The atmosphere in the main hall was electric with anticipation as Rylan and the other awakened students filed in, their hearts pounding with the weight of expectation. The grand chamber, adorned with banners of the Academy's crest, was filled with the mingled scents of polished wood and faint traces of elemental energies. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting a warm glow over the assembly of hopeful cadets.
An instructor, tall and imposing, stood before them, ready to unveil the next phase of their journey. His voice boomed across the hall, commanding attention. "Welcome, cadets! Today, you will undergo an assessment to determine your physical capabilities and your mana percentage!"
The words hung in the air, eliciting a mix of excitement and anxiety among the one hundred newly awakened students. Rylan felt a knot form in his stomach, the unfamiliarity of the concept of mana percent swirling in his mind. He exchanged glances with Finn, who stood beside him, eyes wide with curiosity.
The instructor continued, his tone firm yet encouraging. "When a cadet awakens their Nexus Core, they typically possess a mana percentage ranging from 0.1% to 5%. Here's how the ranks break down: those with a mana percentage from 0.1% to 1.9% are classified as **Third class Cadets**. Students with a mana percentage from 2.0% to 3.9% will be recognized as **Second class Cadets**, and those with a mana percentage from 4.0% to 5.0% will be designated as **First class Cadets**."
Rylan listened intently, his mind racing to process the information. The hierarchy of ranks began to take shape, but he felt lost in the complexity of it all. What did it mean to possess a certain percentage of mana? How would it define him?
"After your mana percentage and physical capabilities is assessed," the instructor continued, "you will be assigned to a class and rank, officially marking your entry into the Academy. This will be your first step toward becoming a formidable pilot."
A ripple of excitement surged through the crowd. Rylan could feel the weight of determination and ambition in the air. He wanted to be among those who would rise to greatness, but the uncertainty lingered. How would he measure up against the others?
As the instructor gestured for them to line up for their assessment, Rylan stepped forward, his heart racing. He couldn't shake the feeling that this moment would define him. Finn joined him, offering a reassuring nod. The two friends stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
One by one, the students approached a large, crystal pedestal at the center of the hall. The crystal pulsed with energy as each cadet placed their hand upon it, drawing upon their mana to reveal their potential. Rylan watched as students ahead of him displayed a range of percentages, each outcome eliciting cheers or murmurs of disappointment.
"Look at that one!" Finn exclaimed, pointing to a girl who had just achieved a 4.5% mana measurement. She is Elara Windrier
As the line progressed, Rylan felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. Finally, it was his turn. He approached the pedestal, the cool surface inviting yet intimidating. Taking a deep breath, he placed his hand on the crystal, feeling its warmth pulse beneath his palm.
In that moment, he summoned his mana, channeling the energy of the Void Code that had awakened within him. The crystal glowed brightly, its light reflecting the chaotic energy that coursed through him. He felt the surge of power, and as the light intensified, he closed his eyes, focusing on harnessing it.
The hall fell silent, all eyes on Rylan as the crystal responded to his energy. The vibrant colors danced and swirled, blending shades of black and silver, a chaotic yet mesmerizing display. He could feel the attention of everyone in the room, their anticipation palpable.
When he finally opened his eyes, the crystal emitted a final burst of light before settling into a steady glow. The instructor leaned closer, his expression a mix of astonishment and intrigue. "What do we have here?" he murmured, studying the glowing readings.
Rylan held his breath, waiting for the verdict, unsure of what the numbers would reveal. The air was thick with tension, and he felt a whirlwind of emotions—hope, fear, and the desire to prove himself.
"Your mana percentage is… 3.2%!" the instructor declared, his voice strong and clear but had a little disappointment in it. The hall erupted in murmurs, the crowd processing the significance of the number. Rylan's heart raced; while he had made it into the Second Class Cadet rank, he felt a twinge of disappointment at not achieving more.
"Three point two percent?" Finn whispered, his excitement still evident. "That's great, Rylan! You're officially a Second Class Cadet!"
As the applause echoed around him, Rylan realized that this was just the beginning. He had stepped into a world where power was measured and defined, and he was determined to rise to the occasion. With newfound strength coursing through him, he was ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.