Shin stepped out of his house, wearing the pristine white attire of the test-taker. The fabric clung to his muscular frame, whispering of his newfound strength and the promise of greatness. A checked silver sword was strapped to his side.
He made his way through the bustling streets, his eyes taking in the sights and sounds of the city with a newfound clarity. The once-ordinary buildings and people now seemed to hold hidden depths, as if they were part of a grand tapestry woven by the very constellations themselves. His heart pounded in his chest, the anticipation of what lay ahead mixing with the bitterness of his sister's loss.
Shin's muscular frame was a stark contrast to the tight vest that clung to him like a second skin. The fabric stretched over his broad shoulders and chest, a testament to the countless hours of grueling training he had endured. His biceps bulged against the sleeves, each flex revealing the intricate patterns of muscles that had been honed to near perfection. The vest, once loose and comfortable, was quite tight on him.
He walked with purpose, the cobblestone streets of the city whispering his name as he approached the imposing gates of the Constellation Academy. It stood directly in front of Devota's Tower, a constant reminder of the power structure that governed their lives. The academy was a sprawling complex of grandiose buildings and spacious courtyards, a stark contrast to the noble homes that surrounded it. The air was charged with anticipation and a hint of fear.
Shin had heard rumors that during his intense training sessions, Devota had claimed more sacrifices. He didn't know why she had started demanding more lives, but the whispers grew louder with each passing day. The people of the city spoke in hushed tones of a restlessness in the constellation, a hunger that was never truly sated.
As he approached the academy gates, the memory of Katy's sacrifice played out in his mind like a tragic play. Her laughter, her warmth, her gentle touch—all snuffed out in an instant by the cold, uncaring gaze of their oppressor. It fueled his resolve, a burning ember in the heart of the storm that raged within him. He had to become stronger, not just for the title, not just for himself, but to save those who would otherwise face the same fate as his sister.
He took a deep breath and whispered to himself, "Master, can you hear me?"
"I am here" she responded in his mind, her voice a comforting whisper amidst the chaos. "But know that If you don't need it I won't intervene in the test, the trial is yours, I have give you the means to accomplish it"
Shin's words echoed in his mind as he walked through the throng of hopeful candidates, "Do you know why i haven't ear Devota's song during my training?"
Master's response was swift and clear, "My barrier, it isolates us from Devota's domain. Her influence does not reach you, and that is why you have been able to train without interference."
Shin nodded, understanding that he had been given a rare advantage. As he approached the academy's gates, he was interrupted by two stern-faced Disciples. "Get in line," they barked, gesturing to the sea of hopefuls ahead. The crowd was a kaleidoscope of young faces, all eager to prove their worth and ascend in the ranks of power.
He took his place at the back, his eyes scanning the throng of candidates. Each one had their own story, their own dreams. Some were from wealthy families, their robes embroidered with gold and their weapons gleaming with jewels. Others, like him, were from the lower sectors, their garments patched and their weapons worn. Yet, all were united by the desire to escape the sacrifices and gain power.
As the line slowly snaked forward, his heart raced faster than the wind. He could feel the power of the constellations swirling around him, a cacophony of energy that seemed to resonate with his very soul. The air grew thick with anticipation as they approached the grand auditorium where the first test would take place.
Finally, the moment arrived. The heavy oak doors of the academy swung open, revealing an enormous stage, lit by a thousand flickering candles. And there, standing in the center, were three figures. His eyes widened as he recognized one of them: the priestess who had taken Katy's life. She was flanked by two other individuals, one a stern-faced man with a long beard and piercing eyes, the other a stoic woman with a serene aura.
Shin barely contained his rage. It was all he could do to keep from charging the stage and slaughter her. He clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white, but he knew he had to be patient. His sister's memory burned like a star in his heart, guiding him through the shadows of his anger.
Master's voice echoed in his mind, soothing and firm. "You must remain calm".
Shin nodded, though his eyes never left the priestess. He knew that attacking her now would be suicide. Her power was far beyond anything he had ever encountered, and the other two figures beside her surely had their own formidable abilities.
"Welcome," she announced, her voice like a siren's call, echoing through the grand hall. "You stand before the gateway to power, before the eyes of our benevolent deity, Devota. Today, you will demonstrate your worthiness to become her disciples."
The crowd murmured nervously, glancing at each other. Some of the wealthier candidates had
impassive at her words, while others from the lower sectors, like Shin, felt a chill run down their spines. They knew all too well the fate of those deemed unworthy.
The priestess, seemingly unfazed by the tension in the air, continued her speech. "Do not worry," she said, her tone almost soothing. "If you fail today, you may still be chosen to serve our great constellation. Your blood will nourish her, and in doing so, you will become a part of her legend, a sacrifice for Devota."
The candidates were led under the stage, each one taking their place in front of a covered person in front of a pedestal. On each pedestal lay a crystal sphere, pulsing with an eerie light.
"Now," the priestess's voice rang out, "place both your hands on the sphere before you and let your soul resonate with Devota's wave, to pass the test, an affinity greater than 15% is required."
Shin watched as the candidates around him reached out tentatively, their eyes filled with hope and fear. The crystal spheres lit up, some with a dull glow that quickly faded, others with a vibrant pulse that grew stronger by the second. A murmur grew as the covered people began to read out the results, her tone growing colder with each failure.
"Again, we see so many who have wasted their lives chasing a dream that was never meant to be," she said, her voice carrying a hint of disdain. "The bond with your constellation is set from the moment you are born. I see a lot of candidates who have already failed the test several times."
Shin's heart raced as he waited for his turn. He heard one of the covered in the front to announce a connection of 27%. A boy from the noble district, his robe emblazoned with the insignia of a noble family, had passed the test. The crowd murmured in amazement, with a value over 25% one can aim to be a master.
But Kale's 30% kept haunting his thoughts. Kale Buster, the third son of the Buster family, a name synonymous with power and prestige, it seemed that nobles were also noble in their genes.
And then, the unexpected. A girl stepped out of the shadows and took her place at the pedestal. She was petite, with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to glow with an inner light. Her robe was simple, devoid of any family insignia or indication of her status, yet she held herself with a poise that could put the nobility to shame.
The murmur grew louder as she placed her hands upon the crystal sphere. For a moment, there was silence—deafening, unbearable silence. And then, the sphere erupted in a blinding light, a pulse that grew stronger and stronger until it seemed as if the very air was vibrating with power. The priestess's eyes narrowed, The covered before here announced an astonishing connection of 44%!
The crowd gasped, and even the priestess looked surprised. The girl with red hair didn't flinch, her eyes remained closed, her hands firmly on the sphere. It was a power level that rivaled some of the highest-ranked masters and even priestess. The energy in the room shifted, the air crackling with excitement and jealousy.
"What is your name, girl?" she demanded, her eyes narrowed, as if trying to pierce through the girl's soul and find any hint of nobility or deceit.
The girl opened her eyes, revealing the depth of her determination. She spoke with a clear, voice that seemed to resonate throughout the hall. "My name is Cyria".
The priestess nodded, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Very well, Cyria, you have proven your worthiness to face the second trial." She turned to the crowd, her eyes scanning the hopeful faces. "The Test must continue".