One after another, the students ascended the stage. A magic talisman was placed onto their chests, meant to reveal both their domain's type and its tier.
Michael could feel his heart racing with anticipation. So far, out of all the commoners who had gone up to the stage, only one had successfully manifested a domain.
"Michael Wraith!" The announcer called his name.
As he stood, his mind swarmed with anxious thoughts. 'This is it. The big moment,' he told himself, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly.
"Stand over there."
He stood ready in the center of the stage as the magic talisman floated over, adhering itself to his chest.
Seconds ticked by. Nothing happened. Could it be that he truly had no dormant talent within him?
'Come on. I know I have it. I was meant for more in this life. Come on, fate, don't fail me now.' He thought as he clenched his fists and squeezed his eyes shut.
Suddenly, a blazing orange light shimmered from the talisman before it burned up, crumbling into ash. 'Is it over? I saw a light... is that a good sign?' he thought, slowly lifting his head and opening his eyes.
"Domain awakened successfully," the announcer announced. Michael's eyes widened with hope. "Domain type... Heat," He continued.
Michael's legs shook in anticipation as he waited for the final verdict. '...I knew I could do it. Now give me the rest of the good news. Is it Heavenly? Mythical? Even High Tier is acceptable,' he pleaded internally, the suspense eating away at his heart.
"Domain Tier... Low."
Those words echoed over and over in Michael's head.
"It seems your domain allows you to generate heat from your own body," the announcer said, attempting a patronizing tone of comfort. "Not your typical domain, but for a commoner, it is something, is it not? At the very least, you won't catch cold in the winter."
Michael couldn't even hear the rest of his words. They were drowned out by the cruel laughter erupting throughout the hall. He turned his head, and the mocking sneer on Julian's face was like poison seeping into an open wound.
A Low Tier domain meant he could never become a Knight. No Knight Order would ever accept him. All his years of hoping, all the agonizing physical training—it was all useless.
"You may step down now, Mister Wraith. Your evaluation is complete. Return to your seat."
He walked back to his place, his brain blurring out everything that happened next. The life had drained from his eyes, and his defiant smile was nowhere to be found.
◇◇◇
The academy grounds buzzed with laughter and joy. Representatives from the prestigious Knight Orders were actively scouting the newly awakened students. Michael wandered through the courtyard like a lifeless zombie. He had every right to feel hollow; the only thing that had driven his grueling life was hope—the hope of becoming something greater. Now, it was gone.
"Michael, buddy, how are you feeling?" Julian snorted, throwing a heavy arm around Michael's shoulders. "Tough break. I really thought if anyone was going to get a good domain, it would be you. But what was I expecting? You're nothing but a..."
Michael's eyes widened slightly, waiting for the inevitable sting.
"...Commoner."
He felt his blood boil, the heat rushing from his heart down to his fingertips and toes. What made the insult sting worse was the undeniable truth: Julian had awakened his domain years before the ritual. It pained Michael to admit it, but Julian was a prodigy in the making, recognized by the entire kingdom as a generational talent.
Julian's family was one of the Four Great Noble Houses, closely tied to the royal family itself. His father was the Duke of the entire Drakemire region, and Julian was next in line. If he lived up to his potential, he might even bid for the throne.
"Why so quiet, Michael? That trash mouth of yours always has something to say. So say something!" Julian shouted. He pressed his palm against the back of Michael's head, attempting to shove his face into the dirt just like always.
But this time, Michael's head didn't budge. Not one bit.
Julian blinked, meeting Michael's gaze. He could feel the sheer, suffocating anger oozing from the commoner's eyes.
Pow!
Julian found himself laid flat on the ground.
The sharp impact caught the attention of everyone in the courtyard. Silence fell over the academy grounds.
"Hey, Julian. Sorry if I didn't make this clear enough earlier," Michael said mockingly, tilting his head to the side. "But I really don't like you."
After staring down at the stunned noble, Michael turned his back and casually walked away.
That simple, dismissive act drove Julian straight to the edge. He could feel the burning, suffocating embarrassment of being put down by a commoner. He, the son of one of the Four Dukes, laid out in the dirt.
The shocked murmurs from the crowd didn't help.
Isn't that the son of Duke Lancelot the 4th?
Is he really going to let a commoner bring dishonor to his father's name like that?
A/N: Thank you for reading Boundless Knight
Remember to add it to your library to avoid missing out on upcoming chapters.