The room was thick with anticipation as the first name on the register echoed through the chamber.
A girl stepped forward—tall, elegant, and poised. Her uniform shimmered with subtle embroidery only nobles from high factions could afford. There was no hesitation in her stride, no flicker of doubt in her eyes. Her chin held high, she moved with the ease of someone used to being watched.
She came from House Virdelion, a high faction famed for its deep magical bloodlines and centuries of prestige in the Alpha Quadrant.
With a calm breath, she raised her hand and touched the orb.
Instantly, light burst forth from its surface—Crimson Red, Cerulean Blue, and Silver swirling together in harmony. Gasps rang out across the classroom. A tri-elemental affinity.
Even Magus Santra took a step forward, her usually unreadable expression breaking into a rare moment of surprise.
"A tri-affinity... from an acolyte?" she murmured. "How... rare."
The colors pulsed vividly for several seconds before dimming, leaving behind a room stunned into silence.
Elantra Virdelion
[Magical Aptitude: S]
[Magical Affinity: Plant, Water, Metal]
[Physique Power: 47]
[Magic Power: 67]
As the glow of Elantra's affinity dimmed, a large floating screen appeared at the front of the class, displaying her complete stats for all eyes to see—including the symbol of her home planet.
Her name, planet, magical aptitude, affinities, and physical values shimmered in golden text beside her portrait. Whispers stirred among the students, awe in many eyes.
But there was no time to dwell.
More and more students stepped forward—some revealing single affinities, others two. But none so far could match Elantra's remarkable tri-affinity.
Then came the next name. A wave of murmurs passed through the hall.
A tall, broad-shouldered boy marched forward. His blond hair was tied behind his head, and thunder seemed to follow his steps. His eyes were a stormy gray, calm yet fierce. His presence was commanding, and even students from the high factions took silent notice.
He came from Earth—Midgard, a proud city rooted in the legendary realm of Norseland.
His name was Thor Asgard.
With a deep breath, Thor touched the orb.
Instantly, it ignited in a triple-blazing display—Electric Yellow, Sky White, and Crimson Red. Lightning surged through the glass sphere, wind spiraled around his hand, and a faint wisp of flame curled upward toward the ceiling.
Gasps erupted from every direction. The display was raw, powerful, and wild.
Magus Santra's eyes narrowed in curiosity and awe. "Another tri-affinity… and from Earth?" she said under her breath.
Thor Asgard
[Planet: Earth]
[Magical Aptitude: S]
[Magical Affinity: Lightning, Wind, Fire]
[Physique Power: 70]
[Magic Power: 70]
From the middle of the hall, a loud scoff pierced the amazement.
Godas, the arrogant noble from earlier, sneered openly. "How can a lower realm have such a stat?" he jeered. "Surely the orb is broken."
But Magus Santra's gaze snapped to him like a blade.
"You will see what he is made of, Godas," she said coldly. "In due time. And you may not like the truth."
The entire class turned silent again.
From the far row, Xander allowed himself the smallest of smiles. Another Earthling… and a powerful one at that. For the first time, he didn't feel quite so alone.
A heavy silence followed Thor's display, but it was quickly broken by the next name.
A towering figure stepped forward, muscles taut under his robe, each step echoing with quiet strength. His long, black hair flowed freely down his back, and his dark eyes glowed with serene confidence.
He was Bahubali Shiva—from Mahishmati, an ancient kingdom nestled in the heart of Bharat on Earth. The mighty city, carved into the cliffs and surrounded by cascading waterfalls and towering spires, stood as a symbol of honor, strength, and rich heritage. Raised in the warrior culture of Mahishmati, Bahubali was built like a demigod—physique like chiseled stone, posture like a lion.
As he reached the orb, the room once again fell quiet.
He raised a single hand and calmly placed it atop the glowing sphere.
In an instant, colors surged forth—Sky White, Earthy Brown, and Silver. Wind whirled gently around him, tiny particles of dust rising into the air; the ground beneath the orb gave a small tremble, while the silver glow of metal danced across the orb's surface.
Another tri-elemental.
Magus Santra's eyes widened.
"Another tri-affinity… and again from Earth?" she whispered, her tone edged with disbelief.
Bahubali Shiva
[Planet: Earth]
[Magical Aptitude: A]
[Magical Affinity: Wind, Earth, Metal]
[Physique Power: 74]
[Magic Power: 58]
Gasps followed. While his magical aptitude wasn't S-rank, his tri-affinity and sheer physique were undeniable.
From a row near Godas Khaedros, another noble leaned forward, his smirk dripping with mockery.
"His aptitude is A… how can he have three elements?" he sneered.
His name was Valen Khaedros, a proud and sharp-tongued noble from the Khaedros faction, clearly in sync with Godas arrogance. The group had been murmuring and chuckling among themselves from the start, clearly forming a silent alliance to belittle the lower realm-borns.
But before Magus Santra could speak, Thor shot up from his seat.
He pointed a firm fist toward Valen, eyes blazing. "Say another word, and I'll show you what that mouth is worth!" he growled.
Valen stood to match him, glaring back. "Why don't you try it now, lightning-boy?"
The classroom erupted into shouts as the two nearly lunged at each other.
Then, with dramatic timing, Godas Khaedros rose from his seat—followed by eight other nobles from his faction. A wall of silk, smugness, and superiority stood united behind him.
Thor clenched his fists tighter.
But before blows could be exchanged, Magus Santra raised her hand.
A glowing sigil of silence washed over the room, and every sound died in an instant.
"Enough," she said with calm finality. "If you wish to fight, take it to the Duel Center later today. One-on-one. There will be no disruptions, you can fight as you like as far as you're not killing each other."
Her eyes swept over all of them, stopping at Xander—who had already risen slightly, fists clenched and aura flaring.
"Sit. Down," she commanded.
With reluctance, Thor backed off first. The nobles followed, though not without sharing venomous glares.
As the air settled, Bahubali turned—not to the row of assigned seats—but walked calmly to Thor, standing silently beside him, his arms crossed, his presence like a mountain.
Another Earthling. Another warrior.
And the flames of conflict had only just begun to stir.