The massive assembly hall shifted as platforms emerged from the floor, expanding into a grand ceremonial stage. Lights converged toward the center as the towering figure of the Headmaster took the podium, his long silver robes trailing behind him like rippling mana.
He raised his hand, and silence blanketed the hall.
> "The results of the Survival Assessment have been recorded," the Headmaster declared, his voice carrying effortlessly across the room. "As per academy tradition, the top three teams will receive a number of wishes in accordance with their rank. Will the leaders of each team and their members please come join me on the podium?"
Jin Eldraven's group moved first, walking like soldiers toward the front, cold and composed. His teammates followed him with disciplined strides.
Kael turned to Cynthia and the others, flashing his usual smirk.
"Guess it's our turn."
They followed Jin's group, walking up the stairs onto the elevated platform, soon joined by Samantha Solaris and her team, who arrived last.
The Headmaster stood behind them, arms behind his back.
> "As ranked:
Jin Eldraven's group is awarded four wishes.
Cynthia Elarquist's group, three wishes.
Samantha Solaris' group, two wishes."
There was a brief pause.
Kael leaned toward his group and whispered:
"Hey... you guys mind if I take one of the wishes for myself?"
The group looked at one another, then nodded without hesitation.
"Honestly, you did most of the work," one said.
"You literally fought off Elira and Matthew alone."
Cynthia looked at him from the side, her expression soft and strangely… seductive.
"Since you even beat two top-ten Rankers at once, I think you should get all the wishes," she said, lips curled upward.
Kael chuckled.
"Nah. I just need one. Maybe three items in one, though."
As the Headmaster turned to Jin's group, he asked them their wishes.
Jin calmly listed them off: a legendary-grade training manual, a mythic-class mana reservoir crystal, a custom-built sword from the Tower's smithy, and one blank World Rune.
Whispers erupted from the student body those were all insane rewards.
Then it was Cynthia's group's turn.
Cynthia's teammates hesitated.
"We'll take some time to decide, Headmaster," one said.
Kael, however, raised his hand confidently.
"I've made my decision."
The Headmaster's gaze shifted to him.
"Speak, Mr. Vernier."
Kael smiled faintly and said clearly:
"I'd like a Book of Origin… and a vial of Ritual Ink."
The crowd gasped.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
Books of Origin were rare ancient magical tomes used in forbidden rituals, usually for summoning demons, spirits, or even celestial remnants. To casually ask for one was bordering on dangerous… or insane.
The Headmaster's gaze sharpened, his tone heavy.
"Mr. Kael Vernier."
Kael felt the pressure, but stood firm.
"You were promised a wish, and so we must honor it. But I sincerely hope," the Headmaster said, narrowing his eyes, "you don't intend to use it for anything… foolish."
Kael grinned casually and held up both hands.
"C'mon, Headmaster… how bad of a person do you think I am?"
The Headmaster stared at him for a long second, then turned back to the audience.
But beneath Kael's smile, something stirred.
The memory of the Shadow Lord's throne…
...his words echoing like distant thunder.
> "Get stronger… or die by my power."
And Kael intended to do just that.
Even if it meant borrowing power not meant for mortals.