Legendary Soul Art

"It's red! It's red!"

When the Talent Crystal shone with bright ruby light, everyone in the Academy plaza exclaimed in shock. Even the teachers at the podium rose from their chairs to have a better look at the young girl standing in front of them.

"To think a Red Talent would appear right at the end of the Selection. Isn't that the first in almost a hundred years?"

"There have only been two natural Red Talents in the academy: the Founder and our Headmaster Blake. This is a historic day."

It was indeed a special day for the Winged Soul Academy as they hosted a Student Selection that happened only once a year. The academy plaza was bustling with life as youngsters from all over the region gathered in hopes of fulfilling their dreams.

The teachers couldn't help but nod in approval at the promising talent on the stage. The other candidates were not as calm as them though. They were cheering excitedly for their future peer, and it wasn't for any trivial reasons. Having a powerful Soul was required to achieve the highest status of their current era, and a rare Soul Talent highly increased one's chance of success.

"What's your name?" Headmaster Blake asked as he stood up from the main chair and walked up to the young lady.

Being one of the few Red Talents in the region, he knew her future would be bright. Just based on her Soul Talent alone, Luna could strengthen her Soul multiple times faster than others and make it easier to master powerful arts without much training.

"My name is Luna," the young lady replied politely while looking the man up and down, "Headmaster is just as handsome as my mother has described. Please take good care of me," she cheekily said.

"Oh!" Headmaster Blake raised his eyebrows in surprise only to let out a dry chuckle. "I was about to mention you remind me of someone. Those long black hair and crystal blue eyes look exactly like that of my old friend. Why didn't she tell me she had such a beautiful and talented daughter?"

Despite being over a hundred years old, Headmaster Blake's age didn't reflect on his appearance. He was friendly and outgoing, appearing no older than his late thirties. Such ability to slow down aging was only possible thanks to his powerful Soul.

"High status?" someone whispered.

Hearing Headmaster's words, no one was as surprised about Luna's performance anymore. With her expensive white jacket, perfect manners, and her parents being acquaintances with the headmaster, one could tell she was from a high-ranking family.

"My mother wished to inform the Academy, but I rejected her idea," Luna admitted as she glanced at the crowd. "I want to be on equal footing with everyone else, so I decided to take part in the Selection."

Luna paused as she gave the youths a challenging gaze and announced proudly, "I will use my own strength to beat all records and get to the top class. I hope you do your best and meet me there."

Her words momentarily ignited the fire in everyone's Souls. It reminded them of the main purpose of entering the Academy.

Becoming a Soul Artist.

They could either live a normal life or use their natural talent to train their Souls beyond its limits. Even though becoming a Soul Artist was just the beginning of their journey, that alone would change their lives forever.

"Marvelous," Headmaster Blake commented with a smile. "Everyone should be like Luna if they wish to one day become a successful Soul Artist. Those who plan to slack should go back and live a normal life of a commoner."

The commotion and chattering ceased within seconds while determined expressions dominated the plaza. No one wanted to go back. The Selection was their only chance to improve their lives and achieve great things.

"Alright. Since no one wants to return, let's proceed with the second stage. Those who can pass the second test will be accepted to my Winged Soul Academy," Headmaster Blake called out while gazing at the teachers. "Lead everyone to—"

"Headmaster, wait a second." A female Academy Official in a white uniform cut the Headmaster off in the middle of talking. "There is still one more person who registered to be tested."

"Oh, is that so?" Headmaster Blake admitted his mistake while stepping back. "Luna, come here. I will lead you to the next stage personally when the last person is tested."

Luna nodded gently and moved to Headmaster Blake's side. Although she wanted to be treated like everyone else, she wasn't stupid. If she could befriend the Headmaster and study under him, she would benefit immensely.

"Proceed," Headmaster Blake ordered, only to notice a confused look on the Official's face. "Is there something wrong?"

"Well, I think I made a mistake... The application card only has a name and age while all other information is left empty," the Official explained as she rubbed her forehead. "The name on the card seems to be fake though."

Seeing the frown on the headmaster's face, the Official gulped and turned to the candidates while trying to appear stern. "Who dares to submit an empty application like that?! Quick, show yourself!"

The plaza momentarily turned silent as all youngsters looked around to see who was brave enough to mess with the Academy. Everyone thought it was just a prank and no one would step forward under such pressure—that is, until a young boy stood up.

"Was it him? Who is he?"

"Wow, the balls on this guy…"

"I think I saw him earlier. He was sleeping by the tree at the back."

The recruits chatted with each other while a young man in a loose, black hoodie walked casually towards the platform. He was completely unbothered by the commotion he caused and began tying his lengthy brown hair into a small ponytail. It revealed his face to everyone and suddenly many young ladies gasped at his sight.

Even Luna raised her eyebrows in surprise, not expecting to see such a handsome face underneath his messy hair.

"It can't be…"

Any man Luna ever saw would only get a single glance or two from her but that man caused her to stare without even realizing it. She discovered her mistake when their eyes met, but instead of looking away, she doubled down and observed his two black pearls.

His gaze was as tranquil as water which gave Luna a headache. How could she see through him if he gave her nothing to work with? The man eventually reached the bottom of the platform and broke their small exchange to look at the Academy Official with the name Ava written on her chest.

"My apologies, Miss Ava. My parents died before I had a chance to ask them about my birth origins. I opted to leave everything blank since I only know my name and age," the young man explained politely and sent her a warm smile, "I hope it won't be that big of a problem."

Miss Ava paused, opening her mouth to reply, but she was too dazed to speak. It took her a second to look away from his charming smile and coughed to hide her embarrassment, "I'm sorry to hear that. Don't worry about it. The information is just a formality anyway, but I must ask something that could be uncomfortable. Are you sure you want to use such a name?"

The young man tilted his head in confusion, causing Miss Ava to blush while waving her hands defensively, "Please don't take me wrong. I just think it could be easily misunderstood and you can't change it later. That's all."

"It's okay, I'm aware. My Master gave me this name and I don't plan to change it," the young man replied calmly and pointed at the podium. "Can we start the test?"

Headmaster Blake squinted his eyes with curiosity and questioned for the first time, "What is the name that causes a problem?"

Miss Ava hesitated as she looked down at the application to double-check and finally announced, "His name is Number One."

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