The long-awaited day had finally arrived. After enduring grueling trials, evaluation announcements, and unexpected chaos, the cadets were now officially preparing to take their next step—Nova Academy, where they would truly be tested as future Aether Corps.
Deren stood in their final barracks at the training camp, staring blankly at his gear. In his mind, this was the day his peaceful life officially ended.
I should have failed from the start... Why am I standing here, getting ready to enter an academy full of problems?! he thought in frustration.
Outside, the clamor of other cadets preparing for departure filled the air. Some were still discussing the results of the trial, while others were busy packing their gear.
"We actually made it this far... I still can't believe it," Ryn said as he hoisted his backpack. "After all the chaos we went through, we're finally heading to Nova Academy."
Kael patted his shoulder enthusiastically. "Of course! After all, we're a tough team! Even after almost dying, we still pulled through, right?"
Selene, who was checking her equipment, turned with a serious expression. "Don't underestimate what we'll be facing in the academy. This is just the beginning. If you thought training camp was hard, then you'll be shocked by what's ahead."
Revand smirked. "I agree. What happened during the exam proved that the outside world is far more dangerous than we expected. If we don't improve quickly, we'll just become burdens."
Hearing their conversation, Deren let out a long sigh. "Why do you all sound so excited? I'm still hoping I can fail at the last minute..."
Kael and Ryn immediately turned to him, barely holding back their laughter.
"Deren, you've already passed. Just accept it!"
"Maybe this is your destiny," Ryn added, nudging his arm. "Maybe you're meant to be in the Aether Corps!"
Deren rolled his eyes and gazed at the sky with a look of pure misery. If that's the case, then this destiny is truly cruel...
In the Nova Academy Evaluation Room
Meanwhile, at the Nova Academy Headquarters, the academy leaders were holding their final meeting before the cadets arrived. A holographic screen displayed recordings from the trial and the training camp evaluations.
"Many cadets have shown exceptional potential," one of the academy officials stated. "Selene and Revand, for example. They have a high chance of reaching Rank B in the near future."
"True. However, there's one cadet that intrigues me even more... Deren."
Several academy officials turned with serious expressions.
"That boy? What makes him special? According to the evaluation results, he lacks the drive to fight and even appeared lazy during training."
One of the officials smirked slightly. "That's precisely what makes him interesting. He was always in the right place, always survived dangerous situations, and during the trial, he came out nearly unscathed. Do you really think that was just a coincidence?"
The room fell silent for a moment. Some began to think more deeply.
"Moreover," the official continued, "the incident with the Metavores—who seemed to possess greater intelligence than we anticipated... I suspect that boy saw something we overlooked."
The academy head, seated at the center of the table, finally spoke.
"We'll keep an eye on him. For now, he's just a Rank D cadet. But if he truly has something more… we'll find out sooner or later."
Back at the Training Camp
With all preparations completed, the cadets were now ready to leave the training camp and head for Nova Academy. Today marked the beginning of a new journey.
Deren boarded the transport craft with his team, slouching into his seat with an exhausted sigh.
"So, this is it… Nova Academy…" he muttered, half-hoping the aircraft would suddenly malfunction so he could go home early.
Kael chuckled. "Deren, you look more stressed than anyone else. This is just an academy, not a battlefield."
"That's what you think now," Deren replied gloomily. "But I bet that place will be full of trouble."
Ryn nudged his arm. "Maybe so. But who knows? Maybe we'll learn a lot of cool stuff there."
Deren merely grumbled and closed his eyes. "All I want is to sleep without interruptions… but it seems fate has other plans for me."
As their aircraft soared through the sky, the massive academy came into view in the distance. Nova Academy stood tall, its futuristic towers glowing with blue light from Core Etherion. This was no ordinary academy—it was humanity's last hope against the Metavores.
Even for someone like Deren, the sight was impressive.
Yet behind its grandeur, danger and secrets still waited to be uncovered.
End of Arch 1 Epilogue.
To be continued in Arch 2: "Please wait patiently! ^_^"