The next day dawned with a sense of anticipation that hung heavy in the crisp morning air at the American Mystic Academy. Its ancient walls and majestic spires provided the backdrop for the day's test. Scion, flanked by his friends Eve and Luke, stood among a sea of fellow students as they approached the grand entrance of the academy, each step resonating with the gravity of their journey toward becoming Mystic Masters.
The academy loomed with an imposing presence, its architecture woven with a tapestry of history and mystic energy. As the trio arrived, the sun cast a warm, golden hue over the courtyard, filling the atmosphere with a sense of renewal. Excitement and determination radiated from the gathered students, a mingling of anxiety and hope.
Scion, clutching his electric scooter, its metallic frame gleaming in the morning light, couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and uncertainty. The electric scooter was a testament to his innovative spirit, but it was in the unknown realm of talent evaluation that he would truly be tested.
The moment arrived as the principal, standing on the steps of the academy, addressed the expectant crowd. His commanding presence quelled the whispers and conversations that filled the air, drawing the attention of students and instructors alike. "Welcome to the second test," he declared with his customary authority. "Today, you will face the Appraisal and Talent Test. It will measure your innate talent, which ranges from 1% to 100%."
Scion leaned in, his curiosity piqued. Talent, in all its enigmatic facets, had always been a nebulous concept for him. The principal's explanation held the promise of unveiling the hidden potential within.
As the principal continued, explaining the significance of talent, the courtyard was abuzz with a shared sense of revelation. Talent would not only define their potential for mastery but also determine their tier level. The announcement of talent rankings left Scion and his companions with a deeper understanding of the mystic world they were entering.
"S rank represents those with 95% to 99%, A rank is 80% to 94%, B rank is 60% to 79%, C rank ranges from 50% to 59%, and D rank is 49% and lower. The lowest talent percentage that can be measured is 30%."
Once the explanation was complete, Scion turned to Luke, eager to fill the gaps in his knowledge. The complexities of mystic rituals, talent, and tiers were subjects he still needed to unravel.
"Luke, what's a Mystic ritual?" Scion inquired, his voice reflecting genuine curiosity.
Luke, the scholar among them, offered an informative response, his words infused with wisdom. "A Mystic ritual is a practice intricately tied to the affinity and origin of your powers. They serve various purposes, from healing grievous wounds to unlocking hidden potential and even advancing through the ranks of Mystic abilities."
Scion nodded, absorbing the information, but couldn't help but feel the weight of the journey he had undertaken. The mystic world, it seemed, was far more intricate than he had ever imagined.
Scion, ever the humble student, shared his thoughts, "I probably don't have a high talent percentage, Luke. You'll likely reach S rank with ease."
Luke responded with a comforting hand on Scion's shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie that spoke volumes. "You underestimate yourself, my friend. No one reaches that level of strength overnight. It takes dedication, effort, and the spark of untapped potential."
Their conversation transitioned into a tangible sense of camaraderie, as they shared their own experiences and aspirations. Scion had underestimated the depth of his friend's character, and their shared determination to make the world a better place only deepened their bond.
As the principal, recognizing the simplicity of the talent test, instructed the students to proceed to the evaluation areas, a wave of anticipation rippled through the gathered crowd. Each student stood on the cusp of unveiling their true potential, their expressions a tapestry of hope and anxiety.
In the evaluation areas, the students huddled in line, their voices a soft murmur, each whispering their convictions. It was a sight to behold, a collective belief in the unique abilities that defined them.
Amid the murmurs and eager anticipation, Scion once again noticed the enigmatic figure who had harnessed ice powers during the utility test. This time, he felt compelled to approach the mysterious student, forging a connection that would reveal unexpected facets of the mystic world.
"Hey there, you're the one who controlled ice during the utility test, right?" Scion ventured his friendly smile a bridge to conversation.
The enigmatic student turned to meet Scion's gaze, his charismatic aura captivating. "The name's Ace Hawthorne. And yes, that was me. Ice manipulation is my speciality."
Ace's calm yet magnetic demeanour invited Scion's curiosity, and the two immediately found common ground. They exchanged greetings, and Ace's firm handshake solidified a budding connection between them.
"I'm Scion," he introduced himself, offering a hand to Ace, who reciprocated with a handshake of his own.
Their camaraderie grew swiftly as if they were old friends. Ace's intriguing powers and the mystique that surrounded him served as an open invitation to explore the depths of the mystic world.
With a touch of humour, Scion couldn't resist asking, "So, what's your talent level, and what tier are you?"
Ace's answer was laced with an undertone of confidence, setting the stage for a revelation that left Scion astounded. "Well, my talent is 95%, and I'm currently at Tier 2, intermediate stage."
Scion's eyes widened with genuine surprise, a testament to Ace's exceptional capabilities. He admitted his naiveté when it came to the complex ranking system, prompting Ace to respond with a playful chuckle.
"Scion, there's much to learn about the mystic world," Ace said. "As you gain mastery over your abilities, you'll discover these tiers and rankings without the need for a machine to tell you. It's all part of the journey."
Before Scion could delve deeper into the mysteries of the mystic world, his name was called, marking the moment of his evaluation. Ace assured him they would continue their conversation later, leaving Scion with a sense of camaraderie and a newfound friend who held the keys to a realm yet unexplored.
Approaching the instructor, Scion couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and a tinge of anxiety. As he watched his fellow students, some exuded confidence, while others grappled with newfound revelations about their talents. One student happily declared a B rank talent, while another voiced disappointment at receiving a C rank.
Scion's evaluation had left him awestruck. His blood was drawn, a simple needle puncturing his skin to reveal the profound nature of his talent and potential. The machine hummed with mystic energy, and once the results materialized, the instructors exchanged hushed words, careful to keep their voices low to avoid drawing undue attention.
"Unbelievable," one of the instructors muttered to the other, a mixture of shock and fascination in their eyes. "We have something extraordinary here."
He returned to Ace, who inquired about his evaluation with genuine interest. Scion, still grappling with the implications of his results, hesitated before revealing the extraordinary truth. "My talent is 75%, and I'm currently at Tier 1, Advanced Stage."
Ace, ever the charismatic mentor, responded with a playful jest. "Not bad for someone with a bit of a hollow head."
Scion furrowed his brow, puzzled by the term, but the two friends laughed off the comment. Their camaraderie had deepened further, and Scion realized that Ace was a valuable mentor, one who would guide him through the uncharted waters of mystic mastery.
Before they parted ways to attend to their evaluations, Scion posed a question that had nagged at him since the principal's explanation. "Ace, what is the reason behind the principal's statement that S rank talent ranges from 95% to 99%?"
Ace smiled enigmatically, his voice carrying a hint of mystery. "Only two individuals in the history of the mystic world have ever reached 100% talent. One of them is Ciaran, the leader of the Mystic Alliance, and the other is a standout rookie from Europe named Magnus. Their talents are unparalleled, but they serve as a reminder of the extraordinary heights we can aspire to reach."
As Scion left for his evaluation, a deep sense of unease lingered beneath the surface of his thoughts. The revelation left Scion stunned, and he received the results with a sense of disbelief. His talent, the very essence of his mystic abilities, was an unheard-of 100%. Scion was at the pinnacle of potential, a prospect that bore both excitement and the heavy burden of expectation.