The morning sun was warm on Kael's face, yet his mind remained coldly focused. Today was the day he would officially enroll in the Imperial Ninja Academy, the school where every child in the kingdom with the slightest spiritual or magical potential gathered. For Kael, it wasn't just school. It was a battlefield, an opportunity, and a step toward mastering the Hollow system.
Nyx hovered near the shadows of the orphanage, silent as ever. She had accompanied him these past two weeks, observing, teaching subtle lessons in patience, stealth, and awareness. But Kael had learned one thing: she would never interfere unless he asked. She was a companion of convenience, not emotion — and that suited him perfectly.
The orphanage courtyard was unusually quiet. Most children had been sent on errands or to other preliminary tests. Kael adjusted the hem of his threadbare tunic. He still looked small and frail compared to his peers, but he didn't care. Physical weakness didn't matter — not when you controlled a system that could devour energy and concepts like the Hollow.
"Remember," Kael whispered to himself as he approached the wooden gate leading out to the main road, "today isn't about showing strength. It's about observation, timing, and control."
The road to the Academy was lined with bustling merchants, nervous parents, and children showing off their abilities. Fire flickered in some children's palms, ice formed in others' hands, and faint glows of aura surrounded those born with innate spiritual power.
Kael's eyes scanned each of them carefully.
Observation: Aura is highly concentrated in naturally gifted children.Potential targets: High. Extraction possible.
He grinned faintly. Today, he would not just enroll — he would measure the world.
The gates of the Academy were enormous, carved from gray stone, and reinforced with magical wards. A pair of stern guards, both brimming with moderate aura, examined each entrant. Kael didn't flinch as he walked past them, even though the Hollow whispered warnings in his chest: some children were surprisingly strong.
Inside, the courtyard was vast, filled with clusters of children. A few sparred, others practiced spellcraft, and still others whispered to each other about noble rankings, secret techniques, or family connections. Kael observed everything.
He noticed a boy with silver hair and sapphire eyes — tall, confident, emanating raw aura. He moved through the courtyard with an air of command, and Kael immediately recognized him as a potential rival.
Another girl, with bright red hair and fire sparkles dancing around her palms, practiced an advanced fire technique. Her aura was unstable but powerful — a perfect candidate for testing Hollow extraction if the opportunity presented itself.
Kael kept walking, noting every detail, every subtle signature of energy. He understood one thing clearly: he could not confront anyone yet. Even with the Hollow, he was still physically a child. Subtlety and observation would be far more useful than outright displays of power.
At last, he arrived at the enrollment hall. Rows of nobles and commoners alike were lining up to register. Kael noticed the hierarchy immediately. Children from noble families had subtle advantages: auras slightly denser than average, better posture, confident expressions. Commoners, like himself, often blended into the background.
Perfect.
He would remain unnoticed.
The registration officer, an older man with a thin mustache and piercing green eyes, scanned the forms carefully. Kael stepped forward, presenting the inherited papers of the child he had replaced.
"Name?" the officer asked.
"Kael Veridian," he replied calmly.
The officer paused, scanning the records. "Ah… Veridian. Minor noble family. Disgraced, yes? Born defective, correct?"
Kael held his calm. "Yes. That is correct."
The officer's eyes narrowed slightly, as if expecting tears or excuses. Kael offered none. He was a child, yes, but not one who begged. Not anymore.
After a few careful questions, he was officially enrolled.
Kael stepped outside and surveyed the Academy courtyard. This was a field of predators, and he was still a fledgling — but he had the Hollow.
He remembered the lesson of the orphanage: patience, observation, and careful accumulation. If he wanted to surpass others, he couldn't rush. Every child here had power — power that could be absorbed if he played his cards correctly.
Nyx emerged from the shadows beside him. "Your plan?" she asked, voice calm but precise.
Kael smirked. "Observe, learn, survive. Identify threats and sources. Today isn't about fighting. It's about cataloging."
They began walking among the students, blending in. Kael noticed the subtle patterns of interactions — the way certain children instinctively took leadership roles, how weaker students clung to stronger ones, the way aura leaked from children during minor sparring, even without full intent.
He paused near the silver-haired boy, noting the faint blue glow around his palms.
Observation: High control, moderate strength. Likely capable of advanced techniques. Potential for Hollow acquisition: Medium.
The boy glanced at him and smirked slightly. Kael returned the gesture with a polite nod. No threat. Yet.
A sudden shout echoed across the courtyard. The headmaster, a tall woman with golden hair and piercing violet eyes, had arrived. Children scattered in excitement, forming orderly lines for the ceremonial first test — a simple trial of aura measurement, meant to establish baseline rankings.
Kael stepped forward carefully. As his turn approached, he felt the Hollow stir in anticipation. This was not combat, not extraction — but the system responded to energy around him. Subtle leaks, emotional stress, even excitement all caused the Hollow to pulse.
He focused inward. Slowly, carefully. He measured the aura of every child around him without touching them. The silver-haired boy? High-grade control. Red-haired girl? Medium but volatile. Others were weaker, easier. Every observation was recorded mentally.
Then his name was called.
Kael approached the test pedestal. A crystalline orb hovered in the air, measuring aura. He placed his hand on it carefully. Nothing happened — the child's body was naturally weak. The orb glowed faintly, confirming the original defect.
Kael suppressed a smirk.
Perfect. Nothing unusual here. Hollow won't alert anyone. Extraction potential remains intact.
He stepped back, maintaining composure. Other students stared curiously, wondering why the new minor noble seemed calm and indifferent. Kael smiled faintly inside. Appearance was everything in this world. Calm, collected, unnoticed — invisible power.
After the test, he joined the other students as they were escorted to the dormitories. The Academy was large, and the building itself seemed alive with magic — wards, energy flows, and faint whispers Kael could sense faintly through the Hollow.
"This place…" Nyx whispered, "is far more dangerous than the orphanage. One wrong move, and the wrong person notices. You must stay careful."
Kael nodded. "I know. But I also know one thing: I have tools they do not. The Hollow. Observation. Strategy. And patience. The rest is just a matter of time."
He sat in the dormitory room, a simple wooden bed and desk for each student. Other children chattered, unpacked, or practiced minor spells. Kael opened his journal carefully and began mapping everything he had observed today: aura strength, personality, potential, and Hollow compatibility.
Entry #1: Imperial Ninja Academy baseline observations completed.Step one: Survive initial tests.Step two: Identify potential targets.Step three: Begin measured extraction.
He looked at Nyx, who was quietly perched near the shadows of the room. "Tomorrow, we begin subtle experimentation," he said.
Nyx nodded, her silver eyes gleaming faintly. "Understood. But remember — don't overextend. The Hollow is still young."
Kael smiled faintly, closing his journal. "Young… yes. But hungry. And hungry Hollow… is always the most dangerous."
The moon rose over the Academy grounds that night, casting long silver shadows. Kael lay on the simple bed, eyes open, planning every step, every observation, every opportunity.
For the first time in this new world, he felt… ready.
Hollow capacity: 2.0%Stored resources:– Bronze aura fragment– Corrupted Greed Core– Determination ResidueStatus: Growing
Tomorrow, the game would truly begin.