Just_Scarlett

Axton Backwoods has always been an outsider.
In the quiet village of Ashen Grove, where everyone wields powerful Abilities, Axton stands apart—ordinary, powerless, and a constant target for ridicule. Raised by his foster parents, William and Evelyn, he’s resigned himself to a life of mediocrity.
Everything changes when the academy representatives arrive, testing villagers for admission into their prestigious school. Axton, with no visible magic, expects rejection. Yet, to everyone’s shock—including his own—he’s chosen. But why?
At the academy, Axton quickly discovers he doesn’t belong. That is, until a life-threatening event forces him to make a fateful choice: accept a mysterious System that offers him power, missions, and guidance—or face certain death. With the System’s help, Axton begins to unlock abilities unlike anything he’s ever seen.
But power comes at a price. As Axton navigates dangerous trials and uncovers the academy’s secrets, he learns the truth about his hidden heritage and his connection to forces far beyond his imagination. With enemies closing in and a destiny he never asked for, Axton must decide: will he rise to the challenge, or let the weight of his past crush him?

The Elemental system

The sun climbed higher, casting a warm glow over the village square. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the academy representatives prepared for the next trial.

Axton stood among the candidates, his earlier disappointment still weighing heavily on him. The strength trial had been a harsh reminder of his limitations, but Elias's words echoed in his mind: "It's just the first test. There are more chances to show them what you've got."

The silver-haired woman stepped forward again, her voice clear and authoritative. "The next trial will assess your agility. You will navigate an obstacle course designed to test your speed, coordination, and reflexes. Remember, agility is not just about physical speed but also mental quickness and adaptability."

She gestured to a series of obstacles that had been set up: walls to climb, narrow beams to balance on, swinging ropes, and gaps to leap over. The course was daunting, a true test of one's agility.

The villagers whispered among themselves, their eyes darting between the candidates.

"Lila will excel at this," one murmured. "She's as quick as a cat."

"Gavin's strength won't help him here," another replied. "This requires finesse."

Axton overheard snippets of conversations, none of which mentioned him. He was the underdog, the one no one expected to succeed.

The first group of candidates was called forward. Lila moved with grace and precision, her every step calculated. She navigated the course effortlessly, earning nods of approval from the academy representatives. Gavin, despite his muscular build, struggled with the balance beams but powered through with sheer determination.

Elias was in the next group. He approached the course with a mix of excitement and focus. His movements were swift, but a misstep on a swinging rope caused him to falter. He recovered quickly, finishing the course with a respectable time.

Finally, it was Axton's turn. He took a deep breath, stepping up to the starting line. The villagers' whispers seemed louder now, a constant reminder of their doubt.

"Does he even have any abilities?"

"He's just a backwoods boy; he won't make it."

Axton pushed the voices aside, focusing on the course ahead. The signal was given, and he sprang into action.

To everyone's surprise, Axton moved with remarkable agility. He scaled the walls with ease, his lean frame slipping over the top without hesitation. On the balance beams, he displayed uncanny coordination, his steps light and sure.

As he approached the swinging ropes, he paused for the briefest moment, calculating the timing. Then, with a burst of speed, he leaped, grabbing the rope and swinging across the gap smoothly.

The villagers' whispers shifted in tone.

The academy representatives exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable, but their interest was clearly piqued.

Axton completed the course, his chest heaving with exertion. For the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps he did have something to offer, something that set him apart.

Elias greeted him with a wide grin. "I told you, Axton. You've got more in you than you realize."

Axton allowed himself a small smile, the weight of doubt lifting slightly. The agility trial had revealed a side of him that even he hadn't fully recognized.

As the trials continued, the whispers persisted, but now, Axton's name was among them.

Chapter 4: The Agility Trial