Chapter: The Dragon Academy Exam

**Chapter: The Dragon Academy Exam**

The grand halls of Dragon Academy buzzed with anticipation as students from all walks of life gathered for the most important day of their young lives—the entrance examination. Max and his siblings, having grown up in the slums, felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as they stood among the crowd, ready to face the challenges ahead.

The academy, with its towering spires and intricate architecture, seemed like a world away from the dust and grime of their childhood. It was a place where power ruled, where strength and intelligence determined one's fate. Max, despite his outward confidence, couldn't shake the nagging doubt that had settled in his mind since his awakening. But he had promised himself to protect his siblings, and today was the first step in that journey.

As the students were led into the exam hall, they were divided into groups based on various tests—written exams, power assessments, IQ evaluations, and more. Each test would determine their place in the academy, and ultimately, their future.

Max stared at the exam paper, his brow furrowed in concentration. The questions seemed to mock him, each one more difficult than the last.

"Why are there so many questions about ancient history?" Max muttered under his breath. "Who even cares about the War of the Seven Flames?"

Beside him, Finn whispered, "I think the answer is Emperor Blazefury… or was it King Ashstorm?"

"Does it matter?" Max grumbled. "We're probably going to end up as janitors if we don't pass this."

Finn chuckled softly. "Speak for yourself, big brother. I've got this in the bag."

Max shot him a playful glare. "Yeah, yeah, smarty pants. Just wait until the strength test."

After the written exam, the students were led to a large arena for the power level assessment. The atmosphere was electric as each student showcased their abilities, hoping to impress the panel of elders who watched with keen eyes.

Finn was up first. He stepped into the center of the arena, a calm smile on his face.

"Go, Finn! Show them what you've got!" Max cheered from the sidelines, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach.

Finn closed his eyes, focusing on his newfound power. Slowly, he raised his hand, and the air around him began to ripple. With a flick of his wrist, he manipulated the blood within his own veins, shaping it into a swirling vortex of energy. The examiners gasped as Finn effortlessly controlled the blood, demonstrating a level of mastery that was rare for someone so young.

When he finished, the elders nodded in approval, and Finn returned to his siblings with a satisfied grin.

"That was amazing!" Max exclaimed, giving Finn a high-five. "You're going to be top of the class for sure!"

"I'm not done yet," Finn replied with a wink. "You better not hold back, Max."

Next, their sister, Lila, took the stage. She gently touched a withered plant, and within seconds, it sprang back to life, vibrant and full of energy. The elders were once again impressed, and Lila's gentle smile widened as she received their praise.

Max's turn finally came. He stepped into the arena, feeling all eyes on him. The examiners looked on with interest as he readied himself, focusing on the strength that was his only asset.

"Alright, Max," he whispered to himself, "don't mess this up."

Taking a deep breath, Max unleashed his power. He slammed his fist into the ground, and the arena shook with the force of his punch. The earth cracked, and a shockwave rippled through the air, sending dust and debris flying.

The room fell silent. For a moment, Max thought he had gone too far, but then he heard someone mutter, "Well, that was unexpected."

One of the examiners, an elderly man with a long white beard, squinted at Max. "Interesting… brute strength, but lacking control. Reminds me of my nephew. Useless boy broke all the plates in the house."

Max scratched the back of his head, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Uh, sorry about the mess."

The examiner waved him off. "Don't worry about it. Just don't punch any walls in the dormitory."

The day ended with the announcement of the class placements. The names of the top students echoed through the halls, and cheers erupted as those selected for Class A were called. Max listened quietly as his siblings' names were announced, their smiles brightening the room.

"Finn Sunshadow, Lila Sunshadow—Class A," the examiner called out, and Max couldn't help but smile proudly at his siblings.

When his name was finally called, it was for Class D.

"Max Sunshadow—Class D," the examiner announced, almost as an afterthought.

Max's heart sank, but he forced a smile as his siblings ran up to him.

"Class D?" Finn asked, a hint of confusion in his voice. "But you were amazing in the strength test!"

Lila nodded. "Yeah, you nearly shook the entire building!"

Max shrugged, trying to play it off. "Well, I guess they need someone strong to hold up the bottom."

Finn snorted. "You're so weird, Max."

"But in a good way," Lila added with a grin.

As they walked toward their new classes, Max felt a mixture of pride and determination. He had barely passed, but he was in the academy, and that was all that mattered. He would prove himself, no matter how broken his system seemed. He would find a way to turn his curses into strength, to rise above his limitations.

Class D was everything Max expected—filled with students who either didn't care or were too weak to make it into the higher classes. The room was noisy, with kids chatting, throwing paper balls, and generally not paying attention.

Max took a seat at the back, trying to ignore the chaos around him. He was deep in thought when a loud voice interrupted his musings.

"Hey, new guy! You're sitting in my spot!"

Max looked up to see a large, burly boy glaring at him. The boy looked like he could bench-press a mountain, but Max wasn't in the mood for a confrontation.

"Sorry," Max said, standing up. "Didn't know it was yours."

The boy's expression softened a bit. "Uh, thanks. Name's Gorrick, by the way."

"Max," he replied, offering a hand. Gorrick looked at it for a moment before shaking it.

"You're alright, Max. Just don't let anyone push you around in here, alright? Class D's got a bad rep, but we stick together."

Max nodded, appreciating the advice. "Got it. Thanks, Gorrick."

As the day went on, Max began to settle into his new class. The students were rough around the edges, but there was a certain camaraderie among them. They all had something to prove, just like Max.

And as he looked around the room, he realized that this might not be so bad after all. He wasn't alone in this struggle. They were all in it together, and maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to make his broken system work.

The road ahead was long and uncertain, but Max was ready to face it. For his siblings, for himself, and for the chance at a better life.