As the students formed an orderly line, anticipation buzzed in the air, and Professor Gilbert began calling out names from the list in his hand. It was a significant day for all, marking the moment when each student's unique potential would be unveiled.
"Bick Grayson!" his voice rang out, cutting through the growing noise of whispers and murmurs.
At the sound of his name, Bick stepped forward, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. He approached the professor, who gestured toward a glowing white orb sitting on a pedestal.
"Place your hand on the orb," Professor Gilbert instructed, his tone firm yet encouraging.
Bick did as instructed, laying his palm against the smooth, cool surface of the orb. Almost instantly, it erupted in a dazzling glow of red light, illuminating his features and casting dramatic shadows around the chamber. "Fire affinity! And with an A+ potential!" Gilbert announced, his voice enthusiastic as he called the next student forward.
~~~
Time passed, and excitement swelled as it was finally the turn of the protagonist of our tale, Kevin Dover.
"Kevin Dover!" Professor Gilbert's voice boomed again, drawing all eyes to a striking young man who stepped forward. Kevin, distinguished by his jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes, possessed a handsome visage that rivaled even the most attractive students, second only to the renowned Leo.
As he confidently strode to the orb, the room fell silent in anticipation. He placed his arm on the orb, and to everyone's astonishment, it glowed a mesmerizing combination of both yellow and black. "Light and... darkness?!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and exhilaration.
Gasps filled the air as students processed the revelation. The idea of possessing two affinities was almost unheard of, a testament to incredible potential. Professor Gilbert, equally taken aback, continued, "And your potential is… SSS+!" His voice erupted in jubilance, echoing throughout the hall. The news hit like a shockwave; here was a child demonstrating potential even greater than the beloved hero, who had only ever achieved SSS rank.
As this astounding development unfolded, the students murmured excitedly among themselves.
"Wow, can you believe that?" one exclaimed.
"Who cares? I'm better," scoffed a haughty noble in the back, dismissing the excitement with arrogance.
"That guy is practically guaranteed first place!" declared a handsome classmate, his admiration evident.
"Isn't this historic?" asked a girl with sparkling eyes, her enthusiasm infectious amidst the chatter.
...
While many students were lost in the hype, three others stood apart from the crowd, their grips tightening on their own fists. Jealousy simmered within them, yet an unwavering ambition fueled their desire to surpass Kevin, the promising newcomer. After all, they were royals, and competition was a way of life for them.
Leo, the statue-like figure among them, remained aloof, coolly observing everything transpiring before him, unbothered and expressionless. "As expected," he muttered, his indifference strikingly evident.
"Melissa Shinestone!" called Professor Gilbert, dragging everyone's focus away from their thoughts.
A girl with shimmering silver hair and striking yellow eyes stepped forward. Her beauty was undeniable, captivating all who beheld her as she made her way to the orb. Even before her name was called, students whispered and pointed, drawn in by her ethereal presence.
Once she placed her hands on the orb, the light transformed into a starry display, captivating the audience. "Star affinity!" Professor Gilbert exclaimed, his excitement palpable, though not quite as intense as earlier. "And an impressive SS potential!"
The audience erupted into conversation once more, marveling at her extraordinary talent.
"Wow, another monster!" one student remarked in awe.
"Is this the dawn of another golden generation?" wondered a bespectacled boy, his excitement clear.
"Perhaps!" others chimed in, speculating eagerly about the implications of such talent.
As whispers filled the air, Professor Gilbert efficiently called out the next name, moving the event along.
...
After reaching the two-hundredth student, points of intrigue arose once more. Ren Voss, another member of the royal class, showcased his talent with an equally astonishing reveal: "Shadow affinity with an SS+ potential!" Gilbert announced, his surprise more measured this time, having already encountered two astounding talents.
"Murmured chatter swept through the crowd again.
"Another royal?" a voice questioned skeptically.
"Of course — look at us; we're better because we have noble blood!" a noble exclaimed smugly.
"Tsk," was the reply from a nearby commoner, irritation flashing in his eyes.
"Like you can even claim to be impressive with that B- potential," retorted another commoner, leading to a fiery exchange between the nobles and commoners about status and potential.
"Quiet!" Professor Gilbert commanded, and the noise subsided almost immediately.
After ten more names were called, the air was thick with anticipation when another name resonated through the chamber. "Dante Lionheart!"
As Dante approached the orb, a hush fell over the audience again. "Metal affinity with SS potential — and yet another royal!" Gilbert exclaimed, though this time with a restrained enthusiasm that indicated he was becoming accustomed to the brilliance on display.
"A royal again?" a commoner gasped incredulously.
"Of course we're superior to commoners," a noble girl laughed, savoring the spotlight.
"Who decides that?" shot back a boy, his voice laced with defiance as tension rose again. As students began to escalate into heated debate, Professor Gilbert raised his voice once more, cutting through the commotion and turning everyone's attention back to the chosen students. Just then, he called out yet another name that instantly seized everyone's attention... "