Aero stepped through the grand gates of the academy just as the test was about to begin. The courtyard buzzed with anticipation, yet his attention was quickly drawn to a series of arrow signs pointing deeper inside.
"Hm… what's this?" he muttered, tilting his head slightly. A moment passed, and then a confident grin spread across his face. "This must lead to the testing area… I knew it. I'm a genius."
Completely oblivious to the hundreds of applicants already following the same path, Aero strode forward as if he alone had solved the mystery.
Following the signs, he arrived at a vast open field where a sea of candidates stood waiting. The air felt heavy with tension and excitement. Before long, a voice echoed across the grounds through a speaker.
"Hello, everyone… I welcome you to Aetheria Academy."
All eyes turned toward the stage.
"I am Fernardh Wynhm, and I shall be your host."
He stood tall and composed, his long black hair swaying slightly in the breeze. His presence alone commanded attention. Dressed in elegant gentleman's attire, with a white glove adorning his left hand, he gazed down at the crowd with calm authority.
"Thank you for gathering here today. You all know why you've come. And if you fail, do not despair—there is always next year. Now then, as time is sacred to us, let us begin."
A brief pause followed, letting his words settle.
"This examination will be divided into seven parts. The final stage will determine your acceptance into the academy. As for the first test…"
A faint smile touched his lips.
"—it is something simple."
He raised his gloved hand slightly.
"Aptitude Test."
"In this stage, we will identify the concept you possess, measure its strength, and classify you accordingly. You will be placed into one of three primary categories: Beta, Alpha, or Omega. Those who do not fit within these will be assigned to other classifications."
He snapped his fingers, Instantly, countless particles of light began to gather both on the stage and before every participant. The particles shimmered, slowly forming podium-like structures. Atop each stood a horizontal glass panel, faintly glowing. At the same time, a bracelet materialized before every applicant, each marked with a number.
"Take the bracelet and wear it," Fernardh instructed. "Your number will determine your turn. After your aptitude is measured, the bracelet will change color, indicating your classification and allowing us to track your progress."
He lowered his hand.
"Let us begin."
One by one, applicants stepped forward as their numbers were called. The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing turn.
Then—
Applicant 145 stepped onto the stage.
As his hand touched the glass, a brilliant blue light burst forth, illuminating the entire field. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even Aero's eyes widened, a spark of excitement igniting within them.
But before the moment could settle—
"Huh… what's so special about that? It's just a bright light."
The voice came from Applicant 146.., a boy with striking gray hair and a confident, almost arrogant expression.
"Let me show you what the real deal looks like."
He walked forward with unwavering confidence, casting a dismissive glance at 145 as he passed. Ascending the stage, a smirk played across his lips.
He raised his right hand… and placed it on the glass. In an instant, the sky darkened.
Black clouds surged overhead, swirling violently as crimson lightning tore through them. The air itself trembled.
"Behold—" he declared, his voice booming with pride, "—the power of a god in the palm of my hand!"
He clenched his fist, pulling it away from the glass, then raised it toward the heavens. As he opened his palm—
A beam of red energy shot upward.
[BOOM]
The explosion shattered the storm above, sending a shockwave crashing across the field. Many applicants were forced to their knees, including Aero, who struggled to steady himself against the overwhelming force.
Only seven remained standing.
Whispers erupted throughout the crowd.
"How are they still standing…?" "He wasn't lying…" "Two monsters back-to-back…" "This is insane…"
The gray-haired boy basked in the attention, clearly pleased.
Meanwhile, Aero slowly lifted his head, his expression no longer strained—but burning with excitement.
"That was amazing…" he whispered, a grin forming. "This is getting interesting."
Time passed as more applicants completed their tests. Eventually, only three remained.
Aero stepped forward as his number was called.
"Hehe…" he chuckled softly.
"I guess it's finally my turn."