LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 3: Talent Awakening
"You are all welcome to the Luminari academy, one of the top powers in Calonia," a red-haired young man of about 20 years old shouted. "My name is Darvis Newson, your supervisor and instructor for this wonderful awakening meeting."
"As you are all young talents and the future heroes of this generation, you should know about the history of our continent, Cerulean." Who wouldn't know the history of Cerulean?
_Cerulean was a continent that based its society on technology. Although their technology wasn't advanced, they believed they had sufficient knowledge in this area. [A/N: The technology is slightly better than the current Earth technology.]_
_But all this became useless when the Volkoid Apocalypse descended. Although their technology was strong, it wasn't able to counter the enemies from the Apocalypse. Millions died; it felt like hell on Cerulean - betrayals, suicidal deaths, and fear became rampant, devouring the humans' hearts._
_Until a way was found to control the strange energy responsible for this, which was later named Mana. With their technological knowledge, humans were able to force the Volkoids back and reclaim part of their land. But alas, it wasn't easy to chase them out of their homeland._
_As for the origin of the Volkoids, it was said they came through strange portals, able to control this strange energy._
"Before you can join this organization, there are some tests you have to pass through. So you will all be split into four groups, where you will be tested individually," Darvis shouted, trying to make these young ones understand the message he was passing through.
There are multiple academies like the Luminari academy, but the Luminari academy is a top-tier academy. The resources available to train their students are what differentiate each academy. But everything comes with a price...
As for part of the price, anyone who wants to apply for the Luminari academy would have to pay a fee of 100,000 Cerus [the currency used in Cerulean], except if you are in the top 3 of your middle school - as for Draco, he was one of the latter. The Luminari academy is only meant for the wealthy, and even though you pay the fee, this doesn't mean you can enter the academy - only talented ones are accepted.
They were split into four groups, eager of what the test would be and their result, their eyes filled with vigor and confidence, entering the Luminari academy was like a dream come true.
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Outside the skyscraper, a burly black-haired young man said, "My name is Ben, and I'm your instructor for this group." Behind him stood Instructor Shane and Instructor Kate, who were there to assist him. "As an instructor at Luminari Academy, I'm proud to say that we're one of the top academies in Calonia. With our influence, we only accept talented individuals. As for how your talents are graded, I'll break it down for you..."
"Talent are graded from F-Grade to SSS-Grade, which you should all know from your middle school education. Our academy only fully accepts students who awaken a D-Grade to SSS-Grade Talent. Those who awaken F-Grade and E-Grade abilities will be permitted to spend two months at the academy, in case anyone undergoes a second awakening."
As they heard this, the students took a deep breath. As expected, it wasn't easy to enter such an illustrious academy. "Now, follow me in order as we head to where you'll all get examined," Ben said, walking ahead as the crowd of students followed.
"Wow!" Gasps of surprise sounded in the air. The eighty students were shocked, watching the scenery of the academy. They had arrived through a teleportation portal.
The academy's sprawling campus was a marvel of architecture, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Towering spires and grand halls crafted from a stone known as "starstone" seemed to shimmer and glow with an ethereal light. The buildings were adorned with intricate carvings and four statues, depicting scenes from Calonia's rich history and tales.
Even though they were outside, the students were amazed, their blood rushing to their heads as they watched the four legendary statues. It was known that four heroes had appeared during the beginning of the apocalypse, uniting the remnant humans and reclaiming their land from the Volkoids.
"Ahem, I guess that's enough sightseeing for now. It's time to do what we're here for," Ben said, waking the students from their reverie. Beside him stood a concrete stand with a large crystal ball floating on it, surprising all of them. "This is what's used to test the grade of your ability," Ben explained, satisfying their curiosity. "If your name is called, just come forward."
"Jose Brown..." He called out, and an average black-haired young man walked out from the crowd with a nervous expression. Guided by Ben, he put his hand on the crystal ball. A few minutes later, a yellow beam shot out into the sky, and a yellow transparent screen appeared with the words, "D-Grade Ability: Wind Slice."
"Not bad, you pass," Ben said, and the young boy jumped with excitement, as if it were a dream come true.
"Next..." "E-Grade Earth Talent: Earth Boulder; Fail."
"Next..." "F-Grade Strength Talent: Stomp; Fail."
Only a few had awakened D-Grade abilities; the others were E and F Grade abilities. Draco's group of four, no, five, watched as people's dreams were shattered, their talents failing them. The most common talent are elemental talent, with other being rare.
"C-Grade Flame Talent: Flame Whip." Murmurs filled the crowd as they saw a green beam of light; the first C-Grade ability. All eyes were on the person who had awakened it - a young girl with a haughty expression, enjoying the crowd's envious gazes. Ben, who saw the girl's expression, shook his head. How poor her foresight was; her talent was nothing to be proud of.
"I wonder if we'll be able to find a talented individual in this examination. I heard the Obsidian Academy got two S-Ranked students..." Instructor Kate said.
"I got the news too; we rank last on the academy board. If we aren't able to get hold of an S-Ranked talented individual, the other academies might try to devour us," Instructor Shane sighed, looking at the crowd in front of her.
"I know this set is worse than the former, but we can't say what might happen. Let's just focus on our job here," Ben replied, his mood slightly down.
"Blum Nacort.."
"I guess it's my turn. You guys pray for me; a trash talent isn't worthy of me. If I awaken it, my life would turn hellish," Blum said to his friends, walking to the stand as he heard his name called.
"Don't worry, you got this!" Draco shouted, encouraging his friend. The others nodded, waving their hands and cheering him on. Blum placed his hand on the crystal, closing his eyes as he prayed in his heart. An indigo beam of light was revealed, and gasps of surprise could be heard from everyone.
Blum opened his eyes to see his result: "A-Rank Lightning Talent: Lightning Storm". Everyone looked at the indigo screen, amazed by the first A-Rank Ability.
"Yes, he did it!" Ming shouted, jumping unable to suppress his excitement. Even though Draco and Rose weren't jumping, smiles never left their faces. The instructors who saw this were glad; it looked like heaven hadn't forgotten them.
"Congratulations, Mr. Blum. Would you like to enter the academy now?" Ben said, smiling. This was the difference between D-Grade and A-Grade; talent matters a lot in Luminari Academy.
"Nah, I'm still staying with my friends," Blum smiled, his friends welcoming him with warm gazes. The crowd watched as he returned with a smile.
"Goddess luck seems to favor me a lot; I guess my charm has hooked her up," Blum said narcissistically, proud of his achievement.
"We know! Don't oppress us; you know we haven't done ours yet," Ming said enviously.
"Okay, I'll keep quiet; let's see what you get."
"You both should just keep quiet. And Blum, you just got an A-Grade talent, not SS-Grade or SSS-Grade, so why are you proud?" Rose butted in, mercilessly striking Blum. Blum, who heard this, felt as if cold water had been poured on him. But what she was saying was right: ability doesn't stop the cultivation of people; only in battle will one know the usefulness of a high-ranking ability.
"Thanks, Rose," Blum muttered in a low voice. "Sure, no problem. Can't just watch my friend walk the path of his downfall," Rose said sarcastically. Blum's ego plummeted; even though she was sarcastic, she was telling the truth. You never know what life has in store for you.