Chapter 52: Academy of Awakening
The gates of the Awakening Academy stood tall and radiant, like silver blades piercing the clouds. Massive steel structures intertwined with glowing energy lines created an aura that both intimidated and awed the arriving students. Yue stood frozen for a moment, staring up in silence with her gang behind her, eyes wide.
"So this... is where we'll be staying?" Minna whispered.
"Looks like a floating fortress," Riko said, nudging Chika playfully.
Yue blinked, her heart suddenly skipping. She turned her head slightly. That feeling again. Like someone watching her.
She scanned the crowd. Thousands of students from all over the world bustled past them. No one seemed out of place. Yet, she could've sworn...
"Yue? You okay?" Shu Fen asked, stepping closer.
"Yeah... I just thought—never mind. Let's go," Yue replied, shaking off the chill.
They walked across the glowing crystal path into the main registration hall. The inside was grander than anything they had ever imagined. Floating digital boards displayed names and stats. Transparent elevators zoomed through the air like shooting stars. Robotic assistants glided across the marble floor, helping students and guiding them with soft-spoken voices.
A tall woman in a sleek black suit, with a silver badge that read Instructor Lira, stood near the registration counter. She raised a hand.
"All students without a recommendation letter, form a line here. You'll be registered for the Entry Assessment," she said.
Yue's group moved into place. Other students passed by holding glowing blue slips—their recommendation letters. Some wore smug smiles. Others ignored the crowd entirely.
Instructor Lira stepped forward.
"Let me explain how the academy is structured," she began, her voice amplified across the hall. "We accept students between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. This academy is built not just for awakened powers, but also to foster advanced scientific knowledge and technological integration. You will be trained in both."
She tapped a glowing display. Holographic images of dorms and classes shimmered into view.
"Your placement will depend on your results. We have three tiers—and one theoretical fourth."
She pointed to the first image.
"Class C Dormitory: For students with one awakened ability. You will be given basic accommodations. Local food, standard bunking, and limited personal devices."
A second image rotated forward.
"Class B Dormitory: For students with two awakened abilities. You show potential. You will receive better housing, more advanced tech access, a shared room for two, and nutritious meals tailored to awakeners."
The third image flashed, far more luxurious.
"Class A Dormitory: For students who possess three awakened powers. You are considered rare talents. You will be given a private suite, personal tutors, an entertainment system with gaming stations, and meals prepared by three-star chefs."
Gasps and whispers erupted.
Yue folded her arms, absorbing the information silently.
Lira raised a hand again.
"And now... Class S. It does not exist yet. There has never been a student who awakened four abilities. Should anyone achieve this, we may need to... create something new."
There was silence, followed by murmurs.
Yue looked down for a moment, recalling the awakening event back home.
I already have three... but the system said I haven't fully awakened yet.
Lira continued. "Now, those of you taking the assessment will be scanned, tested, and placed accordingly. Report to the left wing for processing. Dismissed."
The crowd dispersed in excitement and nerves.
As Yue's group headed toward the left corridor, her system chimed softly in her mind.
Ding. Quest Activated: Pass the Academy Entry Exam.
Yue smirked slightly, clenching her fists.
Bring it on.