In this world, there were countless elements. But there were only nine elements universally acknowledge by the world of magic. Fire, water, wind and Earth were called Four Natural Elements because it all corresponds to nature. Lightning, Holy and Dark elements, while could also be considered as an element of nature, was known as Three Supreme Elements because of its superior characteristics. The rest of the Nine Great Element, the Space and Time, were called Two Supreme Laws because of it couldn't be touched easily and they were also the one that made the universe exist. The two laws will cease to exist without the other, because if there was no time, the space will stop moving and will be destroyed instantly. But if there was no space, there would be no time in the first place.
As for Affinity Crystals, they're legendary stones that rumored to be able to change a Mage's affinity. Let's say that if he use an Affinity Crystal, his elemental Affinity, which was originally dark Element, will change to that corresponding element. In other words, as long as he got his hands on one of such thing, then he didn't need to worry about being exposed.
Alzer stared at the nine Affinity Crystals with interest. His eyes were filled with greed as countless possibilities entered. If he use the Time or Space Affinity Crystal, then he will easily become a renowned genius in the kingdom. He was so sure of it. Many powerful forces will try to recruit and nurture to become a future expert.
A few moments later, Alzer finally calmed as he thought of the cons of having an Elemental Law. People will start watching him from the darkness, and that's the only thing he didn't want to do. He recalled about a certain person in his past life who was forcibly suppressed by the Royal Family after refusing its "sincere invitation". Naturally, that person tried to resist but in the end, that person gave up after receiving a threat of having her family killed. If his every movements were being watched by those people, then will not be able to sleep in peace.
After thinking, Alzer eliminated the choice of using a Supreme Law Affinity Stone. That just leaves him three Supreme Elements and Four Natural Elements. He needed to make a choice wisely if he wanted to succeed.
As he thinks of the pros and cons, he suddenly recalled a certain memory of his past life. It was about an ancient ruin that was known as Tomb of God. Just like its name implies, the Tomb of God is the place where an entity of God Stage died. And after a hundreds of centuries of research, the study says that only those with Dual Elemental affinity could enter that place. In other words, if he have Dual Elements, there's a possibility for him to ascend to Divinity.
However, there is only one problem. Affinity Crystals can only replace a person's affinity, not add it. If there's a heaven-defying thing with that ability, then that would be the Supreme Affinity Crystal.
"Hmm?" Alzer observed the nine Affinity Stones once again and scrutinized its appearance. From color to shape, and even those small details were reflected on his eyes. As he stared at it, Alzer suddenly realized something. If his thinking was correct then these stones would be the Supreme Affinity Crystal of the Land of Gods.
When he think about it more, it seemed really possible. After all, these nine Affinity Crystals appeared after the death of Snow Phoenix's fragmented soul.
After pondering for a moment, Alzer slowly raised his right hand and touched the violet-coloured crystal—the Lightning Affinity Stone.
Suddenly, a powerful explosion occurred. The lightning power from the crystal entered his flesh, flowing through his mana channels before it turned into a spherical figure within his abdomen.
When all lightning power condensed into a Mana Core, another overbearing power flowed through his mana channels. This time it was a dark-coloured power, which is a dark power. Its power was overwhelming that his mana channels cracked.
The dark power entered his abdomen and turned into a dark-coloured spherical figure just what the lightning power earlier did.
Just like that, Alzer had easily condensed his two Mana Cores and officially became a dual elemental Mage. He also advanced to the first level of Man Stage.
When Alzer opened his eyes, he found himself inside the room again, where he could see the eyes of his relatives hazing at him with expections. He also the priest's short glance full of cunningness that God only knows what it is.
"Are you okay, Alzer?" When she saw his older brother opening his eyes, Hannah asked, full of concern.
'Same script,' Alzer said inwardly before he plastered an exhausted but bright smile. "I'm okay, Hannah. Just exhausted."
"Well, it's obvious that you will be exhausted since Awakening gives a toll towards a novice Mage like you." Father Kuro interrupted. Then, he took out a mysterious orb that came out of nowhere. He placed it down upon a table nearby. He added, "Here, place your hands here and infuse your Mana in it so we can see what your affinity is."
"Ah, okay," Alzer nodded his head and placed down his hands on the crystal. He knew what this item is. It was used to test what kind of element a person awakened. The reason why he could see those powers within his body earlier was because of his good perception that he inherited from his past life. He may not able to scan the surroundings yet, but with the awakening of his affinities, he could easily scrutinize his body.
After he placed down his hands, he infused his mana into the orb while he inwardly said, "Suppress!"
A violet-coloured light blob suddenly popped out of nowhere within the crystal orb. Its violet light filled the whole room.
Meanwhile, the people stared at this scene with shock. They couldn't believe what they just saw. Alzer actually awakened one of the Three Supreme Elements, the Lightning Element!
Especially Joanna, who's basically thinking of the future. She simulated many possibilities and she couldn't help but gasp. Since her son awakened a Lightning Element, does that mean the Volheim Family could even become a Marquis-ranked Family in the future. Just thinking about it made her mind filled with the scenes of treasure and thousands of followers who obeyed her words.
By her side was Hannah, whose expression was neither greed nor envy, but an expression of excitement and sorrow. She was excited because her brother could easily become one of the top Mages in the future. She was also sad because he'll become distant in the future. She knew that being a genius who awakened a Supreme Element means that he will become a busy person—no time of accompanying her in the future.
Count Volheim's expression, on the other hand, was full of seriousness. Just like Joanna, his mind was basically full of politics and when he thought about how will his family rise because of this, he couldn't but become excited. In truth, while the Volheim Family is the absolute overlord of Snow County, its position is still a bit unstable. As long as there's an opening, his political enemies will try to use it against him. But, as long as he announced the result of Awakening, then the Volheim Family's title as an overlord is basically set on stone. No one could could go against him anymore in this region.
As for Father Kuro, he have an unknown expression. At this moment, a sudden movement entered his vision. He followed his movement and saw a faint, unnoticeable dark-coloured light blob appearing within the orb for a moment before it was suppressed by the violet-coloured light blob. His expression suddenly changed as he turned his gaze at Alzer, whose face was full of sweat. 'I see, so that's why he's struggling too much just to infuse his mana into the orb.'
As he removed his hands from the orb, Alzer wiped his sweaty forehead as he turned back and saw the expressions of the people within the room. He had already expected this. With this, he could basically use the resources of the Family as he wish. However, when Father Kuro entered his eyes, he suddenly became unsettled. He saw the old man's pair of eye silently scrutinizing as though he was some exotic animal in a zoo. He also saw the corner of his mouth faintly curled up.
'Don't tell me…' Alzer's heart skipped a beat. If his suspicions were really true then he was already in trouble. Dark Mages were the nemeses of Holy Servants. In short, he and that old man were enemies as well. If that old man knew that he awakened a dark element, in addition to his lightning element, then surely he will become a huge threat in his eyes. And this was not good for him. He might knew many spells in his past life, there are only few that he could use at this level. What was more is that Father Kuro was at the far higher level than him. He wouldn't be able to escape even if he want to.
However, even if that's the case, Alzer didn't reveal any panic on his face. Looking at the old man's expression, it was obvious that he was intentionally doing that. Why? Alzer already have an answer.
The old man already knew that he was not a normal 18-year-old teenager. Alzer guessed that if he revealed a single panic, the old man will try to act aggressively. In other words, Kuro's previous act was to determine if he was up to his criteria.
Why did he say "criteria"? It's so simple that you could probably analyze it as long you think calmly. Even if the old man knew that he was not a normal teenager, he should've interrogated him about it. But the reality is that, he didn't. Since that's the case, the closest possibility that he could think of was that Kuro has an objective. And that objective has a criteria of being cunning. As for what that objective is, he didn't know. But he'll probably know it later.
"Splendid! As expected of my son, you're truly favored by the Heaven. I'm sure that you'll become a mighty dragon in the future." Count Alexander touched his mustache as he said it.
"Now now, why don't we celebrate about your awakening." said Joanna as she wore her hypocritical mask.
"But mother, Brother is exhausted after all this. Why don't let him rest for a day? We can just celebrate tomorrow." said Hannah.
"Our little princess is right, Joanna. Why don't we follow her suggestion and let her rest for a day?" said the Count, staring at his wife.
"W-well, I guess I'm just too happy for Little al's sake. Let's call it a day then." Joanna agreed, realizing about her mistake.
'Happy for my sake my ass.' Alzer sneered when he heard. Indeed her face was truly thick. He really wondered how many slaps can he endure.
"Can I borrow Alzer real quick? Don't worry we're just going to talk about his ceremony." Kuro walked forward.
"Ah if that's the case then feel free to talk with Alzer after we leave."
When the rest left the room, Kuro and Alzer stared at other people's eyes. Then, Kuro smiled mysteriously and said, "You're not a normal boy."
"What do you mean by that?" Alzer smiled back.
"Heh, don't pretend kid. I know you used your lightning power to suppress your dark power earlier, am I right?"
"Indeed, you really noticed it."
"You think I won't be able to? Don't underestimate us, Holy Servants. We are sensitive towards dark magic. You might be able to fool your own family but you can't fool my senses. I've been trained to fight against Dark Mages since childhood, it could be said that I'm very familiar with them." Kuro paused, before continuing, "However I'm really impressed by what you've done earlier. What you just are not recorded by books. It seems you have a teacher that your family didn't know, eh?"
"Indeed I underestimated you," Alzer shrugged. "But it doesn't seem like this is your only objective by talking to me. Do you me to do something for you."
"Keke, you're really a wise fella," Kuro chuckled. "Indeed I have something to 'negotiate' with you."