Saber's eyelids fluttered open. A soft light filtered through the room, and a gentle weight pressed against his arm. He turned his head, finding Sophie asleep in a chair beside his bed. Her face, usually bright and energetic, was softened in sleep.
"What's wrong?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. Then, her gaze sharpened. "Saber!"
She launched herself from the chair, wrapping her arms around him in a tight, tearful embrace. "SABER!"
Saber, startled by her sudden movement, let out a yelp. "S-Sophie? What… what happened?"
"You're awake!" she cried, her voice thick with emotion. "You were screaming… such pain. You collapsed, and the doctors rushed you here. I was so worried! Don't ever do that again, got it?"
Yes, yes, Saber thought, folding his arms mentally. Accidentally turned off the painless mode. Felt the actual damage. Means even the player's body functions like a real one. He frowned. Wait a minute. Worried?
"Did you just say you were worried?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
"Yes! Why wouldn't I be?" Sophie's brow furrowed. "Aren't you my friend?"
A faint blush crept up Saber's cheeks. "Yes, but…"
Sophie grinned, patting him forcefully on the back. "Don't be silly, Sabby! It's only natural for friends to worry about each other. Besides, you've got to take care of yourself."
She has monstrous strength, Saber mused, wincing. Wait, Sabby? Is it me, or is she getting way too friendly?
He tried to sit up, a sharp pain shooting through his body. "AAAA!"
Sophie quickly reached out to help him. "Be careful! Miss Elina healed you, but the cramps will still hurt."
"Miss Elina?" Saber echoed. "Who's that?"
"A doctor," Sophie explained, "and one of the rarest people to actually talk to The One."
The One? Sounds like a legend, Saber thought. "I'll thank her later then."
"Good. Just make sure to rest and take it easy. We still have plenty of exciting things to do!"
"Yeah, I promise," Saber said, nodding. "I'll take it easy for now."
Sophie smiled. "Alright, get some rest. I'll be here if you need anything."
Saber nodded, drifting back into sleep. Then, his eyes snapped open. "Wait!"
Sophie startled. "What happened?"
"My match! The results!" Saber exclaimed, swinging his legs over the side of the bed.
"But you're in pain, right?"
Saber stretched, feeling no discomfort. Thanks to painless mode, he thought. "Not anymore."
"Let's go then," Sophie said, a hint of excitement in her voice.
The lights of the stadium flickered to life, one by one, illuminating the arena.
"And welcome back, ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer's voice boomed. "Please give a round of applause for our contestants, who gave such wonderful performances!"
The contestants filed into the arena, their faces a mixture of anticipation and nerves.
Just like any school function, Saber thought, sighing. Can't be helped, I'm a fifteen-year-old kid too.
"We'll start announcing the final scores of this year's Four Academic Selection Tests," the announcer declared. The King stepped onto the stage, a scroll in his hand.
"Now, I'll be calling out the principals of the respective academies to announce the students they selected," the King announced.
Here it is, Saber thought, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach.
"First, starting with the Skill-Tech Academy."
Skill-Tech Academy? Saber mused. Thought it was 'Aspire' academy. Maybe there are multiples.
"Students, this man here is the definition of innovation and the only one here with excellent mastery in the technological background," the King continued, gesturing to Lycane. "As well as, the Principal of the Skill-Tech Academy."
Lycane unrolled the scroll. "I'll be reading out the names of the Builders of the Skill-Tech Academy: Alis Valtier, Dara Everwyn, Eira Vaeltthrone, and the Core-Wielders, Terry Voss and Lesta Vane."
Three builder girls and two core-wielding boys, Saber noted. Five names out of sixteen.
"Next comes the principal with complete knowledge and understanding in the Fauna field," the King announced. "Welcome Miss Leafa Voidale! The principal of the Pinnacle Academy!"
"It's nice to meet you all, students," Leafa said, her voice clear and precise. "Now, I'll be listing the names of those who'll serve under the Pinnacle Academy. This doesn't mean the rest of you are worthless; it means your power levels and decision-making are not up to the mark." She opened the scroll. "Mira Belmont, Isla Thornvale, Nia Operamore, Ryen Dain, Torr Falk, and the Core-Wielders, Celia Parker and Syrena Lunareth."
Again, mostly girls, Saber observed. Did the boys just not make it? And now, eleven out of sixteen.
The King continued, introducing Principal Cartar of the Tru-Vital Academy, who rudely announced his two selections, Rhea Eldike and Rivena Clarke, a core-wielder. Then came Principal Oliver of the Aspire Academy.
Oliver, his expression both serious and unsettling, addressed the students. "I'll get straight to the point. You kids have only one mission." Then, a sudden, unnerving smile spread across his face. "And that is to put everything you've got."
I can smell rainbow from here, Saber thought, a shiver running down his spine.
"Now, the students I chose are as follows," Oliver began. "In Aspire Academy: Keeth Myre, Zohn Ford, and last, the core-wielder…"
Which one is it? Saber thought, his heart pounding.
"Sydney Storm."
Saber's eyes widened. What? How?
A mechanical voice echoed in his mind. "Player Termination Process starting in 3…"
So, I'm done for good? Saber thought.
"2…"
The system wasn't kidding about killing me. So, I'll be returning to the shitty life, huh?
"Saber!"
The system paused. "Termination Process Disengaged."
What now? Saber looked up.
"The academies believe in hypothesis and numbers given to those researches," Oliver explained. "The same analysis and data were applied here… In this match, and guess what? One single individual just crashed the servers of data analytics where your power levels are determined."
A flashback flickered in Saber's mind: him emerging from the flames, his body crackling with blue lightning.
"The individual who shocked everyone, proving that even the impossible odds can become a miracle," Oliver continued. "And that displayed power was enough to make any principal break the laws of the academy, just to recruit that single individual. And it's you… Saber Ashford."
Saber's jaw dropped. What?
"You're the one I'm choosing."
Is this real?
The King stepped forward. "So now, before we dismiss this event, there's some special information you students have to know. Firstly, as you may know, the academies which citizens talk about aren't academies anymore."
So what are they? Saber wondered.
"They are now merged, and together we call the single academy 'Elevate X,'" the King announced. "And the four academies are now the head buildings in a single plot in the center of Nova Vista."
He projected a hologram, showing four towering buildings connected at the base.
Just like the Eiffel Tower, Saber thought.
"The maps have been uploaded to your Holo-Phones," the King said.
Holo-Phones? Saber's internal screen popped up. Oh? The other screen? So, I have two screens now? One for others, and one for me?
"You'll be staying in dormitories designed for strong talents like you," the King continued.
But with no freedom, Saber thought. Well, unless I'm alone, I couldn't care less.
"You'll be staying with one roommate."
Saber groaned inwardly. That's one of the worst nightmares for introverts.
"As for the unfortunates, try again within these six months. And with this, thank you for your time and dismiss!"
Oliver passed by Saber, their eyes meeting. "You better meet up to the expectations," Oliver said, his voice low.
"Yes!" Saber replied, his voice firm.