Aurelian High School was not a place people simply applied to it was a place the world itself challenged.
Every year, tens of thousands of students from different regions set their sights on a single destination: Aurora Isle, an isolated land surrounded by endless waters and strict surveillance.
Only those who stood at the absolute peak of both intellect and physical ability were even allowed to attempt entry. For everyone else, Aurelian remained nothing more than a distant name spoken with awe, envy, or quiet fear.
The school admitted a total of one hundred students each year, all in their early seventeens, each excelling in both academics and sports. These one hundred students were divided into four groups of twenty-five:
Group A for the top-ranked students, down to Group D for the lowest-ranked. Higher-ranking students enjoyed respect, admiration, the best accommodations, and premium-quality food.
Aurelian High School did more than educate,It molded students into elites, pushing them beyond their limits, shaping them into individuals capable of excelling in their chosen paths at unimaginable levels. Further instructions and guidelines were given only after enrollment.
"Hm."
After successfully completing his previous mission, the boy returned to the hideout and reviewed the details of his next assignment.
'Why here?'
Every previous mission had a clear objective and a strict deadline. This one was different its purpose was unknown, and its duration unpredictable.
Pushing the thought aside, he pulled out his device and dialed a specific number. The screen flickered blue, and a man appeared, seated on a throne-like chair, his face hidden behind a black mask.
The boy stared at the screen without blinking.
The masked man tilted his head, and a mechanical voice filled the room.
"Ha. Still stubborn as ever, I see… No greetings to your elders?"
The boy listened silently, his face calm, eyes focused.
"Jay. You performed exceptionally on your previous mission. Even though the mission was not originally intended for you, as for your next assignment…" The man paused, letting the words settle. "You are joining Aurelian High School. You must maintain the act of a normal student and avoid drawing unwanted attention. We will inform you of your mission once you are fully settled."
"Do you understand, Jay?"
Jay nodded.
The masked man continued.
"All information regarding your identity has been secured. No one will know who you truly are. Read the documents carefully this will be your past from now on."
With that, the screen went black.
Moments later, the boy received a file from an unknown source. He read it thoroughly, then set the device aside.
'Huh. Living the life of a normal student… this would be harder than killing people.'
He left the hideout.
Somewhere else, a city thrived in light and life. Streets bustled with families, lovers, and friends, laughter filling the air. In a place like this, people noticed only happiness and chose to ignore the darkness around them.
But every coin has two sides.
Where there was light, there was also shadow. In the alleys of this beautiful city, children begged for scraps, surviving one day at a time. The crowds walked past without a glance. In this world, only status defined worth, honor, and respect. Without it, one could only crawl and try to catch up often in vain.
This city was Stella, one of the most powerful and influential regions in the south.
Residents occasionally glanced at the giant screens mounted across the streets, excitement building each time the announcements flickered to life.
High above the bustling streets, in a sleek glass office, a group of elders gathered.
"This year's exam is going to be brutal," one of them said, adjusting his spectacles. "I've heard that several exceptional candidates are emerging from other regions as well."
Another elder nodded slowly. "Yes. Unlike previous years, this time the competition won't be predictable. Too many genuine talents are appearing at once."
"Our region's pride rests on Aric," a third elder added, his voice calm but firm. "But even he won't have an easy path this year. Aurelian does not favor anyone not even us."
Silence followed as the weight of those words settled in.
Outside, the city lights reflected against the glass walls, oblivious to the silent power play unfolding above.
Every year at this time, anticipation ran high. Students and citizens alike hoped their favorites would earn a place in the prestigious Aurelian High School.
Today, the screen displayed a message in bold letters:
"WE WELCOME YOU TO ATTEMPT THE ENTRANCE EXAM OF THE PRESTIGIOUS AURELIAN HIGH SCHOOL.
THE EXAM BEGINS IN 2 DAYS.
ALL STUDENTS AGED 17 ARE ELIGIBLE.
BEST OF LUCK!"