Tristan's boots clicked against the polished floor of the chamber as his gaze swept the room. His eyes landed on Aston with unmistakable recognition. His eyes were initially surprised, but then, a sneering contempt emerged.
"Well, well. Look who beat us here," he drawled, striding toward them with a crooked smirk. "Didn't expect to see you again."
Aston didn't rise from his seat. His eyes met Tristan's, unreadable as ever.
Genevieve and Yosef looked between them, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.
Tristan chuckled to himself, then turned slightly so his voice would carry. "Funny thing. You remember the awakening ceremony? I do. I was there. Your seatmate."
He gestured toward Aston with a slight flourish. "Guess what his result was? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He awakened as a clear."
Genevieve stiffened. Yosef blinked.
"You serious?" Yosef whispered.
"Clear?" Genevieve respond, frowning, "But that's—"
"Not even red," Tristan cut in with mock sympathy. "Back then, we all thought he'd crawl into obscurity and vanish like the rest of the duds."
He stepped closer, looking down at Aston. "So what is this? A miracle? A joke?"
Aston finally stood, not out of anger, but calmly. "I drank an elixir," he said simply. "Crimson Genesis Elixir. It awakened my potential."
Genevieve's eyes widened. Yosef let out a low whistle. Tristan's teammates let out a gasp.
Tristan narrowed his eyes. "Bought your way in, huh. And still ended up red." He scoffed, shaking his head. "You think that's impressive? You shouldn't even be here. You're trash."
He took a step back, arms spread slightly. "This academy is for the elites. For the ones who were born with power. Not for some trash clinging to the edges of opportunity."
The words hung in the air. Even the ambient hum of the chamber seemed to pause.
Aston flatly replied. "So, if in your eyes, I am a dud, a trash, what does that say about you— who was second to the trash? More than trash?"
Tristan's eye twitched.
Genevieve rose to her feet slowly. "You're talking to the guy who led a coordinated takedown of a 5-star spirit beast while you were still fumbling around the forest."
Yosef stood too, cracking his knuckles lazily. "And just to clarify— what potential did you awaken again?"
Tristan smirk faltered briefly. "Green," he replied curtly.
Yosef gave him a lazy reply, "Oh, a green who got beaten by a red. Aren't you really trash?"
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Aston tilted his head, his tone remained calm. "I don't need to explain myself to someone whose pride is louder than his performance."
For a second, Tristan didn't speak. His jaw clenched, fists tightening at his sides. His eyes flicked between the three of them, but for once, no retort came.
As if feeling their master's rage, his cheetah and serpent growled and hissed.
His teammates shifted uncomfortably behind him.
The boy with the purple hair cleared his throat. "Tristan, maybe—"
"Shut it!" Tristan snapped.
The girl in the sky blue robe gave Aston a lingering look before gently pulling Tristan's sleeve. "Let's sit down. It's not worth it."
With a sharp exhale through his nose, Tristan turned on his heel and stalked to the far corner of the chamber. His teammates and their spirit beasts trailed behind him, silent.
Aston sat again, Gray brushing against his cheek before curling back on his shoulder. Mirage just perched on a chair, tilting its head.
Genevieve took her seat beside him, sipping the last of her tea. "He's more bark than bite."
"Did you really awaken clear?" Yosef asked, still eyeing Aston like he wasn't sure if he'd missed a prank. "Like… no potential at all?"
Aston nodded slightly.
Yosef blinked. "And then bought the Crimson Genesis Elixir?" With what money?"
"I saved. Worked. Got lucky at the auction. I bought it because I wanted a chance."
Genevieve studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. "You earned that chance. And used it well."
The lounge slowly began to stir with more life as more participants filtered in.
The heavy flap at the entrance rustled again and again, letting in teams bearing tired faces, dirty robes, and prideful strides.
Some entered chatting excitedly. Some kept playing with their devices, uploading what they just experienced on their social media. Others, like those with torn sleeves and bruises, carried themselves more solemnly.
Eventually, Aston spotted some familiar faces.
Rowan gave him a subtle wave, then headed to a nearby seat. Seria's team followed, soon after, her sharp eyes scanning the chamber before she nodded once at Aston's and Rowan's group.
By the time the crystalline screens ticked past 6:45 PM, the lounge was packed. Murmurs of light laughter, the clinking of cups, and shifting footsteps filled the space. But a quiet anticipation remained underneath it all.
At exactly 7:00 PM, a melodic chime rang out.
The flap of the tent parted once more, revealing a young attendant in sky blue robes with no accents. They carried a crystalline tablet and bowed slightly as she entered.
"Candidates," the attendant began, her voice carrying easily despite the ambient sounds. "Congratulations. All who are present have passed the final trial."
A small wave of cheers and exhaled relief swept through the room.
"You are formally invited to enter the Dawn Crest Academy one week from today. You may either travel by your own arrangements or report to the northern transport plaza on the morning of the seventh day where the academy will provide transportation.
The attendant tapped the tablet, causing a projection to float in the air. It displayed the academy crest and a countdown timer to the official entry date. On the left is a QR code.
"Please scan the code to register an account to our student portal. Additional details will be sent to your account's mail. Until then, rest well… and prepare."
With a short bow, the attendant turned and exited.
Genevieve exhaled, then stood and stretched. "One week. That's all the break we get."
"Still better than nothing," Yosef said, grinning. "I'm gonna sleep like the dead for three days."
Aston remained seated, hand brushing Gray's ears absentmindedly as his gaze lingered on the floating crest.
Finally, I have done it. I'm in. Today's a new beginning.
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