Chapter 9: Stellar Admission Part 1

After the aftermath of the shopping mall attack, as soon as Lucien got home, his mother was already waiting at the door and as soon as she saw him, rushed into his arms holding him tightly as tears ran down her face. 

He soon got to learn that this was a large scale attack happening all over the human domain, though it was never mentioned he knew that the other races faced similar attacks. The cult of fractured veils had revealed themselves to the world, and the story's plot had also began.

For the next few months until the new year he was basically under house arrest as his parents wouldn't let him out of the house unless he was with one of them. His sister was fine since she was still in school and when she came home for the holidays she also couldn't leave the house.

During his time at home he was able to hone his techniques after experiencing real combat, growing stronger as a result. Even challenging his father pushing his skills even farther.

When the new year finally rolled in his parents finally let go of their restrictions and he was finally able to roam free though he couldn't go far from their house.

Soon it was almost time for the new year admissions. Lucien sighed as he stood in front of his full body mirror. The face that stared back at him was what most would consider handsome.

His black hair, smooth and neatly arranged, glints subtly under the soft light, framing his serious expression perfectly. His deep red eyes meet their own gaze in the mirror, unwavering and filled with intensity, as if contemplating a purpose known only to him.

The lean lines of his youthful frame are emphasized by his posture—shoulders squared, back straight, and arms resting naturally at his sides. He exudes a calm authority that feels rare for his age, his reflection amplifying the quiet strength in his presence. The light casts faint shadows, adding depth to his features, accentuating his defined cheekbones and the slight furrow of his brow.

"Damn even as a kid I could be a celebrity in my past life with a face like this." He thought as he touched his face 

Suddenly he heard a knock from his bedroom door as his mother, Reyna, came in

"Are you ready to go sweetheart?" She asked 

"Yeah I'm done."

"Nervous?"

"No, mostly excited." He answered as he picked up a box lying at his feet

Reyna let out a low hum as she came up and kissed his forehead.

"That's for good luck," She said. "Let's go your father's waiting."

He nodded as he followed her outside to the parked car. He entered inside and Mathew started it up and began to drive to the academy where Lucien would begin his tumultuous journey. Stellar Vanguard Academy. 

The Academy is hailed as the best academy to train upcoming awakeners to fight aganist monsters and bring out new innovations to push humanity foward.

It's also the place where a large chunk of the novel is played out to support the main characters's growth and development. Here Lucien hopes to use the various resources and his knowledge of the plot to fuel his growth.

"Lucien." Mathew called, pulling him out of his reverie." I want you to know that whatever happens it will not be the end of the world, even if you don't make it in there are still other academies out there to choose from."

"Don't worry father I don't plan on failing." Lucien assured him.

"That's good I hope you can try your best since there is an absurd number of people with advanced blessings and 6 Heralds including Eryssias' Herald." Mathew stated

Lucien nodded as he knew the large amount of heaven blessed individuals is far larger than there has ever been in the history of the continent, including Eryysias chosen Herald who had never appeared in the public eye since his awakening. These people along with those of the other races will form the vanguard of the army to face off aganist Zorathix and his army at the later stages of the novel.

Lucien had a plan in mind since there were a lot of people with advanced blessings and Heralds he wasn't worried about getting the top positions what he wanted was to be in the top 200, this way he wouldn't bring much attention to himself but wouldn't miss out on the resources the school would provide ti further better himself.

"When you enter the academy your sister will take care of you so listen to whatever she says." Reyna added

Seraphina had entered Stellar Vanguard academy years ahead of him and was currently starting her fifth year. Lucien didn't mind as Seraphina can help him occassionaly and even be able to attain higher grade resources from her.

Soon Lucien and his family pulled up to a jam packed road with all vechiles heading to the Academy. Lucien clenched his fists as he knew this was his make it or break it moment, all his training came down to this and he wouldn't let anything stand in his way.

After a few minutes they slowly pulled up to the academy.

The colossal gates of Stellar Vanguard Academy loomed before Lucien Anderson, their metallic surface etched with glowing, geometric patterns. The academy's emblem—a blazing star encased in a shield—shimmered in the evening light. This was the pinnacle of hunter academies, the place where legends were forged. At thirteen, Lucien was determined to prove himself worthy of admission, even if it meant enduring grueling trials.

"Remember," his father, Mathew, said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder, "this academy doesn't just test your skills. They test your will, your character. Show them who you are."

Lucien nodded, gripping the sleek shaft of his spear strapped to his back. His mother gave him a reassuring smile, with a final sigh, he stepped forward, joining the stream of applicants entering the testing grounds.

"New applicants this way! This way come on!"

A student was waving next to a large table with glass balls on top and teachers on the other side holding clipboards. Lucien joined one of the line that were forming.

Soon it was his turn.

"Name?"

"Lucien Anderson."

"Age?"

"14"

"Weapon of choice?"

"Spear."

"Alright place your hands on the ball and channel your mana into it.

Lucien placed his hands on it and the ball begun to glow with a dark green color.

"Middle stage of E rank." The teacher said, jotting it down.

"Okay Lucien enter the door on your left and you'll be directed into one of the halls."

"Thank you."

Lucien followed his instructions and disappeared into the hallway.

*Teacher's POV*

"Anderson huh? Looks just like his old man." I thought, watchinh the boy enter the hallway.

"Let's hope you've got your father's talent kid." I looked on for a few more seconds before facing the new applicant.

"Name?"

*Narrator POV*

Lucien soon entered the hall where he was directed to The Nexus Hall, this is where most major events in the novel takes place and it is also where we get to see the main characters for the first time.

As Lucien was looking around he felt a tap on his right shoulder, he turned to look but there was no one behind him, he felt it again on his left shoulder but again there was no one behind him. Then a pair of hands covered his eyes and a faint whisper was heard in his ear.

"Geuss who?"

Lucien hearing the voice showed a small smile

"I don't know, who is it?"

"Really Lucien you're gonna have to try harder than that."

"Ah! I think it might be that little glutton,"

"It was one time Lucien!"

The girl removed her hands and spun him around to face her. Amara was staring at Lucien with anger in her eyes as he tried to not laugh.

"So cute." He thought

"Okay, okay, it was just the one time." Lucien said trying to pacify her.

"Mph! You never let it go do you." She humphed indignantly 

"What can I say your cute when your teased."

Amara looked at him before turning away, still mad. Lucien chuckled a little as he looked at her . At 14 years old Amara begun to blossom into a fine young woman.

Her hair is pure white, silky, and flows down to her shoulders or slightly beyond, giving her a serene and ethereal appearance. It might have a slight shimmer, catching the light softly. Her eyes are a vibrant, piercing blue, resembling clear skies or a crystalline lake. Fair and smooth skin, complementing her white hair and making her blue eyes stand out even more dramatically. Slender and petite, typical of her age, with a youthful, graceful posture.

 A bow was hanging of her left shoulder and a quiver of arrows hanging on her waist. As one of the main characters of the novel she had a certain feeling around her that captivated everyone around her, and one can see it with the way all the boys were looking at her in a daze.

"Anyway are you ready for the tests?" She asked, putting her anger aside.

"As ready as I'll ever be." He answered.

Soon the lights turned off and a spotlight shined down on a stage in the middle of the hall. The tests were soon going to begin.