The Dean's Choice

In that extraordinary moment, my eyes shot open, their deep violet hue now gleaming with an otherworldly light. A blinding flash crossed my vision as if the very fabric of reality had parted before me. My soul, untethered from the confines of my physical body, projected outwards, breaking free from the mortal constraints that had bound it.

It was as if ancient shackles had been shattered, releasing me into a new realm of existence.

The sensation was both exhilarating and overwhelming, a rush of power surging through my very being as I stepped onto the coveted Mortal Astral Body Realm 1st Layer.

My soul hovered in the air, suspended in a dance of ethereal energies. I looked down upon my corporeal form. The Mustafa royal robe draped over my slender frame, its regal folds accentuating the nobility that exuded from me.

In this astral projection, everything became crystal clear, every detail heightened to an unimaginable degree.

Amidst this surreal experience, my physical features became prominent. My skin, rich mahogany in hue, glowed with an otherworldly luminescence, accentuated by the deep violet of my eyes, which now seemed to contain the vastness of the cosmos within their depths.I stood at a height of 5'6".

Tattoos of mysterious origin adorned my body, their intricate patterns pulsating with a strange energy. They seemed to writhe and shimmer, responding to the newfound power coursing through me.

These arcane markings, unseen before, spoke of a heritage long forgotten, an ancestry woven with secrets as ancient as time itself. Knowledge of what they are poured into my mind as I gazed at them.

The tattoos adorning my corporeal form were intricate hieroglyphic designs, each symbol pulsating with Astral energy, telling tales of an ancient lineage and arcane knowledge. They covered my skin, weaving a tapestry of forgotten wisdom and power. Let me describe them in more detail.

Starting from my forehead, a majestic symbol of an all-seeing eye, encased within a radiant sun, marked my connection to cosmic consciousness. Below it, a series of hieroglyphics formed a pattern resembling the wings of a falcon, symbolizing swiftness, keen perception, and protection.

On my cheeks, intricate symbols of ankhs, ankh-crosses, and djed pillars were delicately inscribed. These hieroglyphics represented life, stability, and endurance. The patterns extended down my neck and along my collarbones, depicting serpents and lotus flowers intertwining in a dance of creation and rebirth.

Across my chest, a large scarab beetle, an emblem of regeneration and transformation, was intricately etched. Its wings stretched towards my shoulders, where celestial symbols of stars and crescent moons adorned my skin, signifying guidance and enlightenment.

Down my arms, ancient glyphs of power and protection flowed like rivers of wisdom. Spiraling patterns reminiscent of the a river depicted the flow of life and energy, connecting my astral self to the very essence of existence.

On my abdomen, a series of hieroglyphic symbols formed a circular pattern, representing eternity and the cyclical nature of life and death. Each symbol seemed to come alive, glowing softly with an ethereal light.

Moving to my back, a grand sun, with wings outstretched and holding the ankh of life, covered the expanse.

Surrounding Sun, hieroglyphics of fire and wings depicted the sun's blazing glory and the freedom of flight, embodying the qualities of power.

Finally, on my legs, intricate bands of hieroglyphics encircled my thighs and calves. They depicted scenes of ancient battles, wisdom, and unity, throughout the ages.

The hieroglyphic tattoos adorning my skin were far from mere decoration; each symbol pulsated with unimaginable power.

As my soul re-entered my body with the help of The Dean who looked amazed, I felt a profound shift within me, an indescribable transformation that left me momentarily breathless.

"Rest for a moment before we continue" The Dean said, clearly aware I would be taking the second test.

The tattoos, which had glowed with ethereal light, now receded as if they had never been there.

Fatigue washed over me, leaving me feeling drained and listless. With a deep exhale, I surveyed the room, met by a sea of awe and admiration in the eyes of the female students.

While the male students regarded me with a mix of rivalry and confusion.

In the midst of their whispers, I remained calm, recognizing that what had transpired was only the beginning of a journey filled with mysteries and challenges.

The silence in the hall was eventually shattered by their voices.

"What was that? Isn't he cursed? Shouldn't the cosmos shun him?" the male student murmured, his confusion mixed with hesitation.

"He looks so radiant and powerful !," a confident female student with flowing red hair exclaimed, her fascination clear in her tone.

The male student, initially inclined to challenge her, fell silent in fear upon recognizing who she was talking about.

Kazi's demeanor had noticeably shifted.

"What's so special about him, Nailah?"

"I know he's superior to you," Nailah shot back, irritation evident in her eyes.

Kazi has always pined after her but she does not like him due to his dark desires.

Kazi gritted his teeth and clenched his fists but kept his silence. Only looking at Antaeus with coldness.

Due to her being part of the Ashanti Clan, he never went to far but attacked anyone who tried to approach her.

She also couldn't do anything to him unless he tried to push his luck with her, then she'd beat him up black and blue. Her mother protected her since she was the leader of the clan.

Meanwhile, Tenzi, who had successfully completed the three tests, approached the group, his eyes reflecting a mix of awe and rivalry.

"Did anyone else see what just happened?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.

Other students who had also triumphed in the tests joined the conversation, their expressions a blend of amazement and confusion.

"That was incredible! I've never seen anything like it," one of them exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment.

Another student chimed in, "But why isn't he affected by the curse? It doesn't make sense."

Tenzi shrugged, his gaze fixed on Antaeus. "Maybe the curse isn't as powerful as they say. Or perhaps he's found a way to overcome it."

A hushed murmur spread among the students, each of us grappling with the enigma before us. The atmosphere crackled with excitement and speculation.

"Interesting. It seems the Mustafa Clan will continue to reign supreme," remarked an enchanting woman as she settled beside an middle aged but handsome man.

"Amani, you don't seriously believe this boy can endure a curse from the 12 Gods, do you?" the man inquired with a dismissive tone.

"You witnessed him accessing such a rare state when he projected his soul. I venture to say that the curse has been reduced to a mere mark, one that can only track his location,"

A mysterious light shone in her eyes.

"But Malik, would those zealous missionaries and their paladins dare enter our city?" she added, her voice laced with amusement as she exchanged a knowing glance with the old man, the esteemed Clan leader of the Nia Clan.

"I understand your resentment stemming from the confrontation between him and your son, Nia Ayodele, but it appears he has forgotten the terror he unleashed upon everyone that day," Amani's voice held a hint of authority as she spoke, her gaze steady on Nia Malik.

"Also, I don't think you want to offend his parents, let alone his grandfather. So make sure your son, Kazi reins in his arrogance,"

She added, her words a subtle reminder of the delicate balance within Eastern Sea City's power dynamics.

Her eyes flicked momentarily to the King and Queen, seated in a booth above everyone, before returning to Malik.

Nia Malik, though clearly agitated, snorted in response and decided to end the conversation there.

The woman, ever watchful, kept her silence, her eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing the unfolding dynamics.

The air crackled with intrigue and tension, setting the stage for the enigmatic challenges and adventures that lay ahead. In the corridors of Alkebulan Spirit Academy, beneath the facade of everyday learning, ancient powers and age-old grudges simmered, promising a future where the past would collide with destiny, and where the destinies of the clans and their heirs would be forged in the crucible of time.

"Now, for the next Test, Young Prince," The Dean's voice echoed, resonating through the hall and drawing everyone's attention back to the stage.

I acknowledged The Dean's words with a respectful nod. A deep breath flowed through me, serving to calm my racing heart before I turned my gaze to the floating mirror.

"Prepare yourself," The Dean cautioned, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and anticipation. "The pain may be more excruciating due to your unique circumstances."

"I don't fear pain," I responded, my voice steady, "only weakness."

With a resolute determination, I pressed my palm against the mirror's surface, and a shimmering ripple spread across it, awakening something primal inside me.