The Central War Academy was a fortress city built on the highest peak of the Human Alliance territory. It was a sprawling complex of steel, glass, and mana shields.
Kael stepped off the dropship into the massive central plaza. He wasn't alone. Thousands of other 18-year-olds had arrived from different sectors. Some looked like nobles with expensive armor; others, like Kael, were wearing dirty rags.
"Attention, maggots!"
A voice, amplified by wind magic, boomed across the square.
On a raised platinum platform stood a young man. He wore a black military uniform with gold epaulettes and a red cape. He was terrifyingly handsome, with slicked-back black hair and eyes that seemed to glow.
"I am Draven Cross," the young man said smoothly. "Student Council President. Level 4 Developer."
A ripple of shock went through the crowd. Level 4? He's only 19!
"In this Academy, we do not care about your family name," Draven continued, walking along the edge of the stage. "We care about Value. My Talent allows me to see exactly what you are worth."
Draven's eyes flashed gold. [Talent: The Auditor] was active.
He scanned the crowd of freshmen. Above their heads, he saw their value.
Resource: C-Rank (Trash)
Resource: B-Rank (Pawn)
Resource: A-Rank (Officer Material)
Draven was bored. Until his eyes landed on Kael.
Draven frowned. He focused his System on the boy in the muddy rags.
[Scanning Target...]
[Error. Data Corrupted.]
[Value: Undefined.]
Undefined? Draven stopped walking. In his two years at the Academy, he had never seen an Error.
He jumped off the 20-foot platform, landing gracefully in front of the students. The crowd parted like the Red Sea. Draven walked straight up to Kael.
Kael froze. He sees it. He knows.
Draven stood inches from Kael's face, sniffing the air. "You smell like trench mud. What is your name?"
"Kael," he replied, keeping his voice low. "Just a Lightning Mage, sir."
Draven stared at him for a long, uncomfortable silence. The golden light in his eyes intensified, trying to break through Kael's glitch. Kael felt a headache as his System fought back.
Finally, Draven smiled. It was the smile of a predator finding a new toy.
"Kael," Draven said loud enough for the whole plaza to hear. "I sense... something unique in you. I will be watching your career with great interest."
Draven leaned in, whispering so only Kael could hear.
"My System can't read you. That has never happened before. If I find out you are a spy, or if you are lying to me... I will dissect you myself."
Draven patted Kael's shoulder and walked away.
The other students glared at Kael with pure jealousy and hatred.
"Why did the President talk to him?"
"He marked him."
"Let's crush him during the sorting exam."
Kael clenched his fists. He wanted to be low-key. Instead, on day one, he had become the main target.