The unassuming boy in a leather jerkin, hailing from a lower-class world, had suddenly become the talk of the class. Emery's classmates stared at him, whispering to one another.
Having an affinity for four elements was already rare, occurring in only one out of a thousand across hundreds of thousands of human worlds. But among those four affinities, he also had a dark element. The odds of this happening were greater than finding a needle in a haystack.
Affinity, however, was like having a heavy, closed gate behind which lay countless potentials. One needed the strength to push open that gate and the aptitude to learn what lay beyond. Thus, Minerva's second test was designed to examine both the battle power and the aptitude of each person in her class.
This time, she summoned a glowing symbol that resembled an eye and called the class to attention. "One by one, each of you will step into the Eye of Power. Who wants to go first?"
The bald youth, with a light affinity, stepped forward, volunteering to be first. A few seconds after he entered the circle, the eye lit up, revealing numbers emblazoned on the symbol:
[Battle power: 10]
[Spirit power: 25]
[Spirit aptitude: Rank A]
Minerva addressed the class. "Let me explain. Battle power is a measure of one's physical strength. A score of 10 represents the average adult human. For young people to have this score means they have rigorously trained, unlocking their physical potential to the point where they can fight on equal footing with adults, despite their youth. Battle power is determined by a combination of strength, speed, and endurance"
"Meanwhile, spirit power measures one's ability to weave the elemental energies of the universe. It's based on three categories: spirit strength, spirit control, and spirit capacity. Increasing your spirit power will be everyone's main task, but it won't be easy. Only when your spirit power reaches 30 will you be able to use basic elements and advance to a Rank 2 acolyte"
"Lastly, and most importantly, is spirit aptitude, which is your talent for learning magic. Some may have low spirit power because they haven't studied magic, but anyone with high aptitude can quickly catch up."
More students took their turns:
[Battle power: 8]
[Spirit power: 23]
[Spirit aptitude: Rank A]
[Battle power: 6]
[Spirit power: 28]
[Spirit aptitude: Rank A]
[Battle power: 15]
[Spirit power: 22]
[Spirit aptitude: Rank A]
It was expected that youths chosen from the billions to trillions of people in the galaxy would have Rank A spirit aptitude.
[Battle power: 13]
[Spirit power: 29]
[Spirit aptitude: Rank S]
[Battle power: 18]
[Spirit power: 36]
[Spirit aptitude: Rank A]
[Battle power: 15]
[Spirit power: 32]
[Spirit aptitude: Rank S]
These were the results from the group of young people in black and white uniforms. A few had Rank S aptitude, but nearly all of them had surpassed 30 spirit power, except for a few who hadn't. Those who had were being dubbed "geniuses" from the magus world of Kalios, as it meant they could already use magic and were Rank 2 acolytes.
When a person broke through certain barriers in spirit power, their physical strength would often increase as well.
"No wonder they're so arrogant. But words are meaningless. Ahh!!, I'm itching to pound those smug faces into the ground," Thrax said, spitting on the floor.
"Barbarian!, could you stop dirtying the place? It only shows you're scared of them," Julian commented, moving the hem of his robe away from where Thrax had spat.
"Huh? Did you say something, pig? I can't understand a word. All I hear is snorting," Thrax retorted, leaning in mockingly.
Julian just sighed, shaking his head and choosing to ignore him again.
"Those boys, all they know is fighting. I'm so glad that silent boy over there and you, my cutie, aren't like them," Klea said, inching closer to Emery.
"I..." Emery muttered his heart racing, his face flushing.
Klea gave a teasing laugh before moving away from him.
Suddenly, there were gasps from the crowd. Chumo leaned forward to see what was happening.
A girl stepped forward into the Eye of Power, her greenish-white dress shimmering in the glow of the arcane symbol. The fabric clung to her slender form, flowing smoothly down to her feet like liquid silk. Her face was hidden behind a large, delicate veil that obscured her features, adding an air of mystery to her presence. Despite her concealment, the crowd could feel an aura of quiet strength radiating from her.
The numbers flickered into view:
[Battle power: 22]
[Spirit power: 41]
[Spirit aptitude: Rank S]
Murmurs rippled through the audience. Her battle power was more than twice that of an average adult, but it was her spirit power—an astounding 41—that left many awestruck. At such a young age, she had already ascended to Rank 3 acolyte, an achievement that set her apart from the others.
Minerva, standing at the front with a knowing smile, gestured to the girl. "Let me see your face."
The room fell silent, all eyes locked on her. Slowly, with the grace of someone used to commanding attention, the girl reached up and lifted her veil. As the sheer fabric fell away, gasps echoed through the room.
Her face was striking—her skin smooth and flawless, her features sharp yet elegant. But it was her eyes that captivated the onlookers. Where the average human iris was round, hers were narrow and elongated, the pupils vertical like a predator's—like a snake's. They gleamed with a dangerous, mesmerizing intensity, a clear sign of her non-human heritage.
One of the youths in uniform sneered, breaking the spell of silence. "Huh! A half-breed bloodline race... no wonder she's different."
Minerva shot him a glare, silencing him.
"What's your name, girl?" she asked.
"I am Silva."