A year had passed since Alex had learned the truth about his bond with the Shadow Orb, and the day had finally arrived. Now standing at the grand entrance of Tay Academy, Alex felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The towering gates before him symbolized the start of a new chapter, a chance to discover his true potential. At just 11 years old, he had changed in more ways than one his body was stronger, his skills sharper, and his messy hair had grown back, wild and untamed. It gave him a look that was both cool and rugged, the reflection of the transformation he'd gone through.
He stared up at the massive stone archway that marked the entrance to the academy grounds. The place was buzzing with new students, their chatter filling the air with anticipation. Alex took a deep breath and stepped forward, his heart pounding with each step. This was it his new beginning.
Soon, the distant hum of engines caught his attention. Turning his head, he saw a sleek black car pull up to the gates, its engine purring like a predator. The car door swung open, and out stepped Aristotle, wearing an immaculate suit that practically screamed wealth and privilege. His father, a towering figure of authority, had personally come to drop him off. Alex watched as Aristotle's father clapped his son on the shoulder, offering him a few words of encouragement before the car sped off, disappearing down the long, winding road.
Moments later, another car pulled in this time, it was Sarah's. She stepped out with her usual air of superiority, her parents exchanging proud smiles as they waved her off. Sarah caught sight of Alex, her eyes narrowing slightly, but she didn't say anything. She and Aristotle joined the rest of the students as they made their way toward the assembly hall.
Alex followed, keeping his head down but his focus sharp. He wasn't the same boy they had once mocked, and soon enough, they would all see that.
The assembly hall was massive, filled with hundreds of new students from all corners of the region. The room buzzed with excitement as they found their seats, whispering and looking around at the grandeur of the hall. The walls were lined with banners representing different Tay affinities, each one more vibrant than the last. Alex spotted the familiar crests of Magic Tay, Spirit Tay, Blood Tay, and Wind Tay, each glowing softly as if they were alive.
At the front of the hall stood the academy's principal, a tall, imposing figure with a commanding presence. His eyes scanned the crowd with a sharp intensity, and when he spoke, his voice boomed throughout the hall.
"Welcome, students, to Tay Academy," he began, his tone both welcoming and serious. "You are all here because you have shown exceptional talent, either through your bond with a Tay or your innate abilities. This academy will push you to your limits, help you grow, and prepare you for the challenges that await you in the outside world."
The room fell into a hushed silence as the principal continued. "Each of you has been selected because of your potential. But potential is only the beginning. Here, you will learn to harness your abilities, to refine your strengths, and to overcome your weaknesses. Some of you will rise, and others will fall. Only the strongest, the most dedicated, will thrive at Tay Academy."
As the principal finished his speech, a team of academy staff stepped forward, holding trays filled with sleek, black bracelets. "These," the principal said, motioning to the bracelets, "are Power Point Bracelets. Each one is specially designed to monitor and display your power level at all times. They will help you track your growth and push you to become stronger. They also serve as keys to your personal rooms and come with a digital credit system for use on campus."
Alex watched as the bracelets were handed out, and when one was placed in his hand, he immediately fastened it to his wrist. The moment it clicked into place, a faint glow emanated from the bracelet, and a number appeared on the small screen: 10. It was a starting point, a power level that would likely rise as he trained and grew stronger.
Around him, other students were doing the same, checking their power levels with curiosity and excitement. He noticed Aristotle's bracelet flashing with a starting power level of 35, while Sarah's glowed with 28. Alex wasn't surprised—they both had strong Tay, after all. But that didn't deter him. He knew that his own path was different, and in time, his true potential would reveal itself.
After the bracelets were distributed, each student was given a key to their personal room in the dormitories, along with a set amount of credits to use on campus. The credits would allow them to buy anything they needed during their time at the academy—from food to supplies and training materials. It was a system designed to teach students not only how to fight but also how to manage their resources.
As the assembly ended, the students began filing out of the hall, chatting excitedly about their rooms and the challenges ahead. Alex pocketed his key, glancing down at his bracelet once more. The number 10 stared back at him, but he wasn't discouraged. He knew that power levels were just numbers. What really mattered was how he used the strength he had and the strength that lay dormant within him.
As he made his way toward the dormitories, Alex couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. This was the beginning of something new. And with the secret of the Shadow Orb still tucked safely within him, he knew that his journey had only just begun.
As Alex entered his dorm room, he was greeted by a surprisingly modern and spacious space. The room had a single bed, a sleek desk by the window, and shelves lining one wall, already stocked with the basic necessities. A holographic display on the desk flickered to life as soon as he approached it, revealing his personalized schedule for the semester.
He leaned closer to read the details. His class schedule was packed from Monday to Thursday, with courses ranging from Tay Theory, Combat Training, and Power Management to more specialized classes like Affinity Analysis and Tay Battle Strategy. Each day was divided into intense, structured periods, with small breaks in between.
The rest of the days Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were free for personal time, which students could use to train, study, or relax. Alex's eyes lingered on the free days, already planning how he would use that time to strengthen his body and prepare for the challenges ahead.
He placed his bag on the bed and sat down, staring at his schedule for a moment. The weight of being in Tay Academy finally settled in. This wasn't going to be easy, but with his determination and the secret power he carried he knew he could handle whatever came his way.