Chapter 6:
The atmosphere in Aetheria Academy's Grand Hall was suffocating. Thousands of students were staring at the giant mana-board where the results of the High-Elite Track were about to appear. This wasn't just any test; it was where 13-year-olds competed against 17-year-olds.
"Lusi, stop biting your nails," Maya whispered, leaning against a pillar with her usual 'chill' vibe. "You've got this."
Lusi Mariano didn't respond. Her golden eyes were fixed on the board. She didn't care about the fame; she just needed to prove that the Mariano name wasn't a curse.
FLASH!
The board lit up in gold and silver. A collective gasp echoed through the hall.
High-Elite Ranking:
Lusi Mariano (Section C) – 500/500
Luka (Section A) – 500/500
Adam (Section B) – 492/500
Stifen (Section A) – 485/500
John (Section C) – 480/500
Silence. Total silence.
Then, a whisper broke out: "Section C? A topper from Section C? And she's only 13?"
Lusi felt a sudden weight on her shoulders—literally. Maya had jumped on her back, laughing.
"Lusi! Rank 1! You actually did it, you monster!" Maya shouted, her face glowing with pride. Maya herself had slipped out of the Top 5 this time, but she didn't care one bit. She was Lusi's biggest fan. "Party ta dinu parcha hai aba!"
The Attraction of the Lion
Across the hall, Luka, the undisputed King of Section A, was staring at the board. For the first time in his life, someone was standing right beside him at the top. Someone from the 'forgotten' Section C.
Luka turned his head to look at Lusi. He expected to see a girl celebrating arrogantly. Instead, he saw Lusi calmly fixing her sleeves, her expression cold and untouchable.
Thump.
Luka's heart skipped a beat. He felt a strange, magnetic pull. It wasn't just about her power; it was her aura. He, who had never looked at a girl twice, couldn't take his eyes off her.
"Lusi Mariano..." he thought, his flame-magic flickering slightly in his palms. "What kind of secret are you hiding?"
The Siblings' Mask
Suddenly, the crowd parted as Arien and Seraphina walked in. Their faces were like stone.
"Lusi!" Arien barked, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Rank 1? You think you're special now? You probably just got lucky with the magic-theory part. Don't embarrass the family further by getting arrogant."
"Exactly," Seraphina added, flicking her hair. "Section C is still a mess. Don't think this changes anything."
The students whispered, "Poor Lusi, even after topping, her family is so mean."
But Lusi was listening to their true thoughts echoing in her mind:
Arien: My sister is a goddess! Rank 1! I need to buy that limited edition mana-sword for her tonight. I'll tell her I found it in the trash so she doesn't get suspicious!
Seraphina: She's so cool! My little Lusi is the best! I've already booked the best restaurant for a 'secret' celebration. I hope she likes the strawberry cake I ordered.
Lusi hid a small smile. "I'll try harder next time, Brother. Sister."
As she walked away with Maya, she felt a burning gaze on her back. She turned slightly and saw Luka still watching her, his crimson eyes filled with an intense, unexplainable attraction.
The Hidden Legend of Mariano had officially begun.