It was 7:30 a.m. when Tia arrived at school. Calmly, he made his way to the field where other students had gathered. Some were already inside the buses, while others stood outside chatting away.
Tia stepped onto one of the buses and made his way to the back seat.
Today was the day.
His chest tightened.
There's still time, a voice whispered in his head.
Just get off the bus.
His fingers curled into the sleeves of his uniform.
Is this really the right path?
Am I going to regret this?
The bus rumbled forward.
Maybe I should just give up…
What's the point of this test anyway?
Once a failure, always—
He bit the inside of his lip.
"Stop, Tia," he muttered under his breath.
"Stop overthinking."
Calm down.
His hands were trembling.
He exhaled slowly and forced his eyes toward the window.
Blue sky.
Clear clouds.
Blue sky.
"The sky is blue," he murmured quietly.
A pause.
"The sky is blue…"
Blue is the sky.
The sky is blue… so am I.
His shoulders slowly loosened.
Breathe…
Just do your best.
The drive to the central stadium took quite some time. It was already 12:30 p.m. when they arrived—only thirty minutes before the next exam would begin.
Tia got off the bus along with the other students and followed the crowd into the stadium.
The stadium was massive.
Students from different schools and locations filled the massive space. Some chatted excitedly with their friends, while others hid in quiet corners, their hearts racing with anxiety.
Only a few stood tall, their eyes fierce, confidence radiating from their posture.
Tia's sharp gaze swept across the place before moving towards a quiet corner where a few students stood.
'Everything was exactly the same as before'.
Two figures dressed in long black coats laced with silver silk walked onto the stage.
"Good day to you all," one of them announced.
"Welcome to the Second Evolution Examination."
"The exam will commence immediately, but first make sure you read the information displayed above carefully."
Bing.
A large screen flickered to life.
Second Evolution Examination:
This examination is conducted to determine dormant abilities and classify candidates into their respective units.
This is your last chance to shine.
Prove what you are capable of and secure your position among the Elite.
'Any item that does not relate to this examination must not be seen with a student.
'Items used to increase one's power will be detected by the orb'.
'Those who meet the required standard will be recorded among the Qualified'.
Only successful candidates will advance to the upper tier.
Soon, a medium-sized table was wheeled into the center of the stadium.
Resting on top of it was a large transparent orb.
"Hope everyone has read and understood the information above," the officer said.
"Now…"
"This exam is very simple."
"Each of you will step forward one at a time and place a hand on the orb. It will read and display your rank and the hidden trait you possess."
He paused, scanning the massive crowd of students.
"Now… first person."
Silence descended over the stadium.
Thousands of students stood frozen in place.
A boy in the front row shifted his feet.
Someone cleared their throat
Another quietly took half a step backward.
Some glanced nervously at each other.
Others stared down at the ground.
The officer waited.
One second passed.
two.
Then five.
The air in the stadium grew heavy with each passing second.
Not a single person stepped forward.
Tia stood among them, calm and composed.
Thoughts raced quietly through his mind.
Everyone dreams of entering the Academy.
The glory.
The fame.
The chance to become a hero.
But they deny the harsh reality that follows.
Only a few will make it in.
Only a handful will become top heroes.
The rest will blend into the crowd.
And me…
Honestly… I don't know.
Where do I stand?
A quiet breath escaped his lips.
Well… as the saying goes,
Let life surprise you.
You can't have everything planned out.
Anyways if I remember correctly mu liani would move forward in...
5....4.....