Five days before the ceremony, he awoke to find himself in a hospital room, disoriented and alone. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, and as he blinked against the harsh light, fragments of his past began to coalesce in his mind. He was a cadet at Aetherion Academy—the best academy in the universe.
As he lay in the hospital bed, he couldn't help but wonder how he had been selected for such a prestigious institution. It seemed impossible that a random person from a small planet like Earth could be chosen alongside individuals hailed as the most talented in the world. During his recovery, he spent his time reading on a terminal beside his bed, absorbing every piece of information he could find.
He learned that the principal personally selected each student and sent them acceptance letters. The conditions for acceptance remained a mystery to everyone, but one thing was clear: the principal had a knack for bringing in true "monsters among monsters." Some seats were even reserved for the heirs of dragons, phoenixes, mermaids, beastmen, elves, and even descendants of gods. Meanwhile, his own acceptance felt like a fluke.
His memories before the age of eight were a blur, hazy and fragmented like a dream slipping through his fingers. He struggled to grasp the details, often left with nothing but shadows of faces and muffled voices. What he did remember was filled with a sense of longing and confusion. Those early years were overshadowed by an illness that was impossible to cure for a normal family. The costs of treatment were astronomical—far too high for any ordinary household to manage. By the age of thirteen, he was already on the brink of death.
Yet, the moment he was accepted into Aetherion Academy, everything changed. The academy took care of the hospital charges, allowing him to receive the necessary treatment without financial burden. However, this came with conditions: those who lived free of charges had to pledge protection to the academy and give three percent of their future earnings back to it.
The days in the hospital were a blur of medication, physical therapy, and introspection. He was amazed at how quickly his body responded to the treatment, regaining strength he thought he had lost forever. Each passing day brought him closer to recovery, and with it, a growing sense of determination. He felt like he was awakening from a long slumber, ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
Now, here he was, on a planet far from Earth called Longinus—an area not under any galactic empire. Longinus represented a sanctuary for cadets, housing nearly all the top academies in the universe. It was a place where potential was nurtured, and he was one of its newest inhabitants.
With a renewed sense of purpose, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, planting his feet firmly on the ground. The urgency to understand his current situation burned within him. Why was he here? What had happened to him? His hazy memories fluttered like leaves in the wind, evading his grasp.
As he exited the hospital, a wave of apprehension washed over him. He knew he had to make his way to the ceremony, where the vice principal, the beautiful Sylvia Duskweaver, would deliver her speech. Her long white hair framed her delicate features, and the way she carried herself demanded respect. She was not just an authority figure; she was a symbol of the new beginning he hoped to embrace.
His thoughts spiraled as he walked through the academy's sprawling halls. Questions raced through his mind, mingling with the echoes of laughter and chatter from other students. He needed information. He needed clarity. Suddenly, a blue screen materialized before him, shimmering with ethereal light.
Quest Activated: Become a Master Before the End of the First Semester.
Startled, he paused mid-step, eyes widening at the sudden appearance of the panel. What was this? Some sort of game? Shaking his head, he pushed the thought aside for later. He couldn't afford distractions now. The weight of his circumstances pressed heavily on his shoulders, but this was an opportunity—a chance to forge a new path.
As he arrived at the grand auditorium, he found a seat among his peers, their excitement palpable. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Whispers filled the room as students speculated about the test that would soon be announced.
Just as he began to focus on the ceremony, another blue panel flickered into view, this time displaying a list of tasks:
New Task: Assess Your Surroundings.
His heart raced at the abruptness of it all. He glanced around, taking in the auditorium and the faces of his fellow students. But as he was about to delve deeper into the task, he shook his head again, mentally dismissing it. I'll think about this later, he decided. He had more pressing matters at hand.
Sylvia Duskweaver stepped onto the stage, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. Her presence radiated authority and grace as she began her speech, outlining the values of Aetherion Academy and the importance of the upcoming test.
"Today marks the beginning of your journey," she proclaimed, her voice resonating with confidence. "In order to excel, you must understand your strengths and weaknesses. The test will divide you into classes based on your abilities."
With each word, he felt the stakes rising. This test could determine his future, and he was determined not to be left behind.
As she concluded her speech, he could sense the shift in the air—an electric tension as students prepared for what lay ahead. The quest loomed in his mind, intertwining with the urgency of the moment. He would not just be a student; he would become a master rank .