As the Leviathan ship sailed through the universal expanse, the anticipation among the candidates reached its peak. The view screens aboard the ship displayed the approaching celestial body—the planet Hendu. Its vibrant hues of blue and green became increasingly prominent, indicating the lush landscapes that awaited us.

The ship gradually descended, revealing the breathtaking details of Hendu's terrain. Vast oceans glittered like sapphires, and sprawling continents painted in various shades of green unfolded below. The ship's descent provided a panoramic view of the diverse ecosystems that covered the planet, from dense forests to expansive plains.

As we neared the surface, the contours of a sprawling metropolis came into focus. The campus, nestled within a verdant landscape, was a marvel of futuristic architecture. Towering structures with ethereal patterns adorned their surfaces, seamlessly blending with the natural beauty of Hendu. The city seemed to harmonize with the environment, a testament to the Golactic Coalation's commitment to coexist with the planets they inhabited.

The ship smoothly touched down on a designated landing platform near the campus. Stepping out onto the boarding ramp, I was greeted by the refreshing Henduan air, carrying scents of unfamiliar flora. The campus itself sprawled out before us, a blend of cutting-edge facilities and serene green spaces.

The structures were interconnected, and the pathways crisscrossed through well-maintained gardens. Hendu's native flora, with its vibrant colors and unique shapes, added a touch of natural beauty to the artificial landscape. A river meandered through the campus, reflecting the golden hues of the Henduan sun.

As we walked towards the heart of the campus, the city's skyline loomed in the background. Hendu City, a bustling hub of activity, was a testament to the symbiotic relationship between advanced technology and the preservation of natural beauty. Hovering transports zipped across the sky, while students and faculty moved purposefully along the walkways.

The Golactic Coalation academy, an imposing structure at the center of the campus, stood as a beacon of knowledge and progress. Its architecture seamlessly integrated with the surrounding environment, and the emblem of the Golactic Coalation, featuring twelve stars, adorned the entrance—a constant reminder of the organization's rich history and the responsibility shared by the noble families.

The GCU officer's announcement echoed through the open space, drawing the attention of the newly arrived candidates. The urgency in his voice conveyed the importance of the information he was about to share.

"New enrollees and class schedules can be accessed at the New Student Facility, conveniently located on the campus maps. Alternatively, if you have a holographic device, you can upload the information directly to your GPS. There's no need to rush; you have until the end of the day to settle into your dorms. However, be warned—if you don't, you might find yourself sleeping on the streets until the next day. I strongly advise you to prioritize this task."

The weight of the officer's words hung in the air, emphasizing the importance of navigating the initial steps of life at the Golactic Coalation academy. Candidates exchanged glances, some with holographic devices already in hand, others consulting the maps provided. The campus, a blend of futuristic design and natural beauty, sprawled before them, waiting to be explored.

As the candidates dispersed, a sense of purpose filled the air. The promise of new knowledge, challenges, and camaraderie lay ahead, and the urgency to settle in resonated with the shared understanding that this was the beginning of a transformative journey.

I decided to take care of my business first, eager to avoid the prospect of sleeping on the street and curious about the appearance of my dormitory.

Navigating through the bustling crowd, I followed the holographic arrows on my device that led me to the New Student Facility. The building stood as a testament to the advanced technology of the Golactic Coalation, its sleek architecture blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. As I entered, the hum of activity greeted me, and the air buzzed with the excitement of new beginnings.

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I approached the reception desk, taking in the organized chaos of new students eager to begin their journey at the Golactic Coalation. The woman behind the desk greeted me with a warm smile, her fingers dancing across the holographic interface. "Full name, age, and city of departure."

"Alex Mercer, 15 years old, New Arcadia," I responded, keeping my answers concise.

The receptionist input the information into her system, the holographic display responding with a soft glow. "Welcome to the Golactic Coalation, Alex. Your dorm assignment is in Tower A, Room 215. Here's your keycard." She handed me a sleek card with the Golactic Coalation emblem, its surface reflecting the ambient light. "To receive your schedule and pick up your electives, you'll need to do your ether assessment, which you can do right now. It's down the hallway and to your left."

"Thank you," I replied, taking the keycard with a nod of appreciation. The emblem on the sleek card gleamed in the ambient light, a symbol of the new chapter unfolding in my life. The prospect of navigating the complex world of Ether assessments intrigued me, and I decided to embark on this next step immediately.

Following the receptionist's directions, I made my way down the hallway, the hum of activity in the New Student Facility providing a backdrop to my journey. The anticipation of what the Ether assessment held for me added an extra spring to my step.

Upon reaching the designated area, I found a room marked "Ether Assessment Center." The door slid open as I approached, revealing an interior filled with advanced technological setups. Screens displayed intricate patterns of Ether flows, and the air tingled with the cosmic energy that permeated the academy.

A GCU official stood by, ready to guide me through the assessment process. "Welcome. We're going to evaluate your affinity with Ether. This assessment will help tailor your academic and training programs to maximize your potential. Please step onto the marked platform, and we'll begin."

I followed the instructions, standing on the designated platform as the assessment apparatus whirred to life. The room filled with a soft hum, and the screens flickered with ethereal patterns. The assessment delved into the depths of my connection with Ether, unraveling the enigmatic threads that bound me to the cosmic energy.

As the process unfolded, I couldn't help but marvel at the advanced technology that defined the Golactic Coalation. The academy was a convergence of mystique and innovation, a place where the boundaries between the tangible and the ethereal blurred.

Upon completion, the GCU official reviewed the results. "Well done. Your ether efficiency aligns with that of someone who has just awakened, which means you have potential. However, due to the lack of power and experience, we will have to schedule classes accordingly. If you haven't been told so far, your elemental affinity is that of the space element. So, I would advise you to focus on techniques in the quadrant."

Surprised by his words, the space element, huh? I had no idea. "Thank you for letting me know."

The GCU official put the details in his computer, “Please choose two electives out of these four options.”

A screen appeared in my face that read, "Combat Force Training,"

the holographic screen displayed the first elective option. The description below outlined a rigorous program focusing on honing combat skills, physical conditioning, and tactical proficiency. It seemed like a comprehensive course designed to elevate both my Ether-based abilities and combat prowess.

The next option flickered onto the screen:

"Strategic Command and Leadership"

This elective aimed at developing strategic thinking, leadership skills, and the ability to coordinate teams in the field. While it might not directly enhance my individual combat abilities, the prospect of becoming a strategic leader intrigued me.

The third option materialized:

"Ether Synthesis and Manipulation"

This elective promised a deeper exploration of Ether, emphasizing the synthesis and manipulation of cosmic energies. It sounded like an opportunity to understand the intricacies of Ether on a profound level, potentially unlocking new capabilities and insights.

The final option appeared:

"Advanced Biome Studies"

This elective delved into the diverse biomes of the Golactic Coalation training grounds, providing insights into the unique challenges presented by each environment. Understanding the intricacies of different biomes could offer a strategic advantage in future trials.

Each elective held its own appeal, presenting a unique avenue for growth. After a moment of contemplation, I made my selections:

"I'll go with Combat Force Training and Ether Synthesis and Manipulation," I stated, confirming my choices with a tap on the holographic screen.

The GCU official nodded, entering my selections into the system. "Excellent choices. I see you’re combat driven. Your schedule will be updated accordingly. Classes will begin in a few days, so take these days to settle in and familiarize yourself with the academy. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask."

With that, I left the Ether Assessment Center, keycard in hand, ready to explore the intricacies of Golactic Coalation academy life and the promising path that awaited me.