The crowd slowly dispersed.
Some faces were pale.
Others filled with jealousy.
I stood quietly among the accepted candidates as an official called out names.
"Step forward when you hear your name."
One by one, they were given academy badges.
When my turn came—
"Arin."
I stepped forward.
The official paused for a brief second before handing me the badge.
"Dormitory Section C," he said. "Newcomer class."
I nodded and stepped back.
Whispers followed me.
"That's him…"
"The one who cracked the pillar."
"No talent, my foot."
I ignored them.
Attention was dangerous.
A tall boy with silver hair suddenly stepped in front of me.
His uniform was clean, his posture relaxed, confidence radiating from him.
"Arin, right?" he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"My name is Kael."
I stayed silent.
"I have an A-rank talent," he continued casually. "People like you don't usually belong here."
I met his gaze.
"I passed the test," I replied.
His smile thinned.
"We'll see how long you last."
He turned and walked away.
[Hostile Intent Detected.]
The system finally spoke.
[Rival Identified.]
Name: Kael
Threat Level: Moderate
I exhaled slowly.
"So this is how it starts…"
Later that evening, all newcomers were gathered in a wide hall.
An elderly instructor stood at the front.
"Welcome to Veylorn Academy," he said.
"From today onward, you are not children. You are seeds."
His gaze sharpened.
"And not all seeds survive."
A chill ran through the room.
"Tomorrow," he continued, "the Ranking Assessment will begin."
Murmurs erupted.
"Rankings?"
"Already?"
"Your rank," the instructor said coldly, "decides your resources, training rooms, and even protection."
My fingers tightened around my badge.
Resources meant growth.
Growth meant survival.
That night, in the quiet of the dormitory, I sat on my bed.
I opened the status screen.
Strength: 10.2
Agility: 8.6
Intelligence: 7.8
Not enough.
Not yet.
The system pulsed faintly.
[Potential Growth Detected.]
[New Function Unlocking Soon…]
I lay back and stared at the ceiling.
"Let them fight over talent," I whispered.
A slow smile formed.
"I'll take everything else."