Elva let the silence hang for a moment before exhaling softly, a playful glint in her sharp eyes as she scanned the crowd.
"Now, before we proceed… There is an important announcement," she said.
The murmurs died down as everyone focused on her.
"You stand here today because you've chosen the path of strength," she continued, a teasing lilt in her tone.
"But let's be real—this isn't just some fancy academy where you get to play hero and look cool. Starlight Academy is a battlefield. A place where the weak either grow strong… or get left in the dust.
And by stepping into this test, you've officially said goodbye to the safe, comfy life of a normal citizen. Congrats!"
She clapped her hands together, her grin widening as she watched some students stiffen at her words. Others looked excited, while a few swallowed nervously.
"Now, now, don't look so serious! It's not all bad," she said, waving a hand.
"If you survive—oops, I mean, thrive—you'll be shaped into warriors, leaders, and maybe even legends. Sounds cool, right?"
A few students let out uneasy chuckles.
"But!" she suddenly interjected, her tone turning sharper, though still laced with amusement.
"Not everyone is cut out for this path."
She lifted her hand, and in an instant, the space around the stadium began to ripple.
A spatial force enveloped those who had failed the test.
"This is the end of the road for those who did not pass," she announced with mock sympathy.
"I know, I know—it sucks. But hey, don't take it too personally. Starlight isn't the only place where you can find success! Maybe you'll become a brilliant merchant, a scholar, or, I don't know, open up a bakery? I hear pastry-making is quite the lucrative business these days!"
The students who had failed began to glow with a faint golden light.
A few looked devastated, some resigned, while others clenched their fists in frustration.
"Do not despair," Elva added with a wink. "The world is vast, and there are many, many ways to carve out your destiny. However! Starlight Academy? This place is only for those who prove themselves."
With a dramatic wave of her hand, the students vanished, teleported away in a flash of golden light.
The stadium felt emptier now, quieter.
Elva turned to the remaining students—those who had passed—and gave them a slow, satisfied smile.
"And now… to those of you who remain," she said, her voice brimming with amusement.
She let the moment stretch before finally grinning.
"Congratulations!"
"You've earned your place in Starlight Academy. But don't get too comfortable!" she chimed, wagging a finger.
Her gaze sharpened, her playful tone still present, but carrying a dangerous edge.
"This? This was merely the entrance test. Your real journey? That starts tomorrow."
Some students stood straighter, some trembled in anticipation, others grinned with excitement.
"Aww, look at you all! So eager, so full of hope!" she cooed dramatically.
"I just love this part. But trust me, the real fun is just beginning!"
Then, with a mischievous smirk, she spread her arms wide.
"As of this moment, you are no longer mere applicants. You are students of Starlight Academy—the most prestigious, most dangerous, and most thrilling institution in the world!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, excitement surging through them like an electric current.
Elva laughed lightly. "Alright, alright, settle down! No need to get too carried away yet. After all…"
She snapped her fingers, and space around them twisted unnaturally.
"This next part might make you a little dizzy!"
A bright flash engulfed everyone—
And in an instant, they were gone.
***
The world of Akumia is a vast and diverse world, shaped by five powerful continents, each with its own unique identity.
The Human Continent, the most expansive and developed, thrives on adaptability.
Humans are peculiar in their ability to master various fields—alchemy, blacksmithing, combat, and magic—all while constantly advancing in both technology and strategy.
Beyond human lands, the Elven Continent is a breathtaking realm of towering forests, ancient groves, and shimmering lakes. The elves, deeply connected to nature, have mastered both elemental magic and the delicate art of potion-making, their wisdom stretching across millennia.
Unlike the bustling human cities, elven settlements blend seamlessly with their surroundings, an eternal testament to their harmony with the world.
To the north, the Dwarven Continent is a land of mountains, deep underground halls, and rivers of molten metal.
The dwarves, renowned for their craftsmanship, forge weapons and artifacts that can last centuries, their mastery over blacksmithing is unparalleled.
The Neutral Continent, however, is an entirely different beast. Lawless and untamed, it is a land where dungeon breaks are so frequent that no kingdom dares to claim it.
Instead, criminals, exiles, and rogue warriors have carved out their own chaotic existence, battling not just monsters but each other for survival.
It is said that those who enter either find fortune—or never return at all.
And then, there is the Dragon Continent. The smallest, yet by far the most feared.
The dragons, though few in number due to their low fertility, are living disasters. Each one is a force of destruction, their very presence capable of shifting the tides of war.
And right now in the heart of the Human Continent, where the starlight academy is situated,
About thousands of the students were Teleported...
When the blinding light faded, thousands of students found themselves dumbfounded,
The sight before them was breathtaking.
Massive towers of enchanted stone rose high, mixed with sleek modern buildings glowing with magic.
Floating islands drifted above, connected by shimmering light bridges.
Powerful barriers surrounded the academy, making it clear—this was a place of magic, strength, and knowledge.
"Wow… it's beautiful," someone whispered, awe-struck.
"Yeah… From the outside, it looked amazing… but being inside feels different," another muttered.
"Of course, dumbass. What did you expect from the Starlight Academy?" a student scoffed.
"After all… the entire city is the academy grounds," someone pointed out.
Yet, despite the excitement, exhaustion finally caught up with them.
Many students had been awake for over 24 hours, their bodies barely holding on after the grueling entrance test.
Their energy, once driven by adrenaline, now wavered as fatigue seeped into their bones.
uhh...I need to sleep, my headache is worsening Ash thought, rubbing his temples as he glanced around. His vision blurred slightly, a dull ache pounding behind his eyes.
As if sensing their exhaustion, their badges suddenly vibrated. The unexpected sensation made some flinch, while others barely reacted, too drained to care.
A voice crackled through the device—calm, formal, but not the Vice Principal's.
"Hello, students. Congratulations on clearing the entrance test. Please proceed to collect your uniforms, watches, books, and dormitory keys."
A brief pause, then the voice continued, "The entrance ceremony will take place tomorrow. Do not be late."
And just like that, the message ended, leaving behind only silence.
A few students blinked, struggling to process the words through the haze of exhaustion. Then, murmurs spread.
"Hey… do you know where we're supposed to go?" a student mumbled, yawning.
"No clue," another admitted, rubbing his eyes.
"Let's ask someone."
"Yeah… let's go."
Despite their exhaustion, the crowd slowly began moving again, some dragging their feet, others sighing but pushing forward.
Ash, however, separated from them. In a crowd of a thousand students, no one would notice if one person slipped away.
He already knew where to go. The novel had detailed everything. Without hesitation, he took a different path, walking through the academy grounds alone.
It took him around thirty minutes to reach the building.
I guess no one found it yet, Ash thought, noticing the lack of people around.
Stepping inside, he approached the receptionist, a middle-aged man who barely glanced up from his papers.
"Show me your badge," the man said in a bored tone.
Ash handed it over without a word.
The receptionist scanned it, muttering, "Ash Burn… Rank 1001… Class assigned…"
His voice suddenly trailed off. "Huh… wait a minute."
His expression shifted as he quickly picked up the phone and dialed someone.
"Yes, ma'am… Alright, ma'am… Yes, ma'am." He ended the call with a long sigh.
Ash's brows furrowed.
What now?
A bad feeling crept up his spine, Did it... No that should not be possible.... I am last rank student' he assured himself thinking it will be fine.
The receptionist placed a neatly folded Black uniform with golden lining on it and a sleek, enchanted watch on the counter.
"Here you go, young man. This is your uniform and watch. Your assigned class is…1S."
Ash froze. His breath hitched.
Fuck!...Don't tell me it really happened.
His fingers twitched slightly before he forced himself to stay calm.
"Umm…" he cleared his throat, forcing down his irritation. "Don't you think my class should be 1E, not 1S?"
Please say it's a mistake. Please say it's a mistake
The receptionist coughed awkwardly. "Even I was confused, so I double-checked with my superior. But apparently, it's an order from the Vice Principal herself."
Ash felt his stomach drop.
I knew it. I fucking knew it. I had a bad feeling from the start… Did she see me? But I didn't do anything to attract attention. Where did it go wrong?
He clenched his jaw, inhaling sharply. "Can you at least switch me to 1A? 1S is for students with potential at S-rank or above. I only have A-rank potential."
The receptionist shook his head. "I can't do anything now. The decision is final. Now go, I have work to do."
His mind screamed. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!'
But outwardly, he said nothing. He turned on his heels and walked out in silence.
As he stepped into the cool early morning air, his expression darkened.
Fucking!! bitch… Nothing's going my way. First, some spoiled rich girl drags me into her mess and makes me her servant...Then her fiancé beats the shit out of me for travelling with her....And now this? They're throwing me into a den of predators.
I-I don't know what to do now Ash sighed, rubbing his temples as he walked toward the dorms, the weight of exhaustion settling in his bones.
His mind still reeled from the unexpected placement.
1S… The class meant for monsters. What the hell am I doing there?
He knew how things worked in this world. The academy divided first-year students into classes based on their potential and other factors—1S, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E.
The stronger you were, the higher your class.
1S wasn't just for the best—it was for the untouchable.
Every single student in that class had the potential to reach S-rank or beyond.
Some were from prestigious bloodlines.
Others were pure prodigies.
The chosen few.
The future rulers of battlefields.
Most importantly, the whole Novel revolved around class 1S.
And then there was him.
I made sure to be placed last in the exam and then....I also have A-rank potential, at most. So why the hell am I in that class?!
His frustrated thoughts were cut off when the towering dorm building came into view.
Unlike the lower-class dorms, which resembled standard student housing, the 1S dorm was practically a luxury hotel.
Tall, sleek, and lined with intricate golden patterns, the building pulsed faintly with protective enchantments.
Magic-infused glass shimmered under the soft glow of floating crystal lights, and the automatic gates slid open as soon as Ash approached.
Despite his exhaustion, a small smirk tugged at his lips.
"I guess there's one benefit… The dorms are good."
The interior was even more lavish. Polished marble floors reflected the warm lighting, and enchanted paintings adorned the walls, shifting between breathtaking landscapes.
A faint hum of magic filled the air, enhancing the atmosphere with a calming aura.
He walked down the hallway, glancing at the doors until he found his assigned room.
"Fifty-One," he muttered, staring at the plaque.
He made his way towards his room and,
With a tired sigh, he pushed open the door.
The room was bigger than he expected.
A large bed sat near the window, draped in rich, dark blue sheets.
The floor was covered with a soft, plush carpet, and the walls had built-in shelves, already filled with neatly arranged books.
To the right, a sleek study desk with a hovering crystal lamp rested against the wall, and on the other side, a wardrobe stood tall, its enchanted surface reflecting his image like a mirror.
A private bathroom was visible through an open door, complete with a glass shower and glowing runes along the walls.
The room was a dream for any student.
But Ash barely registered any of it.
His body felt too heavy. The weight of everything—the exhaustion, the frustration, the headache —pressed down on him.
He tossed his uniform and watch onto the desk without a second glance and threw himself onto the bed.
A deep, relieved sigh escaped him as he sank into the soft mattress.
The cool sheets pressed against his skin, his muscles relaxing instantly.
He wanted to think, to analyze, to figure out what was happening...
But his body refused.
I'll deal with it tomorrow…
His eyelids grew heavy.
His thoughts blurred.
And before he could finish another string of curses in his head—
He was asleep.
***