Only I Awaken The Forbidden SSS-Rank Dragons

Aleron's expression froze.

"What?"

His voice echoed faintly in the shimmering air, but no response came. The space around him had fallen into silence.

"What does she mean, inactive?" Aleron muttered under his breath.

Ashkar nudged him gently with its snout, glancing at the surrounding people.

"It's fine," Aleron said, though he didn't fully believe it himself. "Let's not waste time standing here."

He took a step forward as his dragons followed behind him, their presence drawing the attention of students nearby.

Whispers followed him almost immediately.

"Did you see that? What are those two large creatures? Are those his summons?"

"New arrival. Looks like he came straight from the outer realm of summoners."

"Wait, he doesn't have an academy robe yet."

Aleron ignored the voices, his gaze scanning the plaza. However, a word that one of the onlookers said caused him to have a peculiar expression. It seemed that there weren't just summoners at the academy.

Aleron was mildly curious. Could it be that not only was this an academy for people from the origin world, but others from different worlds as well?

Restraining himself from the thoughts, he focused ahead. The floating palace loomed ahead, yet around it, countless halls and buildings rose.

There were towers carved from stardust, training arenas suspended midair, and bridges that twisted lightly, connecting each section. The sheer scale was daunting.

As he moved further into the plaza, a figure stepped into his path.

A young man, tall and lean, stood with arms crossed. His robe bore silver embroidery of a roaring phoenix. Behind him stood a beast shaped like a lion with crystalline feathers, its eyes glowing with pride.

"You're the new one from the void transit, aren't you?" the man asked, his tone edged with arrogance. "Why don't you become my subordinate?"

Aleron stopped a few paces away, his expression unreadable. The students nearby turned their attention toward them, sensing the tension.

"I didn't come here for posturing," Aleron said evenly, his expression growing cold. "Move."

He came here for two reasons. One was to complete the system mission, the other was to grow far stronger than he was. He couldn't be bothered to deal with the man.

The man's brows twitched. "That's not how things work here, outer realm trash. Every new entrant pays their respect, especially when speaking to someone of a higher level of strength."

The man's beast snarled, tensing its muscles as light shimmered along its back. A duel seemed inevitable.

Sensing this, a wave of heat began rising from Ashkar's body. Should any of them make a move, he was ready to bite off the head of the man and his beast without hesitation and roast them to ashes.

Veldora also had a look of apprehension, wishing she could speak aloud and mediate peace between them.

But before either side could make a move, a blinding sigil appeared overhead. It rotated slowly, pulsing with radiant light. All movement ceased. The students backed away instantly, recognizing the mark.

A new figure descended from the air, robe flowing like silk woven from moonlight. She landed between Aleron and the challenger, her presence calm but powerful.

"Enough," she said, her voice tinged with coldness. "This is a place of order."

The young man bowed slightly, clearly suppressing his anger. "Apologies, Instructor Lyss. I did not realize an observer was watching."

"You're always being watched," she replied. Her gaze shifted to Aleron. "And you. State your name."

"Aleron," he said calmly. "I arrived with the goddess."

Murmurs spread through the crowd at those words.

Instructor Lyss's eyes narrowed slightly. "Follow me. Your registration has been expedited."

Without waiting, she turned and began to walk away, the crowd parting for her. Aleron followed without hesitation. His dragons, being unable to enter, could only quietly wait outside.

As they walked, Instructor Lyss spoke without turning. "You're reckless. Challenging a ranked student without even knowing the rules."

"I didn't challenge him," Aleron said plainly. "He got in my way."

Lyss gave a small nod, as if noting something down mentally. "Regardless. You'll need to understand the hierarchy. There are ten authority levels. Most new students start at zero. Some, if recognized by external sponsors, start at level one. Very few start above that."

"And me?"

"That depends on the Nexus Flame," she replied.

Soon, they reached a domed structure. Its walls shimmered like liquid crystal, and at the center of the room stood a large altar-like platform with swirling blue fire hovering above it.

"This is the Evaluation Hall," Lyss said. "Step onto the platform. The Nexus Flame will assess your core."

Aleron hesitated for a moment. Would the Nexus Flame recognize his bloodline? Or perhaps it would recognize his identity of possessing the forbidden dragon lineage?

Aleron was slightly panicked internally. He couldn't help but turn to the system.

'System, will they realize the secrets I possess?'

Aleron was prepared to use the corresponding amount of origin energy. However, surprisingly, the system answered him.

[There is no need to worry, host. The system has hidden everything concerning the host.]

Hearing the words, Aleron breathed out in relief, then quietly stepped into the chamber.

The moment his foot touched the center, the Nexus Flame flared violently. Blue shifted into silver, then gold, then a deep violet. The fire swirled around him, scanning, probing, weighing something beyond the physical.

Lyss's eyes widened.

Students gathered near the hall's edges, watching silently.

The flame surged higher, rising until it nearly touched the dome's ceiling. Aleron felt heat press against his skin, but not painfully. Instead, it felt as though something ancient were peering into his soul.

Then, without warning, the flame collapsed inward, drawing into itself and vanishing.

A single sigil appeared in its place. It floated gently toward Aleron and settled above his head.

The number three glowed brightly.

Gasps filled the hall.

"A three authority level?" a student whispered. "That is impossible. He is basically ranked in the top 100 in the first year."

Lyss took a slow breath, her voice composed but tight with disbelief.

"Welcome to the Celestial Academy, Aleron. You've just become one of the highest-ranked students, in the top 100." She smiled faintly, glancing at him.

Aleron stepped off the platform, noticing the look of disbelief on everyone's face.

It seemed his time at the academy was just starting off.