The results of the Annual Assessment Examination were unprecedented. Anthony's perfect score in theory, his inexplicable display of elemental manipulation, and his astonishing physical feat sent shockwaves through the academy and beyond. Suddenly, the 'Hollow Man' was the most talked-about student.
The Dregs class was disbanded. Mr. Han, usually resigned to mediocrity, now looked at Anthony with a mixture of awe and bewilderment. He even started carrying around a copy of Anthony's theoretical exam paper, studying the annotations as if they were sacred texts.
"He truly is an enigma," Mr. Han mumbled to himself, adjusting his glasses. "The way he reframed the Unified Field Theory... it's revolutionary."
Marcus approached Anthony in the bustling cafeteria, a slight awkwardness in his usually confident stride. He had been assigned to an elite General's academy, but even his achievements felt overshadowed.
"Anthony," Marcus said, extending a hand. "I... I misjudged you. We all did."
Anthony shook his hand, a genuine smile on his face. "It's alright, Marcus. You just saw what everyone else saw. An empty shell."
"But you weren't," Marcus countered, a look of genuine admiration in his eyes. "You were... dormant. A sleeping giant."
Derek, however, still harbored resentment. He couldn't comprehend how a 'nobody' could surpass him. He watched Anthony from a distance, a dark scowl on his face. He felt diminished, humiliated.
Later that day, Anthony was summoned to the Principal's office. He walked in to find Principal Garen, Archmage Eldrin, and two other robed figures, Grandmaster Shen of the Qi Cultivation Sect and Matriarch Lyra of the Physique Harmonizers. These were the most powerful and influential figures in the region.
"Anthony," Principal Garen began, his voice surprisingly gentle. "Your performance was... exceptional. Beyond anything we have witnessed in decades, perhaps even centuries."
Archmage Eldrin leaned forward, his fiery eyes fixed on Anthony. "We believe you have awakened a soul of immense power, one that transcends the typical categories. Your ability to manipulate fundamental forces, your understanding of advanced principles... it points to something truly ancient and divine."
"We call it a Millennium Soul," Matriarch Lyra added, her voice a calm ripple. "A soul that has experienced countless epochs, accumulating knowledge and power from an unimaginable number of past lives, culminating in a being of near-infinite potential."
Grandmaster Shen, a stoic man with a long, white beard, finally spoke. "Each of us here represents a major path of cultivation and knowledge. We are here to offer you a place in our respective institutions. You may choose any, or even all, if you wish to dabble."
Anthony looked at their expectant faces. He understood the implications. This was their way of trying to understand him, to control him, perhaps even to absorb his knowledge. He also understood the danger of revealing too much too soon.
"Thank you, esteemed elders," Anthony said, bowing respectfully. "Your offers are truly generous. However, I must decline."
The room fell silent. Principal Garen nearly choked on his tea.
"Decline?" Archmage Eldrin asked, a hint of steel in his voice. "Do you understand what you are rejecting, boy? Access to the greatest libraries, the most potent techniques, the most renowned masters!"
"I understand perfectly, Archmage," Anthony replied, his voice calm, yet firm. "But my path is my own. The knowledge within me is vast, and I believe I can cultivate myself without the need for external guidance at this stage."
He paused, then added, "Moreover, I wish to remain at the academy for now. There is still much I need to observe, much I need to understand about this era and its people. I wish to maintain a low profile."
The elders exchanged glances. Matriarch Lyra smiled, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "A low profile, you say? After smashing our strength machine and rewriting our fundamental theories?"
Anthony offered a small, disarming smile. "Indeed. I learn quickly. I adapt. And I still have much to learn about blending in."
Archmage Eldrin narrowed his eyes, a flicker of suspicion in their depths. "Very well. But know this, Anthony. The world watches. And greatness, no matter how humble, cannot remain hidden forever."
Anthony merely nodded, his gaze unwavering. He knew that was true. But for now, he would continue to walk among them, a seemingly ordinary boy with a universe brewing inside.