Gates of the Lost Dimension

Chapter 31: A New Path

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The results were finally in. Dabi had been waiting anxiously for days, reflecting on the battle with the mid-level boss and his new skills. As he scanned the rankings, a wave of relief washed over him.

His city ranking: Top 10.

But that wasn't all. He looked further, finding his national ranking: Top 100.

Dabi exhaled in disbelief. Among the 200,000+ participants, only the top 120 would be selected for the Celestia Academy, the most prestigious institution in the country. Celestia was known for its extraordinary alumni, many of whom went on to become national heroes and powerful figures. It was the dream of every awakened to be admitted there.

"I made it," Dabi thought to himself, feeling proud of his hard-earned accomplishment. However, just as his spirits began to lift, whispers began circulating around him.

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The Rivalry Begins

During the entrance exam, Dabi had unknowingly attracted the attention of one of the legendary class candidates—a genius from a powerful noble family. His name was Reniel Vantore, a prodigy with vast magical potential and the backing of influential figures. Reniel had dominated the exams, ranking in the top 5 nationally, but Dabi’s unexpected success in the combat test had left him burning with jealousy.

"This commoner… how did he defeat a mid-level boss?" Reniel spat to his companions. "I’ll make sure he doesn’t get anywhere near the top academies."

Reniel’s powerful background allowed him to pull strings with the exam supervisors, who were high-ranking figures from the top 5 academies, including Celestia. Together, they conspired to block Dabi’s entry into the top academies.

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Rejected by the Best

Days later, as the admissions results were published, Dabi’s heart sank. Despite his ranking, he had been rejected by Celestia Academy. Not just Celestia—every academy ranked in the top 5 had turned him down.

"How can this be?" Dabi thought, frustration and sadness welling up in him. "I worked so hard… why?"

The rejection cut deeper than he expected. It wasn’t just about his ambition—it felt personal. Dabi stood alone, watching as the other candidates celebrated their successes, while he was left in the shadow of disappointment.

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A Mysterious Offer

Just as Dabi prepared to leave, a man approached him. He had a worn but authoritative presence, his clothes slightly tattered, but his eyes sharp with experience. Dabi could sense that this man was someone who had seen both glory and hardship.

"I’m Raghnall Ferrin, a representative from Astral Haven Academy," the man introduced himself. "You might not have heard of us—we were the number one academy ten years ago."

Dabi stared at the man in surprise. He had never heard of Astral Haven, and it puzzled him that the academy had fallen so far from its previous glory.

"Why are you here?" Dabi asked, still feeling the sting of rejection from the top academies.

Raghnall smiled slightly. "Because I saw what happened in that fight against the mid-level boss. You’re not just another awakened—there’s something special about you. And more than that… your parents were from Astral Haven."

Dabi’s heart stopped for a moment. "My… parents?"

Raghnall nodded. "Your parents were some of the best we ever had. Ten years ago, they went on a mission inside a dimensional gate and… they disappeared. Officially, they’re considered dead, but I know that’s not the whole truth."

Dabi’s mind raced. His parents had disappeared when he was young, and the officials had always told him they were dead. He never remembered much about them, and he had no relatives to tell him otherwise. Now, someone from a forgotten academy was telling him a different story.

"You don’t know much about your own background, do you?" Raghnall asked. "I can tell you everything about your parents, but only if you join Astral Haven."

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A Deal is Struck

Dabi stared at Raghnall, his emotions in turmoil. He had always wanted to know more about his family, but he had never imagined they were connected to something like this.

"What do you want from me?" Dabi asked.

Raghnall’s face grew serious. "Astral Haven was once the best academy in the country, but ten years ago, we fell from grace. There is a dimensional gate located at the academy that no one has been able to clear for over fifty years. Many have tried and failed, including your parents. If you can clear that gate, not only will you bring honor back to the academy, but I’ll give you access to every piece of information we have about your parents."

Dabi’s mind whirled. A dimensional gate that no one had been able to clear in half a century?  I can do it with my system help.

"Alright," Dabi said, his resolve hardening. "I’ll join Astral Haven—but only if you give me everything you have on my parents once I clear the gate."

Raghnall smiled, sensing Dabi’s determination. "Deal. Welcome to Astral Haven Academy."

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Dabi returned home that night with a mix of emotions. His dream of joining the top academy had been shattered, but in its place, a new and far more personal journey had begun. He had uncovered a clue about his parents, a mystery tied to the academy that had fallen from grace.

As he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, Dabi’s thoughts turned to the future.

"When I wake up, my real journey begins," he thought, determined to clear the gate and learn the truth about his family.

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Astral Haven Academy would be Dabi’s new home, a place where he would uncover secrets about his past while striving to become strong enough to face the greatest challenges yet to come. The academy, once number one, was now fallen—but with Dabi’s arrival, a new chapter in its history was about to unfold.