"Kado Mai"
The supervisor shouted the name at the top of his voice. From among the elite students, a boy with messy hair stepped forward with confident steps. He extended his hand toward the Sky Stone.
Then a minute passed… and another minute until a voice rang throughout everyone present.
"Kado Mai"
"Latent Talent — Magnetism —"
"Talent Level — 2 —"
The boy withdrew his hand, a smile rising on his face. It was not a strong talent that would place him among the top ranks, but it could help him gain daily strength.
The students applauded when they heard the talent.
The supervisor said to Kado,
"Magnetism is a good talent, whether in combat or daily use, if you use it well."
Kado smiled and slightly bowed his head.
"Thank you, Supervisor."
Then Kado returned and blended into the crowd, talking with the students.
The supervisor continued calling names.
"Mary Sky"
When the supervisor reached this name, everyone fell silent. A girl walked forward slowly, as if confident that she would awaken a high-level latent talent.
She stood before the Sky Stone, her white hair gently fluttering. She took a deep breath, then extended her hand.
It took only half a minute — thirty seconds.
The voice shouted.
"Mary Sky"
"Dual Latent Talent: Telekinesis, Wind Manipulation"
"Talent Level — 5 —"
Silence filled the seconds before a loud wave of shouting swept the area.
"My God, she's the first dual talent in our school!"
"Level 5… only a few chosen ever reach that!"
"But doesn't that mean Mary is vulnerable to madness?"
When this question was raised, the noise suddenly died down as if frozen.
Madness was the curse that devoured high-tier gifted individuals. There was no calming method or treatment; most gifted people across many nations practiced dual cultivation.
A small group possessed the talent of dual cultivation, where one partner could calm the other, exchanging yang and yin as in Chinese teachings.
Thus the world produced — or granted — a solution: cultivation partners. Not only for stabilization, but also to strengthen talents and possibly raise their level higher.
For example, a level 3 talent user who began dual cultivation could rise to level 4, and likewise from 5 to 6 if the dual cultivation partner possessed a high-level talent.
Although talent levels reached 7, the Gifted Union released a logical classification after extensive research stating that talent must pass through stages.
…
After hearing the whispers, the supervisor stopped them. He smiled at Mary and said,
"Please, Miss Sky, sit on the other side. We will prepare the necessary procedures for your admission into Star High Academy."
Mary sat calmly there, her gaze following the students awakening their talents. Most were below level 3.
Then the supervisor called,
"Katelia Morsemuzov"
A girl stepped forward with indescribable cheerfulness, her golden hair bouncing with each quick step until she reached the Sky Stone.
She placed her hand quickly.
After ten seconds, the stone announced:
"Katelia Morsemuzov"
"Latent Talent — Light —"
"Talent Level — 5 —"
Another wave of applause spread through the place, mixed with jealousy and envy.
"My God, that's the second level five!"
"Our school will truly rise this year. No neighboring school produced two level fives — and one of them is dual!"
The supervisor gestured for Katelia to sit beside Mary just as he had instructed earlier.
Katelia sat next to Mary, smiled, and extended her hand.
"Hello, Miss Sky. I'm Katelia Morsemuzov."
Mary looked at her briefly, then shook her hand.
"Call me Mary, Katelia. We're classmates, and soon we'll be classmates at Star Academy."
Katelia laughed lightly.
"Ah, that's true. We should keep allies — the academy is difficult."
Mary nodded.
"Yes…"
The stone's voice interrupted them again. Neither Mary nor Katelia paid attention; most talents were level three or lower.
But this one was different.
"Sera Kaiden"
"Dual Latent Talent — Dual Cultivation, Gluttony —"
"Talent Level — 6 —"
Cultivation partners chosen by high-level talents were usually level 1 or 2, never high talents themselves. Scientists proposed theories about — high-level dual cultivation talents.
The owner of such talent could control their choice; the power came from deep personal desire, unlike talents of levels 4–3–2–1.
Meaning the person must fall in love with you to cultivate together.
.
Sera stared at the stone in shock. Her black eyes widened. She had only hoped for a level three or four talent, never expecting a dual one.
She scratched the back of her head and whispered, unheard in the noisy plaza,
"...Looks like I succeeded."
The supervisor smiled.
"You possess an excellent talent, Miss Kaiden. Please sit with Miss Sky and Miss Morsemuzov."
"Thank you," she said gratefully before heading toward them.
She found two girls — one cold in demeanor, the other cheerful.
Sera spoke nervously.
"Hello… I'm Sera Kaiden."
Katelia stood, shook her hand, and smiled.
"Welcome, Seracchi. I'm Katelia Morsemuzov, but call me Katy if you like."
Mary slightly frowned.
'It seems Katelia wants to steal Sera for herself.'
Mary stood calmly, looked briefly at Katelia smiling, then at Sera who looked ready to escape.
Mary extended her hand.
"I'm Mary Sky. Call me Mary. Sera, let's be good partners at the academy."
Sera shook her hand and smiled briefly.
"Me too, Mary."
.
The awakening concluded.
The awakening statistics amazed the school's higher administration.
Level 6: 1 person
Level 5: 6 people
Level 4: 30 people
Level 3: 35 people
Level 2: 40 people
Level 1: 48 students
The total number of high-talent students was about 37 — an excellent result.
.
Inside a room, seven people sat quietly, occasionally staring at Sera seated in the middle.
Katelia broke the silence.
"Since we're gathered here, how about we properly introduce ourselves? We were in different classes, but now we are one."
Katelia began:
"I'm Katelia Morsemuzov. My talent is Light, level 5. From Russia, Moscow."
Sera gathered her courage. Katelia looked at her proudly and gave a thumbs-up.
"Good job, Seracchi."
Sera swallowed and spoke:
"I'm Sera Kaiden. My talents are Dual Cultivation and Gluttony. From the United States, New York."
Everyone listened carefully — except Katelia and Mary — when she mentioned dual cultivation. Surprise appeared with faint smiles.
A short girl stood up with a slightly childish tone.
"I'm Toichi Akikiyo. My talent is Green Forest, level 5. Japan, Saitama."
Then Mary spoke coldly as usual.
"Mary Sky. Dual talent: Telekinesis and Wind Manipulation, level 5. United States, New York."
Shock appeared on Sera's face upon learning Mary was from the same state. She had certainly heard about Sky Company. The others were also surprised, except Katy who had witnessed Mary's awakening.
Mary was the first dual awakener in their school, and Sera the second.
A muscular boy stood, looking like a retired soldier rather than a fifteen-year-old student.
"I'm Starlong Ludwig. My talent is Brave Soldier, level 5. Germany, Munich."
He sat down.
A slender boy beside him stood next, elegant with long blue hair.
"Karl Ernst. My talent is Water, level 5. Germany, Berlin."
Then the girl sitting beside Mary spoke, her fiery red hair and shining eyes noticeable.
"Isabelle Karendel. My talent is Fire, level 5. England, Liverpool."
The supervisor entered smiling.
"Now that you've introduced yourselves, let's go. The headmaster has some words for you."
Everyone stood and followed the supervisor with calm steps.