After returning to their school, most students who had manifested combat-oriented traits eagerly headed to the training ground to test their new skills. Asher silently followed them, activating his Prudence's Veil so that no one noticed him. The veil cloaked him in a subtle aura of invisibility, allowing him to observe unnoticed.
Upon entering the training ground, Asher witnessed a chaotic yet fascinating display of abilities. One student transformed into a bat and fluttered around the arena. Another launched bolts of fire and ice at targets, their elemental powers crackling in the air. A few were sparring, testing their enhanced strength and agility.Asher watched quietly, absorbing the spectacle. He felt a mixture of curiosity and envy but also a steely determination to understand his own traits fully.
Just as he was about to leave, he caught sight of Ms. Clarissa walking towards the stadium. Her presence was commanding, and she moved with the grace of someone who had mastered her own abilities long ago. He deactivated his veil quickly, knowing that being caught sneaking around wouldn't bode well for him. Ms. Clarissa's eyes immediately found him, as if she had known he was there all along. She approached him with a purposeful stride, her expression unreadable.
"Asher, the principal would like to meet you," she said.
Asher nodded, feeling a knot of apprehension forming in his stomach. He followed Ms. Clarissa to the principal's room. When he entered, he noticed that he was not alone. Aurora was there, along with two other people he didn't recognize.
One was a young boy with deep brown eyes and black hair, his figure chiselled and physically fit, exuding an aura of a warrior.
The other was a girl with a cheerful demeanour, sporting fiery red eyes and red hair that complemented her heavenly physique, akin to Aurora's grace, though she was slender and flat-chested.
Activating his Insights, Asher focused on the two unfamiliar figures.
Name: Ethan Cormac
Level: 0 (0/50 Exp)
Bloodline: Human
Titles: Magic Swordsman
Traits: Soul Sword
Skills: Sword Infusion, Hovering Sword
Power: Minor
Profession(s): Nil
Familiar: Nil
Summons: Soul Sword
Strength: 11
Agility: 10
Physique: 10
Aether: 90
Intelligence: 9
Affinities: Fire, Thunder
Situation : Repeatedly look at his soul sword in his mind space, fascinated by its beauty and demeanour.
Name: Lyra Vesper
Level: 0 (0/50 Exp)
Bloodline: Flare Phoenix
Titles: Flames Blessed
Traits: Phoenix's Resilience
Skills: Flame Mastery, Fire Wings, Blazing Renewal
Power: Minor
Profession(s): Nil
Familiar: Nil
Summons: Nil
Strength: 8
Agility: 8
Physique: 13
Aether: 120
Intelligence: 13
Affinities: Fire
Situation : Thinking about what type of familiar, her parents would give her.
After seeing their details, he knew they were summoned here due to their traits. As he was observing them, Asher felt that someone was looking at him from behind. When he turned back, he saw that the principal was smiling at him.
Alister Crowe, the Ascendant level Mage Scholar, was the principal of their school. He was a stern-looking man with a hawk-like gaze, radiating an aura of wisdom and authority. When he saw Asher looking at him, he knew that Asher had felt his gaze. After looking at everyone, he seated himself at his desk.
He addressed them solemnly, "As some of you may have guessed, you've been called here because of your unique traits, some of which are among the highest recorded, while others are entirely new. In recognition of this, the school has decided to reward each of you with a rare-ranked item of your choice from our inventory when you go back."
"Furthermore, as we prepare for the upcoming Academy selection, we have four seats reserved for special students who will be exempt from the preliminary tests. However, it's important to note that while you are selected initially, your seats may be challenged by others once the official notice is released, requiring you to defend your position."
"I encourage you all to train diligently instead of slacking off. With the special student badge you'll receive through your identification card, you'll have unrestricted access to dungeons and wilderness areas. This opportunity is crucial for honing your skills and proving your readiness for the challenges ahead."
After dismissing Aurora, Ethan, and Lyra back to their classroom, Alister turned his attention to Asher. Despite Asher's inner tension, his prideful demeanour remained composed.
"Now that we're alone," Alister began, "I must discuss something sensitive with you. Are you aware of professions that can access others' information?" He paused, observing Asher's nod of understanding. "All students' skills are registered, but yours are unique," Alister continued. "Would you be willing to disclose this information to the government? I assure you, it will remain confidential, and you'll receive an additional reward." His expression betrayed a hint of eagerness.
Asher, anticipating this discussion, proceeded to explain his skills, Prudence Veil and Mirror of Pride, to Alister. Despite Alister's initial anticipation, he couldn't hide his disappointment upon realizing that these skills were similar to the basic skills of some traits. Nevertheless, he maintained a neutral expression throughout the conversation.
After revealing his skills, Asher asked "Can I receive an illusion-type attack skill book as a reward? Any level would suffice."
Alister was taken aback by Asher's sudden request but quickly recalled that Asher lacked a direct attack skill. Nodding affirmatively, he replied, "Okay, it will be delivered to your home today. But note that illusion-type attack skills are rare, and the one you receive may not be very useful." After a brief pause, he continued with advice, "Traits like yours, with ambiguous meanings, are rare yet not insurmountable. It's crucial to understand what these traits mean to you and how they can be harnessed to elevate their rank. Should you have any uncertainties, feel free to consult with Ms. Clarissa. That will be all for now; you may return."
After expressing his thanks to Alister, Asher turned and left. Observing Asher's departure, Alister couldn't shake the feeling that something about Asher was off. He sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair, lost in deep thought.