The attendant nodded to herself. “Your potential has been classified as red. The records will be updated immediately and this will be reflected in your documents.”

  Aston exhaled a quiet breath of relief.

  “Thank you,” he said, giving her a respectful nod.

  As he turned to leave, the attendant spoke again, her tone businesslike. “Your classification is now officially updated. If you require any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  Aston gave her a quick smile before exiting the room, his heart beating steadily in his chest. It was finally done.

  Mirage fluttered to his side, its sharp eyes scanning the surroundings as Gray nestled comfortably on his shoulder.

  Outside the city hall, Aston checked the time on his phone - it was still early, just past nine in the morning. The streets had filled up with more activity now. Shops opened, vendors called out to people, and spirit beasts moved through the crowd with their handlers. He had a few hours to spare before his shift.

  With Gray perched like a lazy scarf and mirage flying overhead like a drone, Aston made his way toward the market district. His current clothes were hand-me-downs. With a new life, he wanted to dress new as well. Something presentable, especially that Dawn Crest Academy is recruiting less than a week from now.

  He dipped into a few stores before settling on a small boutique tucked between a potion stall and an artificer store. The owner, an old tailor with more pins in his cuffs than fingers, helped him pick out a dark, collared shirt with suitable red threadwork and slim, long pants. He also picked a jacket and a coat, and bought three sets of clothes

  When he passed through the square to return to the hotel with his newly bought clothes, Aston saw a conspicuous poster in the square’s bulletin board. It was recently placed, as its edges are still wet from the glue.

  [Dawn Crest Academy: Regional Recruitment Drive - April 8th, 8AM. Open evaluation for young spirit professionals! All potentials welcome. Prove yourself. Rise above the rest.]

  Aston stared at the bold letters for a moment, his grip tightening slightly.

  The emblem of the academy glowed faintly under the paper’s gloss - an upward-pointing crest crowned by a rising sun. Beneath it were the official embossed letters.

  His heart beat with a quiet, steady rhythm.

  Three days… I’m ready…

  By the time he returned to the hotel, it was nearly noon. He changed into one of the new sets, and grabbed a quick bite - just bread and dried fruits before heading out again.

  At almost 1 o’clock in the afternoon, Aston walked into Emberlight Emporium. From behind the counter, Rufus grunted, raising an eyebrow.

  “You’re early.”

  Aston gave a polite nod. “Better early than late.”

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  Rufus’ expression didn’t shift much, but there was a glint of approval in his eye. “Good. Shelves need dusting. We’ve got a new shipment of stones that need cataloging too.”

  Upon saying this, a soft flutter of wings echoed through the shop. Mirage glided through the open door and perched gracefully on Aston’s shoulder. Its feathers caught a faint shimmer under the store’s lighting.

  Rufus stared at the glass owl. His brow furrowed as he leaned slightly over the counter.

  “That owl… is that yours?” he asked, voice lowered.

  Aston gave a calm nod. “Yeah, its name’s Mirage.”

  Rufus blinked, taking a step around the counter. “Aston, wasn’t your potential clear?”

  “Yes,” Aston replied evenly

  “Then, how the hell do you have a contracted spirit beast?” Rufus asked, incredulous. “Clears can’t form a pact. That’s basic soulwork!”

  Aston scratched the back of his neck. “I drank something. The Crimson Genesis Elixir. It raised my potential to red.”

  Silence.

  Rufus looked like he’d just bitten into a lemon. “You drank THAT! Are you out of your mind?!”

  “I didn’t have a choice. I had to find a way. And now I’ve re-recorded my classification. It’s official.”

  Rufus stared at him for another long moment before muttering, “You better not drop dead on my floor, kid.”

  Mirage gave a low hoot. Aston chuckled lightly. “Not planning on it.”

  Rufus sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Fine. You’re still on shelf duty today.”

  “Yes, boss.”

  Gray, now curled comfortably by the counter, let out a soft, lazy meow, as if approving of the drama-free conclusion.

  Near closing, the shop’s operation slacked, as there were no customers inside. Aston had just finished sweeping the floors when he glanced toward Rufus, who was scribbling something into the logbook behind the counter.

  “Hey, boss,” Aston said as he dusted off his hands. “I wanted to ask if I could take a day off three days from now.”

  Rufus didn’t look up immediately. “Tch, a leave? We’re gonna be busy this week and you’re asking for a leave?”

  “I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important,” Aston replied.

  That made Rufus glance up, one eyebrow raised. “Yeah? What’s so special about three days from now?”

  Aston leaned lightly against the counter. “The representatives from Dawn Crest Academy will be visiting the square. It’s their regional evaluation and recruitment drive.”

  Rufus blinked, and then scoffed. “You’re gunning for an academy spot?”

  Aston nodded again. “Yes.”

  “Huh…” Rufus leaned back against his chair. “Didn’t peg you as the academic type.”

  “I didn’t think I was either, but things have changed.”

  There was a pause. Rufus folded his arms, tapping a finger against his elbow. Then finally, he grunted.

  “Fine. You can take that day off. But you better not come back with your ego bruised and your head full of nonsense.”

  Aston gave a smile. “Deal.”

  Gray meowed like he was part of the negotiation while Mirage blinked, clearly unimpressed with the back-and-forth.

  “Also,” Rufus added gruffly, “If you do get in… don’t forget where you worked when nobody else gave you a shot.”

  “I won’t,” Aston genuinely replied.

  Rufus grumbled something under his breath and went back to writing, but Aston saw the corner of the man’s mouth twitch into a proud smirk.

  After his shift ended, Aston stepped out of the shop with Gray nestled comfortably around his neck and Mirage gliding quietly above. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the streets.