The girl looked at the cylinder and, with a powerful punch, dispersed the air around her.

  “A twenty. Not bad. Next.”

  She calmly clenched her fists and stepped back. Before the next name could be called, an arrogant voice cut through the silence.

  “I am Zack Umbra, the strongest of you all. Soon, you'll praise my glorious presence!”

  The girl gave him a sidelong glance, unimpressed, and quietly stepped aside. The rest of the group exchanged varied reactions—some curious, others bored, and a few visibly irritated by Zack’s theatrics.

  Zack swaggered toward the cylinder, cracking his knuckles with a cocky grin. He rolled his shoulders, savoring the attention as he positioned himself for his performance.

  Dark tendrils of energy coiled around him, thickening the air with an ominous weight. The ground trembled slightly beneath him, responding to the gathering power. Then, with a dramatic burst, Zack unleashed his punch.

  A shockwave rippled outward, prompting nearby students to flinch or step back. The cylinder absorbed the impact, its display flickering for a moment before settling on a number:

  "Thirty-two."

  Zack’s grin widened. He turned to the others with smug satisfaction.

  “See? None of you can match this. Greatness is inevitable.”

  Some students exchanged skeptical looks. Others ignored him, more focused on their own upcoming turns.

  Eventually, Emily was called.

  “Wish me luck, Seth,” she said with a wink.

  Seth, slightly flustered, managed a quick, “Good luck.”

  At the platform, Emily wasted no time. She extended her hand, and moisture in the air began to gather into a glowing, liquid orb. It wasn’t just water—it shimmered unnaturally, hinting at something more.

  Her eyes glowed faintly as she manipulated the swirling liquid, wrapping it around the cylinder. The orb constricted and seeped into the device’s crevices, applying pressure from all sides.

  The cylinder trembled. Its display flickered erratically before resolving:

  “Twenty-eight.”

  Emily smiled and rejoined Seth.

  “Not bad, huh?”

  “That was amazing,” he replied, still a bit red.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  She laughed softly. “Thanks, Seth. Your turn now.”

  After a few more names, it was finally Seth’s time.

  ‘So, how should we do this, Thally?’

  ‘Depends. You could hold back like Emily and that girl did. Zack didn’t go all out either. But Haiki... her ability feels familiar, yet totally foreign—like something you’ve never seen but somehow recognize.’

  Seth nodded thoughtfully as he stepped up. Students watched him with mixed curiosity and disinterest. He inhaled slowly, calling on his vines. They slithered from beneath his skin, weaving into a pattern meant to strengthen his punch without showing all his cards.

  The vines pulsed with subtle energy, coiling around his arms. With a sharp exhale, Seth launched his fist forward.

  The impact struck true. The cylinder glowed brightly and buzzed before revealing the number:

  “Thirty-five.”

  The crowd murmured. Zack’s confident grin faltered.

  “Guess that wasn’t too bad,” Seth said calmly.

  Emily clapped. “Great job! Looks like you set the bar.”

  Zack forced a smirk. “Impressive. Let’s see how you handle the next task.”

  Seth shrugged. “I’m ready.”

  ---

  Next Test: Speed and Defense

  Professor Ardus stepped forward.

  “Now we’ll test your agility and defensive control—by making you dodge holographic arrows. You'll be called up one by one.”

  First was Haiki again.

  “This sounds more fun,” she said.

  As the drones whirred above, firing blue arrows, the light around her seemed to vanish. The arrows disappeared midair, flickering out as they neared her. Occasionally, she dodged with graceful ease.

  Ardus muttered, “Another fifty…”

  Zack was next. His focus sharpened. As arrows rained down, he conjured a dark energy shield. The arrows slammed into it, deflecting or dissolving. With swift movements and careful positioning, Zack weathered the assault.

  When it ended, the display lit up:

  “Twenty-eight.”

  Zack hid his disappointment behind a smirk.

  “Not bad. Just warming up.”

  Emily followed. She conjured a dense mist from the surrounding moisture, obscuring her form. The arrows dissolved or curved away in the fog. She moved with graceful agility within her watery veil.

  The result appeared:

  “Thirty-five.”

  She rejoined Seth, smiling.

  “I guess I did alright.”

  “You did great,” he replied. “You’re getting really good at this.”

  Next was the blue-haired girl. Seth observed her closely—she could create pockets of air to attack or defend.

  She moved with poise, and as the arrows came, the air around her bent and twisted. Arrows were redirected or pushed aside by sharp gusts. Her fluid motions, matched with precise wind control, kept her untouched.

  The score lit up:

  “Forty-two.”

  The group reacted with quiet awe. Seth nodded.

  “She’s good,” he muttered.

  ‘She’s got top-tier control,’ Thally noted.

  Then it was Seth’s turn.

  ‘Thally, how do I grow and control leaves like that? Since we’re kinda... connected now.’

  ‘It costs a bit of energy, but not much. Focus the energy into the vines in your hair—then grow leaves and guide them with your mind. Think of them as extra hands.’

  Seth stepped up, taking a breath. He visualized the vines on his head sprouting leaves. They did, shimmering faintly as they grew and fluttered.

  The arrows fired.

  Seth guided the leaves to intercept them, each leaf flitting precisely to catch or deflect. With his mind linked to the vines, he moved the leafy barrier smoothly, covering every angle. The crowd watched, stunned by the unconventional method.

  The test ended.

  “Thirty-seven.”

  The murmurs returned.

  Seth turned with a modest smile.

  “How was that?”

  Emily gave a thumbs-up. “You nailed it!”

  Zack's forced cheer barely hid his irritation. “Not bad. Not bad at all.”

  ---

  End of Testing

  Ardus nodded, satisfied.

  “Well done. That concludes testing. A drone will now assign your dorms. Inside, you’ll find your wristbands—which track your credits, scores, and identify your roommates.”

  Drones descended, distributing small devices. Students eagerly checked their dorm numbers.

  “Looks like we’re in different dorms,” Emily said, glancing at hers. “But we’ll hang out soon, yeah?”

  “Definitely,” Seth replied. “Let’s make the most of it.”

  Zack, still sulking, scoffed.

  “Looks like I’ve got... interesting company.”

  The blue-haired girl briefly glanced at Seth, her expression unreadable, then walked away.

  Ardus stepped forward one last time.

  “Proceed to your dorms. Your wristbands are now activated.”

  ---

  Dorm Assignment

  Seth entered a sleek, modern building and found his room. As the door opened, he froze.

  “What the fuck are you doing here?” Jake stared at him, clearly just as surprised.

  Seth said nothing and walked past him into the room.

  Jake watched every move, suspicious, but said nothing. After a tense pause, he clicked his tongue and retreated to his side of the room.

  Seth glanced at his bed—his bags were there, courtesy of his parents. But one object stood out: an ominous briefcase.

  “...Are you sure it’s safe to open that?” Thally whispered, wary.

  Seth didn’t answer, eyes fixed on the briefcase.

  Jake peeked over, then returned to checking his wristband.

  Number: 75.

  Seth checked his own—he was three levels behind.