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The long-awaited day for the martial arts assessment had finally arrived. This was not just any examination—it was a highly anticipated event that gathered the most promising young talents from all over the province. For this year, the honor of hosting the assessment fell to Emerald City.
In preparation for the event, Emerald City had undergone extensive preparations months in advance. The city had invested heavily, spending a considerable sum of money to organize a grand welcome ceremony. This wasn't just a test; it was a spectacle. Emerald City's streets had been adorned with banners, and the stadium had been polished to perfection, ready to host the future of the martial arts world. Generous rewards were promised to the students who excelled, and a sense of anticipation hung thick in the air. To ensure safety and order, additional patrol officers had been transferred from neighboring cities, their presence a reminder of the gravity of the occasion.
The excitement surrounding the event was palpable.
"Hello everyone, this is Sword Province's AKC TV Station!" A lively voice echoed across living rooms and devices, bringing the event into the homes of thousands. "I'm your reporter for today's live broadcast, and your friend, Niña!"
Niña's voice was bright and energetic, perfectly suited for the grand event. The assessment was to be broadcast live, ensuring transparency and fairness. The presence of cameras and reporters everywhere only heightened the tension, capturing every moment of what was about to unfold.
High above the city, the AKC TV Station's live-stream helicopter hovered, providing a bird's-eye view of the bustling Emerald City Stadium. Niña's voice came through clearly as the camera panned across the massive structure.
"As you can see, the audience seats around the stadium are already packed with the parents of the students," Niña reported, her voice laced with excitement. "In just a few minutes, the students who have passed the initial assessment will make their grand entrance."
The camera zoomed in on the audience, capturing the nervous yet proud faces of parents. There were tears in some eyes, while others clutched banners and support sticks, waving them enthusiastically in the air. Harold and Helena, Gabriel's parents, were among the throng. They looked eager, and despite the tension in the air, there was a warmth between them as they exchanged a supportive glance.
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Two days earlier, Gabriel's parents had returned from a grueling business trip to the capital. Although they looked weary and worn from their travels, the moment they laid eyes on Gabriel and Celene, any trace of exhaustion was replaced with joy and relief. The family reunion was filled with smiles and laughter, a brief respite from the stress of the upcoming assessment.
During the days leading up to the event, Gabriel chose to spend his time bonding with his family rather than venturing into any dungeons. Yet, he didn't neglect his training. With Celene's guidance, he honed his combat skills, strategy, and knowledge. The additional combat drills and her insightful tips pushed his abilities to new heights. Gabriel could feel the difference—he had grown stronger, more confident. If he were to face the Raging Inferno Liger again, he knew he would do so with a calm, assured heart.
Celene, ever observant, was astounded by Gabriel's progress. She watched as he executed moves with precision and power that far exceeded what she expected. "No wonder he's so confident," she thought to herself, her admiration for her brother growing. "With these skills, he could easily enter any university in the empire… maybe even the top one."
Gabriel hadn't revealed the full extent of his awakened talent to her, but through their training sessions, Celene had caught glimpses of his potential. It was enough for her to draw her own conclusions. She became even more determined to support him, feeling a swell of pride mixed with a bit of sibling rivalry.
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As the time for the martial arts assessment drew near, the atmosphere in the stadium became electric. Harold stood tall, proudly holding a banner that declared his unwavering support for his son. The words "Good luck, son! Win or lose, you're still number one in our hearts!" were boldly emblazoned across it. Harold, though knowledgeable about Gabriel's abilities, kept his expectations grounded. He knew his son was talented, but the competition was fierce. He would be content with any outcome that allowed Gabriel to be accepted into a reputable university.
Celene, though a bit shy, waved a small flag with Gabriel's name on it, her eyes bright with hope. Despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach, she cheered enthusiastically alongside her parents. She believed in Gabriel—more than he probably knew.
Then, the sweet voice of Niña, the Sword Province reporter, resonated through the stadium speakers once more. "Alright, everyone! The moment we've been waiting for is here. Sword Province's future prodigies are about to make their entrance!"
A solemn march began, and the students started to file in one by one, each group representing a different academy. The tension in the air thickened as the audience held their breath, eager to see the next generation of martial artists.
"This martial arts assessment is not just a test," Niña's voice echoed with excitement, "but a gathering of geniuses from across the province!"
The camera zoomed in as the first group of students entered. "Leading the charge is Shell City High School," Niña announced. "Their top student, Andy Ford, is a force to be reckoned with. He has awakened the [Double Dragon] talent and has already successfully advanced to a Martial Artist class."
Niña's commentary was full of admiration. "A Martial Artist with the [Double Dragon] talent is nearly invincible on the battlefield!"
As Andy Ford and his peers passed by, the audience cheered loudly, their energy palpable. "Next up, we have…"
…
"The second to last to enter are the representatives from Blue Lotus Academy," Niña continued, her voice tinged with excitement. "First, we have the winner of this Academy's student assessment, a girl who has awakened in the assassin class."
Niña's tone turned slightly darker as she introduced the next prodigy. "Don't be fooled by her beauty. This young woman possesses the [Shadow Lurk] talent. With it, she can move through shadows, unseen by all, and strike without warning. Her enemies don't even know what hit them until it's too late."
As Niña described the girl's abilities, her voice took on a sinister edge, sending shivers down the spines of those watching the live broadcast. Some of the younger children in the audience began to cry, their imaginations running wild with thoughts of the hidden dangers lurking in the shadows.
Niña continued to provide detailed commentary, introducing each representative from Blue Lotus Academy with the same level of enthusiasm and respect.
Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The last group to enter was the team from Green Leaf Academy.
"Now, the representatives from Green Leaf Academy," Niña announced, her voice brimming with anticipation.
The crowd leaned forward, their attention fixed on the entrance. "First, we have Jonathan Kent, who placed fifth in the Green Leaf Academy Student Assessment…"
As Niña introduced each of the students from Green Leaf Academy, the sounds of drums began to reverberate through the stadium. The drumming intensified with each new introduction, the beat growing louder and more insistent, building tension with every passing second.
DUM! DUM! DUM! DUM!
When the final representative was about to be introduced, the drums reached a fever pitch. The stadium was alive with excitement, the air crackling with energy.
Finally, the drums fell silent, leaving a pregnant pause that hung over the crowd like a storm cloud. All eyes were on the entrance, waiting for the final name to be announced.
Niña's voice returned, filled with dramatic tension. "And now, the last representative from Green Leaf Academy, the undisputed champion of their student assessment. Although his class is quite different from what one might expect at his rank, don't let that fool you. Gabriel Heart is here to prove everyone wrong!"
As Gabriel's name was announced, a roar of cheers erupted from the stands. His parents and friends, along with the other students from Green Leaf Academy, chanted his name with fervor.
"Gabriel! Gabriel! Gabriel!"
Niña continued, her voice laced with intrigue. "Gabriel's class is Cleric, which might seem surprising given his ranking. And about his talent… Eh? How can it be [No Data]?"
The revelation sent ripples of curiosity through the crowd. Whispers spread like wildfire among the spectators. How could someone with an unknown talent rise to such a high rank? What was Gabriel's secret?
In the midst of the cheering and speculation, Gabriel stood tall, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the eyes of thousands upon him, but instead of fear, he felt a surge of determination. The assessment was just beginning, and he was ready to show everyone what he was truly capable of.