Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons

The academy appeared ahead, an architectural marvel of gothic grandeur. Towering blocks of dark stone stretched toward the sky, their peaks vanishing into wisps of enchanted mist.

Arched windows, tall and narrow, displayed stained glass depictions of legendary warriors and scholars.

Enchanted lanterns lined the outer walls, glowing with an eternal blue light—never flickering, never dimming—illuminating the massive, iron-wrought gates standing like silent sentinels before the main entrance.

Arthur had prepared for many things. The sheer number of applicants was not one of them.

The streets were flooded.

Two entire streets were packed with young teenagers eager to apply, their voices a chaotic symphony of nerves and excitement.

The line stretched endlessly, expanding through the outer gates of the academy and spilling down the roads like a river of restless energy.

Young warriors in polished armor, mages in dark robes clutching spellbooks, archers with their bows slung over their backs—all waiting for their chance to prove themselves.

Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly.

Thousands.

There had to be at least a thousand people attempting to enter.

Maybe more.

He exhaled, shaking his head.

He hadn't expected this level of competition.

He should have, but the sheer magnitude of it still caught him off guard. Arthur shook his head before stepping into the line, exhaling slowly.

He kept his posture relaxed, but his mind was already working. He needed to observe. Needed to see how the test was conducted before it was his turn.

He had already heard about it from the bartender at the inn, but seeing was different from hearing. Seconds turned into minutes, minutes into hours, the line creeping forward at a painfully slow pace.

Then, finally—he was close. Only ten or so applicants stood between him and the entrance. From here, he could see the process clearly.

The first crystal—used to test talent. The second crystal—used to confirm age. Arthur narrowed his eyes, watching the exchange unfold.

"Next!" the examiner said.

A young man, broad-shouldered with sharp features, stepped forward.

He looked to be in his mid-twenties—too old to be applying for any student position at the academy, let alone year one. Instantly, whispers spread through the line.

"Hmph, does he really think he can fool the system?"

"What a joke. No way he's fourteen."

"He's going to embarrass himself."

Arthur remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on the examiner.

The man was composed, expression unreadable as he gestured toward the first crystal.

"Place your hand."

The applicant obeyed.

The crystal shimmered, colors shifting from red to orange, then slowing to a soft yellow.

The examiner nodded.

"C-Grade Talent. Pass."

The crowd's murmurs grew louder.

"What?! C-Grade?"

"Doesn't matter. The next test will expose him."

"Yeah, no way he fits the age requirement."

"Place your hand on the second crystal," the examiner instructed.

The applicant hesitated but then complied.

A number materialized in glowing white script.

"14."

Silence.

The air in the crowd shifted instantly. Arthur could feel the collective disbelief.

"This has to be a joke."

"He's cheating!"

"There's no way—"

The examiner's cold gaze cut through the accusations like a blade. He lifted his head slightly, his voice calm but deadly.

"I don't want to hear another word."

The murmurs ceased immediately.

The examiner let his gaze linger over the crowd before returning his focus to the applicant.

"You pass the first set of exams. Proceed through the gate."

The young man said nothing, but a smile bloomed on his face as he walked forward with excited steps.

The others in line, however, remained stiff, still processing what had just happened.

Arthur smirked. If anyone thought they could outwit the academy's system, they were fools. The crystals were not things that could be tricked.

The moment someone placed their hand, their fate was sealed—fact over speculation.

Unless they were irregulars.

"Next!"

A young girl, barely reaching Arthur's shoulders, approached the table.

She placed her hand on the first crystal.

It flickered.

Red.

Orange.

Yellow

Light Green.

The glow stabilized.

"A-Grade Talent. Pass." Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire

Another wave of murmurs surged through the line.

"An A-Grade talent?"

"She's going to be a monster in the future."

The examiner barely reacted, but his face showed slight interest and approval.

"Place your hand on the second crystal."

She obeyed.

"14."

"Pass. Proceed through the gate."

Arthur exhaled.

This process was simple. Efficient. Ruthless.

The line moved forward again.

Then—"Next!"

It was his turn.

Arthur stepped forward, keeping his expression neutral.

The examiner barely spared him a glance.

"Hand on the first crystal."

Arthur complied.

The crystal flickered—And the entire courtyard seemed to hold its breath.

The crystal flickered in myriad colours, swirling chaotically as if struggling to decide on a final hue.

Deep crimson, electric blue, shimmering gold—one after another, they flashed and pulsed. It was unnatural.

A murmur spread through the crowd.

"This never happens…"

"Is his talent so high that the crystal can't even evaluate it?"

"That's impossible. No talent should be beyond detection."

Then, a scoffing voice cut in."I think it's the opposite. He simply has no talent, so the crystal doesn't know what to display! Hahaha!"

Laughter rippled through a small group, but it was quickly stifled by the serious look on the examiner's face as he analysed the phenomenon in front of him.

Arthur's expression remained impassive, but internally, he was exhilarated. A notification hovered in front of him.

[Ding! Your talent is currently being evaluated!]

[Ding! Permission Required. As an SSS-Rank Talent holder, you have the right to reject, accept, or modify the result of the evaluation.]

Modify.

[Ding! Enter the grade you would like to show]

Arthur thought for a moment before settling on "A."

An A-Grade talent was exceptional, second only to the monstrous S-Rank talents that the kingdom kept close watch over.

It was enough to garner respect and resources but wouldn't paint a target on his back the way an S-Rank would.

The moment he confirmed the change, the crystal let out a high-pitched crack.

Then—Shatter!

The crystal split into countless fragments, scattering across the table in a glittering mess.Gasps filled the air.

"What the—?"

"It broke?!"

"That crystal has been used for decades! How did he break it just by touching it??"