Recruitment

The ceremony concluded, and the Mayor of Jexi took to the stage once more, his voice booming over the crowd as he announced, "Congratulations to all who have awakened their powers today! You are the future of this world." A hushed silence fell over the gathered people, each person wondering what would happen next.

"We will be recruiting the best and brightest to attend our prestigious Demigod Academy," Mayor Gatsby continued. "Agapeto Academy, ranked 9th on the national charts, is proud to take in students who demonstrate the potential to rise above the rest. Those of you who have awakened will receive further instructions. Remember, it is not just your power that matters—it is your ability to wield it."

Kalem leaned back against the pillar in the waiting area, his mind racing. Agapeto Academy—he had heard of it before. It was one of the best schools in the country. Not because of the magic or skills it cultivated, but because of the connections, the money, the influence it granted. That was the real power, Kalem knew. 

His thoughts flickered to some of the students he had seen over the years—rich kids, prancing around in their expensive clothes, who didn't have a single ounce of street smarts. He had spotted a few in the backrooms of gang dens, exchanging deals, making connections to ensure their place in the future. The streets of Jexi were full of those who wore their wealth like a badge, and Kalem could see the pattern.

But, no matter the politics or corruption, Kalem knew that Agapeto Academy would offer him a path. It might not be the easiest one, but it was a direction. And in a world like this, that was all he needed—something to guide him forward.

His thoughts shifted back to the other participants. The twins—Justin and Hailey Bieber—had barely made an impression, their awakening lackluster at best. Kalem couldn't help but smirk. They had no idea how lucky they were just to have been born with bloodlines that gave them an advantage.

Then there was Kimiko, who had awakened with a dark wind that seemed to sweep through the room. Kalem didn't understand it fully, but he knew one thing: she was someone to watch.

And Ignacia... she had ignited in flames, walking off with an air of superiority. Kalem couldn't help but feel a mix of respect and disdain. She was powerful, but she already knew it. That was a dangerous combination.

Kalem's excitement grew, but so did the realization that with power came enemies. This world was full of them, and he was only just beginning to understand the intricacies of the game. But one thing was clear—he wasn't going to be the one to back down.

He smiled to himself, rubbing his hand over the dagger Shushu had gifted him, the weight of his new abilities sinking in.

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Kalem walked out of the tower with a new sense of purpose, the excitement of being one step closer to Agapeto Academy filling his chest. However, as he stepped into the bustling streets of Jexi City, his excitement slowly began to drain. His thoughts returned to the Dregs, and the weight of their presence loomed large in his mind. 

The reality of the situation hit him like a punch to the gut. The Dregs were still out there, waiting for him, and he wasn't strong enough to face them yet. He had avoided them for now, but that didn't mean they had forgotten him. 

Blending into the crowd, Kalem kept his head down, moving quickly and quietly, hoping to avoid any attention. His pulse quickened as he approached the alley that led to his hideout. Just a little further, and he would be home free. He couldn't afford to make any noise or draw any eyes—especially the wrong ones.

As he slipped into the shadows, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his situation. But for now, he was alive. And that was something.

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Kalem moved swiftly through the crowded streets, his heart pounding as he made his way deeper into the city. His excitement from the ceremony had begun to fade, replaced by a sense of dread. He'd been given a reprieve from the Dregs at the ceremony, but they were still out there, waiting for him, and Kalem wasn't strong enough to face them just yet. 

As he slipped down an alleyway, his heart sank. He'd thought he'd gotten away unnoticed, but something felt off. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. A shadow moved behind him, just a little too quickly. His instincts screamed at him to turn around, but he kept his pace steady, trying to act casual.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Kalem, Sid had already spotted him. The hulking figure of Sid had been watching from a distance, his eyes narrowing as he saw Kalem slipping into the crowd. Sid smirked, turning to signal to the others, his voice low but urgent.

"He's making a break for it. Get ready. We're going after him."

Within moments, others in the Dregs were alerted. They knew what this meant. Kalem was a marked man, and they weren't about to let him slip away without consequences. Sid's group quickly fell into position, moving with practiced precision through the city.

Kalem rounded a corner and began making his way toward the hideout, hoping that once inside, he would be able to breathe easy. He thought he was safe, but Sid was already on his tail.

"Don't let him get away," Sid hissed to the others. "Prepare the ambush."

Kalem's heart beat harder. He could feel it now—the cold weight of danger creeping up his spine. He wasn't sure how many were after him or how they'd managed to follow him, but his gut told him this wasn't a game. He had to escape... and fast.