Chapter 12: Evaluation Test
He was still reeling from the realization that Robin had been a clone when he noticed the portal shimmering before him, glowing with every color imaginable.
"Let's go," Lark said firmly. The trio stepped through.
The world snapped back into focus.
Light faded, and Jefel stumbled forward. His boots struck rough ground—before him rose a gigantic gate with bold letters carved into a massive stone slab:
Nurban Academy.
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Tink—
[System]
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They passed through the gates, and what greeted Jefel left him speechless.
A sprawling, city-like world stretched out before him. Majestic towers wrapped in banners loomed overhead. Vast dormitories, training centers, evaluation halls, assembly halls, an arena-like stadium, playgrounds, dining halls, weapon shops, quest boards, a treasury hall, and colossal statues of warriors, beasts, and gods—all reached toward the skies. The very air thrummed with energy, heavy with mana.
Jefel blinked rapidly, trying to take it all in, but a voice broke his awe.
"Keep moving. You'll get used to it," Lucy said softly.
As they walked, students' voices rose around them. Robes of different colors fluttered as dozens of eyes turned toward him. Some whispered, others sneered.
"New recruit?"
"Look at that aura… he's no outer court trash."
"Wait… isn't the recruitment phase over? Why's he escorted by Awaken Realm and Mortal Realm captains? He must be special…"
The whispers and the weight of attention made Jefel flinch slightly. He had never been good with eyes on him. I can't afford to appear weak, he told himself, clenching his fists.
Lucy placed a hand on his shoulder. "Calm down. Ignore them. Even I'm surprised by the attention you're getting as a mere Minor. It must be your wild aura. But this is nothing compared to what's coming."
Lark's expression sharpened, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Enough chatter. Straight to the Elder Hall. Let's see if Sir Nurban was right about him."
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The Elder Hall was a massive chamber, its pillars carved with glowing runes. At the center floated a radiant crystal orb beside a golden tablet, pulsing like a living heart.
Tink—
[System]
An old man with silver hair turned slowly. His robe dragged across the marble floor, and his piercing gaze cut into Jefel like a blade.
"So… this is the child Sir Nurban spoke of."
Robin's words echoed in Jefel's mind: Evaluation. Tests. Train him to his limit.
The Elder raised his hand. "Place your palm on the crystal. It will reveal your worth. If your core glows faint, you'll be placed among the outer court ranks one to three. Stronger colors grant higher placement. Let's see what you are."
Jefel hesitated. His instincts screamed danger and opportunity. Still, he stepped forward and pressed his hand against the orb.
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Tink—
[System detected foreign energy]
—Measuring… counter attack initiated—
BOOM—
Lightning erupted, arcs of blue crackling around his body. Gasps rippled through the hall as the crystal blazed brighter than anyone had seen.
Within the light, a phantom tiger emerged, roaring, its golden eyes glaring down upon the room.
The orb's glow surged orange—signaling a Central/Mid-5 Rank—an unprecedented result for a Minor Realm.
The Elder's breath hitched. "Impossible…"
The tablet flared with etched words:
[Evaluation Complete – Rank: Central/Mid-5 Student]
«Bloodline: ??? (Obscured)»
«Physique: Lightning Body Physique»
«Hidden Trait Detected: Awakened Predator Transformation»
«Risk Assessment: Unstable / High Threat»
The artifact trembled violently. It could sense his bloodline, but only partially—as though something vast and ancient blocked the rest.
Cracks spread across the orb's surface.
"Step away!" the Elder barked.
Jefel stumbled back, lightning still dancing across his arms. The crystal dimmed, smoke curling upward.
---
Whispers filled the chamber.
"He cracked the Judgment Crystal…"
"No way…"
"That artifact's Saint/Dominion-grade! Who the hell is he!?"
Lucy stepped forward, cold fury in her gaze, daring anyone to approach him.
Lark sighed, shaking his head. "Trouble… as expected."
The Elder's voice was a mix of awe and alarm. "Boy… you're no ordinary student. You are both talent and calamity. Your name?"
"Jefel," he said firmly.
"Then congratulations, Jefel. From this moment, you are a student of Nurban Academy." The Elder tossed him a glowing orange ring. "This is a mid-grade magic holding ring. It carries your belongings."
Jefel caught it, scanning its contents: an orange student token, a robe bearing a flaming fist crest 🔥, a dorm key, and a badge engraved with the number 5.
"You may leave. I don't want to see you here again," the Elder muttered, snorting.
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Tink—
[Item Acquired: Magic Holding Ring]
Rank: Orange (Mid Level)
Capacity: Medium
Grade: Awaken
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Jefel bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you."
The Elder only grunted, already turning away.
Lucy and Lark led him back out of the hall. Jefel followed, the weight of the badge heavy in his palm, knowing this was just the beginning.
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End of Chapter 12