Klaus took a bath washing the stench of death off him and then went back to studying the Pentaface bead for the next few hours. Around 7, there was a knock on the door. When Klaus opened it, he saw Anna standing there, looking right at him.
“Good morning, Anna,” Klaus said, trying not to think about the awkward conversation they had the night before.
“Good morning, Klaus,” Anna replied, her tone carrying a hint of guilt. Klaus wasn’t sure how to respond, but before he could say anything, Anna stepped forward and hugged him. An unexpected hug that is.
“Klaus, I know you said those hurtful things because you think I’m still young, and I understand that,” she whispered. “But I want you to know, I won’t give up that easily. I will find a way into your heart. If not now, then maybe a year from now, or two, when I’m more mature for you.”
Klaus’s heart pounded at her words. It’s not that girls her age can’t date, it’s more like girls her age dating are just wasting their time instead of focusing on cultivating and training to brave this apocalyptic world.
They can date, but when all they think about all day is their significant other, then they are doomed. Klaus doesn’t focus on just that, he has his priorities set, god knows he needs all the time to prepare since he will always have to fight for his life whenever he is breaking through realms.
He might have said those words to make Anna set her priorities straight, but he was also doing it to give himself at least a few years to grow before these instructions piled up. After witnessing a part of his past self, Klaus started to change without him even realizing it.
So hearing her, Klaus knew Anna had been thinking about those things. Thankfully, Klaus thickened his skin and made her realize she was complicating things for herself and him. Ohema and Lucy were both mature, unlike Anna and Lily who could get excited over every small thing.
Anna broke the hug, and with her flustered expression, she hurried to her room. Klaus just smiled and headed to eat the breakfast delivered by room service.
Danny and the boys were already eating, so he joined them without a second thought. Meanwhile, Anna found herself sitting with two Fairies listening to them like a baby bird.
“He’s right, Anna. You’re still young,” Hanna said gently, watching Anna’s conflicted expression. “But understand this—he does love you. It’s just… it’s a lot for him right now. He loves you both.
Give him time.”
Anna’s face softened, but she said nothing. Lily, standing nearby, nodded in silent agreement. They both knew Hanna was right.
“Anyway,” Hanna added, standing up with purpose, “we should get ready. The trial starts at ten O clock”
With that, the women quietly excused themselves, heading off to prepare for the day ahead. A little while later, they left the hotel in the same flying car they had been using.
On the way, Klaus glanced at his friends and smirked mischievously.
“Although none of you will be getting the first spot, since this handsome friend of yours already has it, I expect each and every one of you to land in the top 50 among the 1,000 who will be selected.”
His friends rolled their eyes, knowing he was being serious in his shameless way. They all understood that Klaus was an anomaly; everyone knew that. None of them were confident they could take that spot from him, but they sighed, realizing that getting into the top 50 was what everyone aimed for.
There were about 12,000 geniuses competing in the trial, but only 1,000 would be selected. It was common knowledge that those in the top 50 gained the most recognition and attracted support from others looking to win favor with them.
It happened every time there was a trial like this. So every youngster will aim for the spot.
“Just do what you can,” he said, his tone sincere. “I have no doubt you all will advance to the next stage.”
His friends nodded, determination settling on their faces. Klaus then leaned back in his seat, glancing at his phone as if expecting something. Shortly after, it began to ring.
“My dear mother, I thought you wouldn’t call to wish me good luck,” Klaus said with a smile, seeing his mother’s face on the screen.
“Klaus, dear, good luck! Now put your sister on,” his mother replied.
Klaus grinned and handed the phone over to Hanna.
“Baby girl, good luck in the trial! Make sure you show this bastard what you’re made of,” Klaus’s mother said, her voice warm and encouraging. Hanna beamed at the praise.
“A traitor mother and sister, tsk,” Klaus pouted silently, but he didn’t say anything. He watched as his mother showered Hanna with affection before she handed the phone back to him.
“Okay, Klaus baby, take care of yourself and your sister. Bye!” His mother smiled teasingly before hanging up.
A few seconds later, a text came through: “Good luck, my love! Show everyone what a handsome and shameless son who peeks on his mother is made of.”
Klaus wanted to smash his phone and jump out of the car, but he held back. Clearly, his mother wouldn’t let go of that incident anytime soon. He smiled despite his embarrassment and leaned back in his chair, ready to face whatever came next.
A while later, they appeared in the view of a massive building, almost similar to the same building in Ross City.
As they neared, Klaus could see thousands of young people gathered outside, each ready to showcase their skills. Klaus sighed as he took in the scene; he knew that many would have their dreams of entering the prestigious academy in the entire world crushed today.
But who was he to complain? They alighted from the flying car and walked toward a corner. To his surprise, Klaus spotted his dear friend—at least, that’s how he saw him, lol—standing there with a few friends and some familiar faces he had met at the Felin Youth Ball.
“My dear friend Miguel! It’s been ages! You don’t happen to miss me as much as I miss you, do you?” Klaus called out, moving closer to Miguel’s group.
Miguel’s expression twisted with disdain. He hated Klaus with a passion, and seeing that handsome, white-haired bastard only fueled his anger. All he wanted was to sever Klaus’s head from his neck, but he forced himself to maintain a composed exterior.
“Funny how you think anyone would miss you,” Miguel retorted, crossing his arms. The tension in the air crackled as their respective groups sized each other up.
“Ah, Brother Yaw is also here!” Daniel suddenly called out, walking toward a young man standing in Miguel’s group. They seemed to know each other well. This gesture helped ease the tension in the air as friends began chatting among themselves.
Klaus stood with a mocking smile, his gaze fixed on Miguel. “When you’re done hating me, I’d like to have a proper duel,” Klaus said, throwing a cheeky grin at Miguel before moving in a different direction.
“Brother Nathan! Long time no see,” Klaus greeted warmly as he approached a familiar face. This young man is the son of Dave Arcadia, the leader of the Arcadian Great Family and the wealthiest individual in the Eastern Region of the Northern Union. Read today on freewebnovel
“Ah, Brother Klaus! I’m sorry about what happened during the invasion. It was our negligence that nearly cost you your life,” Daniel said, his tone sincere.
“Don’t sweat it; accidents happen,” Klaus replied, waving off the concern. “Tell me, how are things going lately? What happened to that group you were forming for the expedition to the Tier 3 Forbidden Zone?”
They exchanged updates for a while, Klaus absorbing all the information he could from Nathan. After their conversation, he returned to his group, feeling more informed and grounded.
After about an hour of waiting, the massive doors of the building opened, and everyone began to move in, anticipation buzzing in the air.
“Welcome to the Regional Selection Trial of the Celestial Mountain Academy” After everybody found themselves in the building, a voice suddenly spoke quieting them.