The hall was filled with a mixture of **celebration and disappointment**. Out of the **1,000 candidates**, only **600 successfully awakened their marks**. Among them:

  - **50 had mid-tier marks.**

  - **Only 3 had high-tier marks.**

  Those who **failed to awaken** were **escorted outside**. Some **cried**, some **shouted in frustration**, and others simply stood **silent, overwhelmed by loss**.

  Meanwhile, the ones who **awakened marks** were filled with **joy and excitement**. Even those with **low-tier marks** couldn't help but smile, relieved to have any mark at all.

  A few, however, had **already begun acting arrogantly**, throwing their weight around as if they were now superior to the others.

  At the front of the hall, a **group of armored guards** stepped forward and called out:

  **“All those with mid-tier and high-tier marks, step forward.”**

  The selected candidates hesitated before making their way forward. But then, to everyone's **shock**, one of the high-tier awakeners—**Lumiere**—crossed his arms and simply said:

  **“I’m not interested. You can go.”**

  A **stunned silence** followed. The guards exchanged confused glances.

  One of them hesitantly spoke. **“Sir, you are required to meet the City Lord after the ceremony.”**

  Lumiere’s **icy-blue gaze** locked onto them, sending a chill through their spines. The guards, **despite their training**, instinctively flinched. They quickly decided it was best **not to argue** and simply bowed.

  **“Very well. Please meet him after the event.”**

  Lumiere ignored them, instead turning his gaze toward the **stage** where the **City Lord** sat.

  At the center of the elevated platform, surrounded by high-ranking figures, was a man with **striking blue hair**. He appeared to be around **25 years old**, yet his **presence radiated power**. His reputation was legendary—he was one of the **strongest awakeners in the city**, standing at **Tier 5**.

  The gathered students whispered among themselves:

  **“That’s the City Lord…”**

  **“I heard he once defeated an entire army alone!”**

  **“A Tier 5 at that age? He’s insane!”**

  But among the sea of low-tier and mid-tier marks, three names stood out—the **high-tier awakeners**:

  - **Rei Solis** (Mark of Fire)

  - **Astoria Clearwater** (Mark of Water)

  - **Lumiere** (Mark of Ice)

  However, there was another **important revelation**—**Gale Strider** had finally checked his mark.

  When he placed his hand on the **crystal orb**, a **gust of wind** swirled around him.

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  The air itself responded to him.

  The orb glowed faintly, revealing the **Wind Element**.

  Gale blinked. **“Oh, damn. That’s kinda cool.”**

  Lumiere stood beside him, nodding slightly. **“Hmph. Not bad.”**

  Gale grinned. **“Was that… a compliment?”**

  Lumiere turned away. **“No.”**

  Gale chuckled. **“Liar.”**

  The **City Lord and the headmasters of four prestigious academies** congratulated the students and began extending invitations. **All four schools were competing to recruit the most talented students.**

  Rei and Astoria were **delighted**, their smiles **shining as brightly as their awakened marks**. But Lumiere? He remained **calm, indifferent**.

  At one point, Lumiere turned to **Gale** and whispered:

  **“If you hadn’t awakened… I’d be so happy.”**

  Gale blinked, then **burst into laughter**. **“Damn, you really are heartless.”**

  After the speech, the students began leaving. But those with **mid-tier and high-tier marks** had to stay back for further instructions.

  Gale, however, waited outside for Lumiere.

  ### **One Hour Later…**

  Eventually, the chosen students emerged. **All of them carried storage cards.**

  Except one.

  Lumiere walked out **empty-handed**.

  Gale raised an eyebrow. **“Wait… Did they not give you a reward for awakening a high-tier mark?”**

  Lumiere shrugged. **“I didn’t take it.”**

  Gale’s eyes widened. **“What?! Why the hell not?”**

  Lumiere smirked. **“My father can give me better things than that.”**

  Gale laughed, nudging him playfully. **“Pfft. What, is your father a demigod or something?”**

  Lumiere responded **without hesitation**:

  **“Yes.”**

  For a moment, Gale **thought he was joking**.

  Then, a **massive bolt of lightning** **split the sky in half**, striking down in the distance with a deafening roar. The ground **trembled**. The air **crackled** with energy.

  Some students **screamed**, while others **stared in terror** at the sheer power of the lightning.

  Gale’s face **froze in shock**. He turned back to Lumiere, who remained **perfectly calm**, as if this were normal.

  “…Wait. What?” Gale whispered.

  Lumiere’s lips curled into a **small, knowing smile**.

  Gale took a step back. **“No. NO WAY. You’re serious?!”**

  Lumiere just chuckled. **“I never joke.”**

  As Gale was still **processing this revelation**, Rei and Astoria **approached them**.

  Rei cleared his throat, putting on his **coolest face**. **“Hey, Lumiere. Can I have your number?”**

  Lumiere barely spared him a glance. **“Not interested.”**

  Rei’s confident smile **cracked**. **“Wait—what?”**

  Rei tried to argue, but Lumiere **cut him off coldly**. **“I only need one friend.”** He gestured toward Gale.

  Gale gave a **big, dumb grin**. **“Hello.”**

  Rei and Astoria **looked at Gale like he was trash**.

  Lumiere’s **eyes darkened**. Without another word, he **grabbed Gale by the collar** and **dragged him away**.

  “**HEY—WHAT THE HELL?!**” Gale shouted, struggling in vain.

  Behind them, Rei **gritted his teeth**. **“You should be with people on your level!”**

  Lumiere turned his head slightly. **“Exactly. That’s why I’m leaving.”**

  Rei clenched his fists. (**He had wanted to be the leader of this generation, but Lumiere didn’t even acknowledge his existence.**)

  Astoria placed a hand on Rei’s shoulder and sighed. **“Forget him. He’s arrogant, but he’ll come to us eventually.”**

  ### **Gale’s Revenge**

  Gale **finally** managed to break free from Lumiere’s grip. **“Damn it! What is WRONG with you?!”**

  Lumiere smirked. **“You’re my only friend.”**

  Gale **squinted** at him. **“…Okay. But why did you drag me away?”**

  Lumiere’s smile widened. **“Because you’re also my punching bag.”**

  **“YOU WHAT?!”**

  Before Gale could retaliate, Lumiere suddenly **let go of his collar entirely**, causing Gale to **fall flat on his back**.

  Lumiere **walked toward his luxury car**, casually **ignoring Gale’s rage-filled screams**.

  **“YOU BASTARD! I’M GONNA KILL YOU!”**

  Meanwhile, in Lumiere’s car, his **black-suited driver** handed him something.

  **“This is from your father.”**

  Lumiere raised an eyebrow and took the **storage ring**, a **knowing smirk** on his face.

  **“…As expected.”**