The air within the gates of the Dusk Academy seemed thicker, heavier, as if pressing down on the gathered hopefuls with an unseen weight. Aeron stood quietly, his dark cloak shrouding his pale, revitalized form. His eyes, sharp and predatory, scanned the sea of faces around him—each one marked by varying degrees of anxiety, determination, or sheer arrogance.
His mind was elsewhere, however, occupied by the swirling thoughts of power and potential. The book nestled in his grasp pulsated subtly, a reminder of the dark knowledge it contained.
With a deep breath, Aeron summoned the system's interface, a cold, emotionless voice echoing in his mind.
"Scanning the gathered races... Analysis in progress..."
The holographic display flickered to life, revealing a detailed breakdown of the different races present.
First on the list were the Dragons—beings of immense power and nearly invincible lineage. The system elaborated, its tone clinical.
"Dragons: A race born near perfection. Even a newborn dragon possesses strength surpassing that of a human who has trained for centuries. Their physical prowess is unmatched, their resilience legendary. They command the elements with ease, their natural affinity for magic and combat making them apex predators in any realm."
Aeron's jaw tightened. The sheer disparity between his own abilities and those of a dragon was staggering.
Next were the Elves, their elegance and connection to nature making them formidable in their own right.
"Elves: Masters of magic and nature. They are born with an inherent affinity for the Laws of Life and Nature, allowing them to manipulate the very fabric of existence. Their longevity grants them centuries to perfect their craft. Even a fledgling elf can surpass a human of the same realm in magical prowess and spiritual depth."
Aeron couldn't help but scoff internally. The thought of being outclassed so thoroughly was a bitter pill to swallow.
The analysis continued, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of other prominent races:
Dwarves: Known for their unparalleled craftsmanship and physical endurance. Their mastery of the earth element and runic magic made them formidable in both combat and industry.
Beastfolk: Diverse and primal, their strength varied greatly depending on their lineage. Some could rival dragons in raw power, while others excelled in agility and senses.
Humans: Versatile but inherently weaker. Humans lacked the innate advantages of other races but made up for it with adaptability and tenacity.
"So... basically, I'm trash?" Aeron muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm and bitterness.
"Exactly," the system responded bluntly, its tone devoid of any sympathy.
Aeron clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. The cold truth stung, but it was a reality he couldn't escape.
"Not for long, though," the system added. "Your affinity with death alone can rival some weaker elves in their Law of Life."
Aeron raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"It didn't? Well, it's the plain truth."
"Tsk, whatever," Aeron huffed, dismissing the system's attempt at consolation.
Despite the system's bluntness, Aeron couldn't deny the potential within him. His affinity with the Law of Death was unique, and though he had barely scratched the surface of its capabilities, he knew it held the key to surpassing the limits of his humanity.
"Your affinity with Death allows you to harness energies that others fear," the system continued. "It's a power that grows stronger with every life you take, every essence you absorb. With time and cultivation, you could stand on par with the greatest of this academy."
Aeron's eyes glinted with a newfound resolve. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but he was determined to rise above them. He wouldn't be just another human struggling to survive—he would become a force to be reckoned with, a harbinger of death.
"Alright, booky," he whispered, a smirk playing on his lips. "Let's show these so-called superior races what a human can do."
The book responded with a dark chuckle, its pages flipping open to reveal more of its sinister secrets.
As the crowd began to move towards the first trial, Aeron took a deep breath, steadying himself. The weight of the system's revelations hung heavy on his shoulders, but it also fueled his determination.
He would prove them all wrong. The dragons, the elves, the academy itself—they would all see that beneath the frail exterior of a human lay a predator unlike any other.
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