SSS-Rank Talent: Super Upgrade System-Chapter 121: New Game, New Rules!

The sleek and silent shuttle, a marvel of Astralis Academy’s advanced technology, glided to a smooth stop before a vast, circular plaza.

Daniel, Lia, Ayra, and a surprisingly composed Olenna Houten stepped out, their boots meeting the polished obsidian-like surface.

The air here was different from the lively chaos of Riversouth; it was clean, crisp, and hummed with a controlled energy that spoke of immense power and profound knowledge.

Towering crystalline structures rose around the plaza, their peaks fading into the calm, sky-blue dome above.

Delicate sky-bridges made of pure light connected these architectural wonders.

Waterfalls cascaded down their sides, not of water, but of radiant, harmless energy, creating rainbows that danced in the ambient glow.

Lush, vibrant gardens with glowing, exotic plants from across the Verge bloomed in elegant patterns, their scents a rich blend of the strange and beautiful.

"Well," Ayra breathed, her S-Grade Crystal Gloves momentarily forgotten as she stared, wide-eyed, at the breathtaking vista.

Even her usual boisterousness was subdued by the sheer scale and elegance of Astralis Academy’s Upper House.

"This makes Olenna’s elegant tent look like a heap of old rags. I wouldn’t be surprised if tiny winged drones appeared to offer us space-nectar."

Lia, her A-Grade Staff of the World Ash pulsing with a gentle emerald light, nodded in agreement, her calm grey eyes taking in every detail with quiet awe.

"It is... magnificent. The fusion of advanced science and origin power here is seamless, harmonious. This is truly a center of learning and power."

Olenna, looking entirely at home in her elegant business suit, smiled.

"Welcome to the heart of Astralis, aspirants. The Upper House is where the true journey for elite Awakened begins. The challenges are greater, but so too are the rewards."

As they stood admiring the view, other shuttles began to arrive, depositing more groups of newly admitted Awakened.

The plaza quickly filled with hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of recruits from over a hundred different Stargate entry points across the Federation.

A low murmur of excited chatter, nervous whispers, and the occasional boastful laugh filled the air.

Daniel’s S-Grade [Aura Sense+] swept across the gathering, cataloging the diverse energy signatures.

Many were strong, radiating the confidence of those who had survived the brutal trials of Level 3 of the Verge. Others felt weaker, their auras tinged with anxiety and exhaustion, clearly having barely scraped through.

"So many," Lia murmured, slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of potential rivals and allies. "The competition to advance further will be fierce."

"Good," Ayra declared, her competitive spirit re-igniting.

Her knuckles cracked audibly.

"More potential sparring partners. And maybe some of them actually know how to throw a decent punch, unlike those sniveling thugs back in the Taiji Basin."

Daniel remained silent, his gaze sweeping across the diverse assembly, his mind already analyzing, calculating.

He noted the different factions forming, the subtle alliances and rivalries already taking shape.

This was a new ecosystem, a new game, and he needed to understand its rules quickly.

Suddenly, a hush fell over the plaza.

All eyes turned towards a raised dais at the far end, where a tall, imposing figure had appeared as if from nowhere.

He was a middle-aged man with neatly styled silver-streaked hair, wearing a dark uniform marked with Astralis Academy’s Directorate insignia.

His stern face showed years of authority and experience, and his sharp eyes seemed to catch everything.

Daniel felt his aura , it was immense, far stronger than Olenna’s, stronger even than Daniel’s own current Level 12 state before activating any of his S-Grade skills.

It wasn’t quite on the transcendent level of the Golden-Armored Blue Ape, but it was close, a slumbering volcano of contained power.

"That," Olenna whispered, a new note of respect in her voice, "is Director Gareth Sterling, Head of New Student Integration for the Upper House. He is... formidable. One of the Academy’s pillars."

Director Gareth Sterling stepped forward, his presence alone commanding silence.

His voice, when he spoke, was amplified by hidden speakers, clear and resonant, carrying an undeniable weight of authority.

"Welcome, Aspirants, to Astralis Academy’s Upper House!" he declared, his gaze sweeping over the assembled recruits.

"You represent the top percentile of survivors from the Level 3 Verge trials across more than one hundred Stargate entry points.

You have faced danger, you have overcome adversity, and you have proven your basic potential. For that, you have earned your place here."

A ripple of pride went through the crowd.

"However," Director Gareth continued, his tone hardening, "your true assessment begins now.

Astralis Academy is not merely a sanctuary; it is a crucible, designed to forge the elite Vanguards who will defend humanity and explore the deepest, most dangerous frontiers of the Verge.

Many of you will not make it. Many of you will find your limits here."

He paused, letting his words sink in. freewёbnoνel-com

"To determine your path, your potential, and indeed, your continued place within these hallowed halls, you will undergo a series of entrance tests.

These tests are not designed to be easy. They are designed to push you, to reveal your true strengths, your hidden weaknesses, and your ultimate resolve."

A nervous murmur spread through the plaza. Daniel saw Lia’s brow furrow slightly in concern, while Ayra just grinned, a feral light in her eyes.

"Tests? Finally! Something more interesting than filling out paperwork!"

Director Gareth raised a hand, and the murmuring ceased.

"The freshman entrance assessment will consist of three distinct parts. The results of these tests will determine your initial school placement, your access to resources, and the direction of your systematic training.

And be warned," his eyes narrowed, "those who perform inadequately, those who lack the will, the skill, or the character to meet Astralis Academy’s standards, will be summarily eliminated.

Your tuition fees, I regret to inform you, are non-refundable."

A wave of panicked whispers erupted.

"Eliminated? After we paid so much?" "Non-refundable?!"

The thought of being expelled after surviving the horrors of Level 3 and paying the exorbitant entrance fees was a terrifying prospect for many.

Daniel just watched, his expression calm, his mind already dissecting the Director’s words.

This was a weeding-out process, designed to filter for the absolute best.

He wasn’t worried about elimination.

He was more interested in how these tests would allow him to further gauge his own rapidly evolving power and, perhaps, find new opportunities for... "assimilation."

The game, it seemed, was about to get a lot more interesting. And a lot more competitive.

New novel 𝓬hapters are published on fre ew𝒆bnovel.com