From the Ashes

As Aston woke up, he was nearly squeezed to death by Kayla, who hugged him with tears in her eyes. "You idiot, why did you risk your life for mine. How can you take me to another world if you're dead?" Kayla hit Aston on his chest a few times before she calmed down.

Ripley took a moment to speak, "Aston, Thank you for saving my life. I am sorry for how I treated you before, and I hope to repay you and make up for my actions." Ripley said as he bowed his head at Aston in sincerity.

At first, Aston was surprised, but he simply smiled and patted Ripley's shoulder. "I would save you two every time, regardless of how you treated me, Ripley. We are still fellow humans and future schoolmates. Kayla, you're my best friend. I truly felt I was going to die no matter what I did. So rather than let you die with me, I wanted to save you two. I apologize for being selfish, but I don't want to lose anyone."

Kayla and Ripley sat there with complicated emotions. On one hand, they were enamored by Aston's courage and kindness. On the other, they were irritated by his selfishness.

"Ahh, what are we gonna do with you?" Kayla wiped her eyes and ruffled Aston's hair.

Ripley stood up and shook Aston's hand. "I look forward to studying with you at the school.

Not long after, the nurse informed General Garrick of Aston waking up. He soon appeared and spoke to them.

"Aston, I want to say thank you for stopping that assassin. If you hadn't wounded him severely, I can only imagine the damage he could have done if he had detonated that bomb elsewhere on the base." General Garrick shook his hand.

"After your warning for us to run, you passed out. The assassin detonated a dead man's bomb. We lost many soldiers and participants. However, do not be disheartened. Without your warning, all of us except a few who were far away would have died.

Aston was a bit saddened to hear about the deaths. He clenched his fists and vowed to get stronger, strong enough so that his fate was not left to other hands.

"Who saved me?" Aston asked.

"Lieutenant Dan did; however, he died protecting you. He liked your guts and courage. Even after his death, he stayed firmly shielding you. He was a good man and a better soldier. I hope you don't let his sacrifice go to waste and achieve great things." General Garrick handed him a box. Inside were Lieutenant Dan's glasses. "Although they are slightly burnt, I wanted to give you something to serve as a reminder. Don't slack off in your studies and surpass your limits." Garrick walked off, waving his hand.

"I guess that means we passed?" Aston asked, looking at Kayla and Ripley. "We received word not long ago. All the participants still alive have passed, and we can attend school." Ripley said.

The following day, all the participants were placed on a ship and shipped back to Gate University.

The new students were gathered once more in front of the Plaza of the University. The University had Roman and Eastern European architecture with a grand, impressive structure, sprawling campus, and numerous buildings reflecting ancient styles. The main building had columns, arches, and domes like Roman architecture, with historical carvings. The Plaza had fountains, gardens, and statues of great thinkers from Roman and Eastern European history. Classrooms, lecture halls, and student housing reflected Eastern European architecture, with steep roofs, ornate woodwork, and colorful facades. The library was grand, with towering columns and mosaics. It was a stunning and inspiring place of learning.

"Ahem!" A voice was heard from the plaza grounds as a stage rose from the ground. The principal, Alder Galad, and the school's teachers were on it.

Alder Galad was an elderly man who exuded a wise and experienced aura. His weathered face and long gray and white beard give him a dignified appearance. He wears blue robes adorned with symbols of education and carries books and scrolls. Despite his age, his eyes shine with a sense of inner calm and knowledge. He moves slowly and deliberately, with a commanding and respectful voice, speaking at a measured pace.

"First, I want to congratulate the participants for passing the exam. You have proven yourself capable of passing challenges and pushing yourself to grow stronger. Starting today, you are all officially students of Gate University. Here you will learn more about other universes we have access to. You will train your minds and bodies in martial arts, tactics, and many more skills. After graduating, you will have great success in exploring these new worlds and pursuing new knowledge." Alder looked around at the students. Many had tears of happiness, and others stood with their backs straight.

"Regardless of your background, all students here can rest easy. What matters here the most is strength and knowledge. Those who can master what we teach here will have a great life ahead of them. Status means nothing here. If you want something, you have to earn it." Alder's face took a solemn look.

"I also wish to apologize and offer my condolences to the families whose children did not survive the exam. Although the exam generally has a few unfortunate losses during the survival test, this year's losses were unprecedented. Today, I will be giving an official statement." Alder collected his thoughts.

"During this year's exam, a terrorist managed to sneak in and attack the participants in the exam. We apologize for our failure to prevent such an event. Steps are being taken to ensure such a disaster never occurs again. Compensation will be given to the families whose children were lost during the exam. Furthermore, under the authorization of the Emperor, families of the fallen will be given a slot for any of their children to claim admittance to the University. I know this is not enough to redeem ourselves for this blunder. I and the empire will work to make up for our mistake." Alder bowed towards the crowd.

Many families watching a broadcast of the ceremony had tears in their eyes, and others were clenching their fists in anger.

"Now, for today, the new students shall be given the supplies needed for their studies and dorm room keys. I wish all of you good luck. Details will be sent to you." Alder bowed once more and disappeared beneath the square.

Shortly after, the new students were sent a new student guide and instructions on receiving their supplies.

Aston, Kayla, and Ripley headed together down the halls of the University. Soon they arrived at the resource hall. Here is where students can come to trade in merits for supplies and receive their monthly supplies. Depending on a student's rank, they would receive more supplies.

Aston approached the desk where an old woman sat. She wore blue robes with symbols adorned with images of school supplies and a compass on her shoulders. She had white hair and pink eyes. She pulled up Aston's scores.

Aston Hersch: Rank 1-Star Student 1st Year

Strength-12 1-Star

Endurance-26 3-Star

Agility-16 1-Star

Intelligence-15 130 IQ

"Here are your monthly supplies and books needed. You will receive 4 bottles of C-Rank nutrient solution today and monthly. This solution will help your body train longer and harder and recover quickly. You have 1 hour a week to use the A.I combat room, there you can simulate different types of battles and train. You have 1 hour a week to use the gravity training room. Here, you can push your body to achieve greater strength. You will receive a monthly amount of merits of 1000. Use these to buy extra supplies and gear. As a first year, you can earn merits through academic achievements and competitions." She smiled and called for the next student.

Kayla approached and received her results. She received the same supplies as Aston and walked happily towards Aston.

Rank 1 Star 1st Year student

Strength-14 2-Star

Endurance-24 2-Star

Agility-16 1-Star

Intelligence-25 190 IQ

Ripley went up next and received his results.

Normal Student 1st Year

Strength-10 Pass

Endurance-10 Pass

Agility-10 Pass

Intelligence-10 Pass

The old woman looked at Ripley as she handed him his school books. "You do not receive any benefits as a normal student. You can purchase a D-Rank nutrient solution with your merits. Which can help you grow your strength better than training without it. You will receive 500 merits a month. Most of these should be used for buying nutrient solutions. To increase your rank, do well academically, and strive for a better rank. To increase your rank, you must defeat a student of a higher rank in combat during official rank competitions. Good luck." She then called for the next student.

With that, Aston and his friends went to their dormitories and rested for the day. Tomorrow they will pick their course and begin their school life. "I made it, Charles, Layla, Mom, Dad. Starting tomorrow, I will begin my journey to another world." Aston pulled up his status and looked at his stats. "I need to train so I never have to be saved again." Aston clenched his fist and held up Lieutenant Dan's Glasses as he lay in his bed. "Thank you, I won't waste this chance you have given me." He placed the glasses on the table beside his bed and closed his eyes. What kind of thing will he learn tomorrow?