Meanwhile, across Maelstrom City, the recently awakened stirred into commotion, the academy selections were only a day away, pressing heavily on everyone.
Inside a wooden shack, two figures came into view. One, a middle-aged woman with long raven hair cascading down her back, framing a worn yet beautiful face with soft black eyes. She was draped in a coarse white robe, patched with rough stitches and threadbare in places.
The other was a young man with short black hair, clad in a simple green robe. His eyes were locked on a pole planted in the courtyard before him, his fists repeatedly slamming into it as low, ragged breaths escaped his lips.
"That’s enough for today, son. You need to rest up for tomorrow’s big day," the woman murmured, a warm smile softening her tired face as she watched the youth before her.
Kaelith sighed, staring at his calloused hands. If only I had a few gold coins for a dungeon run, I could’ve boosted my level a bit more. Still, level 13 wasn’t bad. I’ll make up for it tomorrow.
He lifted his head slowly, determination burning deep within his dark eyes.
"I’ll make sure to perform well tomorrow, Mom. I’ll make you proud. I’ll give you the life you’ve always deserved," he said, his voice trembling as memories of hardship threatened to surface.
"I’ll always be proud of you," she whispered, stepping forward to hug him tightly. "Whatever the result tomorrow, know that I’ll always love you. As long as you’re happy, then I’m happy too."
***
Elsewhere, inside a lavishly furnished chamber, a man sat on a throne, his gaze locked on a girl kneeling before him. His voice thundered across the room.
"The family has showered you with resources, treasures, and guidance from the elders. All you must do is secure entrance into an elite academy, or better yet, a top-tier one. Anything less, and you’re useless to us! We do not raise leeches, do you understand?"
"Yes, Father. I understand," the girl replied, clenching her fists. "The Greyson family name will echo across the kingdom through me. I won’t shame you." The robe draping her figure rippled faintly under the force of her words.
"Good. I’ll be counting on it," the man said coldly, his expression unreadable. "You’re dismissed."
***
Meanwhile, in an abandoned alleyway...
"Princess! Please quit playing around and put an end to this madness, before His Imperial Highness hears of it!" pleaded a middle-aged guard clad in heavy armor, the insignia of the Dark Star Kingdom gleaming on his chest. His gaze was fixed on the young woman before him.
She had a head full of silvery hair, twinkling brown eyes, and soft, unblemished skin. Draped only in a plain grey robe.
"Yes, please listen to him..." another guard began, but was abruptly cut off.
"Enough!" Mira snapped, a frosty glint flashing through her eyes. "I’ve already made up my mind. I won’t be used as some tool to strengthen ties with another kingdom." Her voice trembled slightly, but her resolve was unshaken. "I have ambitions of my own—a path to power I must walk. And if even my father, His Royal Majesty, cannot see that... then I’ll walk it alone."
Her last words came out softer, tinged with disappointment, but her expression soon shifted. A mischievous glint replaced the scowl. "Besides," she added with a smirk, "if you return without me, I bet Father will have your heads on pikes before morning."
"Ah, do you even know what you’re doing? Without resources, this is meaningless!" one guard groaned, rubbing his temples. Why did it have to be him assigned as her personal guard?
"Greg’s right. Without a plan..."
"Who said I don’t have one?" Mira cut in, her smile blooming with energy. "We’re in Maelstrom City, and tomorrow is the academy selection. If I manage to impress a supreme academy, even Father won’t be able to interfere once he finds out."
She looked between them, eyes gleaming with reckless hope.
"Argh, damn it!" Greg cursed under his breath, his fists tightening. "You know I can’t refuse when you look at me like that." He sighed, defeated. He’d watched her grow up, she was like a daughter to him. Even if her plan was full of holes.
Being accepted into any academy was already a rare honor for geniuses. But a supreme academy? That was nearly impossible, reserved for monsters among men.
"What if you’re not accepted?" the other guard—Corvo—blurted. "Not doubting you, but shouldn’t we consider that?"
"Way to kill the mood, Corvo," Mira sighed, but her tone softened. "Still, you’re right. If I don’t secure a placement... then I’ll return." She murmured, absentmindedly twirling a strand of silver hair between her fingers, worry flickering across her face.
***
Elsewhere, on the streets of Maelstrom City.
"Finally, the academy selections draw near once more. I wonder if there’ll be any worthy challengers this time," a youth draped in an intricately woven blue robe muttered, a thoughtful expression etched on his face.
"Argh, sure thing, Kael," the youth beside him snickered. "Because with your E-rank talent, you’re sure to dominate the heavens, huh?" Ryn clicked his tongue.
Unbothered by the remark, Kael nodded shamelessly, clasping his hands behind his back like some mysterious powerhouse before pacing around.
"You see, the world’s strongest beasts don’t always win in the wild. Sometimes, the little rats survive longer. Why? Because they know how to hide, how to observe, and how to run like hell when things go south."
"So... you’re the rat?" Ryn asked, puzzled.
"Yes—argh, no! Not that way! It’s a concept I want you to draw from, damn it!"
He cursed, turning away, eyes drifting toward the distance as a smirk curved across his lips.
"See, Ryn... power doesn’t always come from strength, but from something many tend to overlook, Information. With the right amount, Ryn, everything is ours to conquer."
Now smiling fully, he turned to Ryn. "Smile, Ryn. We’re going hunting."
Across the city, countless scenes unfolded. Each filled with hope, fear, and the crushing weight of expectation.
The academy selections loomed, a pivotal point destined to shape the course of their lives.