Chapter 27: The Final Countdown

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Two weeks remained before the entrance exam for the National Academy, a crucial milestone for Dabi and his siblings. The atmosphere in their home buzzed with anticipation and nervous energy as Dabi prepared for the test that could determine his future. After the awakening ceremony, he had dedicated himself to mastering his skills, knowing that the entrance exam would be a chance to prove himself alongside others his age.

As he reflected on how far he had come, Dabi felt a swell of pride. From being a weak child with little hope to now standing on the brink of joining the ranks of elite students, he had transformed. But he couldn't afford to let complacency settle in. The academy was known for its rigorous standards, and he wanted to ensure he was ready to meet those challenges head-on.

Each day, Dabi pushed himself harder in training. He developed a strict routine that balanced intense physical workouts with mental exercises. He would wake up early, before dawn, to train his body. He ran through the Darkwood Forest, weaving through the trees to increase his agility and endurance. Dabi also incorporated combat drills with Fen and Whity, practicing various attack combinations and evasive maneuvers.

"C'mon, Fen! Try to keep up!" he encouraged as he sprinted ahead, glancing back at his baby Fenrir, who was still learning the ropes of being a spirit pet. Whity, the white tiger, was close behind, his agility matching Dabi's. The trio trained tirelessly, and Dabi found their companionship both motivating and uplifting.

As the days turned into nights, Dabi would retreat to his room after training, using the quiet time to study various combat strategies and elemental techniques. He recalled the advice his parents had given him about honing his mind as much as his body. Dabi practiced his Elemental Mastery skills, experimenting with new combinations, and focusing on mastering the basics of each element. He had learned to summon simple fire and water attacks, but he also wanted to integrate the skills he had obtained from the mana and elemental stones.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and bathed the forest in a golden hue, Dabi felt a familiar surge of energy course through him. He concentrated on his movements, allowing the flow of mana to guide him. Suddenly, the system notification chimed in his mind.

Level Up! Dabi had reached level 27!

Excited by the news, he paused to assess his stats and unallocated points, feeling a rush of adrenaline.

Current Stats:

Strength: 33

Agility: 36 (+10 from the ring)

Endurance: 34

Intelligence: 53

Mana: 105

Memory: 45

Unallocated Points: 22

"Another level gained! Just a few more to go before the exam," Dabi murmured to himself, feeling both accomplished and eager. He knew that each point he could allocate would help him stand out in the entrance exam.

He sat cross-legged in the grass, his pets resting nearby. "What do you think, Fen? Do you think I'm ready for this?" he asked, glancing at the Fenrir, who tilted his head in response. Whity, stretching out beside him, let out a soft growl as if to encourage him. The bond he had with his spirit pets gave him confidence. They had trained and fought together, and he knew they would support him through any challenge.

After a moment of quiet reflection, Dabi decided to head home. He wanted to spend time with Eli and Mira, preparing them for the potential of a brighter future together. As he approached their house, he felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. It had been a long journey since their parents had passed, but his siblings had become his anchor. They were what motivated him to push beyond his limits every day.

"Dabi! You're back!" Mira exclaimed, running up to him. "How was training today?"

"It was intense! I just leveled up to 27," Dabi replied, ruffling her hair. "How about you two? Ready for the exam?"

"Of course! I've been practicing my skills!" Eli chimed in, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I can now use my Healing Light skill to help people feel better!"

Mira added, "And I can summon a small gust of wind! I'm getting better at controlling it."

"Those are great skills, you two!" Dabi encouraged, beaming with pride. "I can't wait to see how far you'll go."

As they sat around the dinner table, Dabi shared his experiences from training, and his siblings listened with wide eyes. They hung onto his every word, inspired by his dedication. After dinner, they spent the evening playing games and enjoying each other's company, the laughter echoing throughout their home. Dabi couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment of normalcy amid the chaos of preparation.

Later that night, as Dabi lay in bed, he reflected on the journey ahead. He could sense the challenges that awaited him, but with his siblings by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came next. The entrance exam wasn't just a test of his skills; it was a chance to create a better future for them all.

With determination fueling his spirit, Dabi drifted off to sleep, re

ady to embrace the challenges of the coming days.

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