"Woahhhhh"
The crowd erupts in another chorus as another student, once again, showcases their remarkable ability by transforming the crystal ball into a vibrant blue.
Several students have already completed their tests, and the gymnasium is now divided into groups of test-takers.
Meanwhile, I wait for my turn in a quieter corner of the gym.
"And now, once again, we have witnessed another student achieving an outstanding score, attaining the coveted blue level of his abilities!" Leael exclaims.
Many students have achieved high scores, reaching the blue level in their abilities.
And judging by the crowd's reactions, it's clear that achieving a blue level is quite impressive for a freshman just starting out.
However, my focus isn't solely on the blue level.
I also notice that no one has reached the red level yet. This suggests that their abilities might not be as strong as I initially thought, despite some considering them overpowered.
"Mr. Siegfren of the Fire Clan!" Leael calls out, drawing my attention back to the ongoing selection process.
"What do you think about getting such a high score on our first test?" Leael asks the student.
"Honestly, I'm not surprised at all. I was expecting this result. In fact, I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't reach the red level with my abilities." the student replies with a somewhat arrogant tone.
This boastful comment elicits a chorus of disapproval from some members of the crowd.
"Booooooh!" they jeer.
"You're so arrogant! Wait until our contender, Abien, competes. He'll surely be number one in the first test!" asserts someone from the Wind Clan.
"What are you talking about? You're clueless! Most likely, the top freshman this year will come from our clan!" Another student from a different faction retaliates, shouting loudly.
The gym is now buzzing with competitive energy and spirited banter as the different clans vocally defend their contenders.
"What are you all arguing about? Most likely, it will be our clan that will reign supreme this year, not only among the freshmen but for the entire year level!" proudly proclaims a student, presumably from the Water Clan.
Anxiety begins to ripple through the gym, especially among the current freshmen attempting their tests.
"Quiet down! Do you realize you're distracting the students taking the test? Your arguing might mess with their concentration and affect their scores!" a concerned student warns.
In the midst of the commotion, one of the test-takers struggles to stay focused. The distraction clearly affects his performance, leading to a yellow mark for his less-than-stellar result on the first test.
The crowd responds with laughter after the student receives the yellow mark.
Leael, attempting to restore order and ensure a conducive testing environment, raises her voice. "EVERYONE, BE SILENT!"
She clears her throat and became serious.
"For the sake of a peaceful and organized Test 1 today, I kindly request that everyone maintain a respectful silence. Our examinees require full concentration, so please cooperate accordingly."
Her words carry a tone of authority as she addresses the crowd.
"I understand that everyone is excited about their own contenders, but let's respect the results of all the test-takers. To ensure fairness, we'll give Mr. Arce, who received a low score, another chance to retake the test. His initial low score might have been due to nerves from the pressure of the crowd." Leael explains.
Her decision doesn't sit well with a portion of the crowd, and they vocally object.
"Booohhh, I object! It's incredibly unfair to those who have already completed their tests. Allowing one student to retake the test due to nerves shouldn't be permitted!!" they protest.
Their objections gain support from others in the gym, contributing to the escalating noise.
With an authoritative tone, Leael raises her voice once again to reestablish order. "SHUT UP!!! If you want the examination to continue, EVERYONE MUST BE SILENT! AND THOSE WHO DISAGREE CAN LEAVE NOW!"
Her stern proclamation silences the immediate dissent, although murmurs of disagreement linger.
Despite the lingering discontent, the committee proceeded with the decision to allow the nervous student to retake the test, aiming to maintain fairness in the selection process.
As the young man makes his second attempt at the test, a hushed anticipation falls over the gym....
All eyes are fixed on him, and the collective tension in the room is noticeable as he nervously goes through the exam.
When the results are displayed, the gym erupts into even more boisterous laughter than before as he got the same result as before...
"Boooooohhh, he's really weak! Even if you have him retake the exam a hundred times, he might still end up with the same result, hahaha!" taunts an individual from the crowd, provoking even heartier laughter from those gathered.
It takes a substantial amount of time for the laughter to subside, and the young man who retook the test bears the weight of extreme embarrassment.
"CAN EVERYONE PLEASE BE QUIET NOW!?" Leael steps in firmly to regain control.
"I don't want to dampen the joy of everyone here, but we must respect the results of each freshman's abilities, regardless of whether they are deemed weak or strong. Our intention was never to have him retake the exam for the purpose of humiliation. We simply wanted to offer him another opportunity because his initial performance might have been influenced by nerves. Our goal is to ensure fairness and a level playing field for all."
"As your spokesperson here at the front, I kindly request that we maintain respect, and those who show disrespect to the participants in the selection process may be asked to leave. We don't need your presence in this gymnasium solely to judge and belittle others." Leael addresses the crowd.
After Leael's speech, the entire gymnasium gradually falls into silence as people take her words to heart.
" Thank you to all who have quieted down... and since we were slightly interrupted, we shall now proceed with what we came here to do." she announces with renewed energy.
She reaches into the draw box to select the next name...
A bright smile crosses her face as she appears delighted by the name she's drawn.
"Hoho, it looks like today is an exceptionally special day for all of us. After a long 50 years, a representative from one of the previously non-active clans has joined our school. They may have been forgotten, but I'd like to reintroduce one of our top 6 major clans, the mysterious 'Wood Clan'!"
"Please welcome to the stage Ms. Chastine Aphrodite Reign from the 'Wood Clan'!"
Leael's voice rings with excitement as she announces my name.
Gone is the boredom I felt earlier, now, I'm filled with anticipation and curiosity as it's my turn to test my abilities.
I'm really excited...