After our initial discussion with the King, another regal figure steps forward.
She wears an elegant rose-colored gown. Her golden hair cascades in perfect, drill-like ringlets.
With a composed yet commanding voice, she addresses us.
"Dear heroes," she begins, her voice calm yet authoritative. "My name is Seraphina Aeloria, the Grand Mage of Valeria. I will guide you through the process of awakening your blood talents."
She pauses, her sharp, intelligent gaze sweeping over us.
"Before we proceed, however, I would like to explain the fundamental nature of magic—how it functions, and how, with proper training, one can ascend to godlike power. Let us begin with mana."
She proceeds to explain that mana is the lifeblood of magic, an invisible energy that permeates the world like an ethereal mist. It is as omnipresent as the air we breathe, yet only those who learn to perceive and harness it can wield its power.
She outlines the three primary disciplines through which mana can be channeled.
The first is physical enhancement—a path where mana is refined and fused with the body, amplifying strength, speed, and resilience to superhuman levels. This discipline is favored by warriors, knights, and those who thrive in the chaos of close combat.
The second is spellcasting, the art of shaping mana into spells that manipulate the elements, conjure illusions, or bend reality itself. Mages, witches, and wizards walk this path, their minds sharpened to weave intricate tapestries of magic.
The third is crafting, a discipline that transforms raw mana into enchanted artifacts, potions, and talismans. Crafters are the unsung architects of magic, their creations empowering others even if they themselves lack the ability to wield mana directly.
Having laid this foundation, Seraphina turns to the concept of blood talents—innate abilities that lie dormant within individuals, waiting to be awakened through specific rituals or artifacts. These talents are categorized into five ranks, each representing a tier of potential and mastery over mana.
Common Rank is the most widespread. Those in this category possess little to no aptitude for sensing mana, requiring tremendous effort to advance. 99 percent of the population falls into this rank, struggling to reach any significant level of power.
Heroic Rank marks a considerable leap in potential. Individuals of this rank have a solid foundation for both physical and magical development. With proper training, they can become formidable warriors or mages. Seraphina notes that most knights and mages serving the Kingdom belong to this rank—and that the summoning spell itself was tailored to bring forth individuals of at least Heroic potential.
Sacred Rank is extremely rare, bestowing its bearer with immense growth potential. Individuals at this level can refine mana at ten times the rate of Heroic-ranked individuals. Those born with such talent are destined for greatness, often becoming renowned figures of power and influence.
And ton top of everything, Legendary Rank and Divine Rank exist at the pinnacle of potential.
Legendary Rank is exceptionally rare, exponentially more powerful than Sacred. Those who awaken this rank are fated to be among the world's greatest warriors, mages, and leaders. With unparalleled mana refinement and combat prowess, they ascend to near-mythical status.
Divine Rank, however, is beyond comprehension. Its existence is spoken of only in lost civilizations and ancient texts, a power so overwhelming that those who possess it could not only become the strongest beings in the world—but, as rumors suggest, even surpass the gods themselves.
———————————
As Seraphina concludes her lecture, she raises a hand in a graceful motion. A knight steps forward, bearing a large, translucent orb nestled within an ornate pedestal.
With utmost reverence, he places it upon the table at the chamber's center. The artifact pulses faintly, its surface swirling with shifting light
The room falls silent.
The air thickens with anticipation, every eye fixed on the orb.
"When you are ready," Seraphina says, her gaze sweeping over us, "place your hand upon the orb. This ancient relic will reveal both your blood talent rank and your elemental affinity. May fortune favor you, heroes."
A heartbeat of silence.
Then—
"All right, I'll go first," the red-haired boy declares, stepping forward with a determined glint in his eye.
His name is Tanaka Hiroshi. After exchanging introductions earlier, we now know each other by name.
He hovers his hand over the orb, inhaling deeply, as though steeling himself for an immense force that is yet to come.
"Here I go… Ha!"
The instant his palm meets the orb's surface, a brilliant crimson light erupts from within, illuminating the entire chamber in a fiery glow.
Hiroshi's irises blaze a deep red, burning like molten embers, and almost immediately, the temperature in the room skyrockets—thick, suffocating heat rolling off him in waves. It feels as if a furnace has ignited at the chamber's core, the very air shimmering from the intensity.
"This—this is insane!" Hiroshi exclaims, his voice quivering with exhilaration. "I can feel words—magic—racing through my mind! And this power… It's like a wildfire coursing through my veins! Searing hot, yet… it doesn't burn at all!"
A sharp gasp echoes from Seraphina.
"My goodness!!!" she exclaims, visibly shaken. "I can't believe it! Your blood talent is Sacred Rank! Your Majesty, we have a Sacred Rank!!!"
The proclamation reverberates through the hall, sending ripples of astonishment through the onlookers.
King Alaric bolts upright, his regal composure momentarily slipping.
"Sacred Rank?! Phenomenal!" His voice booms with unrestrained excitement. "Seraphina, his element—what is it?!"
Seraphina regains her composure, peering intently at the orb as its crimson flames flicker and dance.
"Fire! His fire affinity is at a staggering 99%!"
The chamber erupts into a frenzy of awe and excitement. Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire, voices overlapping in disbelief. The very walls seem to tremble beneath the sheer force of their reactions.
And then—
"UOOOOOOOOH!!!"
The crowd's thunderous cheers send shockwaves through the stone floor.
Turning back to Hiroshi, Seraphina's smile gleams with admiration. She clasps her hands together, eyes brimming with excitement.
"Mr. Hiroshi, this is nothing short of extraordinary! Not only do you possess an immensely powerful blood talent, but you also command near-perfect control over fire itself."
She steps forward, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"You are truly among the mightiest individuals ever summoned to this realm—an ideal hero to challenge the Demon God!"
Hiroshi's chest swells with pride, his grin stretching from ear to ear. His cheeks glow red—not from the orb's light, but from the sheer overwhelming exhilaration of the moment.
"Th-thank you! I'm honored to help!"
Seraphina bows slightly, her expression radiating warmth.
"I'm delighted to hear that." She then shifts her gaze toward the pizza delivery boy, who has been watching in stunned silence.
"Mr. Takumi, shall we see what fate has in store for you?"
Takumi swallows hard, wiping his sweaty palms against his uniform.
"Y-yeah… Let's do this!"
Saito Takumi steps forward, tension rippling through every muscle. His jaw tightens, and his clenched fists betray the storm raging inside him. After witnessing Hiroshi's blazing spectacle, the room simmers with anticipation, every gaze locked onto him, waiting—expecting something equally extraordinary.
Slowly, he extends his hand.
The moment his fingertips graze the orb, a soft breeze stirs around him, rustling his clothes, tousling his hair. Then—
FWOOSH!
The entire chamber ignites in a dazzling green radiance.
"It's like… I'm one with the wind!" Takumi breathes, voice tinged with awe.
"To think your power is so immense that the wind spirits themselves answer your call!" Seraphina exclaims, eyes widening with excitement. "Concentrate. Feel the wind swirling within you, and let it rise!"
"Right!"
Takumi shuts his eyes, his body rigid with focus. A spark of something raw, untamed, crackles in the air.
Then—
BOOM!
A violent gale explodes outward, sending a shockwave through the room. The sheer force knocks over chairs, ruffles robes, and has even the most seasoned knights staggering back. I instinctively raise my arms to shield my face, my coat whipping violently in the wind.
And in that fleeting moment—
I see them.
Two feathery wings, small but undeniable, unfurling from Takumi's back.
A stunned gasp sweeps through the chamber.
King Alaric bolts upright once more, eyes blazing with astonishment. "Sacred Rank! Seraphina, is he also Sacred Rank?!"
Seraphina places a hand over her chest, taking a steady breath before confirming, "Yes, Your Majesty! Another Sacred Rank!"
Excited murmurs ripple through the crowd like wildfire.
"And Mr. Takumi's wind affinity is at 94%, slightly below Mr. Hiroshi's," Seraphina continues, still breathless from the display. "Once he masters his abilities, he'll be able to conjure thunderstorms and summon tornadoes with a single thought!"
Another thunderous wave of awe crashes through the audience.
Two overpowered talents, back to back.
This kingdom must be rejoicing in its good fortune.
But when it's Nakamura Yumi's turn…
She steps forward hesitantly, eyes darting around as if seeking reassurance. I catch the subtle tremble in her hands as she places her palm upon the orb.
A faint glow begins to emerge—but compared to the fiery explosion of Hiroshi or the roaring wind of Takumi, her light is… gentle.
Soft.
And… disappointingly dim.
"Hmm…" Seraphina hums, brow creased as she examines the glow. "Ms. Nakamura, it appears your blood talent is Heroic Rank. It may not be as overwhelming as the previous two, but it's still quite impressive! You have a 78% nature affinity."
Nature affinity.
That still sounds exceptionally powerful to me.
But the crowd… does not share my sentiment.
Low murmurs rise, shifting from confusion to disappointment. Then—mockery.
"Eh, Heroic Rank is good, but the nature element is useless!"
"Yeah, is she going to become a gardener or something?"
"Well, she's weak, but at least she's kinda cute, eh?"
"AHEM."
The King swiftly hushes the crowd with a single, authoritative clearing of his throat. The entire hall falls silent in an instant.
But something feels… wrong.
An ominous chill creeps into my bones.
It isn't just disappointment I hear in their voices.
There are wicked smiles among the murmuring nobles, their expressions twisting into something far more vile.
"Heh, at least she's kinda cute."
The meaning behind their words clicks.
If Yumi cannot be a strong hero… then what purpose does she serve in this world?
Do they still need her?
Or… do they have other plans for her?
A sickening unease churns in my gut.
Yumi's face drains of color, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. Her shoulders shake, her gaze lowering to the floor in quiet shame.
From his throne, the King shifts slightly, exchanging a brief, unreadable look with Seraphina.
The two converse in hushed tones.
I watch them carefully.
Something about this… feels off.
A few minutes later…
Seraphina steps forward, a gentle smile softening her features as she places her hands on Yumi's trembling shoulders.
"Yumi, don't be sad," she says, her voice warm and reassuring. "As I mentioned, although your talent isn't as overwhelming as the boys', you are still extraordinary! With your affinity for nature, you could become a great potion maker or spirit user!"
Yumi hesitates, her fingers twisting into the fabric of her skirt. The sting of the crowd's earlier judgment still lingers in her eyes. But after a brief pause, she exhales and musters a small, determined nod.
"Th-thank you," she murmurs softly. "I will try my best."
Seraphina beams, pleased with her resolve.
And with that, it's my turn.
I stride forward, ignoring the weight of a hundred gazes pressing down on me. The room, which had begun to buzz with murmurs, falls into a strained silence once more.
I can feel it—their expectations, their scrutiny.
Unlike the others, I am not a high schooler or a pizza delivery guy. I am a grown man. Surely, they assume, someone like me should manifest a talent even more powerful than the boys.
So, with calm composure, I rest my hand on the awakening orb.
…
Nothing happens.
The orb remains lifeless, utterly unresponsive.
The silence stretches, growing heavier, thicker.
"Ehh? What?" Seraphina gasps, her brows furrowing. "C-Common Rank? Impossible!"
Confusion flickers in her eyes before she hurriedly composes herself. "Mr. Jack, could you try again? Just to be certain?"
"Sure."
I follow her instructions, pressing my hand against the orb again.
And again.
And again.
Still—not a single flicker.
Not even the faintest hint of light.
A murmur ripples through the audience, a mix of shock and unease.
Seraphina, meanwhile, looks completely dumbfounded.
Her lips part, and she begins mumbling under her breath, almost as if trying to rationalize the impossible.
"I don't understand… I can't. Even Common Rank individuals have some kind of elemental affinity. But Jack… his affinity is… none? Nothing?" She shakes her head sharply. "Tsk… could it be… even lower than that? No, there's no way the summoning spell could make such an error!"
The King's expression darkens as he watches from his throne, his hands steepled beneath his chin.
The nobles shift uneasily.
The knights exchange wary glances.
Even the other summoned heroes—Hiroshi, Takumi, and Yumi—stare at me with varying degrees of confusion and disbelief.
A few murmurs of doubt rise from the audience.
"Is the orb… broken?"
"Maybe it malfunctioned?"
"What if… he's actually not supposed to be here?"
Seraphina quickly inspects the orb again, her fingers gliding across its translucent surface, her magic probing its inner mechanisms. But after a moment, she exhales sharply.
"The artifact is functioning perfectly," she confirms, shaking her head. "It's not broken."
Another wave of murmurs washes over the room.
At this point, no one knows why this is happening. No one… except me.
Because if my suspicions are correct…
It has everything to do with the fact that I was never meant to be here in the first place.