Two years had passed since the assassination attempt… Two years in which so much had changed, even though I barely had. Just a few centimeters added to my height.
During that time, we received scattered news that Mortex had been accepted as an apprentice to one of the Guild members and had left the city. Just like that, his shadow vanished from our lives. Selina and I finally began to feel a real sense of freedom—no more fear of him suddenly appearing.
We'd stopped taking jobs outside the orphanage a while ago. Still, Amanda didn't complain, as long as we kept bringing in money.
As for Ryan, Jack, and the rest of their team—they visited us only three times in two years. And each time, I played the part of the ordinary boy. But inside, I felt nothing but disgust. The time wasn't right to rip off their masks.
Today… is different.
Today is the Awakening Test.
My morning started like any other, until a familiar voice broke the calm:
"Hey, Rami! Get ready! Today I'm getting a strong class, and I'm gonna beat you and finally get my revenge!"
It was Jim, one of the kids at the orphanage. He used to bully me—until he regretted it. Since then, he's been a shadow, trying desperately to recover his broken pride.
I looked at him for a second, then ignored him. If he failed today, his shouting would turn into shame.
I headed to my room to get ready.
Smack!
"Clean better, you little brat!"
I turned quickly—Amanda was slapping a girl no older than eight. Her face was pale, eyes sunken. She looked like she was barely alive. I'd heard rumors—something about a man who used her and stole her savings. Maybe this was her punishment.
I looked away, sickened, and opened my closet. Ignoring the clothes gifted by Ryan, I picked the ones I'd bought with my own money.
---
Half an hour later, six of us were waiting in front of the orphanage. The bus arrived quickly. Inside, we found children from other shelters too.
I took an empty seat. Yan sat beside me—his usual bundle of energy.
"Rami! You excited?!"
I replied, "Just try not to scream too much in there."
"If anyone mocks me, I'll punch them!" he said, fired up.
I sighed and turned to look out the window. The city grew more crowded as we neared the Guild headquarters.
When we arrived, a man in his thirties, wearing dark glasses, stood in front of us.
"My name is Hojin. Today decides your future. Stay calm. Remember—this day is free only because you're orphans. Don't ruin it."
His arrogant tone got under my skin—but I let it go.
I signaled Selina and Yan to stay quiet and follow me. Yan whispered, "Don't cause trouble."
We entered the reception hall, where staff sat neatly behind desks. Hojin explained:
"Today, there are no other groups. This hall is reserved just for orphans' assessments. Those who pass may be accepted into Starlight High, the best academy in the capital."
Eyes lit up with hope. And me… my heartbeat quickened.
"But don't get too excited," he added with a mocking smile. "In the past ten years, only seven orphans have made it."
Then we were led to a plain white waiting room.
"Candidate Tom, please enter," said a robotic voice.
We watched as the first boy stood and walked in.
Selina whispered, "So they already submitted the names."
"Seems like it," I replied.
I smiled at her. "Whatever happens—we stick together."
She smirked, "Would've been better if you just stopped at the first part."
Then the voice returned: "Candidate Jim, please enter."
Jim stood up, gave me a strange look, then disappeared behind the door.
A few minutes later, Tom returned—shattered. Eyes red, body shaking. He didn't say a word.
Selina asked, "What's with Jim and you, anyway?"
I replied, "Just a bug trying to be seen."
I gathered Yan and Selina to explain:
"Classes are ranked from F to SSS. They measure potential, not current strength. Someone with an A rank won't necessarily reach S class."
Selina got it right away: "So the rank shows our ceiling."
I was about to reply, but the robotic voice interrupted:
"Candidate Rami, please enter."
I stood. Took a deep breath.
"We'll finish this later."
Their eyes followed me silently. I stepped into the dark hallway.
At the end of it…
Jim.
With a smug grin on his face: "I'll be waiting for you outside."
I walked past him.
This day… will define who I am.
Truly.
.