I woke up in the inn, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Glancing at the clock, I realized I was running late. Today was the practical examination.
A quick bath, a sharp brush of my hair, and I checked myself in the mirror. White hair framed my face, black eyes cold and unreadable.
Confidence replaced uncertainty, but innocence had left somewhere along the way.
Today, nothing mattered but one thing: surpassing everyone.
I left the inn and began the walk toward Nova Academy. The streets bustled with students and merchants, their conversations a dull hum beneath my focus.
Shops lined the road, some selling mana-enhancing equipment, others exotic materials for potions.
This world had changed drastically from my previous life; technology infused with mana had advanced beyond anything I had known.
When I reached the academy, the sheer size of it struck me. Circuits of glowing mana ran across its colossal walls, a protective lattice designed to withstand S-rank attacks and even some SS-level strikes.
Holographic banners shimmered above the gates, displaying the academy's crest and portraits of the heroes who had sacrificed everything during the Eternal Concord War. They were the legends I had only read about in history books, alive in aura if not in flesh.
I headed to the Examination Hall, my steps measured, calm, and precise. Inside, the room hummed with nervous energy.
Students whispered among themselves, scanning the room, many already seated. I paused briefly at the door, inhaling quietly, letting the tension in the hall prick at my senses. Then, I stepped inside.
Immediately, every head turned. Adrian Kaelthorn. The name spread like wildfire at a single glance. The former heir of the Ravenshade family, missing for a year, presumed weak, now returned.
My presence swept through the room like a cold wind. Black eyes scanned the crowd. The gaze landed on each Main Cast member in turn, measuring, calculating.
Selene Ravenshade, current heir of the Ravenshade family, sat with her posture perfect, yet her hands tightened on the edge of her desk.
Her black hair shone under the mana-infused lights, but her calm exterior betrayed her inner turmoil. Her pulse ticked too fast.
Yesterday's news of my white hair had shaken her. How had I changed so drastically? How could she face me now?
Next, Theodore and Viviene Ashbourne entered, twins with silver hair and calm, poised expressions. They froze for a brief moment when their gaze met mine.
Their synchronized swallow betrayed them; subtle tremors in their fingers betrayed admiration mixed with disbelief.
Julian Ravenscar nodded quietly, purple hair glinting, black eyes curious. He didn't flinch, but a slight tightening of his jaw betrayed his attention. Even without saying a word, he acknowledged my presence and calculated its weight.
Then came Crown Prince Lucian Auraldane and Princess Evelyne Seraphina Auraldane. The room seemed to tilt under their regal aura, golden hair and piercing blue eyes drawing respect and fear alike.
Evelyne's breath caught, subtle but perceptible. Her eyes flicked to me, narrowing instinctively. White hair… C+ rank… after one year? Her fingers clenched into a subtle fist under the desk, betraying the composure she tried to maintain.
Seris Eryndor entered next, with white hair, icy blue eyes, radiating an aloof elegance that made the room quiet just by her presence. Her gaze lingered on me longer than necessary, curiosity mixed with interest.
Carmila Noctharyn followed, red hair and crimson eyes, her smile calm but dangerous, a predatory glint.
Even Nymera Dravenholt, with golden blonde hair and emerald eyes, carried herself with pride yet subtle fascination in her expression.
The second son of the Anvilgard Empire arrived quietly, unnoticed by most, and remained in the corner. His posture stiffened slightly as he sensed the aura shifting around him, a wave of intimidation he wasn't accustomed to.
Finally, the protagonist, Kael Rivers, entered. Black hair, amber-gold eyes, determination radiating from every motion.
He paused mid-step, sensing a predator's gaze sweeping over him. His hands tightened instinctively. His heart thudded. Every instinct screamed at him to beware. This isn't a normal opponent.
The Headmaster, Eldric Vaelor, a man whose green eyes carried centuries of knowledge and authority, was about to start the explanation when the entire hall's focus shifted.
My presence had transformed the room. All whispers ceased. Even the faint sound of paper rustling seemed too loud.
I took a few measured steps forward. Each footfall was precise, deliberate, commanding. Whispers like waves followed me. "He's… stronger than before…""That aura… it's overwhelming.""White hair… he's different… dangerous…"
Selene's fingers pressed into her palm to steady herself.
Theodore and Viviene's breaths hitched in sync.
Julian tilted his head slightly, curiosity and caution mingling in his expression.
Lucian's jaw tightened imperceptibly; Evelyne's lips parted just slightly, eyes narrowing in scrutiny.
Seris, Carmila, and Nymera each adjusted their posture to fully observe me, calculating my potential.
Even those students who had bullied or dismissed me in the past could not hide their terror. Their faces paled. Some dared only to glance at me with side-angled eyes. Others shifted in their seats, fidgeting, as if the aura alone might strike them down.
Whispers of disbelief and fear ran through the room like wildfire. "He… he's… the former heir? After a year gone… he's… terrifying."
I let my gaze sweep the room deliberately, catching subtle reactions. Each flinch, swallowed breath, and nervous glance told me everything I needed.
I allowed myself the faintest smirk, unnoticeable to most, but it was enough for me to relish the quiet panic.
Finally, my eyes met Kael Rivers. His body tensed as if bracing for an attack. His amber-gold eyes widened, and I noted the tension running through his shoulders, the way his fingers curled slightly.
Good. He recognized my superiority immediately, and that fear would guide his decisions precisely to the advantage I intended to have.
I took my seat, the aura around me pressing subtly against the hall, a cold, suffocating wave. Every student was aware that their heartbeat quickened.
Selene's hands clenched tighter under the desk. Evelyne's breath stuttered. Some of the others shifted slightly, instinctively creating distance between themselves and me.
Carmila's crimson eyes gleamed, a trace of excitement there. Nymera's emerald gaze carried intrigue, pride tinged with challenge. Seris's cold scrutiny softened slightly, interest faint but undeniable.
The Headmaster cleared his throat, the sound barely breaking the spell my presence had cast over the room.
"Today's examination will take place in the Virtual World."
He began, but even his commanding voice seemed muted compared to the tension in the hall.
"The goal is simple: eliminate as many opponents as possible within the hour. Locations will be randomized. Whoever achieves the highest number of kills will rank in the top ten. The highest-ranked student will be broadcast live across the world."
A murmur ran through the students. Eyes darted around, trying to gauge strength, strategy, and potential rivals. The examination hall buzzed with anticipation and unease.
We filed into our individual capsules. I slid into mine with calculated calm, checking my equipment and preparing my body and mind for the test.
The other students followed suit, some whispering strategies, others trying to calm their racing hearts. They didn't yet understand what they were in for.
As the lid of the capsule closed, I allowed myself a quiet breath.
One year of grinding, training, and experience had brought me here. Every kill, every dungeon, every sleepless night had led to this moment. And now, the world would see what Adrian Kaelthorn, the lost heir of the Ravenshade family, had become.