[14th Everdusk, 2103] – CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country
"Lucas, be silent for a moment and heed my words," she commanded, her voice calm yet commanding.
Lucas fell silent instantly—and so did I.
"Both of you, pay attention," Lyre began, her words slicing through the murmuring crowd like a blade.
"Out with it, Lyre. I dislike suspense," Lucas quipped, only to be met with a glare so sharp even the boldest would flinch.
He took a step back in surrender, staying quiet.
"Here's the deal, boys: join my guild and be part of my team—""Sorry, not interested," I cut in, turning away without hesitation.
Lyre froze mid-sentence, speechless.
"Ah, Lyre, same for me," Lucas added with a shrug, walking after me. "I'd rather avoid the guild drama. Thanks, though."
The students around us erupted in hushed whispers.
It wasn't that her guild was weak—on the contrary, it was among the most respected in Ceruleth, accepting only those with class ranks above C.
Ranked 57th globally.
This number might sound low at first glance, but considering the explosive rise and fall of countless guilds each year, remaining in the top 100 was no small feat. Yet here we were—two Tier 0 rookies—rejecting its offer without a second thought.
Lyre stood in place, fuming beneath her calm exterior.
"Lucas, you may escape for now, but I swear..." Her eyes locked onto me. "I, Lyre Dawnfield, will bring you into my guild, Evan."
With that, she spun on her heel and disappeared into the crowd, joining her guild members.
Eventually, the commotion faded as the Principal gathered everyone.
"Alright, students! Time to get your CGA IDs. Follow me to the inspection area," he instructed, leading the way like a shepherd with his flock.
After a series of twists and turns through the CGA facility, we arrived at a large hall. Behind five neatly arranged desks, officials busied themselves with forms and glowing tools.
"Form five lines and approach the appraisers," the Principal directed.
I ended up in the third line. Lucas took the first. Lyre, naturally, was absent—she had no reason to register with the CGA. When your father is a top Guildmaster, government affiliation becomes optional.
One by one, students stepped up, their details verified and entered into the Nexus Prime system.
When Lucas's turn came, his class was displayed with ease.
Battle Mage (E).
Then it was my turn.
As I stepped up, I could feel both Lucas and Lyre's eyes on me. Like hawks waiting for the reveal.
"Hello," I greeted the bored-looking man behind the desk.
He didn't respond—just stared with glowing eyes as he activated his scanning skill. A moment later, he began writing on the terminal in front of him.
[Appraisal Record – Evan Ravencall]
Name: Evan Ravencall
Race: Human
Class: Necromancer (D)
Rank: Tier 0
Level: 1
Talent: None
Skills: Undead Summon, Bone Fang Strike, Shadow Bolt, Power Slash, Arcane Bolt
Note: The subject possesses skills typically not associated with their class, suggesting hybrid compatibility or hidden potential. Recommended as a seeded hunter for CGA recruitment.
I took the printed card without a word.
Inwardly, I sighed.
Six classes. Five talents. All sealed. All hidden.
If this appraiser knew what I was really capable of, he'd probably faint on the spot. But thanks to the limitations of the Nexus Prime system—archaic compared to the Eternal Omni-Verse System—it barely scratched the surface.
It was like comparing a pocket calculator to an omniversal supercomputer.
But whatever. I'd wait. The next reboot of the system was scheduled in three months. Until then, I'd play along.
Nearby, Lyre stood in a secluded corner. A guild member approached and handed her two appraisal reports.
She read through mine first. The irregular skill set caught her attention, fueling her suspicion that I was hiding something… something big.
Then she opened Lucas's report.
[Appraisal Record – Lucas Bennett]
Name: Lucas Bennett
Race: Human
Class: Battle Mage (E){?}
Rank: Tier 0
Level: 1
Talent: None {!}
Skills: Arcane Strike, Mana Shield, Fireball
Note: Low potential candidate. High probability of elimination before first ascension. Not recommended for CGA enrollment.
She frowned deeply.
Two outliers—both with conflicting data. Both uninterested in joining her guild.
Lyre's instincts screamed that there was more beneath the surface. And she intended to find out.
At that moment, her assistant returned with a nod, quietly handing her a sealed envelope.
Meanwhile, in the main hall, excitement buzzed.
Miriam was practically bouncing with joy. Rumor had it that he was receiving backing from a senior officer—none other than Darian himself.
Then the man entered.
"Listen up, kids," Darian's voice echoed across the room. "To help you on your first dungeon raid, I've prepared some gifts. Accept these tokens—they might save your lives."
With a snap of his fingers, attendants entered carrying cardboard boxes, each one filled with items that glimmered, pulsed, or shone with faint magical resonance.
As the boxes were opened and the first item was revealed...
—To be continued.