WebNovels

Chapter 19 - Chapter 19 – The Hundred

The plaza of Zenith Academy shimmered beneath the rising sun — every stone inlaid with runes, every breath heavy with anticipation. The Tower Trials had ended, leaving seven thousand silent… and only one hundred still standing.

The massive crystal monolith at the plaza's heart pulsed alive. A holographic array flared into being, and a solemn voice echoed across the square — calm yet resonant enough to make the ground itself hum.

"Candidates… the entrance trials are officially concluded."

From a high terrace above them, Instructor Sarah Oroborus, clad in deep crimson robes inscribed with silver arcs of light, stepped forward. Her long chestnut hair swayed as she gazed upon the crowd — her expression neither cruel nor kind, but commanding.

"From over twelve thousand applicants, only one hundred have proven worthy of Zenith Academy's recognition."

A ripple of awe and disbelief swept through the plaza. Some cheered. Some stood frozen. A few wept — not from joy, but exhaustion and release.

Sarah extended her hand, and the crystal pillar surged again, displaying a luminous list of names and ranks.

"These rankings will determine not only your prestige… but your living quarters, privileges, and access to resources. Power and merit walk hand in hand within Zenith."

The names began to etch across the air — brilliant and merciless.

Rank 1: Nox ValeRank 2: Selene AurelionRank 3: Lyra FenRank 4: Taren VossRank 5: Raven DraykeRank 6: Kaelis NorrinRank 7: Eira SolcrestRank 8: Finn AshvaleRank 9: Liora CendrisRank 10: Draven Marric

Murmurs spread instantly.

"That's Selene Aurelion — the heir to the Aurelion line!""Nox Vale — the boy from the border village? He ranked first?""Impossible… he came from nowhere."

Selene stood calmly, silver hair glimmering, her gaze distant and unreadable. Nox met her eyes briefly — neither pride nor rivalry, just a quiet understanding that their paths would cross again.

Lyra, ranked third, clicked her tongue and gave a faint smirk."Not bad for a forest boy," she muttered just loud enough for Nox to hear.

"Try harder next time," Nox replied, voice calm but his grin sharp.

A few of the others laughed. Even amid tension, something like camaraderie began to spark between them — the strange bond of those who had survived the same storm.

Sarah raised her voice again.

"Your dormitories have been arranged based on rank — a reflection of both comfort and responsibility."

She gestured to the crystal display again, which now unfolded into detailed holograms of four distinct dormitory wings — elegant towers aligned to the cardinal directions.

"Ranks 50 to 100 – The Eastern Wing.""Four to a room. These are your foundation quarters — communal baths, training fields, and shared Resonance chambers. Remember — teamwork begins where ego ends."

A mixture of pride and frustration rippled through that group.

"Ranks 20 to 50 – The Southern Wing.""Three to a room, with personal study pods and access to intermediate training halls."

Gasps of excitement followed — the mid-tier candidates smiled, exchanging proud glances.

"Ranks 10 to 20 – The Western Wing.""Dual quarters — your suites contain small Resonance fields for practice and basic archives."

Then, as the display dimmed, a new projection appeared — a glowing golden sigil in the shape of a sunburst.

"Ranks 1 to 10 – The Northern Crest.""Single-room suites, each designed to adapt to your personal rhythm. These are the Sovereign Dorms. Luxury, yes — but luxury demands discipline."

A hush fell. Even the lower-ranked candidates stared upward at the elite section floating above the main campus like a shining citadel.

Lyra gave a low whistle. "So that's where the top dogs sleep."Taren chuckled beside her. "Sleep? I doubt any of us will have time for that."

Selene didn't speak, though her eyes lifted toward the North — calm, poised.Nox folded his arms. "Dorm or not, it's just another test."

Their banter drew smiles from nearby cadets — the tension softening, replaced by that electric buzz that always followed the birth of legends.

As the crowd began to settle, Sarah's tone deepened.

"Each of you has proven potential — but potential alone is not strength. Tomorrow, at dawn, all first-year cadets will assemble at the Awakening Hall."

The murmurs rose instantly.

"Awakening Hall?""That's where they unlock their true Resonance!""But it's so soon…"

Sarah's gaze swept the plaza, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade of light.

"Zenith does not wait. From tomorrow onward — your true journey begins."

The crystal obelisk dimmed, and the sigil of Zenith — a shining star encircled by wings — blazed above the plaza.

"Rest well tonight. The Awakening awaits."

The hundred stood beneath the shimmering sky, some silent, some whispering excitedly. The trials were over — but this felt like only the prologue to something far greater.

Nox looked up toward the floating Northern Crest, where his new home awaited."A room of one's own," he muttered. "Guess I'll finally have some quiet."

Raven stepped up beside him, grinning. "Quiet? With me next door? Not a chance."

Lyra smirked. "Don't get too comfortable, forest boy. I'm aiming for rank one next evaluation."

Nox gave a soft laugh. "Then you'd better keep climbing."

Above them, the bells of Zenith rang — deep and resonant, like the heartbeat of destiny itself.

More Chapters