Chapter 20: Promotion
The academy was never quiet, but after Jefel's awakening, the halls buzzed like a hive stirred. Whispers trailed his every step, and students stole glances as he passed.
Jefel knew he had caused a commotion. I need to find a place to breakthrough… or do it in my room so no one notices.
He continued his daily routine with calculated restraint, practicing control over his growing power. That night, as he rested, his academy robe shimmered faintly, sending an alert through his system.
Tink
[System Notice]
Attention: The next five days will host placement for the Monthly Tournament. Gather at the assembly hall for evaluation. Placement matches will occur in the Grand Arena. Participants: Fourth- to Ninth-Year students. Lower years may spectate only.
Jefel scanned the robe for details, but there was little more to glean. He sighed and lay back, letting the news settle in his mind.
---
The next morning arrived swiftly. Fresh and alert, Jefel stepped outside to find Lucy and Lark waiting, with Karth and Amy trailing behind.
"What the heck—couldn't you tell me?" he exclaimed, surprise flickering across his face.
Silence met him. Lark finally broke it.
"You've grown stronger," she said coolly. "We're here to prepare you for the tournament. Let's go."
They arrived at the promotion center, where a receptionist greeted them politely.
"Hi, I'm Instructor Bolb. How may I help you?"
"I'm here to promote to a Fourth-Year class," Jefel replied.
The instructor nodded and tapped at a panel. "Wait a moment. I'll check your points. If they're insufficient, you'll be tested… and remember, over 60% of those who fail never return. It's better to be promoted fairly."
A minute later, he returned, a startled expression frozen on his face.
"What's wrong?" Lucy asked sarcastically.
Karth smirked, and Amy giggled like a mischievous child.
"I…" The instructor swallowed hard. "You… you are qualified for promotion. The Fourth-Year Indigo Sector awaits."
At his words, Jefel's robe shimmered brighter.
Rinnnngg!
Do you want to breakthrough to the Fourth-Year Indigo Sector?
"Yes," Jefel replied without hesitation.
A surge of energy coursed through him. A tear slipped from his eye as the shimmering sound enveloped him. Within seconds, he ascended to the Fourth-Year class. His robe now bore the number four on the left, and the academy crest on the right.
"So… which classes are you guys really?" he asked, eyeing the group.
"I'm in the Sixth Year and captain of the Mortal Realm," Lucy replied.
"And I'm in the Seventh Year, also a captain," Lark added.
Jefel raised an eyebrow. "But… Lark, you're an awakened Red Core. What happened to the strongest—the White Core?"
Lark shrugged. "Being a captain isn't about being the strongest. It's about responsibility. Who can carry the weight and make decisions."
Jefel nodded thoughtfully, understanding.
---
After the promotion, he received new keys and a badge, each glowing faintly with aura. As they set off, Jefel frowned.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
Lucy grinned. "We're heading to the Illusion Dungeon… after you spar with me. I'm the only one here with an affinity for illusions."
Amy whispered, voice low. "The Illusion Dungeon is said to be one of the most dangerous, second only to the Poison Dungeon."
Karth's expression darkened with worry.
"And don't worry—we'll head to the Poison Dungeon later," Lark added casually.
Jefel blinked. "What the heck are you talking about? Do you want to kill my lord before he even settles in the Mortal Realm? I bet you can't even survive these dungeons yourself!" Karth barked, fuming.
Lark chuckled. "Hmm, a junior is talking back. I'll forgive you this time."
Lucy smiled slyly. "Well, if anyone can survive it… it's him."
The group turned their gaze toward Jefel, eyes brimming with expectation.
"What!?" he exclaimed, caught off guard.
They shook their heads, amusement and exasperation mixed in their expressions, and the journey to the arena for the spar began. Shadows of anticipation lingered, and the air hummed with the promise of danger and growth.