The day was cold as Muzan stood before the towering gates of the Ability Cultivators Institution.
Black iron gates etched with mana runes pulsed faintly, casting a shifting blue glow over the hundreds of students gathered, all dressed in crisp uniforms, each carrying dreams of glory, power, and ascension.
Muzan's black coat fluttered in the cold breeze, the Onyx Edge katana strapped across his back, twin crimson daggers hidden beneath the folds of his coat, resonating with his steady heartbeat.
His silver eyes swept across the crowd.
They were nervous, excited, buzzing with chatter about rankings, elements, and which monarch would scout them.
Muzan was silent.
---
> [Mission: Enter the ACI]
[Objective: Pass the Entrance Examination]
[Reward: Sovereign Points +2000, Sovereign Core Expansion]
The system's window hovered at the edge of his vision, waiting.
---
A loud clang echoed as the gates opened, revealing a broad path lined with cherry blossom trees leading up to massive obsidian buildings. Floating mana lanterns hovered above, illuminating the way.
A woman in black robes stepped forward, her aura cold, her black hair tied in a tight bun, eyes like sharpened steel.
"Welcome to the Ability Cultivators Institution," she announced, her voice cutting through the chatter. "I am Instructor Lei. Today begins your first step toward power, glory, or death."
Her gaze swept over the students, many flinching as her aura pressed against them like cold water.
"You will either ascend, or you will break."
Her eyes met Muzan's for a moment, narrowing slightly as she felt the hidden density of his aura, before moving on.
---
The students were led into the courtyard, where large stone tablets floated, each inscribed with glowing runes.
"These are Mana Resonance Tablets," Instructor Lei said. "To enter the ACI, you must first prove you can control your mana effectively."
She raised a hand, and a young man stepped forward, his palms glowing with faint blue mana. He placed his hand on the stone, and the tablet glowed softly, projecting his resonance value in the air.
> [Mana Resonance: 36% - Pass]
He let out a relieved breath, stepping aside.
---
Student after student stepped forward.
Some passed, some failed, collapsing to the ground as the tablet rejected them, mana backlash knocking them unconscious.
Fear spread, whispers rising.
"Only 30% passed last year…"
"Someone said the Monarchs are observing today…"
"I heard a guy exploded last year—"
---
Muzan stepped forward.
The crowd quieted as he approached, his silver eyes calm, cold, the wind rustling his obsidian-black hair with silver tips.
He placed his hand on the tablet.
The tablet pulsed violently, mana swirling around it, the runes flickering rapidly as the entire courtyard trembled.
> [Error: Mana Density Exceeds Measurement Capacity]
A hush fell.
Instructor Lei's eyes widened, flickers of interest breaking her cold mask.
Muzan narrowed his eyes, suppressing his aura instantly.
> [Mana Resonance: 100% - Pass]
The tablet stopped shaking, the mana calming as it glowed brightly, projecting the number for all to see.
Gasps echoed.
"He maxed it out…"
"Is he a Monarch's illegitimate child…?"
"No way, who is he?"
---
Muzan turned away, ignoring the stares.
> [Mission Complete: +2000 Sovereign Points]
The system chimed softly, fading as quickly as it appeared.
---
The students were led further into the ACI grounds, past training fields filled with mana constructs, sparring platforms etched with suppression runes, and towering dormitory structures that reached into the clouds.
As they walked, Instructor Lei spoke:
"You are now ACI Novices. Your rankings will be determined by your performance in the coming weeks, and your dorms, resources, and missions will reflect those rankings."
She stopped, turning sharply.
"Fail, and you will be expelled. Or worse."
Her eyes swept across the students.
"Prepare yourselves. Tomorrow begins your first Combat Assessment Trial. You will be grouped, sent into an F-Rank Rift within the ACI grounds, and evaluated based on combat efficiency, control, and survival."
A ripple of fear and excitement passed through the crowd.
---
Later that evening, Muzan stood alone on the balcony of his assigned dorm, overlooking the sprawling ACI grounds illuminated by mana lights under the cold moon.
His system window opened:
> [Mission Generated: Survive the Combat Assessment Trial]
[Optional Objective: Rank First in Evaluation]
[Reward: Sovereign Points +3000, System Shop Unlock: Intermediate Tier]
The cold wind rustled his hair as his silver eyes reflected the moonlight.
"First, huh…" he whispered, his hand resting on the Onyx Edge katana.
Within his soul space, Veldora's stern voice echoed:
> "Control your power, Muzan. Crush only when necessary."
Varan's laughter followed, warm and teasing:
> "Nah, kid, break them if you need to. Just don't get bored."
Muzan closed his eyes, letting the cold wind wash over him.
"Tomorrow, then."
---