The day had finally arrived. Rylan stood at the gates of the Aether Academy, his heart pounding in his chest as he gazed upon the imposing structure that loomed before him. The grand entrance was flanked by two colossal statues of legendary pilots, their expressions fierce and determined—a fitting tribute to those who had come before. Today, however, it was not just the legacy of past pilots that weighed on him; it was the daunting reality of the entrance exam and the other candidates who had gathered.
A sea of hopeful faces surrounded him, each one filled with anticipation and anxiety. Rylan's eyes widened as he took in the sheer number of applicants—over ten thousand. They stood in clusters, chatting nervously, exchanging stories of their backgrounds, and speculating about what awaited them inside. The atmosphere crackled with energy, a palpable mix of hope and fear that hung in the air like a thick fog.
"Can you believe this?" a voice exclaimed nearby. Rylan turned to see a tall boy with tousled brown hair and bright green eyes. "Ten thousand applicants! It's unreal! The Academy has never seen this many before!"
"Yeah," Rylan replied, trying to keep his voice steady, "it's a bit overwhelming, isn't it?"
The boy chuckled, a nervous edge to his laughter. "You've got that right! I'm Finn, by the way. What about you?"
"Rylan," he introduced himself, feeling a rush of camaraderie. "I'm just hoping to pass the test."
Finn nodded, his expression growing serious. "Same here. But I've heard rumors that the exam is brutal this year. They say they're looking for candidates with exceptional potential. If you don't have a Nexus Core, you might as well turn back now."
Rylan's stomach twisted at the mention of the Nexus Core—the very thing that set him apart from so many others. He had heard the whispers too, the doubts that echoed within him. What if he was just another face in the crowd, destined to fail? But then he remembered Lirien's words, the encouragement she had offered despite her cold demeanor. *Believe in yourself. Trust your instincts.*
"Whatever happens, I won't give up," Rylan said, surprising even himself with his conviction.
"That's the spirit!" Finn replied, a grin spreading across his face. "Let's support each other, then. We'll get through this together."
As they spoke, a horn sounded, drawing the attention of the crowd. A tall figure, draped in the Academy's colors, stepped forward to address the applicants. The crowd fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air.
"Welcome, candidates!" the figure boomed, his voice echoing against the stone walls. "Today marks the beginning of your journey into the Aether Academy, a prestigious institution that has shaped generations of pilots. You are here to prove yourselves worthy of our training, and the first step is the Nexus Core Awakening Examination."
Rylan's heart raced as the man continued, explaining the significance of the Nexus Core. "Only those who possess a Nexus Core will be able to harness the full potential of mana and pilot our advanced mechs. Your abilities will be tested, and we will determine who among you has what it takes to join our ranks."
The crowd erupted in nervous chatter, some exchanging worried glances while others appeared resolute. Rylan felt a mixture of fear and excitement—this was it, the moment he had been waiting for. Yet, doubt crept in again. What if he was not one of the chosen ones?
"Candidates will be called forward in groups," the figure continued, "to undergo the Awakening Ceremony. Those who successfully awaken their Nexus Core will proceed to further evaluations. The rest…" He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air, "will be escorted out of the Academy grounds."
Rylan swallowed hard, the implication of those words hitting him like a cold wave. There would be no second chances. Failure meant leaving his dreams behind.
"Stay strong, Rylan," Finn whispered, sensing his unease. "We'll make it through this."
As the first group was called, Rylan felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He watched as they stepped forward, each one filled with excitement and trepidation. The atmosphere shifted as each candidate approached the podium, where a glowing crystal awaited them—a Nexus Crystal, said to resonate with an applicant's inherent elemental affinity.
The first candidate, a girl with fiery red hair, placed her hand on the crystal. A bright light enveloped her, and gasps filled the air as a surge of energy pulsated from the stone. Moments later, the light faded, and the girl beamed with joy, her eyes sparkling with newfound power. She had awakened a Nexus Core, examiner "classical nexus code' fire code' next"
One by one each candidate walks toward the crystal,Rylan's heart raced as each candidate that followed experienced the same transformation, the crowd erupting in cheers and applause. But as the numbers dwindled and the realization of the stakes settled in, Rylan's mind spiraled with doubt. What if he was not meant to join their ranks? What if he was simply another commoner destined for obscurity?
As the first group finished, Rylan's pulse quickened. He was next. The reality of the moment settled in, and he stepped forward, determination coursing through him. He would not let fear dictate his fate. Today was the day he would discover his true potential.
As he approached the podium, he could feel the weight of the crowd's gaze upon him. With a deep breath, he placed his hand on the Nexus Crystal, feeling the warmth radiate from its surface. The moment felt surreal—a blend of hope, fear, and possibility.
"Show me what I'm made of," Rylan whispered to himself, ready to embrace whatever came next.