Chapter 10 - 10: Solvayne Magic Academy [3]

After an hour, students began to pour into the Grand Hall of Trials, filling the massive space with a buzz of nervous energy. The hall was even more impressive than Kyle had imagined, with high ceilings, glowing runes etched into the walls, and a large, open arena at the center. While most of the students were busy chatting. Kyle was scanning the crowd for someone specific—the protagonist of Path of Transcendence, Cedric Valtieri. He knew Cedric would be here, and he was curious to see him in person. It didn't take long for Kyle to spot him. Cedric stood out among the crowd like a beacon. He had an air of confidence and calm that set him apart from the other candidates. His sharp features, piercing blue eyes, and neatly combed golden hair gave him a heroic look, and the way he carried himself made it clear he was someone special. "There he is," Kyle muttered under his breath, his eyes locked on Cedric. Cedric was surrounded by a small group of students who seemed to be hanging on his every word. He spoke with a quiet authority, his voice steady and reassuring. Even from a distance, Kyle could tell why Cedric was the protagonist—he had a natural charisma that drew people to him. Kyle couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. 'Well, he definitely lives up to the hype,' he thought. 'He should already be in silver ranks by now' As he watched, Cedric glanced in his direction, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. Kyle quickly looked away, pretending to adjust his sleeve. He didn't want to seem like he was staring, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Cedric had noticed him. *** Cedric Valtieri stood in the Grand Hall of Trials, his calm demeanor masking the weight of responsibility he carried. As the one blessed by Solmora, the Goddess of the Sun and Judgment, he knew his purpose was greater than most. He was chosen to protect the world, a duty he had accepted without hesitation. But it wasn't a burden he spoke of openly. In fact, no one knew about his blessing—not even his family. He had decided to keep it hidden, at least for now. Cedric didn't want to draw unnecessary attention or put his loved ones at risk. He carried the weight of his duty silently, determined to prove himself through his actions rather than his title. As the other students filed into the hall, Cedric observed them with a quiet curiosity. He wasn't here to compete with them; he was here to prove himself, to grow stronger so he could fulfill his duty. Still, he couldn't help but notice the nervous energy in the room. Some students were whispering to each other, others were pacing, and a few were quietly meditating to calm their nerves. Then, something caught his attention. A young man with long bluish-black hair and striking heterochromatic eyes—one electric blue and the other deep black—stood among the crowd, scanning the room with a calm but observant gaze. His presence was unassuming, yet there was something about him that drew attention, something Cedric couldn't quite place. Cedric's sharp blue eyes lingered on him for a moment, his instincts prickling. There was something… different about this boy. Something that made him stand out, though Cedric couldn't put his finger on what it was. Their eyes met briefly, and Cedric felt a strange sensation—a faint hum in the air, almost like a whisper. It was subtle, but it was there. For a moment, it felt as though his blessing, the divine power of Solmora, stirred faintly, as if reacting to something. Cedric frowned slightly, his gaze narrowing as he studied the young man. The hum faded as quickly as it had come, leaving behind a lingering unease. "Who is he?" Cedric thought, his curiosity piqued. The boy looked away quickly, as if he hadn't meant to be caught staring. But Cedric couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye. Something… dangerous. Cedric's mind drifted back to the day he had been blessed by Goddess Solmora. It had happened shortly after he awakened his mana. One moment, he was meditating in his room, trying to understand the strange energy (mana) flowing through him, and the next, his consciousness was pulled into a realm of blinding light and warmth. He found himself standing in a vast, radiant domain, the air humming with divine energy. Before him stood Goddess Solmora, her presence overwhelming yet serene. She didn't speak at first, but her gaze held a weight that made Cedric feel both insignificant and chosen at the same time. When she finally spoke, her voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority. She told him the world was in danger, that darkness was rising, and that he had been chosen to stand against it. She offered him her blessing, a gift of divine power that would help him fulfill this destiny. Cedric, still reeling from the suddenness of it all, questioned why she had chosen him. But the goddess simply smiled, her expression both kind and enigmatic, as if she knew something he didn't. In the end, Cedric accepted her blessing, though he still didn't fully understand why she had chosen him. He had no choice but to trust her words and embrace the destiny she had laid before him. He still didn't fully understand why the goddess had chosen him, but he had accepted it as his destiny. Now, standing in this hall, he couldn't help but wonder about the boy with the striking heterochromatic eyes. There was something unusual about him, something that made Cedric's instincts stir. 'Could he be special too?' Cedric wondered, though he quickly dismissed the thought. No one else had ever been blessed by a god before him, at least not in recorded history. It was supposed to be an unprecedented event. And yet, that strange connection he had felt… it was hard to ignore. But it wasn't just curiosity that lingered in Cedric's mind. His blessing, the divine power that flowed through him, had reacted to the boy in a way it never had before. It wasn't fear, exactly, but a subtle warning—a faint, almost imperceptible signal that this boy was… different. Dangerous, perhaps. Cedric shook his head, refocusing on the task at hand. The practical exam was about to begin, and he needed to be at his best. Still, he made a mental note to keep an eye on the boy with the mismatched eyes. There was something about him that intrigued Cedric, something that felt… important. And if his blessing was right, something that could change everything. But he didn't get to dwell on the matter any longer. Suddenly, a heavy pressure descended on the room, silencing the chatter and drawing everyone's attention to the front. The exam was about to begin, and Cedric had no time to waste. Still, as he turned away, the image of the boy lingered in his mind, along with the faint hum of his blessing—a quiet reminder that not everything was as it seemed. **** As the heavy pressure descended, the Grand Hall of Trials fell into complete silence. All eyes turned toward the stage as an old man in his 60s stepped forward. He had long white hair and a flowing beard, both shimmering faintly under the hall's magical lights. His golden eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, and his presence alone commanded respect and attention. This was the principal of the Solvayne Magic Academy—Lucian Aetheris, a Divine Ranker, a man whose name was known across the continent, a living legend. He walked toward the stage calmly, his every step radiating authority. The students instinctively straightened up, their nervous chatter fading into silence. Even Cedric, who usually carried himself with confidence, couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The principal's presence was overwhelming, like standing in the shadow of a mountain. The principal reached the center of the stage and looked out over the crowd. His gaze was sharp, yet there was a warmth to it, as if he could see the potential in every candidate. When he spoke, his voice was deep and steady, carrying effortlessly across the hall. 'How is this guy 300 years old?' Kyle thought, still in awe of his presence. The principal looked like he was in his 60s, but he knew he was actually a 300 years old man. Each time a person ranks up, the aging process slows down. In Aevorath, the average lifespan of awakeners is around 100-150 years, though higher-ranked individuals, such as Platinum, Diamond, or Divine rankers, can live for several centuries or even longer, depending on their rank and power. "Welcome, students," the principal began, his golden eyes scanning the room. "You have all come here today to prove yourselves worthy of a place in the Solvayne Magic Academy. The theoretical exam tested your knowledge. Now, the practical exam will test your skill, your courage, and your ability to adapt." He paused, letting his words sink in. The students leaned forward, hanging on his every word. The tension in the room was palpable. "The practical exam will take place in an Artificial Rift," the principal continued. "This Rift has been specially designed to challenge you in every way. Inside, you will face monsters and even your fellow students. Your goal is simple: earn as many points as possible. You gain points by defeating monsters and other candidates. But do not worry—if you die inside the Rift, you will be teleported safely outside." A murmur of relief and excitement rippled through the crowd. Kyle glanced around, noticing the mix of determination and anxiety on the faces of the other candidates. He couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. The principal raised a hand, and the room fell silent once more. "The exam will last six hours," he said. "Only the top 1,000 candidates will earn a place in the Solvayne Academy. So, give it your all. Show us what you're made of." He paused again, his golden eyes sweeping across the room. Sёarᴄh the Novelƒire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Remember, this is not just a test of strength. It is a test of strategy and resilience. Use your wits as much as your magic. And above all, do not give up." ****