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The imposing gates of Dawnbreaker Academy loomed before Lu Chen, a colossal structure of grey stone that seemed to claw at the sky. He stood on the packed earth of the academy grounds, a sea of faces stretching as far as the eye could see. A nervous energy thrummed through the crowd – a palpable mixture of excitement, apprehension, and the raw power of newly awakened abilities. Hundreds of young men and women, all hoping for a chance to escape the harsh realities of the post-rift world, jostled for position.

At the forefront, a figure commanded attention. Principal Theron, a towering man radiating power, stood tall, his level 40 status evident in the subtle shimmer of energy that surrounded him. He was flanked by eight teachers, their levels ranging from 30 to 35, each a formidable figure in their own right. Before them sat a large, pulsating crystal ball, its surface shimmering with an ethereal light.

One by one, the hopeful students stepped forward, placing their hands on the cool surface of the crystal ball. A hush fell over the crowd as each individual's talents manifested. The air crackled with energy as diverse powers emerged: a young woman gained the ability to conjure pickaxes from thin air, her hands glowing with earthen energy; a boy received an herbalist's touch, his fingers tingling with the power to heal and cultivate rare plants; another student manifested the ability to create food that provided temporary buffs and debuffs, his hands shimmering with a faint golden light.

The process continued, a mesmerizing display of raw potential. Two hundred students had gathered, their hopes pinned on this single moment. One hundred and fifty received common abilities – minor enhancements to strength, speed, or perception. Twenty-five were blessed with rare abilities, granting them more significant advantages in combat or crafting. Twenty more received elite abilities, granting them unique and powerful skills. And then, the top five. They were the ones who drew gasps from the crowd, their talents shimmering with epic power: control over thunder, the manipulation of fire, the summoning of spectral swords.

Lu Chen stood near the back, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He watched, a silent observer, as the extraordinary talents unfolded before him. He felt a pang of envy, a familiar twinge of inadequacy. He was ordinary, unremarkable, lacking the innate power that seemed to flow so freely through others. He had nothing but his determination and the unwavering love for his sister.

His turn came last. He approached the crystal ball, his hands trembling slightly. He placed his hand on the cool, smooth surface, his heart pounding in his chest. A wave of energy washed over him, a tingling sensation spreading through his limbs. The crystal ball pulsed with a soft, warm light, then faded.

Silence. Then, a voice, amplified by the academy's magic, echoed across the grounds.

"Beast Tamer. Common Grade."

A collective sigh rippled through the crowd. The academy's announcement was clear and concise, devoid of any emotion. The air grew heavy with unspoken disappointment. Lu Chen's heart sank. He had hoped, however faintly, for something more. Something… extraordinary.

The Principal's voice boomed again, cutting through the stunned silence. "All Common Grade students, please leave the academy grounds."

The words hung in the air, a stark and brutal reality check. Lu Chen's hopes, already fragile, shattered into a million pieces. His journey to Dawnbreaker Academy, a journey fueled by hope and determination, had seemingly ended before it had even begun.

To be continued….

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