---
Later that night, as he lay in bed, Dabi thought about the day's events.
His victory was a step forward, but there was still a long road ahead.
He had secured his place in the academy and gained recognition, yet he knew that his ultimate goal was much larger.
He had to uncover the truth behind his parents' disappearance and protect Mira and Eli from the dangers of this world.
"When I wake up," he thought to himself, "the real journey begins."
---
The following morning, Dabi awoke to the soft glow of dawn streaming through his window.
He stretched, feeling the familiar warmth of his siblings nestled by his side.
The events of the previous day replayed in his mind, a reminder of how much he had achieved and how much further he had to go.
Eli stirred beside him, yawning as he blinked up at his brother.
"Did you win, Dabi?" he asked, his voice full of admiration and innocence.
Dabi smiled, ruffling Eli's hair. "I did. I won for all of us."
Mira hugged him tightly, her eyes filled with pride. "We knew you would.
You're our hero, Dabi."
Their words filled him with determination. Dabi knew his responsibilities extended beyond his own ambitions.
Everything he did from this moment forward would be to protect and provide for his siblings.
The path he walked was dangerous, but he no longer walked it alone.
With his newfound abilities and his family by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
As the sun rose higher, casting a golden light over Eldoria, Dabi took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his mission settle within him.
The mysteries of his past were vast, the world of dimensional gates was perilous, and powerful foes lurked in the shadows.
But for the first time, he felt truly prepared.
With a final look at Mira and Eli, Dabi rose, his heart set on the journey ahead.
His story was just beginning, a story of strength born from hardship, resilience forged in battle, and a determination that could overcome any obstacle.
As he stepped out the door, he felt the thrill of the unknown, the promise of adventure.
Whatever lay ahead, he was ready.
---
As he made his way toward the kitchen, Dabi recall he could feel eyes on him, whispers trailing in his wake.
The noble-born candidates he had once envied now looked upon him with respect, some even with a hint of fear.
His victory over the mid-level boss had marked him, not just as a capable fighter but as a force to be reckoned with.
In the days to come, Dabi would face many trials, some of which would test his very limits.
He would form alliances, encounter dangerous foes, and uncover secrets about his family's past that would shake him to his core.
But through it all, he would keep moving forward, his resolve unbroken.
And as he looked up at the academy gates, he whispered a vow to himself, one that echoed in his heart with unshakable certainty:
"I'll find the truth. I'll protect those I love. And one day… I'll be the hero they deserve."
With that, Dabi crossed the threshold, stepping into a world filled with endless possibilities and untold dangers, ready to carve out his destiny one battle at a time.
---
The results were finally out. Dabi had been waiting anxiously for days, reflecting on the battle with the mid-level boss and his new skills.
As he scanned the rankings, a wave of relief washed over him.
His city ranking: Top 10.
But that wasn't all. He looked further, finding his national ranking: Top 100.
Dabi exhaled in disbelief. Among the 200,000+ participants, only the top 120 would be selected for the Celestia Academy,
The most prestigious institution in the country. Celestia was known for its extraordinary alumni, many of whom went on to become national heroes and powerful figures.
It was the dream of every awakened to be admitted there.
"I made it," Dabi thought to himself, feeling proud of his hard-earned accomplishment. However, just as his spirits began to lift, whispers began circulating around him.
---
The Rivalry Begins
During the entrance exam, Dabi had unknowingly attracted the attention of one of the legendary class candidates a genius from a powerful noble family.
His name was Reniel Vantore, a prodigy with vast magical potential and the backing of influential figures.
Darkwood city is territory of the ventore family.
Their family has a lot of power and influence.
Reniel don't want see the Dabi's face. After seeing results he thinks this weakling even gets in top 100. I will shop him his place.
Reniel had dominated the exams, ranking in the top 5 nationally, but Dabi's unexpected success in the combat test had left him burning with jealousy.
"This commoner… how did he defeat a mid-level boss?" Reniel spat to his companions. "I'll make sure he doesn't get anywhere near the top academies."
Reniel's powerful background allowed him to pull strings with the exam supervisors, who were high-ranking figures from the top 5 academies, including Celestia.
Together, they conspired to block Dabi's entry into the top academies.
---
Rejected by the Best
Days later, as the admissions results were published, Dabi's heart sank.
Despite his ranking, he had been rejected by Celestia Academy.
Not just Celestia every academy ranked in the top 5 had turned him down.
"How can this be?" Dabi thought, frustration and sadness welling up in him.
"I worked so hard… why?"
The rejection cut deeper than he expected.
It wasn't just about his ambition it felt personal.
Dabi stood alone, watching as the other candidates celebrated their successes, while he was left in the shadow of disappointment.
---
A Mysterious Offer
Just as Dabi prepared to leave, a man approached him.
He had a worn but authoritative presence, his clothes slightly tattered, but his eyes sharp with experience.
Dabi could sense that this man was someone who had seen both glory and hardship.
"I'm Raghnall Ferrin, a representative from Astral Haven Academy," the man introduced himself.
"You might not have heard of us we were the number one academy ten years ago."
Dabi stared at the man in surprise.
He had never heard of Astral Haven, and it puzzled him that the academy had fallen so far from its previous glory.
"Why are you here?" Dabi asked, still feeling the sting of rejection from the top academies.
Raghnall smiled slightly. "Because I saw what happened in that fight against the mid-level boss.
You're not just another awakened there's something special about you.
And more than that… your parents were from Astral Haven."
Dabi's heart stopped for a moment. "My… parents?"
---