Students stood in neat rows, organized by grade, filling the vast hall with a quiet buzz of anticipation.
From year two to year five, everyone had gathered for the annual opening ceremony that marked the beginning of a new semester.
Each grade was distinguished by a different color—blue for year twos, red for year threes, black for year fours, and grey for year fives—forming a vibrant spectrum across the room.
Students sat along long tables, surrounded by platters of food and drinks. The hall buzzed with laughter and chatter, the atmosphere lively and carefree—especially with the professors and principal yet to arrive.
Wearing a flowing black coat, Mark ran a hand through his blue hair as he scanned the crowd. The seating had been arranged at random, and he was clearly looking for someone.
Parkson, seated beside Mark, rolled his eyes.
Typical.
The first thing Kyle's loyal sidekick did upon arriving was scan the hall for him.
Unfortunately for Mark, they were among the first to arrive—only about twenty grade-four students had shown up so far.
Grade four had a total of 120 students, divided into three classes: Class S with 30 students, Class A with 50, and Class B with 39.
The numbers didn't quite add up because Kyle hadn't been assigned to any class—he'd yet to awaken his power last semester.
Just then, Mark's eyes lit up. A familiar figure had stepped into the hall.
"Kyle!"
Kyle stepped into the hall, his long purple coat swaying with each stride. Silver hair catching the light and long legs carrying him effortlessly, he paused when he heard his name.
Looking up, he spotted someone waving frantically—clearly trying to catch his attention.
A small smile tugged at Kyle's lips. Typical Mark. He always looked cold on the outside, but deep down, he was bright and full of energy.
Kyle made his way over and took the empty seat beside him.
"Why are you late? That's not like the top student—to show up late on the first day," Kyle said, rolling his eyes.
Mark laughed. "The ceremony hasn't started yet, so technically, I'm not late."
"How're you doing?" Mark asked, even though Kyle looked fine. He just wanted to hear it from him directly.
"Doing good. You'll see soon," Kyle replied with a faint smile.
Mark chuckled softly. There he is. The defeated version of Kyle he remembered from last semester was gone. His spirit was back.
"Hey, hey—don't forget I exist!" Parkson cut in, leaning forward to make himself part of the conversation.
Kyle glanced at the yellow, sword-shaped rune on Parkson's forearm. He studied it in silence, trying to guess the element. A knight type… but which one?
Just then, a line of professors entered the hall and stepped onto the stage. As the last professor took their seat, the rest followed in unison.
A figure walked up to the podium—someone Kyle instantly recognized.
Professor Miki. His homeroom teacher from last semester.
"Welcome back, students," Professor Miki began, his voice echoing across the wide hall.
"We will begin our academy session as usual. Most of you were assigned to your classes last semester, and you've already been informed of the professors in charge."
He paused, his tone shifting slightly. "This semester will be a challenging one—especially for Grades 4 and 5.
Your respective professors will share more details with you later.
As for Grade 6, they are not present today, as their graduation missions began two months ago. We wish them the best.
The missions are dangerous, no matter the path chosen. But all of you will face them eventually.
And those who graduate from this academy… will be the best of the best."
A powerful wave of applause and cheers rippled through the hall.
Kyle felt it too—that same spark, that same excitement. He knew all about the graduation missions.
They were more than just a rite of passage—they were the very step that turned students into heroes.
But right now, his thoughts lingered on the upcoming news for his grade.
After Professor Miki finished, Principal Agares took the stage and delivered the official welcoming speech.
Kyle's attention drifted. Something about Miki's earlier words stuck with him—like a warning wrapped in optimism.
The ceremony didn't last long, wrapping up after roughly three hours. Students were then instructed to follow their assigned grades and classes to their respective rooms.
Except Kyle.
He remained behind—his class assignment still undecided. Since he hadn't awakened his power last semester, he was required to take an evaluation test first.
As the professors stepped down from the stage, Kyle made his way toward Professor Miki. He gave a respectful bow as he reached him.
"Professor… what class am I in?"
Without a word, Professor Miki gestured for him to follow. They walked along the side of the hall, stopping in front of the Awakening Room.
A strange sense of deja vu washed over Kyle. Of course—this room was the only one equipped with the academy's most advanced measurement device.
Inside, several staff members worked busily in front of machines, typing and checking documents Kyle didn't quite understand.
He followed Professor Miki to a crystal-like orb set into a sleek machine.
"This device will display your awakening results—your power, level, and stats," Miki explained, motioning to the orb.
"Go ahead, Kyle. Inject your mana and guide your power into it."
Kyle nodded. He placed his hand on the orb and let his mana flow. At the same time, he visualized channeling his energy inward.
The orb lit up—first red, then blue.
A monitor flickered to life behind the machine. A data window appeared:
Name: Kyle Synth
Label: Null
Stats:
Strength: 1000
Mental: 1500
Mana: 3000
Intelligence: 1000
Professor Miki leaned in, eyes narrowing slightly.
"The stat increase confirms your awakening," He murmured. "Most students see their stats increase by five times. Yours… increased by ten."
He scrolled down.
And paused.
His expression shifted from focused to subtly stunned.
Dual element…
It was extremely rare. Most people awakened with a single element. A dual awakening—especially without severe physical consequences—was nearly unheard of.
In nearly all known cases, the body couldn't withstand the internal conflict between two powers. Most who awakened dual elements didn't survive it.
But Kyle was standing right here.
Flame and Ice—two elements that naturally opposed one another. The fact that Kyle was not only alive but stable was incredible.
"Flame and Ice," Miki said under his breath. "A rare combination… and both high-tier combat elements. You're incredibly lucky, Kyle."
He straightened and turned to him with a proud smile.
"This is excellent. Based on your data, you're officially assigned to Class S. Congratulations on your awakening."
Despite the late timing of his awakening, Kyle had far exceeded expectations. His potential was undeniable.
Kyle felt a surge of relief and quiet joy. Class S—the top class of Grade 4. Mark was in that class too.
Even though Kyle didn't often feel lonely, something about having Mark around now brought comfort.
Through everything, Mark had stood by him—never looking down on him, never walking away.
With new resolve, Kyle stepped out of the Awakening Room and made his way toward Class S.