Derek, absorbing the Inquisitor's words, appreciated the proposal with a thoughtful expression.
Derek finally broke the silence, stating with determination, "After the conquest of this world, I will discuss with my father the possibility of pursuing a career as an Inquisitor! I believe there is much to learn under your guidance!"
The Inquisitor, pleased with Derek's response, nodded in approval. "Very well, young man. Your potential is remarkable, and I am sure that under my tutelage, you will become a distinguished Inquisitor!"
Mia was in line, watching attentively. She approached the crystal, feeling a surge of energy coursing through her body. A unique sensation enveloped her, focusing especially on her chest.
Upon touching the crystal, Mia could sense an immediate change. A subtle vibration emanated from the point of contact, and the crystal began to react.
Suddenly, the crystal shifted to a vibrant red, radiating intense light that spread throughout the surroundings.
Mia felt a deep connection with the crystal's energy, as if tuned into her own being. While the crystal glowed red, a number began to stand out on the surface - the number 6.
The Inquisitor watched Mia's awakening attentively. His eyes, sharp as blades, analyzed every detail of the magical process.
When the crystal revealed the number 6, an expression of surprise and admiration crossed the Inquisitor's face.
He couldn't help but sigh, astonished by the magnitude of Mia's magical potential. A murmur escaped his lips as he thought to himself, "It's a great number; she has the same potential as mine!"
Accustomed to finding and evaluating magical talents, the Inquisitor rarely witnessed someone with such expressive potential.
Level 6 indicated extraordinary power, but he also knew there was even greater potential - the number 9, reserved for those considered saints in the magical hierarchy.
The Inquisitor was momentarily lost in reflection, questioning how someone so young could possess such high potential; perhaps the boy was the child of prophecy.
Exceptional magical potential was not just a promise to the magical world; it would become a vital piece in the intricate Web of Existence. It meant that the child's destiny was intertwined with the will of the universe.
Determined to ensure Derek's remarkable magical potential was not wasted, the Inquisitor decided it was his duty to take the young man to the Holy Church.
Cecilia was next in line for evaluation. The crystal shone with a brightness that revealed the number 4, indicating a very good magical potential.
Cecilia, upon hearing her level 4, displayed a satisfied smile.
Being above average was a source of pride, and she felt renewed confidence.
The murmurs of approval among the onlookers indicated that Cecilia was a promising prospect in the magical journey.
Next was Cedric, whose expectations were high after the notable performances of the predecessors.
Cedric focused before the crystal, and the magical energy emanating from him underwent evaluation.
The crystal, once again, shone brightly, revealing the number 4.
Excitement lingered in the air as Cedric confirmed he also had a very good magical potential.
The army was thrilled with the consecutive revelations of level 4, indicating a talented crop of aspirants.
However, expectations grew even more when Reginald, the second-to-last in line, approached the crystal.
The Inquisitor carefully analyzed the energy emitted by Reginald, and the crystal responded extraordinarily. Shining brightly, it revealed the number 5.
The news that Reginald had a level 5 spread through the crowd, generating an impressed murmur.
The Inquisitor, watching the scene with renewed interest, saw in Reginald an opportunity to further strengthen the magical resources of the Holy Church.
The Inquisitor was aware that a level 4 mana potential was truly remarkable.
On a scale where most of humanity was at level 1, level 2 was considered average, and level 3 was already considered high, reaching number 4 represented exceptional prominence.
When it finally came to Johnny's turn, a child who stood out for his thin and weaker appearance compared to the previous aspirants.
Johnny faced the crystal with a mix of nervousness and hope, placing his hand on the smooth surface.
To everyone's surprise, the crystal did not emit the usual revealing brightness.
There was no visible reaction in the crystal.
A murmur of perplexity spread among the onlookers as Johnny withdrew his hand, visibly disappointed.
The Inquisitor, perplexed by the crystal's lack of response, examined it with a mixed expression of surprise and unease.
"It's the first time I've witnessed someone without mana. In fact, I've never read reports of anyone lacking mana!" the Inquisitor murmured to himself, his voice laden with disbelief.
Johnny, in turn, was consumed by an overwhelming mix of emotions, with anger standing out as predominant.
Perplexity took hold of him in the face of the cruel irony: how could someone yearn to explore a magical world only to discover they were devoid of any potential to manipulate mana?
The limitation of not having mana meant that Johnny was excluded from many fundamental magical practices.
He could not cast spells and fully participate in magical rituals.
His interaction with the magical world would inevitably be marked by the lack of access to one of the fundamental forces shaping that realm.
In a world where mana was the core of magical existence, Johnny would face exceptional challenges trying to integrate and find purpose in a realm where most individuals regarded mana as the principle of everything!
The Inquisitor, sensing the evident disappointment on Johnny's face, decided to offer words of consolation. "Do not be discouraged, boy! There are several services that are very important in society, without which we would have no one to collect garbage, nor anyone to clean our behinds!"