The registration hall was far more imposing than Michael had anticipated. Sterile white walls lined with holographic displays showing real-time feeds from the Gods Domain—monsters being slain, treasures being looted, Awakeners dying in explosions of digital light that represented very real deaths. A reminder, he supposed, of what awaited them all.
The nine successful Awakeners from Michael's ceremony hall stood clustered together awkwardly, suddenly aware of how small their number was compared to the other groups filtering in. Some academies had managed fifteen or even twenty successful awakenings. Others had fewer. The variance seemed arbitrary, cruel—a cosmic lottery that had already sorted humanity into winners and losers.
Michael was looking at the holographic feeds, watching a high-level Awakener—labeled as "Emperor-Class Knight, Level 287"—cut down a mountain-sized drake, when a hand rested on his shoulder.
He turned around to find Instructor Kane looking down at him with that same face from the ceremony.
"Norman," the instructor said quietly, his voice so low that the other students couldn't hear. "The principal wants to see you specifically. With the other talented contenders."
Michael's stomach dropped. "The principal? Why? Did I do something wrong?"
"No questions." Kane's grip became tight quietly—not sadly, but strongly enough to relay that this wasn't optional. "Just follow me when called. And Norman?" The instructor's eyes narrowed. "Whatever happens in that meeting, remember that the Federation invested significant resources into this academy. We don't take kindly to wasted potential or hidden agendas."
Before Michael could process that ominous statement, Kane had moved on, tapping several other Awakeners on the shoulder—Lilian Stone, Carlos Ben, and a handful of others Michael didn't recognize. Twenty students in total, pulled from the various successful groups.
"Follow me," Kane commanded, his voice returning to its normal authoritative bark. "The rest of you proceed with standard registration. These candidates have been selected for preliminary evaluation by Principal Bill."
Quiet gossips circling through the remaining Awakeners—some jealous, others glad to avoid any more inspection. Michael gave a nervous look with Lilian, who looked lost but happy . Carlos, the Blazing Serpent Awakener, simply wore a confident smirk, as if he'd expected special treatment all along.
*Arrogant,* Michael thought, though he supposed Carlos had earned some right to confidence. His awakening display had been spectacular—crimson and gold flames that had made the entire hall feel like a furnace. A far cry from Michael's pathetic shadow wisps.
They were led through a side corridor that branched away from the main registration area. The architecture changed noticeably—less sterile government facility, more polished academy prestige. Wooden boards carved with complex designs replaced white walls. Lighting made up qof an air of old-world academia mixed with cutting-edge technology.
"Principal Mike Bill," Kane announced as they came towards a double door, "is a Level 156 Knight who has worked for the Federation for over forty years. He established this academy twenty-three years ago and personally controls the growth of potential talents. You will show him proper respect."
A Level 156 Knight. Michael's mind reeled at the number. The original owner's memories suggested that most people never broke Level 50, that reaching Level 100 was considered a tremendous achievement reserved for dedicated professionals. Level 156 put this principal in a completely different category of power.
*Could he kill me with a thought?* Michael wondered nervously. *Could he sense the system? The Infinite Shadow Extraction talent?*
The doors opened automatically, showing a bigger office that looked impossible to be large for the building's exterior dimensions. Spatial manipulation, Michael realized—technology or magic pulled from the Gods Domain, making the interior space bigger beyond normal physical limitations.
The office was a study in controlled chaos. Bookshelves lined every wall, packed with leather-bound tomes and data cores. Projections floated throughout the space, displaying combat techniques, monster classifications, dungeon maps, and statistical analyses. A massive desk of wood dominated the center, and behind it sat a man who was giving out a quiet, but terrifying aura.
Principal Mike Bill seemed to be in his fifties, though Michael felt like that meant nothing for someone of his caliber. Silver streaked through his dark hair, and his face of someone who'd seen far too much combat. He wore a dark suit rather than combat gear, but Michael could *feel* the condensed power radiating from him like heat.
His green eyes swept across the entire candidates, and Michael felt like he was being studied on a cellular level.
"Welcome," Principal Bill said, his voice was subtle despite the power behind it. "Please, be seated."
Chairs materialized from nowhere—another casual display of spatial manipulation that made several students gasp. Michael sat into one with joy, his legs suddenly became weak.
"I'm sure you're all thinking of why you've been separated from the others," the principal continued, moving his fingers as he regarded them. "The answer is simple: you've displayed potential greater than the average newly awakened Esper. Whether through class grade, innate talent, or unique situations, each of you has caught my attention."
His gaze lingered on Carlos. "Mr. Ben, for instance, awakened a Blazing Serpent class while already possessing a lit Dao bone—a combination that suggests extraordinary future potential. The dual path is rare and valuable."
Carlos sat straight in his chair, his smile widening. "Thank you, Principal. My family has invested significantly in my cultivation since I was twelve. I won't disappoint."
"See that you don't." Bill's tone remained pleasant, but something sharp lurked beneath it. "The Federation's investment in dual-path Awakeners is substantial. Failure would be... unfortunate."
The principal's attention shifted to Lilian. "Ms. Stone, you awakened first among your group—a Martial Artist of uncommon grade with exceptional initial agility stats. Your performance during the mandatory training period also showed remarkable discipline."
Lilian flushed with pride but maintained composure. "I've trained in martial arts since childhood, Principal. My father insisted."
"Wise man." Bill made a note on a holographic display. "Martial Artists scale exceptionally well with proper technique refinement. I expect great things."
One by one, the principal addressed each selected student, highlighting their strengths, their potential, their value to the Federation. Michael listened with growing anxiety, waiting for his turn, wondering what this powerful man would say about a Shadow Summoner everyone else had dismissed as weak.
Finally, those piercing green eyes settled on him.
"Michael Norman," Principal Bill said slowly, as if tasting the name. "Shadow Summoner. Rare grade class, though your awakening display was... understated."
Here it comes, Michael thought. The dismissal, the low expectations, the—
"Tell me, Mr. Norman," the principal leaned forward slightly, "did you feel anything unusual during your awakening? Any sensations beyond the standard class integration?"
Michael's blood turned to ice. Did Bill know? Could he sense the system? Should Michael lie or tell the truth?
*The Association's scanners will detect deception,* he remembered Kane saying. And this man was far more dangerous than any scanner.
"I... felt connected to something," Michael said carefully, choosing his words like walking through a minefield. "Something vast. It only lasted a moment."
"Hmm." Bill's facial expression remained the same, but his eyes seemed to gaze into Michael's head. "Shadow Summoners are extremely rare, you understand. Perhaps one awakens every few years across all Federation territories. The class has a reputation for being difficult to develop, requiring specific resources and strategies that many academies lack expertise in."
"I understand, sir." Michael forced his voice to remain steady.
"However," the principal continued, surprising him, "I happen to have extensive knowledge of summoner-type classes. I've personally trained three Shadow Summoners over my career. Two reached Transcendent rank. One became a King before retiring."
Michael's heart leapt. "Really?"
"Really." A slight smile touched Bill's weathered features. "The class is misunderstood, Norman. People see the weak early game and assume it never improves. They're wrong. Shadow Summoners are perhaps the most terrifying late-game class in existence when properly developed. An army of shadows, each one potentially as strong as an independent Awakener, all controlled by a single mind? That's not weakness. That's destructive potential."
Around the room, other students moved uncomfortably. Carlos's smile had turn into a frown. Lilian watched Michael with new interest.
"But," Bill's tone hardened no, "reaching that potential requires surviving the early game. Requires wisdom, caution, and strategic thinking. Running into danger like a Warrior seeking for glory will get you killed. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," Michael said firmly. "I have no intention of dying."
"Good." The principal made another note. "You'll be assigned to my personal advisory track within the Super Class. I'll provide specific guidance on Shadow Summoner development, recommended cultivation techniques, and strategic approaches for the Gods Domain."
Michael could not even believe what he was hearing. Personal guidance from a Level 156 principal? That was... that was incredible. More than he'd dared hope for.
"Now then," Principal Bill addressed the entire group, "all of you will be transferred to the Super Class division effective immediately. This is not a reward—it is an obligation. The Federation has put billions of credits into this academy's infrastructure, resources, and personnel. You represent returns on that investment."
The principal stood, and everyone instinctively straightened. Even with his gentle expression, the man's aura was overwhelming up close.
"The Super Class curriculum is separated into three primary components," Bill continued, walking slowly before his desk with little steps. "First, theoretical education: monster classifications, dungeon mechanics, team tactics, resource management, and Gods Domain geography. Second, practical training: combat techniques, cultivation methods, equipment maintenance, and survival skills. Third, supervised expeditions into low-level zones of the Gods Domain under academy guardian protection."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"Your first expedition will occur in approximately two weeks. Between now and then, you will go through intensive training. You will learn to use your Mark of Origin, understand your class mechanics, and acquire basic instruments. The Federation will provide monthly stipends conditional on performance and progression. Failure to meet minimum standards results in stipend reduction or removal."
Michael's mind was already racing ahead. Monthly stipends? How much? Would it be enough to help Mia? To lift them out of poverty?
"You will also," the principal's expression grew serious, "be required to sign Federation service contracts. Upon graduation from this academy—assuming you survive and progress adequately—you will owe the Federation a minimum of five years active service. This typically involves dungeon clearing operations, monster subjugation missions, or resource gathering in dangerous zones."
Five years. Michael supposed that was fair, given what they'd receive in return. And five years of guaranteed Federation employment was infinitely better than a lifetime of menial labor in the lower districts.
"Are there any questions?" Bill asked, scanning the assembled students.
A brave soul near the front raised her hand—a girl Michael didn't recognize. "Principal, what happens if we die in the Gods Domain during academy training?"
"An excellent question, Ms. Park." Bill's expression softened slightly. "Death during supervised expeditions is rare but possible. The academy provides revival insurance for all Super Class students. If you die, you will be revived at designated safe points, though you will still suffer the standard death penalties: experience loss, potential stat reduction, and temporary debuffs. Multiple deaths may result in being held back a year or removed from the Super Class entirely."
The girl paled but nodded her understanding.
"Any other questions?" Bill waited, but no one else spoke. "Very well. Instructor Kane will escort you to complete your Espers Association registration, then to your new dormitories in the Super Class facility. Your first orientation session begins tomorrow at 0800 hours. Do not be late."
The principal's gaze swept across them one final time, and Michael felt that penetrating stare linger on him for just a heartbeat longer than the others.
"Dismissed. And welcome to your new lives as Awakeners."
They filed out of the office in stunned silence, following Kane back toward the registration hall. Michael's mind whirled with everything he'd just learned. Personal guidance. Super Class benefits. Monthly stipends. Supervised expeditions.
It was more than he'd dreamed possible. More than the original Michael Norman had ever imagined.
But it also meant higher expectations. Greater scrutiny. More pressure to perform and prove his worth.
*I can do this,* Michael told himself fiercely. *I have the system. I have Infinite Shadow Extraction. I have advantages they can't even imagine.*
*I just need to survive long enough to use them.*
"Alright, listen up," Kane called out as they re-entered the registration area. "You'll proceed with standard registration now, but afterward you'll be taken to special processing for Super Class benefits. Stay focused and answer all questions truthfully."
Michael took his place in line, his heart still racing from the meeting.
Behind him, he heard Carlos muttering to another student: "Shadow Summoner getting personal attention from the principal? What a waste of resources. He'll probably die in his first real expedition."
Michael didn't turn around. Didn't respond. Just smiled quietly to himself.
*Let him think that,* he thought. *Let them all underestimate me.*
*I'll show them exactly what a Shadow Summoner can become.*