Nyx woke up the next morning feeling lighter than he had in days. He opened his eyes slowly, and with the first deep breath, it felt as if a heavy weight that had been pressed on his chest throughout the exam had finally lifted. He sat up, stretched until he heard a faint crack in his shoulders, then headed to the bathroom to wash his face and start the day.
A few minutes later, he sat quietly eating his breakfast. His mind drifted to yesterday's events… the Chaos element, the pain, the feeling as if something inside him had been ripped out.
But he pushed the thought away. Today wasn't a day for heavy thoughts.
After finishing, he went to the academy's back courtyard and began his usual training routine:
Mana regulation — flow control — slow breathing — then sword practice.
He continued for more than two hours, sweat clinging to his clothes and white hair. Finally, he stopped, catching his breath, then decided to take a hot shower before heading out.
Once dressed in clean clothes, he left to explore the academy. The hallways were full of students moving in all directions—some laughing, others whispering nervously about the exam results that would be announced today.
And yet…
When Nyx appeared among them, the atmosphere shifted.
His long white hair, mismatched eyes—one blue, one gold—and the calm expression that showed neither fatigue nor worry… all of it drew countless glances his way.
Soft whispers spread among the girls:
"Who is that…?"
"Isn't he one of the new candidates?"
"He's… really handsome…"
He didn't react. He simply continued walking, as if he heard nothing.
While wandering around, he spotted Leander and Nyra standing beneath a large tree, talking seriously. But the moment Leander turned, he noticed Nex immediately and waved at him with a genuine smile.
Nyx returned the gesture with a faint smile—barely visible.
But inside… he felt a strange sort of pride. Seeing the character he had written for years standing there, smiling at him? It was an indescribable feeling.
Nyra glanced at him briefly before looking away again, pretending not to care.
Her relationship with Leander was complicated anyway.
Nyx continued walking, taking in the architecture, the garden layouts, and the sheer size of the academy. It was far larger than he had imagined.
Suddenly, a mechanical voice echoed throughout the halls:
"Attention all candidates. Please proceed to the main hall for the announcement of the exam results."
Everyone paused for a moment before moving like a single current.
Nyx sighed and followed them.
---
He arrived at the hall minutes later. Thousands of candidates were seated in long rows. Nyx chose a seat near the back, sat quietly, and leaned against the chair.
A short while later, the lights dimmed slightly, and all attention turned to the stage.
A man with blazing red hair and matching crimson eyes stepped into view. Gasps spread instantly:
"That's… Erios Gray!"
"The Vice Headmistress?!"
"The Fire Emperor!"
He stood confidently at the center of the stage, his voice filling the hall:
"Welcome back, everyone. Some of you already know me. For those who do not… I am Erios Gray, the Vice Headmistress of this academy."
Silence fell immediately.
Even Nyx felt the air grow heavier.
Erios raised his hand, and a massive screen appeared behind him, displaying the list of the thousand candidates who had passed the exam. Some shouted in joy, others simply sat there, stunned.
Then he spoke clearly:
"And now… the top five candidates of this year's entrance exam. If your name is called, please step onto the stage."
Hearts began pounding.
This was the moment everyone had been waiting for.
"Rank five… Ryen Harold."
Ryen stood, his black hair shifting as he walked, blue eyes glowing with pride. The hall filled with applause.
"Rank four… Oriana Lumiere."
Oriana moved gracefully, her long black hair trailing behind her, emerald eyes shining with calm confidence.
"Rank three… Nyra Vallis."
Soft gasps rose.
The name Vallis alone was enough to cause tension.
Her steps were cold and sharp—just like her crimson eyes.
"Rank two… Leander Vallis."
Silence.
Complete, absolute silence.
Even Leander froze. His golden eyes widened slightly—his usual smile vanished for a moment before he forced it back.
Whispers erupted:
"Impossible!"
"If Leander isn't first… then who is?"
"Did something go wrong?"
Even Ryen, Oriana, and Nyra exchanged looks that held only one question:
Who surpassed the Goddess's chosen?
Erios didn't keep them waiting.
With a firm voice, he announced:
"And now… the first rank in this year's entrance exam…
Nyx Fyren."
Another silence.
Deeper than before.
All eyes turned to the back of the hall.
Leander looked there. Nyra too. Oriana as well.
Nyx stood up calmly, brushing his white hair aside before walking down the aisle with steady steps. He wasn't pretending to be confident—he truly was calm.
The golden and blue reflection in his eyes caught the light, giving him an almost surreal presence.
Whispers surged like waves:
"Him?!"
"That guy is first?"
"How…? How did he surpass Leander?"
Nyx stepped onto the stage and stood with the other four.
For a brief moment… he felt the weight of thousands of eyes pressing down on him.
Erios smiled slightly as he looked at him.
But that look carried something else… interest? Curiosity?
Or something far more dangerous.
The announcement ended, and applause slowly spread until it filled the entire hall.
As for Nyx…
He stood there, feeling not just pride, but something deeper.
Because this was… the beginning of everything.
_______
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