"Here it is Planet Helios," Ethan said as the rest stared at the majestic white planet. It had seven moons, all in different sizes. Planet Helios had a total of eight continents and was owned by the number one guild, Axion. Currently, the planet housed four Supremes.
Thousands of spaceships floated outside the planet.
"Relax, guys. Only elites with unique skills will make it to the academy. I'd say 30% of applicants will fail at the entrance," Gloria said, looking calm.
Freddy was nervous; this was a big moment in his life.
"There's nothing to be nervous about, Freddy. With your shadow aspect, I'm sure you'll pass easily," Ethan said with a chuckle.
Of course, anyone would be nervous this was the number one military academy. Looking outside, Ethan could see numerous first-class ships, suggesting the presence of rich kids.
"So, here's the plan: I want us to keep a low profile and attract zero attention." Ethan looked directly at Gloria.
"Sure," Freddy said.
"Hey dude, did you learn the Phantom Ghost skill I sent you? If yes, can I see your progress?" Ethan asked.
"Yh, sure," Freddy said as he stepped into a clearing. Immediately, black smoke engulfed him, as though a death mage was calling him from the abyss.
Ethan's blue eyes sharpened. This is good. To reach such a level in a short time… I can say his aspects are at least A+.
"Good. I'm proud of you, Freddy," Ethan said.
"Really? Did I get it all?" Freddy reappeared behind Gloria.
"No, you still need more improvement. A middle-stage Awakened can still sense you, but you're good to go," Ethan replied. In truth, even a high-stage Awakened would struggle to sense him, but Ethan said that so Freddy would work harder.
"I say, if you master Phantom Ghost to the middle stage, I have another gift for you but it's a secret for now," Ethan said.
"Really? Thanks, buddy," Freddy said, feeling deep gratitude in his heart.
'Attention applicants, a dock ship will appear in the next 15 minutes. You are advised to park your spaceship and proceed to the Omega Ship,' a voice echoed. They had hacked into all ship systems to broadcast the message.
'Also, to qualify for the entrance exam, you must not be more than 19 years old to participate, and all applicants must not be Ascended,only Awakened are allowed,' the voice continued.
At that moment, everyone's eyes grew serious.
Shortly after, a massive ship about three miles long appeared, followed by an even larger mega-ship. No doubt, this was the Omega Ship. Immediately, dozens of people parked their ships at the long starship.
Vroom!
The door of the Dominance spaceship opened, and Ethan, Freddy, and Gloria came down in their suits. Dozens of other youngsters disembarked as well. Ethan could see the nervousness on their faces.
"So, where are the people that will take us straight to the academy without passing the exam?" Ethan scanned the area.
"Yeah, we were scammed," Gloria said unhappily.
"Ish, Axion needs to keep scammers in check," Ethan said, laughing inside.
Immediately, the group boarded the Omega Ship. Ethan adjusted his aura so he would appear mediocre.
The interior was extraordinary. Ethan spotted Axion's sigil: a bold man, probably a god, wielding a thunderbolt, with the words "Axion the Bold."
"Hmm." Ethan relaxed in his seat, wondering what would pique his interest.
"Don't worry. We only have 10 minutes till the test," a guy with a short moustache said to Ethan. "Forgive my manners, I'm Linx a beast tamer," the guy added jovially.
"I know," Ethan said.
"Yh… may I know your name?"
"I'm Ethan," he replied, then walked away.
**********
A few hours later, the same voice rang throughout the Omega Ship:
'Dear applicants, please proceed to the room of Aspect Testing.'
'Dear applicants, please proceed to the room of Aspect Testing.'
The voice repeated.
Gloria wanted to stand up, but Ethan pulled her back. "We go last," Ethan said, looking at her.
The waiting room was huge, its chairs and tables magnificent. Hundreds of people sat across it like water filling a basin.
'Everybody will be divided into groups of 50 members. Please check your parchment for your group and meet your assigned members.'
Immediately, a parchment popped up in front of everyone. Ethan picked his and saw the number 9.
"Eh, seems we'll be separated," Ethan said.
"Remember what we planned," Freddy reminded him with a thumbs-up.
**********
Ethan wandered for about an hour before finding his group. Spotting a guy with glasses, he asked, "Is this Group Nine?"
"Yh," the guy replied.
To Ethan's surprise, Linx was also in Group Nine.
"Hey buddy, it's me! We meet again. It'll soon be our turn," Linx said, hurrying over. Ethan looked at him calmly as Linx reached his side.
"I'm Linx, remember?" he said cheerfully.
"Yh, I know the beast tamer," Ethan said.
"I say, do you have any idea how the Aspect Testing works?" Ethan asked.
"It's just like a regular one, but the mana crystal they'll use is of the Heavenly Beast stage," Linx explained.
"Where did you get that info?" Ethan asked, surprised.
"I have allies. So… how about you and I work together?" Linx suggested.
"Hmm. I'll give it a thought after the test," Ethan replied.
Now Ethan had to think. How would he get through the Aspect Test? He had a double aspect something extremely rare and unheard of. He didn't even have full control yet. Space and time were difficult to manipulate. The one he had managed best was space.
With his [Space Compress], [Space Jump], and [Void Step] (which used both space and time), Ethan could confidently say his space skills were stronger than his time skills.
He also had [Chrono Rewind], a time skill but using it drained him heavily. The skill could revert his body state to 10 seconds prior, but consumed 30 mana points.
Ethan was uneasy. What if the mana crystal revealed both his aspects?
"Hmph. I guess we'll have to wait and see," he muttered, calming himself. What could go wrong?
***************
Three hours later…
'Group Nine, please march into the Aspect Testing Room,' the voice said.
Ethan adjusted himself. Calmly, he walked forward with his group. The Omega Ship was massive almost like a mothership. Walking inside, one could easily get lost.
As Ethan walked, he saw a girl crying in a corner. No doubt, she had failed. He also noticed many others leaving earlier, their hopes crushed.
"Damn… why am I getting nervous? Even the king who wanted to kill me never gave me this much pressure," Ethan muttered.
Finally, the medium door bearing the sigil of Axion swung open.
The moment Ethan stepped inside, he sensed three hidden auras. Though suppressed, he could still feel them.
[Congratulations, you have unlocked
[This skill helps you sense more than what your current level could normally perceive]
[You sense the aura of three Supremes]
"Fuck."