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 trials were finally over, but the air in the village square remained thick with tension. The candidates had gathered in clusters, their conversations a mix of nervous speculation and hushed excitement. Axton stood near Elias, leaning against a tree as he watched the academy representatives huddle together at the edge of the square, their expressions grave.

"They're taking their sweet time," Elias muttered, running a hand through his messy brown hair. "What do you think they're saying?"

Axton shook his head. "Probably deciding who's worth taking and who's not."

Elias gave him a sidelong glance. "You're worth it, Axton. You proved that back there, whether they pick you or not."

Axton didn't reply. His mind was still replaying the elemental power trial, the moment he'd tried to summon something—anything—and been met with emptiness. Yet, in the illusion trial, something strange had happened. The flicker of a voice, a presence that didn't feel like it was part of the test.

He shoved the thought aside. It was probably nothing.

The murmurs in the square quieted as the silver-haired woman stepped forward, her commanding presence instantly silencing the crowd. Behind her, the other academy representatives carried a scroll.

"The trials have concluded," she announced. "Our decision has been made."

The candidates shifted nervously, some standing taller, others visibly shrinking under the weight of the moment.

"Those selected will accompany us to the academy, where they will train to hone their abilities and represent their regions with pride." She unrolled the scroll, the parchment gleaming faintly in the sunlight. "When I call your name, step forward."

The first name was Gavin Stormholt. Of course. The muscular boy strode forward, his smirk firmly in place.

The wiry girl who had excelled in agility bounded forward, her confidence clear in every step.

Elias let out a low whistle. "Well, here we go." He clapped Axton on the shoulder before jogging to the front.

The list went on, name after name. Axton's heart sank lower with each one, his doubts growing louder. Maybe he hadn't done enough. Maybe the representatives hadn't noticed him at all.

"And finally…" The silver-haired woman paused, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. "Axton Backwoods."

For a moment, Axton thought he'd misheard. But the murmurs from the crowd confirmed it.

Elias gave a loud cheer, but Axton barely registered it as he walked forward, his legs feeling like lead. The woman's gaze lingered on him as he approached, her expression unreadable.

"You were…unexpected," she said quietly, just loud enough for him to hear. "Don't waste this opportunity."

Axton nodded, though he wasn't sure what to say. Unexpected? What did she mean by that?

As the chosen candidates gathered, the silver-haired woman addressed them again. "Pack your belongings. We leave at first light. The path to the academy is not an easy one, and your journey is only beginning."

Axton glanced at Elias, who gave him a thumbs-up, his grin wide and infectious. For the first time in a long while, Axton felt a spark of something unfamiliar—hope.

But as the crowd began to disperse, he caught sight of the silver-haired woman speaking in hushed tones with the other representatives. Her gaze flickered to him briefly, her expression unreadable, before she turned away.

Axton couldn't shake the feeling that his selection was about more than what he'd shown in the trials.

Chapter 7: The Wait and the Whisper