Vice Principal Doris, who had settled down on an unoccupied armchair in the back, just like everyone else, saw Skyler fight since all the screens in the hall displayed only him.
He lacked in many areas, as if he hadn't been properly trained to fight others and was relying on instinct. He also didn't use any skills or spells, but his movements were impressive. She turned to Riya.
"Your son is 18, right? Did he not join any academy after awakening his affinity and potential? Why? If he had, he would have gained valuable experience to get through the preliminary test."
The murmurs in the hall, which had begun as the professors watched Skyler, quieted when they heard Vice Principal's voice.
They exchanged surprised glances and turned to look at Ms. Doris. It was very rare for her to show interest in anyone, with the last exception being student Max during the academy entrance test four years ago.
Nevertheless, they could see why the vice principal was curious about Skyler.
That kid was weak, and it was evident from simply watching him fight that he was likely at the peak of 1-star. Nothing more.
His strength was comparable to that of first-year academy students—16-year-old newly awakened who had formed their first elemental crystals and learned basic spells.
However, Skyler excelled in combat, unlike the inexperienced first-year students who lacked the confidence to face beasts.
It was as if he was born to fight and become a formidable Light.
The innate ability or instinct to battle was far more powerful than that of those who merely learned. Skyler was a rare talent.
Riya sighed as she gazed at the vice principal, but she did not lie.
She would never do that. No matter if her son was strong or weak, he was her son, and she would never feel ashamed.
"His potential wasn't very high, so instead of an academy, he entered a good college. We never thought this would happen."
Vice Principal Doris nodded.
"What is his potential?"
"1-star."
Silence enveloped the hall, with many eyes staring at Riya in disbelief. Even Doris was taken aback. It was not unusual to awaken with low potential, and seventy-five percent of ordinary citizens fall into this group. But that kid, battling 2-star beasts as if they were nothing, had only 1-star potential?
How was that possible? 1-star potential is the lowest in the overall 25-star system set on their whole planet! Even normal citizens awaken potential higher than this!
However, those who lack strength and never progress beyond 1 or 2-star, even if they have awakened a higher potential, are unable to fight even the weakest beasts.
They lack the knowledge to harness their elemental powers or any battle experience. Without guidance or resources to develop their skills, they settle for a mundane life.
In contrast, Skyler could take on monsters stronger than himself. Also, they could see he had already reached the peak of 1-star.
Did that mean he had already reached the limits of his potential as a Light?
If so, it was truly a pity.
After all, even though his innate ability to battle was powerful, it meant nothing if he lacked the strength to support it.
While everyone was silent, Mr. Hawthorne suddenly let out a loud chuckle.
"Wait... I just recalled seeing a video about a young person awakening 1-star potential not long ago. So, it really is true!"
Mr. Noire chuckled along with him, but they shut their mouths when several people shot solemn looks at them for their inability to stop murmuring disparaging remarks.
Professor Sinclair glanced at Riya.
"Did Skyler train his body? If he can only achieve 1-star strength, it indicates that his physical strength has not improved due to absorbing Evol, suggesting he has trained his body without its influence."
Riya nodded. Her son had always gone to train and exercise in his father's guild. She wasn't sure about his progress, but he had always been diligent in his daily workouts.
Professor Sinclair smiled.
"That's impressive in its own right, gaining strength without Evol in his body. Physical training has its limits since one's potential can't be surpassed. However, you could find treasures to boost his potential. I'm sure he can become a strong Novice-tier Light."
Riya glanced at the female professors. She wasn't as bad a teacher as some others.
"I will. He will become a strong light."
Vice Principal Doris overheard the two, but she had already lost interest in Skyler.
What a shame, she thought.
That kid had a bright future in martial arts, but his limitations would keep him at 1-star. Even if he found treasures, they could only be effective to a certain extent.
Moreover, treasures that enhance potential are very rare, and whenever they do surface in the market, everyone competes for them, driving their prices to astronomical levels.
Doris was about to leave when suddenly something unexpected occurred.
The kid they all believed only had 1-star potential suddenly broke through to 2-star.
With a boom, a powerful wave of aura emanated from him as golden Evol surged into his body, and he closed his eyes with a smirk. The breakthrough was evident even to those watching him on screens.
The crowd surrounding Skyler began to curse and shout at him to come down from the stage now that he had broken through if he didn't want to face their wrath later.
They could have been the ones to acquire the essence from killing the monsters and achieve a breakthrough, but that weakling had to claim all the benefits!
But how could Skyler come down when he had just begun to experience the thrill that accompanied his growing strength?
He laughed wickedly and flashed them a sweet smile with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Never."
Even though Riya, Vice Principal Doris, and the professors in the hall couldn't hear him because the broadcast failed to capture his voice clearly, they read his lips.
All eyes turned to Riya, reflecting the same question: Did she lie about his potential?
However, seeing her shocked expression, it was clear that she too had no idea how her son had surpassed his limits. Even Emily's eyes were wide as she turned to Riya.
"This...?"
Riya hummed, a smile lighting her face.
"I can't believe he found something to enhance his potential in such a short time, in that perilous place. My son is impressive—nothing less than the others."
So, he found a treasure? That seemed plausible given where he is currently. The professors accepted her words.
Vice Principal Doris thought for a moment. Even though she had already lost interest in Skyler, her instincts told her not to dismiss him. Out of the blue, she said something that dumbfounded everyone.
"How about you send Skyler to join Starlight Academy if he passes the preliminary test?"
She folded her hands behind her back. It was uncertain if Skyler would even survive. So, she would trust her instincts if he not only survived but also passed the test.
"Our academy is the number one in the entire human continent, and I will give your son a special pass to study here without having to take any tests."
As the surprise wore off, Riya chuckled.
She knew the entrance tests for all the academies this year were already closed.
Skyler would need proper training and knowledge if he passed the preliminary test and decided to enter the first level of Battle Royale in the future. Knowing her son, she was certain he would surely enter the Battle Royale again if he got the chance. But...
"It's not up to me. The decision to join Starlight Academy lies with Skyler."
Vice principal Doris nodded.
"The offer is always standing."
Riya let out a wry smile.
"Actually, one of my children is already studying here. The only thing she picked up is bad behavior. So, if it were up to me, I wouldn't let Sky join this place."
Hearing this, many eyes turned to her. One of her children is studying here? Who?
As if sensing the question directed at her, Riya's expression hardened.
"It's Jenny. Jenny Ironhart. The academy invited her to join four years ago. It's a pity that even though technology has advanced, we still can't talk with those inside the test. That's why I'm waiting for her to come out."
Once again, silence enveloped the hall. Vice Principal Doris and all the professors knew Jenny; she was in Max's group.
They had also witnessed what happened when the monster wave passed, so no one commented. This was a family matter.