"Isn't it obvious? We came here to recruit capable Spirit caster's."
"What!?"
They were all shocked, even a little confused. The Spirit Caster's Academy was a place of great prestige, one that ordinary people could only dream of. For those from the lower districts of Metro City, getting in wasn't just unlikely—it was out of the question.
So when it was revealed that these agents had come all the way to their school to recruit capable Spirit Casters, it caused quite a stir. It was unexpected—and more than a little unsettling.
Metro City, figuratively speaking, was split into two factions, the wealthy and influential, who gained power and privilege through their wealth, with everyone else left to live in their shadow.
Then there is the lower faction—average families, often overlooked and dismissed as lesser citizens by those in the higher factions.
They lived simple lives, far removed from the luxuries and influence of the upper class. In the eyes of the elite, they were background characters in a city that only seemed to value wealth, status, and power.
"That's right, as we said earlier, it's not a choice we made ourselves. As it so happens, the principal of the Spirit Caster's Academy just so happens to be a former student from this institution."
"To be the principal of such an academy isn't something any caster can easily achieve, as such, she believes true potential isn't hereditary, it's achieved."
Leon said, his tone firm as he quoted the principal herself.
"That's right, while it's true that most Caster's potential stems from their bloodline, the true worth of a spirit caster is highly dependent on their efforts. Those fools who assumes hereditary marks an individuals power are bound by family loom restrictions."
"An individuals spirit power isn't decided by their bloodline, it's decided by how far they can hone it. With that said, we don't have a lot of time to spare."
As Leon spoke, he set his briefcase on the table, unclipped the latches, and carefully pulled out a blue orb.
All eyes were locked on the orb as it pulsed with a soft, blue glow—rhythmic and alive, like a living creature made entirely of energy.
"What... Is that?" Mr. John asked, his eyes widening with curiosity as he stared at the orb, as if enchanted by its pulsating energy.
"This is what we call, an evaluation orb. It's job is to measure and evaluate a spirit caster's spiritual energy. It's from the evaluation results that a decisive rank is allocated, but in this case, it's where we will be able to recruit capable spirit casters for the academy."
"Evaluate? We all are past the age of sixteen and we haven't awakened, how do you plan on evaluating us?"
One of the students asked with a puzzled look, it is believed that after an individual exceeds the age of sixteen without awakening, that was the end of it. What did he mean by evaluate?
"Hm? That's right, we neglected to mention this due to the high number of you that won't be recruited."
"These people really look on us don't they." Mike whispered to his friends.
"Yeah, and it's actually kinda pissing me off, they think because they were fortunate to awaken that they can belittle us." Peters chimed in.
"If you must know, the Orb also has the ability to draw out an individuals latent spiritual energy, regardless of how low it is. Spiritual energy originates from our souls, as long as you have souls, the power to maintain it resides in you. For that reason, this Orb is also called the orb of awakening."
As Leon spoke, eyes widened across the room, a flicker of hope lighting up their faces. "Wait." One of them breathed. "The orb can awaken our latent abilities... even if we never awakened before?"
"Yes, that's right." Murmurs rose quickly as he answered, the weight of his words sunk in like the anchor of a ship.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a chance to chase their dreams and become Spirit Casters, even when all hope had seemed
"Alright listen up, we don't to waste anymore time than we have to, with that said, you're all going to come forward one at a time." As Lillian ordered, the student at the first row began the evaluation process.
"D-rank Spirit Caster, not bad, but the required rank to be qualified is at least a C."
One by one, the students approached the Orb, each receiving a rank between E and D. Only a select few were fortunate enough to earn the coveted rank of C.
Finally, it came down to the three remaining students, Peters, Mike and Mason.
"Next."
Peters exhaled sharply, his steps steady as he moved toward the Orb with fierce determination. He had long buried his dreams after turning sixteen, but now—this revelation sparked a new flame of hope deep within him.
He placed his hand on the Orb, and for a moment, every where went still.
Then, the Orb pulsed, releasing a brilliant red glow that surged outward, flooding the entire classroom in a blinding crimson light.
As the light gradually faded, a slow smile spread across Leon's face. His eyes locked onto the glowing symbol now etched on the surface of the Orb—it had worked.
"Well, isn't this promising, what's your name boy?" He asked.
"Peters Neograve sir." Peters answered firmly, his tone laced with a precise focus.
"Well, congratulations Peters, B-rank Spirit Caster, you are more than eligible to enroll in the Spirit Caster's Academy."
His eyes widened in disbelief as the results of his awakening were finalized. He could hardly process what he was hearing—he could enroll in the Caster's Academy?
He made his way back to his seat, struggling to contain his joy. As he settled in, his two closest friends reached out in unison, extending their hands for a celebratory fist bump.
"Congratulations bro, you actually made it into the Caster's Academy!" Mike exclaimed, trying his best to contain his loud voice.
"Next."
It was his turn now, the moment that could make his dreams of becoming a caster a reality. Unlike Mason and Peters, he came from a family weighed down by hardship, raised by a single mother.
Becoming a spirit caster wasn't just about achieving his personal dreams—it was his chance to pull his family from the depths of financial struggle and give them a future they desperately needed.
He placed his hand on the Orb, and for a moment, every where went still.
Then...