OLD-WORLD EXTRA

It wasn't as if the class had never seen or heard of those machines before; many were familiar with them through their family or friends.

The second years, in particular, faced monthly tests using these among many others, to measure their physical performance as well.

Their stats were recorded, ranking them on a leaderboard.

If they couldn't match or pass their previous record, they would be expelled from the Academy.

Calling it competitive would be an understatement.

The Academy couldn't afford to spare resources for those deemed 'incompetent.'

Thus, the grueling regimen that the second and third years endured was only natural. First years, however, were spared from this rigorous testing.

It wasn't out of pity or anything; there was no such thing in the hunter world.

In simple terms, their initial year was dedicated to transforming them from green, inexperienced cadets into real threats on the battlefield.

Even those from the 'scholarship' program needed that year to develop, as their previous hunter experience was ineffective against Celestial prowess-a lesson Emir had learned early

on.

But... that didn't apply to this year's batch.

The SS-1 class was different.

Most of the students had arrived at the Academy already more capable than the highest- ranked hunters, and Emir had recognized their potential long before he even set foot in the Academy, almost an entire year prior.

Once their prowess became evident at the outpost, it was clear to all the other professors and Amon himself that some students of this batch were on par with, if not surpassing, the second years.

After all, the 'named' were the only first years to have killed a five-core.

Such a feat was unprecedented, astonishing everyone who heard about it.

However, the surprises were far from over.

The results of these tests would be sure to shock them even more.

As Elijah stepped forward toward the first machine, it responded with a low hum.

He placed his hands in the open sockets on each side of the console and closed his blue eyes. "I'm ready."

Emir, who stood next to him, knocked on the machine and said:

"Begin."

Elijah took a deep breath and began circulating his Aether slowly and carefully.

In the next second, his Aether moved from his right hand into the tubes.

Once inside, his flow was met with resistance, but he pushed through until the Aether reached

his left hand, completing the circulation, the machine acting as a part of him.

Seeing that, Emir telepathically commanded the knob to turn.

"Grade E."

The resistance inside the tubes increased, destabilizing the flow, but Elijah kept it under control, and the circle continued.

His expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of struggle in his eyes.

"Grade D."

The resistance increased again, but Elijah was ready.

He maintained his composure, treating it as if nothing had changed.

The Aether flowed steadily, though he could feel the effort it took to keep it smooth.

"Grade C."

This time, the challenge was evident.

Elijah's face tightened in concentration as he pushed the Aether through the now significantly resistant tubes.

He completed the circle, but it was a noticeable struggle as sweat began to bead on his forehead.

"Grade B."

Elijah braced himself, expecting the increased resistance, but it was much more than he anticipated.

The flow of Aether slowed almost to a halt.

His muscles tensed as he fought to maintain circulation.

His breathing grew heavier, and the effort showed in the strain on his face.

Bit by bit, he pushed through, managing to barely complete one full circulation.

His hands trembled slightly as he maintained the flow, the machine humming louder under the strain.

The struggle was clear; his body visibly fighting against the pressure inside the tubes. freewёbnoνel.com

Emir watched closely, noting Elijah's determination and the effort it took to reach this level.

Finally, he decided to end the test.

"We'll stop there. Your grade is B."

Elijah withdrew his hands from the machine, shaking them to relieve the tension.

"Let's move on to the next."

He let out a long breath at Emir's words and, without comment, stepped to the second

machine.

The students watching didn't say anything either, unsure of how to react.

They kept their silence, anticipation alive in their eyes.

Touching the chamber with his right hand, Elijah closed his eyes and concentrated, awaiting Emir's signal.

"Begin."

It wasn't a long wait.

Almost immediately, Emir gave his permission, and Elijah began channeling his Aether into

the chamber.

The Aether easily passed through the glass material, reaching the crystal floating in the

viscous liquid.

The clear object began to show color, starting as a faint shadow that quickly deepened.

That darkness spread, turning the crystal a deep, ominous black.

Meanwhile, the viscous liquid surrounding it started to react.

Slowly, splatters of unusable Aspects made themselves visible.

It was as if a painter had flicked a random assortment of colors-crimson reds, electric blues,

and stark yellows-onto a white canvas.

Those Aspects danced and clashed, while Elijah kept pushing out his Aether.

And then, after a few moments, a mini console near the bottom of the chamber suddenly

beeped.

Ding!

The test was over and the result was displayed on its screen.

"C Rank."

Elijah opened his eyes and stepped back, not surprised by the result.

Before meeting Emir, his training was inconsistent, and he made little to no effort.

The only reason he was an Ascendant Knight was because of the Well of Eternity.

And he remembered that day vividly.

His parents had brought him and his siblings together out of nowhere, sending them down to

the underbelly.

There, they met a few hunters who led them deep inside the bunker, past the slums and

graveyard, and into the red-light district.

But, of course, they did not venture into those streets.

They knew their parents hadn't sent them down there to gamble or to ogle at girls, even though the oldest brother had taken an interest... indulged a little.

When he was forced back, they were led to a hidden trap door in a ditch, unseen by most.

Descending the stairs, they were met by Arcanists with concealed faces and bodies underneath long black robes.

Behind them stood a Well that eternally changed the lives of those three siblings.