The Test Begins

The next day, Sol had another hefty meal before leaving for the academy. He carried a cold presence that discouraged everyone else from speaking to him. The old steward and Lyra assumed this was because of his challenge to the Kahi'k so they didn't bother him.

Upon arrival at the academy, they wished him good luck, which he only responded to with a nod before walking away and joining the crowd of students as they were ushered into the academy.

Following the instructions given, Sol didn't bring anything extra with him. He simply wore another pair of traditional orange robes, gaining the attention of everyone, both from the Ark family and other alpha families.

"Young master Sol!" 

A familiar voice called out to him, making Sol freeze in his tracks. He looked over his shoulder to see Kevin pushing his way through the crowd just to get to him. 

For some strange reason, the tension he felt seemed to lessen upon seeing his friend. Sol had to admit that Kevin carried the presence of a clumsy dog, which made Sol lower his guard around Kevin without noticing.

Just by having him beside him, the cold presence hanging around him turned warm as a small smile appeared on his face.

"Hey, buddy." Sol greeted as he held out his fist and Kevin jumped in for a fist bump.

His exaggerated actions during times like this were one of the main things that Sol found amusing.

"You look different," Kevin said while gazing at Sol deeply. "You feel different." 

Hearing this, Sol was slightly stunned. People in the Ark family failed to notice this, but Kevin could easily sniff out the minor change that had taken place in him.

"I guess you can say that," Sol responded with a confident smile.

Earlier he doubted he may be able to survive this first test, but now he felt fairly confident in himself due to his findings last night.

Sol and Kevin moved into a building, where they were greeted with a massive hall big enough to contain thousands of students. Seeing the sheer numbers of students, Sol was shocked 

It dawned on him that they had been divided into different classes all this while, and he didn't notice.

'Have I been that unserious with school?' he couldn't help but ask

His class alone could contain a few hundred students, but right now there were about four to five thousand students. However, the turnout rate could be considered low, especially since each family had territory the size of a small city. 

They were practically small kingdoms forced to coexist. If not for the fact that they shared a similar goal, which was to protect Bashomon, Sol doubted they would be able to coexist peacefully.

"Welcome!" An aged voice drew the attention of everyone in the room towards the raised platform at the far end of the room.

Looking in that direction, everyone saw the old witch Zephyra Galewhisper, hovering in the air. Standing behind her were numerous instructors. A few Sol knew, but most were unknown to him.

"The Alpha academy has always been dedicated to training young talents of Aetheria however it refuses to waste resources on the talentless and the weak." She began speaking.

"While bloodline is important, one must be able to back up their bloodline with sufficient strength, skill, and talent!" Zephyra paused briefly as her eyes washed over the countless students listening to her until her gaze settled on Sol.

"Our system brings about equal opportunity to everyone." She said, "Anyone can be King. As long as they have what it takes!"

Clap.

Students began clapping with smiles brimming on their faces. While the heirs felt attacked by her speech they knew this was the reality of Aetheria especially since they also knew their families were not always the head of their races from the very beginning. They were all heirs because their ancestors were able to usurp the original leaders of the races and replace them.

They now must defend that position with their lives.

"For the first test, students will be transported to random locations within the testing area." Lady Zephyra continued. 

"In this test, you are expected to survive and gather as many resources as possible. " She said. "Never forget that there are no rules in the jungle!"

Upon saying those words, numerous runes which were initially invisible lit up brightly, catching the attention of the students. 

They watched as these runes kept spreading below them and a white magic array formed beneath them. Surprised gasps and chattering sounds filled the room in mere seconds 

Kevin turned his attention to, who was taken aback by the sudden appearance of the runes and magic array, but even then he remained composed while observing everything going on.

While the students were busy discussing the array, Sol was wondering if a witch with the ability to control space really existed. 

During his time on earth, he was opportune to come across a few fictional works concerning magic. After going through, he concluded that anyone capable of controlling space and time is the strongest.

No debates.

If someone is casting this spell, then the person must be a terrifying individual.

"Sol!" Kevin's voice rang in his ears, causing him to look to the side, but it was too late.

"I wish you all good luck," Zephyra said as the formation lit up and all the students in the hall were consumed in blinding bright lights.

The light soon vanished, revealing an empty hall.

"Prepare the body bags and remain on standby. We will be mailing the corpse directly to their parents." Zephyra ordered, and the instructors nodded in agreement.

Out of all four thousand three hundred students that are taking part in the ranking test this year, she concluded that barely up to two thousand will be left alive by the time the test is over.

Her attention turned to Ethan who was standing beside her and a cruel smile spread across her face.

"I would love to see how the brat survives this with the restrictions of the seal placed on him."