The main hall of Blue Plum High was alive with restless energy.
Students filled the chamber shoulder to shoulder, their voices rising and falling in nervous chatter. Some whispered wild guesses about what kind of Martial Soul they might awaken, others clutched at good luck charms or muttered prayers under their breath. Excitement mixed with fear, creating a pressure so thick it was almost suffocating.
For many, this was the most important day of their lives the day their destinies would be decided.
Nicotine stood quietly among the crowd. His fists clenched and unclenched at his sides, though his face remained calm. His eyes drifted over his classmates, catching the trembling of hands, the pale lips, the forced laughter. The tension in the air was nearly tangible, pressing down on everyone's shoulders.
Then it happened.
"SILENCE!"
A voice like rolling thunder split the air.
The roar echoed through the hall, silencing hundreds of students in an instant. Jokes died on tongues, whispers evaporated, even breathing seemed hesitant. Heads snapped toward the source, and what they saw made the entire crowd stiffen.
A man stood tall upon the stage. His robes were plain, dark, almost unremarkable. But behind him loomed a colossal, spectral bear, its outline shimmering faintly like mist, its very presence exuding raw savagery.
The pressure that followed washed over the hall like a tidal wave. Knees buckled. Several students gasped.
Nicotine's chest tightened as though an invisible boulder had dropped onto him. His breath hitched, and his footing faltered. Beads of sweat formed across his forehead.
"Th-That pressure… it feels like my ribs are going to snap…" he muttered through clenched teeth.
"Relax."
The calm voice came from beside him. Jin Fuhua, as composed as ever, stood there with his hands behind his back, completely unaffected by the crushing weight in the air.
"That's Dean Bai," Jin said, his tone light, as though he were commenting on the weather. "One of the top Martial Adepts in Blue Plum City."
Nicotine forced his gaze back to the bear spirit looming behind the dean. The beast's eyes seemed alive, brimming with ferocity. "That silhouette… that's his Martial Soul?"
"Correct," Jin replied smoothly. "The Raging Bear. A Bronze grade Martial Soul. Common in this region."
"Bronze-grade?" Nicotine frowned. "You mean… Martial Souls have ranks?"
"Of course," Jin nodded. "They're categorized as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Obsidian. And then there's the legendary Diamond grade… though that one's just rumor. Supposedly, a Diamond Martial Soul has the potential to create an Ash Saint."
Nicotine's brows knitted together. "Why weren't we ever told this? And how do you even know all this?"
Jin smirked faintly. "I read a lot."
Nicotine studied him for a long moment, suspicion flickering in his eyes. Jin's answer was far too casual. He knew things he shouldn't. But this wasn't the first time Jin had dropped hints of hidden knowledge.
Before Nicotine could press further, Dean Bai's voice boomed again, cutting through the heavy silence like a blade.
"Good morning, students."
All eyes focused forward once more.
"Today is the turning point of your lives," Dean Bai said, his voice carrying an authority that demanded respect. "The day you awaken your Martial Souls. Whether beast-type, weapon-type, or elemental-type, your path will be revealed."
Excited whispers broke out, only to be silenced when the dean raised his hand.
"But remember this," he continued. "Even if you fail to awaken today, your life is not over. Those who live as Norms without Martial Souls can still carve their own path. Walk forward without shame, no matter the outcome."
The weight in the hall lessened. A few shoulders relaxed. Nervous eyes softened.
Nicotine glanced sideways to find Mary grinning at him from a few feet away. Despite everything, she looked completely unfazed, her confidence shining through. Nicotine chuckled faintly and returned her smile.
Dean Bai stepped aside, gesturing to the front row of guests seated in places of honor.
"First, let me introduce the distinguished individuals who have joined us today."
An older man with sharp, hawk-like eyes rose from his seat. His neatly trimmed beard and the unshakable aura around him made his presence intimidating.
"This is City Lord Donovan," Dean Bai said. "And with him are three prestigious examiners, here on behalf of D Grade Willow Shade City's top cultivation universities."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Even Nicotine felt his chest stir with excitement.
Three figures stepped forward. The first was a sharply dressed woman with a crisp bob haircut, her eyes fierce and commanding. The second was a hulking mountain of muscle whose expression was carved from stone. The third was a lean, laid-back man with a longbow strapped to his back.
The woman spoke first.
"Good morning, students," she said with clarity. "My name is Miss Elaine. To my right is Hank of the Military Academy, and to my left is Rohan of Sky Reach Archery University. I represent Willow Shade University, ranked first in our city for ten consecutive years."
A wave of awe rippled across the students.
"Today," she continued, "three of you will be chosen to attend our universities on full scholarship. Those selected will leave this city behind… and step onto a larger stage."
The hall erupted in gasps. Mary's eyes sparkled like twin stars. "Did you hear that, Nicotine?!" she whispered, her voice brimming with excitement.
Nicotine smirked. "I heard. Let's hope fate's on our side."
Miss Elaine's tone sharpened as she raised her voice. "But first, before awakening, comes the strength assessment. Only those with at least ten units of strength may proceed. Without sufficient foundation, a Martial Soul would crush you instead of empowering you. This is not cruelty it is necessity."
Half the students visibly paled. Others clenched their fists, eager for the challenge.
Elaine's eyes swept the crowd. She pointed at a trembling boy. "You. Step forward."
The boy's face turned chalk white, but he obeyed. "Y-Yes ma'am…"
"You have two chances," Elaine said flatly. "Do not waste them."
The boy sucked in a deep breath, wound his fist, and struck.
BANG!
The machine lit up, gears whirring, numbers ticking upward before halting at
"Seven units," Elaine announced. "You're close. Again."
The boy's face twisted. He grit his teeth and struck once more.
BANG!
"Seven point five," Elaine said, her voice cold. "Failed."
"Wait please! Just one more"
Elaine's gaze sharpened. A killing intent surged forth, drowning the boy in icy fear. He froze like prey before a predator.
"Leave."
He fled without another word.
One by one, more students stepped up. Some succeeded. Others failed. The atmosphere swung between hope and despair with each strike.
A boy with snowy white hair soon walked to the front. Mary nudged Nicotine. "That's Snow. He's strong."
BANG!
"Eleven units. Pass," Elaine declared.
Snow stepped aside, calm and collected.
Meanwhile, in the far corner of the hall, two cloaked figures observed in silence. Hidden by a veil of energy, no one noticed them.
"Remind me why we're here?" one muttered. "Two Ash Champions in a backwater Grade E city? If word spreads, we'll be laughed at."
"We're hunting that Grand Théâtre rat," the other replied coolly. "Until then, we wait. Besides… entertainment never hurts. Who knows? We might find a rare gem."
The first snorted. "A prodigy? Here? Not likely."
Then...
BANG!
"Fifteen units!" the examiner called out.
The crowd erupted. Gasps and cheers filled the room.
Mary beamed, stepping back from the machine. "Brother, how was that?"
Nicotine grinned. "Impressive. As expected of you."
Lance, standing nearby, scoffed. "Hmph. Just a brute. Nothing special."
In the shadows, the cloaked figures stirred.
"That level of strength… even prodigies from a Grade A city won't be any better," one whispered.
"Interesting indeed."
"Next!" Elaine called.
Nicotine stepped forward. His pulse quickened, but he forced his breathing steady. He drew in his strength and struck.
BANG!
"Thirteen units," Elaine announced, surprise flickering across her face. "Pass."
'What's going on in this city?' she thought, eyes narrowing. 'First fifteen, now thirteen… what are they feeding these children?'
Lance swaggered forward. "Watch and learn."
BANG!
"Eleven units."
His eyes burned with frustration. "Again!"
BANG!
"Eleven point three. Pass."
Red faced, Lance stomped to the side.
"I'll go next," Jin Fuhua said, his tone casual. He delivered a simple punch.
BANG!
"Thirteen units," Elaine announced. "Pass."
The crowd stirred again.
Nicotine glanced at Jin, then Mary, then back at the machine. His chest burned with anticipation.
The strength test was over. Now came the real trial.
Elaine's voice rang clear across the hall.
"All who passed follow me to the Awakening Center. It's time to meet your fates."
Nicotine's heart thundered in his chest.
This was it. The step that would change everything.