Chapter 5

Eden made his way downstairs, his steps steady despite the darkness that now consumed his world. He had long adjusted to the absence of sight, relying on the sharp awareness cultivated through training. The familiar scent of coffee filled the air, blending with the faint hum of the morning news playing in the background. His father sat at the dining table, the faint rustling of papers indicating he was sifting through documents—perhaps still trying to convince himself there was another way.

For months, they had deliberated over Eden's future. His father had presented countless alternatives, ways to strengthen himself without throwing his life into danger. But for Eden, there was never a choice to be made. His path was clear.

His father sighed, the weight of his emotions slipping through just for a moment. "Eden, I know we've talked about this many times. And you know I will always support you. That is why I am willing to take you to the academy. But you have to understand where I am coming from… Your flaw—it is just too much. You should know it. You are weak, weaker than most. The academy is dangerous. You will go through trials where many before you have failed. Those who died weren't blind. They had attributes. I just think you should reconsider."

The words hung heavy in the air. Eden understood his father's fear. He had felt it too, in the beginning, when the darkness first settled in. But fear had no place in his heart anymore. He exhaled slowly, his voice steady, unwavering.

"Father, I know you are worried about me… But this is the only way. Tell me, would you rather I be blind and helpless, always relying on you for the rest of my life? Or would you rather see me use everything and anything at my disposal to become stronger—strong enough that even blindness will not be my downfall? Because for me, that isn't even a question. I will go to the academy, and I will prove to you that my choice is correct."

Silence stretched between them. Then, a quiet chuckle. "Bah. Kid, I always knew you were too much like your mom. Get ready. Let's go."

The car ride to Lorraine Academy was short, the benefits of living in the capital making themselves known. Through the window, Eden could hear the city coming to life—the faint chatter of pedestrians, the rhythmic thrum of passing vehicles, the occasional distant siren. His father remained mostly silent, though every so often, Eden felt his gaze linger.

Despite his father's worries, he couldn't help but feel admiration for the academy. It was a marvel of architecture and technology, standing tall as a symbol of humanity's perseverance. Built during the early days of mana's descent, its purpose had always been clear: to train the Awakened, ensuring the survival of mankind against an ever-growing threat.

Nowadays, nearly all of the most prestigious and influential figures were graduates of one academy or another.

The registration process was simple. Every Awakened was seen as a potential asset, so applications were accepted from all citizens of the Lorraine Empire. Of course, acceptance was another matter entirely. The academy was vast, but not vast enough to hold everyone. The selection process involved an interview and introduction exams. Only those who succeeded would be admitted.

Since Eden had yet to regain his ability to write, he and his father completed the application together.

The Application:

Name: Eden de Sylvain

Age: 16

Average Stats: E+

Awakened Ability Aspect: Utility

Martial Arts: Yes

Mana Attribute: No

If Yes, What Attribute: N/A

Parent/Guardian: Eric Reatherford

Parent/Guardian Age: 42

....

The application was straightforward, asking for identification details, residential information, and parentage. For the "Average Stats" section, applicants were required to calculate their overall stats by averaging their Strength, Agility, and Stamina. Eden had a D in Strength, and E+ in both Agility and Stamina.

The hardest question for Eden to answer was the classification of his Awakened Ability. How did one categorize the ability to see into the future? Was it a heightened sense, making it a physical boost? A mental ability, resonating from the brain? Or was it best classified as a Utility—an ability that did not directly enhance combat strength but instead served as a complement?

After much deliberation, Eden marked it as Utility. While he could only use it sparingly—at least for now—it would be an aid to his survival.

What he didn't realize was that in this world, Utility abilities were often looked down upon. Strength was paramount, and if an ability didn't enhance one's combat prowess, it was considered inferior. Combined with his blindness and lack of a mana attribute, his application was enough to make the examiner do a double take.

'Is this kid serious?' The examiner scrutinized the document, frowning. He looked up, taking in Eden's unremarkable frame. His uniform fit well, and his posture was straight, but there was no air of strength about him. And then he noticed the boy's eyes—dull, lifeless. Blind.

He hesitated before speaking. "Hey, kid, I don't mean to be rude, and I know we accept all applications, but are you sure you want to go through with this? If I'm being honest, just based on your application, it doesn't look like you have very good chances of making it. In fact, very few people have applications this bad. I think it would be a good idea to reconsider."

Eden's father began to speak, his protective instincts flaring, but Eden was faster.

His response was swift, cold, and unwavering. "Thank you for your concern, but I have considered this decision many times. The academy is the correct choice for me. And I also know you have no right to refuse me, so can we please proceed?"

Raella Saint Perspective

The woman sitting nearby glanced up from her clipboard, observing the scene. Never before had an applicant been openly advised to reconsider. Her interest piqued, she studied the boy. He was young—perhaps no older than sixteen—with short black hair and a rare shade of violet in his eyes. But there was something off.

Then she saw it. His eyes lacked focus, devoid of the natural light of sight. He was blind.

A truly devastating condition in this world.

And yet… the way he spoke. His voice lacked hesitation, carrying a firm certainty rarely seen in students his age. There was no fear, no doubt—only conviction.

She made a mental note. She would keep tabs on this one. Many who entered the academy had talent, but very few had an unshakable will. She looked forward to seeing how this boy fared in the trials to come.