Aether had been waiting outside the Recruitment Hall for quite a while.
After waiting for some time, he watched many candidates leave the hall with bright smiles on their faces. A few even had excitement sparkling in their eyes, while others came out with sad expressions, as though they had just lost the greatest opportunity of their lives. As several hours passed, a voice suddenly came from inside the Recruitment Hall.
"No. 46, please come inside the hall."
As Aether heard his number being called, he immediately stepped out of the line of candidates where he had been waiting for his turn and walked toward the entrance of the hall.
After entering the hall, he was surprised. From the outside, it looked like an ordinary building, but inside, a vast room decorated with gems and gold appeared before him. At the centre of the hall was a large stage surrounded by many bronze thrones, representing the lowest-level organisations of the Great Star Empire. Above those thrones were silver thrones, representing the middle-level noble houses and academies. Above the silver thrones floated four magnificent golden thrones, representing the highest-ranking organisations of the Great Star Empire.
Then a voice echoed from nowhere.
"No. 46, come and stand on the stage and wait for the offers from the academies and noble houses that wish to accept you."
As Aether heard the voice, he immediately walked toward the stage.
Upon reaching it, he looked toward the many thrones representing the academies and noble houses. His gaze then shifted toward the four golden thrones floating high above. Seated upon them were three men and one woman. They represented the four major organisations of the Great Star Empire: the Royal Academy of the Great Star Empire, the Army of the Great Star Empire, and the two Duke Houses.
Below the golden thrones sat the representatives of the minor organisations, such as the smaller academies and sects affiliated with the Royal Academy of the Great Star Empire, along with the minor noble houses affiliated with the two dukedoms.
As he looked toward the representatives, he recognised one of the men seated on the golden throne.
He was Rowan Brooks, the Commander of the Eastwood City Knight Order.
As Aether looked toward the man sitting on the golden throne, the strange voice echoed once again, announcing his information to all the representatives present.
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Number: 46
Name: Aether Duskbane
Age: 16
Mana Affinity: D-Rank Non-Attributed
Mana Control: 55%
Class: Progenitor (Unique)
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The moment they heard that he possessed a Unique Class, many of the representatives became interested. However, after hearing about his D-Rank Non-Attributed Mana Affinity, they quickly lost interest.
The mysterious voice spoke again.
"Representatives, you may now present your offers."
Aether quietly waited, hoping that at least one representative would offer him a place in their organisation.
However, as the seconds passed, he could clearly sense that none of them was willing to accept him into their organisations.
A bitter sadness filled his heart, but his eyes remained determined.
So what if no noble house or academy accepts me?
I will find my own way to become stronger.
As that thought ran through his mind, he turned around, ready to leave the Recruitment Hall.
Just then, a voice came from one of the golden thrones.
It was Rowan Brooks, representing the Army of the Great Star Empire.
"Although you possess only a D-Rank Mana Affinity, you have awakened a Unique Class called Progenitor. Because of that, I am willing to offer you a place in the Army of the Great Star Empire. Furthermore, I can introduce you to a researcher stationed at one of my military bases who possesses the same class."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"However, be aware that if you choose to join the army, you must undergo the same training every knight must complete. After your training, you will eventually be sent to the battlefield. A new recruit has only a two per cent chance of returning alive."
The hall fell silent.
Rowan looked directly at Aether.
"I will give you five minutes to decide whether you wish to accept my offer."
As Aether heard the offer, he fell into deep thought.
However, he had already made his decision.
He would join the army.
After all, he had no better offer.
Five minutes later, Rowan's voice echoed throughout the hall once again.
"So, have you made your decision?" Rowan asked.
Aether looked at him and replied firmly,
"Yes. I will join the Army of the Great Star Empire."
Rowan nodded.
"Good."