The grand gates of Elaris Institute loomed before Alexander, towering spires stretching into the clouds like claws scratching the sky. Once a traditional academic institution, the school had been reshaped after the portals appeared, evolving into a battleground of status, strength, and supremacy.
Students filed through the gates in tightly knit factions, each wearing crests signifying their lineage or house affiliation — most from powerful families or guilds. Whispers filled the air as Alexander entered alone, dressed in a plain uniform, his presence ignored or mocked.
"Who let the stray in?" a tall boy sneered, his uniform marked with a crimson phoenix — the emblem of the Fieron Lineage, known for its fire-based combatants.
Alexander kept walking, unbothered. These were the same types who once laughed when he starved in silence. But now, he had the system. Power didn't need to be flaunted — not yet.
Inside, the hierarchy was clear. Students with higher grades or recognized bloodlines commanded respect. Dueling platforms, elemental arenas, and private chambers dotted the campus. Rankings were everything, and the lowest were often treated as mere training dummies for the elite.
A notice blinked across his system interface:
> [New Quest: Survive and Advance] Objective: Establish presence at Elaris Institute without revealing true abilities. Reward: Hidden Skill - Veil of the Humble (passive).
Alexander smirked. He didn't need to dominate — not yet. He needed to observe, grow, and strike when the time was right.
The school's first day was anything but welcoming.
As Alexander walked through the central courtyard, groups of students stood in clusters — training, bragging, bullying. A boy was being flung through the air by a telekinetic shove, crashing into the wall with a thud. Laughter erupted from a group wearing the silver serpent insignia of the Varyn Syndicate — a notoriously cruel faction that believed only power justified one's place in the world.
No teachers interfered.
In Elaris Institute, strength was order. The staff only intervened when death loomed — anything else was considered "training."
Alexander's footsteps carried him through the open plaza and into the Hall of Assessment, where each new student would be evaluated and placed into rankings.
A familiar voice sneered, "Well, well. If it isn't the convenience store reject."
Alexander didn't need to look up. The voice belonged to Devin Kross, one of the former students from his old school — a bully who'd taken pleasure in Alexander's suffering back when things were "normal." Now, Devin had a Minor Lightning Core visible on his arm — a mark of awakened ability.
Alexander looked up slowly, a faint smile on his lips. "Devin," he said, calm. "Still trying to use electricity to shock people into thinking you matter?"
The surrounding students chuckled at the remark, while Devin's smug grin faltered. Before he could respond, an announcement echoed through the chamber:
> "All new students, prepare for Rank Evaluation. Step forward when your name is called."
One by one, students stepped onto the central platform and released a surge of energy, showing off their talents and lineage gifts. Cheers erupted for descendants of Fire Houses, Ice Clans, and Gravity-Blooded nobles.
Then came Alexander's turn.
He stepped onto the platform. Whispers followed. No emblem. No legacy. No known power.
The crystal didn't explode with color. It pulsed a dull gray.
> [Warning: System concealment active. True abilities hidden.]
The staff glanced at their notes and marked him as "Low Tier." No one questioned it. Just another weakling.
And that's exactly what Alexander wanted.
> [Quest Complete: Survive and Advance - Part I] Reward: Skill Gained — Veil of the Humble (Passive)
Description: Conceals presence and real stats unless deactivated. Useful for infiltration, growth, and remaining underestimated.t
As he exited the platform, a girl stood near the shadows — her silver eyes sharp, her aura controlled. Crystal.
They locked eyes for a brief second, and though she said nothing, a flicker of recognition passed between them. She hadn't spoken to him since the world fell apart — but she remembered.
She always had.