Broken crystal?

Regaining his composure, the assistant continued calling the names of noble students.

Though a few A-rank and B-rank individuals appeared, the majority were in the lower tiers.

"Number Thirty-Four," the assistant announced.

From the crowd, a green-haired boy stepped forward, his face lit up with an exuberant grin—one of those overly enthusiastic types you see in every anime. The kind that always seemed a little too excited.

"Haha! My turn!" he shouted, dashing towards the podium without a care.

His carefree approach drew laughter from the noble students.

"Hahaha! Is he even a noble? Why is he running like that?"

"Right? Even if he walked, he'd get there just the same."

"Ah, what a disgrace to us nobles."

Before their laughter could continue, an overwhelming magical pressure descended upon them. Their bodies stiffened as they instinctively turned around—only to find 'him' standing behind them.

A chilling silence followed.

The green-haired boy also sensed it. He glanced back and, unlike the others, simply flashed a wide, carefree smile, showing off all 32 of his teeth. Then, as if nothing had happened, he continued toward the podium, placing his hands on the testing crystals.

Both crystals lit up instantly.

The room fell into another stunned silence.

Another S-rank.

"What the hell? Why are there so many S-ranks this time?!"

"Yeah, seriously, this is insane!"

"Sigh… just accept it and move on."

The assistant cleared his throat and formally announced:

"Oliver Stanley."

"Wind Attribute."

"S-rank Mana Affinity."

Oliver turned around, beaming with pride. "Hahaha! Did you guys see that? I've got S-rank affinity too!"

His gaze locked onto 'him'—only to realize he was being completely ignored, as 'he' was casually chatting with a girl.

Oliver's eye twitched.

"Hey! Don't ignore me!" he shouted, attempting to rush toward 'him'.

However, the assistant quickly intervened. "Please move to your designated spot, student."

Oliver skidded to a stop, narrowing his eyes at the assistant. The man, realizing his mistake, tensed up and corrected himself with a forced smile.

"Please, Young Master."

Oliver smirked. "Hmph, fine."

He strolled toward the designated area and plopped down beside Sirius, his demeanor as relaxed as ever. There was no fear—after all, they were childhood friends.

"Yo, why so serious, huh, Sirius?" Oliver grinned.

Sirius shot him an unimpressed look. "Again with that line? Can't you come up with something new? And do you always have to be this loud?"

Oliver leaned back, unfazed. "Again… why so serious, Sirius?"

Sirius raised a brow and asked, "Where's my sister?"

Oliver lazily shook his head. "You already know, don't you?" He smirked. "Where there is light, there is always a shadow behind."

Sirius sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Hah… those two."

"Yeah… those two," Oliver chuckled.

Both turned their gaze behind them, where 'he' and 'she' stood.

The assistant continued calling out names.

After a while…

"Number Forty-Nine."

From the back of the crowd, a strikingly beautiful girl with long black hair and piercing red eyes stepped forward. Her uniform was identical to that of Demetria and Miraya, yet on her, it exuded an aura of cold elegance.

She walked with an air of untouchable grace, her presence akin to a reigning queen. If this were an urban setting, she would undoubtedly be labeled as a high-cold beauty CEO.

Without hesitation, she reached the podium and placed her hands on the testing crystals.

The room was instantly engulfed in an eerie darkness—not the same as Sirius's darkness. This was something deeper. Something more ominous. Within the abyss, tiny, ghostly gray embers flickered.

A shiver ran through the students. Even the assistant and instructor stiffened in shock.

Another S-rank.

And yet… what was this attribute?

"It looks like a dark attribute, but it feels… different?"

"Another S-rank… sigh."

A few students, despite the overwhelming talent displayed, refused to be discouraged.

"Brother, don't lose hope."

"Yeah, talent is just one part of the equation."

"So what if they're talented? I'll work hard and surpass them all."

That last statement drew immediate reactions.

One noble scoffed, shaking his head. "Idiot."

"As nobles, arrogance is expected, but this is just delusion."

"Some people really don't know their place."

"Pity."

The boy who had spoken gritted his teeth. "Hey! Are you mocking me?!"

"Yeah." A smug noble smirked. "What are you gonna do about it?"

"You—!" Enraged, the boy grabbed the other by the collar.

"Enough."

The instructor's single word silenced the room.

At his command, all students immediately retreated to their places, their bodies tense.

The assistant quickly resumed the test.

"Shyamal Ashblake."

"Dark Attribute: Variant."

"S-rank Mana Affinity."

A variant…

Many students exchanged glances. A rare and mysterious power.

Yet Shyamal herself remained unfazed.

Seeing that she made no move toward her designated spot, the assistant politely asked, "Miss Shyamal, please move to your designated place."

She turned her crimson gaze on him and replied coldly, "Call the next number."

The assistant hesitated but did not question her. He knew better.

"Number Fifty."

A boy with white hair and calm blue eyes walked forward. His every step was measured, his aura serene, like a tranquil ocean.

As he approached, Shyamal suddenly smiled sweetly at him.

He didn't even bother returning the smile and then placed his hand on the crystal.

Only one crystal shined.

The room fell into stunned silence.

The other crystal remained dark.

"Huh?"

"What the…"

"Why isn't the crystal shining?"

"Is it broken?"

"I think so. There's no way it wouldn't shine when 'he' is touching it."

The assistant himself was confused. "Assistant Professor, you might need to replace the crystal."

Frowning, the assistant stepped forward and tested it himself. The crystal responded immediately, displaying a water affinity.

Perfectly functional.

His expression stiffened. "Could you… try touching it again?"

The boy nodded and placed his hand on the crystal once more.

Again, no reaction.

The assistant's breath hitched.

The students gawked in shock.

Even Oliver, Sirius, Miraya, and Demetria were wide-eyed.

But there were two people who showed no surprise.

First—'himself.'

And second—Shyamal, who stood behind him, smiling mischievously.