelets and embossed side patterns matching the coat.
Completing the look with a flowing black ceremonial cape, knee-length, embroidered with gold and blue ancient runes, and lined with shimmering silver-blue satin. The cape fastens with a golden chain clasp featuring silver phoenix wings. Additional accessories include a black belt with a gold buckle for holstering ceremonial tools, and an optional peaked cap with a gold braid and silver Tyrant crest.
This uniform was distinct from the standard student wear, symbolizing his new status as a Tyrant. From everyday wear to ceremonial occasions, everything about his attire reflected his elevated rank and role within the academy.
After dressing, Ethan stood before the full-length mirror in his room, inspecting his reflection. He was momentarily taken aback. He had always known he was handsome—people complimented him often enough—but today was different. He looked exceptional, almost as though the uniform itself had transformed him. The cape draped elegantly over his shoulders, and the white gloves completed the look of a regal young warrior. For a moment, he wasn't sure if he was looking at himself or someone else entirely.
He glanced at the clock. There was still an hour left until the ceremony began. With time to spare, he made his way downstairs for breakfast.
As soon as Ethan descended the staircase, Harley gasped in awe. "Woah!" she exclaimed; her wide eyes filled with admiration. Ethan looked like a prince descending from the heavens to greet his beloved, a dazzling figure that seemed to outshine everything around him. Harley felt her heart flutter; she was falling for her brother all over again.
"Wow, my baby looks so dashing," Madeleine, his mother, beamed as she emerged from the kitchen, holding a bowl of porridge. Her face lit up with pride and joy as she admired her son's transformation. Petra, Harley's mother, followed close behind, her expression a mirror of shock and amazement. She had always known Ethan was a handsome young man, but today… he was beyond that.
They all sat down together for breakfast, chatting lightheartedly about the upcoming ceremony and little things that made them laugh. The atmosphere was warm, and Ethan's heart swelled with affection for his family. They had always been his strongest support, and today, they would witness one of his biggest milestones.
After the meal, Amor, Harley's father, offered to drive them to the academy. They all piled into his Tundra, and soon they were on their way.
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The academy grounds were bustling with people—students, staff, and family members all gathered for the graduation and initiation ceremonies. Amor parked the Tundra in the designated space, and together they made their way toward the auditorium.
As they walked, passersby stared at Ethan, mesmerized by his appearance. Clad in his ceremonial Tyrant uniform, he exuded an aura of authority and charisma. People who knew who he was—students and faculty alike—couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly he embodied his new role. Even those who didn't recognize him, particularly the senior students and visiting guests, were left wondering about his background. His uniform alone was enough to signify his importance.
Amor led the way, walking confidently with his wife Petra beside him. Though they wore simple clothes, their natural charm didn't go unnoticed. Amor, tall with a muscular build, wore his hair tied back in a ponytail. Petra, cute but mature in her own way, walked gracefully at his side. Madeleine, dressed in a long black dress that accentuated her curves and contrasted beautifully with her red hair, looked elegant, her green eyes glowing with pride. Harley, in a white shirt with gold buttons, a tight black skirt, and simple sandals, radiated a kind of devilish but comforting charm. Together, they formed an impressive family unit, drawing admiring glances as they made their way through the crowded grounds.
Despite the throng of people, Ethan's uniform acted like a VIP pass, allowing them to move through the crowd without much difficulty. Soon, they reached the auditorium. The ceremony was set to begin in five minutes, and all the to-be graduates were seated in the front rows, directly facing the stage.
Ethan escorted his family to their seats, then made his way to the front, where his friends Trevor and Clara were waiting. Trevor had saved a seat for him right beside Clara. Ethan, preoccupied with his own thoughts as he approached, didn't notice the eyes following him. To the onlookers, he appeared calm, confident, and in control, his every step exuding quiet authority. Some saw him as the perfect gentleman, while others, driven by jealousy, perceived him as arrogant. Not that it mattered Ethan couldn't read their thoughts, and he had too much on his mind to care.
He sat down, greeted his friends, and took a moment to admire Clara. She, like the others, wore her ceremonial uniform, but on her, it seemed to have been made specifically to highlight her ethereal beauty. Her light makeup gave her an aura of innocence and grace, and when she smiled at Ethan, she looked like an angel descended to earth, pure and perfect.
The host soon took the stage, beginning the formalities of the ceremony. After a few introductory remarks, the principal, Miss Carmen, was called to give her speech.
Miss Carmen was a sight to behold, as always. She wore a uniform similar to Ethan's but more extravagant, with additional medals and details that marked her as a figure of authority. Her face, as usual, was veiled, adding an air of mystery to her already captivating presence. Her flawless figure and commanding presence stirred the hearts of many in the audience.
After her speech, Miss Carmen moved on to the next portion of the ceremony.
"Now, we move on to the initiation ceremony of our new Tyrant, before we continue with the graduation. I therefore call upon Ethan Smith Junior of Year 1, titled the strongest first-year student, to come up on stage."