### Chapter 7: Shadows of the Academy
In a darkened room, far removed from the excitement and chaos of the awakening ceremony, several figures sat in deep discussion. If anyone were to see them, they would be shocked—each was a key figure within the Academy, embodying the highest ranks of authority. They were not merely educators; they were leaders, generals, and strategists—individuals whose decisions shaped the future of the realm.
General Vincent, the headmaster, broke the silence, his voice resonating with authority. "This year's cadets seem promising. We have more rare and natural-based codes candidates than ever before."
The others nodded in agreement, their faces illuminated only by the flickering candlelight that cast long shadows across the stone walls.
"Indeed," Michael, a senior teacher, added thoughtfully. "But that Rylan kid… his Void Code felt different from anything I've encountered before. At first, I thought it was a variant."
Thompson, another senior general, let out a hearty laugh that echoed in the dim room. "How can a commoner awaken a variant? It's impossible! He's nothing more than a boy from the outskirts. You can't expect a peasant to wield power beyond their station."
"How do you know it's impossible?" Eliza, the only female general in Eldoria, interjected sharply. Her piercing gaze met Thompson's, unflinching. "You underestimate both the boy and the potential of the Void Code. Just because it hasn't happened before doesn't mean it can't happen."
Thompson's face flushed with anger, his pride wounded by Eliza's words. He opened his mouth to retort, but before a fight could break out, General Vincent raised a hand, silencing the room. "Whether he has a variant code or not, we will know in time. Right now, I want us to focus on our top student."
The atmosphere shifted, and a glimmer of excitement sparked in the eyes of the gathered generals. All attention turned toward Michael, who nodded slowly, contemplating the implications of Vincent's statement. "That variant," he said, a hint of intrigue in his voice. "It could hold the key to humanity defeating the star beast, we may be witnessing the dawn of a new era."
Unbeknownst to Rylan, while he was stepping into the Academy, the key figures were deep in discussion about his potential and the weight of his awakening.
As Rylan entered the Academy, he felt a sense of transition wash over him. The air was thick with the promise of change, and he could sense that the world around him was different now. Students moved with a newfound respect, whispers following him as he made his way to the main hall.
"Did you see him? The boy with the Void Code!" one student exclaimed, eyes wide with awe.
"Do you think he'll be in the elite class?" another pondered, envy lacing their words.
Rylan tried to brush off the attention, but it clung to him like a shadow. He reached the hall, where the instructors were gathering to discuss the next steps for the cadets. As he entered, he caught snippets of conversations, the buzz of excitement swirling around him.
Rylan stood at the threshold of the hall, absorbing the weight of the words spoken about him. He was no longer just Rylan from Veldrin; he was now a subject of scrutiny and fascination.
With a deep breath, he stepped further into the hall, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.